Episode 7 Antiques Road Trip


Episode 7

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Transcript


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-The nation's favourite antiques experts, £200 each and one big challenge.

-I'll declare war.

-Why?

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

-Can you make it...?

-No.

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-The aim is to trade up and hope each antique turns a profit.

-Ouch!

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

-Push!

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

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-Ooh!

-This is the Antiques Road Trip.

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Yeah!

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We're on the road with intrepid antiques hunters Thomas Plant and Paul Laidlaw,

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battling it out on the field of shopping and cruising in their suave Alfa Romeo.

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-I'm all wet!

-LAUGHTER

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They're in high spirits, especially Thomas after his auction glory.

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£200...

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Everything now is all gravy for me.

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Our fine art auctioneer is now loaded with £383.56 to spend today.

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Paul, our military enthusiast, fared less well.

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He bought wisely, but the auction bidders shied away.

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-I'm going to cry.

-Paul, that is terrible.

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So, today, he's only got £213.78.

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Luckily, losses have not dampened Paul's enthusiasm to enlighten dear old Thomas.

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-It's a braw day, I'll tell you that.

-A braw day?

-Braw.

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-Fine, bonnie?

-Yeah, a bonnie day.

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Their long and winding road trip began in Skipton,

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heading through Derbyshire to Stamford, then Cambridgeshire,

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before switching south and facing a finale at Pewsey.

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We're kicking off in Huntingdon.

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On this leg, if all goes well, we'll end up at auction in Towcester.

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The first shop is Hunts Antiques & Collectables and what a welcome for our likely lads!

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Good morning. Hello, girls. What a lovely reception!

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Let's hope that there's lots of beautiful antiques like our beautiful reception!

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Oh, pass the sick bag! Apologies to the ladies of Huntingdon

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and perhaps our experts' eyes can seek some other items of beauty.

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Paul starts with his own reflection.

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Here we've got an over-mantel mirror, late Victorian.

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Marquetry-inlaid rosewood.

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Good quality turnings. Bevel-edged mirror plates.

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The mirror is not oxidised and the condition,

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apart from a repair to that little turned column there,

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which, frankly, doesn't worry me too much, is sharp enough.

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They've had problems selling that at 85 and are now down to 50.

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I want it for a fraction of that asking price.

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Someone is keen to clinch the first sale of the day

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and I'm sure Paul won't be shy with his haggling.

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-It was 85. Forget that. It's now 50.

-OK.

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I'm hoping to God that the seller is going to give me a present with that.

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-Are you going to have to make a phone call?

-I'm going to have to make a phone call.

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Julie, upstairs...

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your over-mantel.

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He's offering £10 or £15.

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-No, but that was half. That wasn't...

-I know. I thought it was funny as well.

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-Just something off it.

-Would you like to have a word with him?

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Hi. Look, I'm not taking the mickey.

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I think my estimate in an auction is £30 to £60 on that.

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Can we do it? Thank you very much indeed. I'll hand you back. All the best to you. Bye!

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Not quite the £15 he was hoping for, but still a good deal at £30,

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and with hardly a pause, he's on the hunt for more.

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There's not much of any age here apart from that clock.

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Now he's spotted an American Ansonia clock.

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So we're looking at a clock that's now 110 years old.

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It looks like black marble, but it's lacquered cast iron.

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And it looks really smart,

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but it's the budget model.

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All that glitters...

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Knowing Paul, he'll want to slash that price tag down by half. Here we go again. Poor woman!

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-£65 on it, ever the optimist. I'd love to get it for £30 in all honesty.

-Let's try.

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-Oh, hello. Chris?

-Ask her if there's any way it can be 35.

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£40, final, lowest.

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-Sold at £40. Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

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Paul's off to a fighting start and has already bagged two items,

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but I'm slightly worried about Thomas as he's looking rather empty-handed.

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I genuinely thought you'd gone. You've been quiet.

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What, abandoned you? I thought you'd gone because you were quiet.

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Normally, I hear the dulcet tones of Laidlaw...

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-"Ooh!"

-Yeah, yeah.

-"We're doomed!"

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-You know, the Scottish lilt.

-Have you bought anything?

-No.

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Now Paul's done and dusted in this shop, Thomas needs to track down some bargains.

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I don't think that's going to help, frankly.

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# Davy, Davy Crockett King of the Wild Frontier... #

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I'm looking for jewels. Even if it's costume, it's great. People love it.

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What it is, it's a piece of vintage jewellery.

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Marcasite necklace.

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Marcasite is cut steel, cut in a triangle to make it look like a stone.

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It's ticketed at £7.50.

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I want to pay a fiver for it.

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With the owner away and not answering the phone, our blonde bombshell comes to the rescue.

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-Paula says that you can have it for £6.

-6? Go on, £6.

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Thank you very much.

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Well, it's not much of a dent in your £383, but it's a start, Thomas.

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Meanwhile, Paul's absconded from the shopping trip and gone looking for an unusual piece of local history.

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I don't recall the last time we saw a river.

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From Huntingdon, he drives seven miles east to the village of Hemingford Grey,

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a rather beautiful place right by the River Ouse, his destination, the Manor, a house set in four acres

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of flourishing gardens and with a fascinating past. Here to show him round is Diana Boston.

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-Very nice to meet you.

-Likewise.

-Welcome.

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-What are we looking at here?

-Well, we're looking at either the oldest

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or continuously oldest inhabited house in Britain,

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but obviously, we're not looking...

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-Not from this prospect.

-No, not from this prospect.

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No, the original front door is in the south wall of the house and this is the north wall.

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This beautiful house was built by the Normans in 1139

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and over its many centuries has been added on to by the Tudors and the Georgians,

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creating this amazing building.

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The Manor is Diana's private home, but she does open it to the public,

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so that they too can enjoy this wonderful piece of history.

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-Right, come in, Paul.

-The house was also made famous by Diana's mother-in-law, Lucy Boston,

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a famous children's author who used the house and its contents as inspiration.

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And it's easy to see why.

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-What a cosy... I've got to say, my human reaction is, what a cosy room!

-It is a cosy room, isn't it?

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The centrepiece must be this splendid Tudor chimney breast.

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It's huge and still has its bread oven and salt cupboard.

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And that chimney goes absolutely slap-bang straight up to the top of the house.

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And so sometimes when you're sitting here, it's the first time you know it's snowing

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because you see the flakes coming down.

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Right, Paul, now we're coming back into the old part of the house.

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-The light and again the views...

-I know, the view.

-They're postcards.

-Yes.

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Hand-made glass does something subliminal.

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So you've got the two centuries 600 years apart.

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You've got the Georgian and the good old Norman, solid stone arch.

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We've got a Victorian cheval mirror,

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then Victorian tub chair, Victorian, splendid brass and iron half tester bed.

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It's all in there, but it works!

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This really is a splendid home, but typically, Paul's eyes are drawn to the antiques.

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I can see you've spotted something else and you're not a bit interested in my house.

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This is wonderful, but is that an EMG?

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That is an EMG. HE LAUGHS EXCITEDLY

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Oh, my word!

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Steady, Paul. Take a tablet.

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EMG, otherwise known as Ellis Michael Ginn,

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were responsible for producing some of the best gramophones at the time in the world.

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These are now serious collectors' items. No wonder Paul is excited.

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For me, in the first instance, they are so sculptural.

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Acoustically, in its day, this was it.

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Somebody made it with love and it's extraordinary to think

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this huge great horn is made out of 1920s London telephone directories.

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-It's papier-mache, isn't it?

-The papier-mache goes right the way down to here

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and this then is brass to here.

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That is a magical instrument, I've got to say.

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-Any chance of...?

-You'd like to hear it?

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How about that? Yes, let's.

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The whole ceremony of winding it up, sharpening the needle and putting on a record

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is part of the gramophone's fascination, but for Paul, I think we've lost him to the music.

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Oh, Lordy!

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WOMAN SINGING ROMANTIC SONG

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While Paul is away with the wee fairies,

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Thomas is keen to keep spending.

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It's just a small town,

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but Ramsey has the remains of a very famous Benedictine abbey.

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Missionary Thomas is still looking to convert his cash

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into auction profits.

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Perhaps Abbey Antiques and shop owner Rita can help him.

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-How long have you been here?

-Over 30 years.

-Really?

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I'm sure you're only 21.

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Thomas, stop the charm offensive and start hunting, will you?

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Basically, because there's some silver and jewellery in here, I'm just going to have a look at it.

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It's a Georgian silver spoon which has had this bright cut design to it.

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It's quite sweet, really.

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There's another spoon here. This is fiddle pattern.

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And you can see the fiddle here.

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And again this is a Victorian spoon.

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These two spoons are priced at £54 for the pair,

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but I'm sure Thomas can work his magic.

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I've had a word with my husband and he said yes, they can both be...

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-£18?

-Each.

-Really?

-Yes.

-OK, wonderful.

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-I will buy those, but can I look at other things?

-Yes.

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This is a nurse's belt. The silver is malleable. It bends. This is plated.

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It's quite a nice nurse's belt, though, isn't it?

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It wouldn't go round my waist. Look at that.

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No, Thomas, it's for a lady if you haven't noticed.

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Not for a beast like me.

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-I know it doesn't fit me...

-SHE LAUGHS

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But I quite like it. I know it's silver plate, but that doesn't matter. It's rather delightful.

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What's the very, very best on that?

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As I like you...

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I'll do you a special price of 15.

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Yeah, I think I'll go for that as well if that's all right. So 15 for this...

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and then we've got 36 for those.

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-So that's 51.

-51.

-£51. Shall we call it a cool 50?

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-After knocking all that off for you?

-I know, I know, I know.

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-Would you mind?

-Well, you do smile nicely.

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Please, Rita, don't encourage him!

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-That's very sweet.

-Thomas pockets his three pieces, a nice addition to his necklace.

-Thank you very much.

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And another good day's treasure hunting draws to an end.

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Night-night, chaps.

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As the sun shines across Cambridgeshire, our intrepid experts are on the road again.

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So far, Paul has two buys under his belt for £70.

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Thomas played safe and only spent £56, leaving a ripe £383 still in his pocket.

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That's very sweet. Thank you very much.

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Let's hope he digs deeper as our chaps head west,

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leaving Cambridgeshire, entering Northamptonshire and on to the town of Finedon.

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With two antique shops bang next door to each other, I wonder what our dynamic duo will come up with?

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See you in a minute.

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-Hello.

-Hello.

-I'm Thomas.

-Hi, Thomas. It's Sean.

-Sean, very nice to meet you.

-Nice to meet you.

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I'm going to enjoy having a good look round.

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Thomas wastes no time in letting owner Sean know what he's looking for.

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Are you sure you haven't got any jewels floating about?

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Um...I've possibly got some things and also some silver.

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I only live down the road. I was going to bring it in the shop, but we don't tend to keep valuable silver.

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So Thomas is off to see a secret bit of silver down at Sean's.

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-Are we going to walk or drive?

-Walk.

-It's only down the road, isn't it?

-Yeah.

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There's a few items over there. Look, a nice scent bottle.

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A small Russian icon.

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Yeah, that's nice. The scent bottle is sweet.

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You've got a silver top there, Edwardiana. That's quite nice.

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This heart-shaped scent bottle would certainly please the ladies at the auction or how about the clock?

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-Lever escapement, Swiss, bit of ormolu.

-Yeah.

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-Bit of fun.

-Lovely condition and a good movement.

-Yeah.

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Meanwhile, Paul is making good use of his time

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and spotted a quirky Edwardian shelf or screen...in mahogany.

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-Let's just cut to the chase.

-Yes.

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-It's got 48 on it.

-Yeah.

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-Don't mind me being shockingly cheeky. You'd have to want to get rid of it at 20-odd quid.

-Oh!

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The best I can really do for you on it would be 30.

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Should we get it out and have a look at it?

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It's just the quirkiest little screen you've seen in a long time.

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-No way on God's Earth that's going to be a £20 job.

-28. Now we must be getting there now.

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We are getting close, aren't we?

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I hate these rubbish numbers because 28, I always round up. At 25, I'll shake your hand and we'll do a deal.

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You've squeezed me, but we'll do it.

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Forever squeezing, Paul clinches the deal and heads off to see what's in Thomas's shop.

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Little does he know Mr Plant has done a runner,

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but what a wonderful opportunity to sweep in and find something that Thomas has missed!

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Laidlaw in a desperate moment dares to ask the price

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of a swivel toilet mirror that couldn't be further from fashionable.

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I'll do that for £20 to give you a fighting chance.

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These should be easy sellers all day long because they're such good things in houses.

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And the problem with these is, you and I appreciate them, and no-one wants to know.

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They're just unloved and I'm not going to take the mickey at £20. Thanks very much.

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Oh, no, Paul's buying flurry isn't over yet.

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He's off to find yet another shop

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while Thomas is still deliberating over the scent bottle and clock over at Sean's.

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What could you do that for?

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I tell you what, as we've had such a good day, this is a crucifying price at £90.

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-You said 220 for the clock.

-Yeah.

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What would be your uber-best on that one if I went with these two?

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190 would be the cheapest on that clock.

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Back to the shop and, after a lot of thought, Thomas has yet another fine item to consider.

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If you like that style of French clock...

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..I personally think that's a better quality one.

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That one can be 210.

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Actually, you're right. That is a little boudoir clock.

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It's titchy. This is the boy! Can I have a 1 in front of this somewhere along the line?

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You're really, really pushing...

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I know I'm pushing, but I'm asking.

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190 is the absolute death and that's, in my view, giving it away, but it's...

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180? I'm thinking as an auctioneer.

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-180.

-Yeah?

-As I'm feeling worn down.

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Thomas, you've got your reduction. At least make up your mind now.

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You just hate parting with any cash.

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-Can we make it...?

-No.

-No?

-No, don't even ask.

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If you ask, the price is going up.

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Right, OK, OK. I get where we are.

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Thomas finally opts for the scent bottle and the rather expensive French clock

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at £270 for the two.

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Let me see if I can throw something in to ease the pain.

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I think that might give you a chance.

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-What is it?

-I think it's an American high school fraternity ring, silver.

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-Bit of fun.

-"Central High." Thank you very much. I can't look a gift horse in the mouth.

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While Paul decides, with £100 still to spend, he will explore another tempting shop.

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-Hello. I'm Paul.

-I'm Nick.

-Nick, good to see you. I'll be back in a mo.

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This is a palace of retro.

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Look, there you go. There's a little wrist watch in there.

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In a little lenticular... what may be a silver case.

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And looking at it from here, it will date to the 1910s or 1920s.

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These are commonly called today trench watches.

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These are red-hot at the moment. In the watch market, military watches of all periods on fire!

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As long as it's assayed before 1918, you can call it a "trench watch".

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It's temptingly priced at £25, but Paul needs to check two things.

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Was it made before 1918 to be a bona-fide trench watch

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and is it still working?

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Bear with me while I look at my little bible here.

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1918...

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What I do is give these a little shake.

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And the balance wheel there, if it's been dropped, the arbor that the balance wheel rotates on can snap,

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and in a trench situation, it could take a knock and that could happen.

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It's running. Is the mainspring any good? No. That's where it falls down.

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I'm going to try and buy that, but not at £25.

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-Hi.

-Nick, how are you doing?

-All right.

-The wee watch you got for me,

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if you try winding it, the winding pinion's shot.

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-I need it for a tenner.

-I think if we said 15, we'd shake hands.

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You would shake hands, but I can't.

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Any chance of that being a tenner?

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£12?

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-I've got you on the run now.

-PAUL LAUGHS

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It's a tenner, isn't it?

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-£11.

-Och, it's 11 quid. Nick, you're a good man.

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As Paul emerges from the trenches of antique shopping,

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it's time for our veterans to lay down their arms and go to auction.

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Thomas took his £383.56 and spent a whopping £326 on six auction lots.

0:19:480:19:55

The pair of 19th century silver spoons...

0:19:580:20:00

..the silver/porcelain perfume bottle,

0:20:020:20:05

the Deco metal necklace,

0:20:050:20:07

the silver/onyx fraternity ring,

0:20:070:20:10

the Edwardian nurse's belt

0:20:100:20:13

and the gorgeous, but risky French rococo wall clock. Go, Thomas!

0:20:130:20:18

Paul had £213.78

0:20:210:20:25

and spent £126 on five lots -

0:20:250:20:28

the Ansonia mantel clock,

0:20:280:20:30

the Victorian mantel mirror,

0:20:300:20:33

the Victorian swivel mirror,

0:20:330:20:35

the Edwardian mahogany screen

0:20:350:20:38

and the silver-cased trench watch.

0:20:380:20:40

Now, has either of our chaps impressed their travelling companion?

0:20:400:20:45

I can't say anything derogatory about any of his stuff because it's all good, clean stuff.

0:20:450:20:50

It's a little bit... "I might be a bit bored."

0:20:500:20:53

The diamante is junk and has no place in a catalogued auction.

0:20:530:20:57

The belt, I'm sorry to say, ditto. It may have some age, but it's junk.

0:20:570:21:04

Well, there's confidence for you(!)

0:21:040:21:07

Yeah, this leg of their journey started in Huntingdon and our boys travelled to Finedon

0:21:070:21:12

and now their fabulous finds will go under a hopeful hammer in Towcester.

0:21:120:21:16

Well, I've given you a trump card.

0:21:210:21:23

I spent so much money.

0:21:230:21:26

Do you want to go up? I think I should go up. I could be the loser on this one.

0:21:260:21:30

Holding the fort today is auctioneer Jonathan Humbert.

0:21:300:21:34

-I bought the really nice ormolu clock.

-We like that - sexy, small. I think that's going to do all right.

0:21:340:21:40

How about Paul's really interesting clock, the cast-iron one?

0:21:400:21:44

-I think that's got a niche market. There are people that enjoy that sort of thing.

-Scrappers?

-Maybe.

0:21:440:21:50

This auction is split into jewellery and silver at the beginning and furniture at the end.

0:21:500:21:55

It's looking rather quiet, but let's hope it picks up.

0:21:550:21:58

First up, Thomas's silver spoons.

0:21:580:22:00

£30 bid. 5 online. At 40 if you like. 5 online, please?

0:22:000:22:05

-What did you buy these for?

-36.

-You're in the money.

0:22:050:22:08

£50 here and I'm selling at £50. Are we all out?

0:22:080:22:10

The hammer's up at £50...

0:22:100:22:13

-£50.

-Bang on the money.

-That's a good start, Thomas.

0:22:140:22:17

The next item is much riskier - the expensive perfume bottle.

0:22:170:22:22

Heart-shaped, good thing too. Who is going to start me at £30?

0:22:220:22:26

£30 online. At £30 bid now.

0:22:260:22:29

5 online also. 40 anywhere else? It's up to you.

0:22:290:22:32

£35 bid becomes 40. £40 here. 5 anywhere else? At £40 bid.

0:22:320:22:36

Take 5, it's up to you. At £40.

0:22:360:22:39

£45. 50. 50 here now. 60 anywhere, surely?

0:22:390:22:42

£50 and what a pretty thing it is!

0:22:420:22:45

At £50 here and I'm selling at £50...

0:22:450:22:49

Ouch!

0:22:510:22:52

I couldn't agree more. Now it's Thomas's necklace.

0:22:520:22:57

Come on, who's going to go? £20 surely?

0:22:570:23:00

£20 would be a miracle. How did you get away with that?

0:23:000:23:03

35 here. At £35 bid. Who's going to go to 40?

0:23:030:23:06

£40. At £40, are we all out and selling? At £40.

0:23:060:23:11

At 40 only then. Sold then at 40...

0:23:110:23:14

-That's all right, isn't it?

-You jammy... What?

0:23:140:23:18

Considering he only paid £6, that's a massive profit for Thomas.

0:23:180:23:22

Since the next item was his free ring, surely his luck must continue.

0:23:220:23:26

If this ring makes 50 quid, I'll buy you a drink.

0:23:260:23:29

-A fiver away, surely?

-No!

0:23:290:23:32

A fiver away. Hurrah!

0:23:320:23:35

-5 now. I'll take £6, if you will?

-Go on.

0:23:350:23:37

£5 bid. 6 we have. 7 upstairs?

0:23:370:23:41

It's up to you at £7. Make no mistake. £6 it is downstairs. At £6.

0:23:410:23:46

It's all money for nothing, isn't it?

0:23:460:23:48

I know. It's hardly worth it though, is it?

0:23:480:23:51

I'm relieved to say...not!

0:23:510:23:54

At 6... £7! My goodness me! Here we are at £7 bid. 8 if you like?

0:23:540:23:58

-Give him half an hour and we'll get to 50 quid.

-No need to be nasty!

0:23:580:24:03

Are you all done then? Sold upstairs at seven...pounds!

0:24:030:24:08

Wow! Time for the nurse's belt. Fingers crossed!

0:24:090:24:13

I don't know. £30 surely? £30 surely? Bid me 20 now to clear.

0:24:140:24:18

£20 in. £20 bid then. 5 here.

0:24:180:24:20

At £25 bid. 30 surely?

0:24:200:24:23

25 here. 30 anywhere? It's up to you.

0:24:230:24:27

The hammer's up. Last chance at 25 before me.

0:24:270:24:30

-Go on, one more.

-Sold then at £25.

0:24:300:24:33

It's a pretty tight audience, isn't it?

0:24:330:24:36

I don't know. It's a belter.

0:24:360:24:38

Moving quickly along, at last, one of Paul's pieces, the trench watch.

0:24:380:24:43

A little bit on the rare side. Start me now, easy money, £40?

0:24:430:24:47

-Oh, 40...

-£40? £40 in, sir. Thank you.

0:24:470:24:50

£40 bid then. 5 online. £50, sir?

0:24:500:24:53

£50 in.

0:24:540:24:56

£50, at £50, at £50 bid. 60 surely?

0:24:560:24:58

At £50 bid. £50, at £50, at £50 before me and I'm selling.

0:24:580:25:02

At £50, are we all out?

0:25:020:25:05

Well done. That's a really good profit.

0:25:050:25:08

Well done, Paul. Next up is Thomas's very expensive clock.

0:25:080:25:12

£100. 110? 110 bid. 120?

0:25:150:25:18

120 bid. 120 bid then. 130.

0:25:180:25:20

The hammer's up now. Last chance. At £130...

0:25:200:25:25

Oh, unfortunately, the right buyers are just not here tonight.

0:25:260:25:30

That was a £50 loss. Ouch! And it's Paul's turn.

0:25:300:25:33

-It's the battle of the clocks!

-At £40 I've got. 45 online will buy.

0:25:330:25:38

-Oh, get in!

-At £40 in the room. Selling at £40...

-You've got 40.

0:25:380:25:42

£40 bid then. At £40, are we all out?

0:25:420:25:44

At £40 only, here selling...

0:25:440:25:47

Oh, dear! Hopefully, Paul's Victorian mirror will make a profit.

0:25:490:25:54

£30 bid then. 5 upstairs and 40 downstairs, I go.

0:25:540:25:57

£40 bid then. 5 if you like?

0:25:570:25:59

At £40 bid. At £40, at £40 bid.

0:25:590:26:02

5. 45 then, at 45.

0:26:020:26:04

At £45. 45 and sold at four-five...

0:26:040:26:08

That's a nice £25 profit for Paul.

0:26:090:26:12

-It should have made 75.

-Stop it!

-Show me the money.

0:26:120:26:15

Paul's large rosewood mirror is next, bought for just £30.

0:26:150:26:20

Bid me £40 if you will? It's a good example. £40 if you will, please?

0:26:200:26:24

£40, please? £40 in. £40 bid then. 5 upstairs.

0:26:240:26:29

50 downstairs? £50 here.

0:26:290:26:31

Sold in the room then at £50...

0:26:310:26:33

What did you pay for it?

0:26:330:26:35

50, not bad. That's £20 profit before auction costs.

0:26:350:26:39

-Little nibbles.

-I wanted more than 20.

0:26:390:26:41

Next, another of Paul's lots

0:26:410:26:44

and his last - the slightly ambiguous stand.

0:26:440:26:47

I've not seen another one of the like before.

0:26:470:26:50

Who's going to go to £30 on it? £30, please?

0:26:500:26:53

-£20 if you will?

-There's no way this is making a loss.

0:26:530:26:57

£20 in. At £20 only. 5 if you like anywhere else?

0:26:570:27:01

-That's not great.

-The hammer's up.

-No way!

-Last chance at £20 only.

0:27:010:27:05

Are we all out at £20 only?

0:27:050:27:08

Don't worry, Paul. This item maybe flopped, but it's still your day.

0:27:100:27:15

I didn't think I'd claw it back so soon, if at all.

0:27:150:27:18

-No, of course.

-Let's go and celebrate.

-Let's have a drink.

0:27:180:27:22

That is an extremely good idea. Mine's a Scotch.

0:27:220:27:25

Thomas started today on top with £383.56,

0:27:250:27:30

but after auction costs, he's made a horrific loss of £78.36,

0:27:300:27:36

leaving him with £305.20 in the piggy bank.

0:27:360:27:40

Paul, on the other hand, was trailing behind with £213.78 after auction costs,

0:27:410:27:48

though today, he's made a profit of £42.10,

0:27:480:27:51

so with £255.88 to spend, Mr Laidlaw is catching up. Oink!

0:27:510:27:57

You're driving. Don't make me feel sick.

0:27:580:28:01

Are we off?

0:28:010:28:03

Red sky at night, shepherd's delight.

0:28:050:28:08

Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning. Huh!

0:28:080:28:12

Our dashing duo are heading east where Tom, also known as Cruise, is flying high.

0:28:120:28:17

Ready for take-off. A bit nervous.

0:28:170:28:19

Huh!

0:28:230:28:24

And Paul has a mountain to climb. Yeugh!

0:28:240:28:27

Know what I need? One of those big, long poles. That's what I need. Tightrope.

0:28:270:28:31

That's all coming up later, but first it's back on the road with Thomas Plant and Paul Laidlaw.

0:28:340:28:40

They both bring a touch of their wisdom to the trip.

0:28:400:28:44

I think my modus operandi is to buy tat again!

0:28:440:28:49

-And turn it into gold!

-It's clearly working for you!

0:28:490:28:53

You've got the Midas touch!

0:28:530:28:56

Thomas Plant is an auctioneer and jewel expert, but when it comes to making decisions...

0:28:560:29:01

it can take some time.

0:29:010:29:04

I need something to come out and grab me. Hmm.

0:29:040:29:08

Paul Laidlaw is a serious collector with a passion for militaria, a love for bargains

0:29:080:29:14

and a gift for negotiation.

0:29:140:29:16

I think my estimate in an auction is £30-£60 on that.

0:29:160:29:21

Can we do it? Thank you very much.

0:29:210:29:23

From a slow start, he's now on the up with £255.88,

0:29:230:29:29

but can he catch his fearsome competitor?

0:29:290:29:33

Thomas is still out in front with £305.20,

0:29:330:29:38

but needs to keep a keen eye on the rear-view mirror.

0:29:380:29:42

Still, keeping our chaps on track is the sporty Alfa Romeo Spider.

0:29:440:29:49

-Lovely day, isn't it?

-Laidlaw and Plant in their lovely little Italian hairdryer.

0:29:500:29:57

From Skipton, Thomas and Paul are travelling south through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales,

0:30:000:30:05

on through Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire before arriving in Pewsey for the final auction.

0:30:050:30:11

On this leg, they're leaving Towcester behind and heading for auction in Watlington.

0:30:130:30:18

First stop is the beautiful market town of Olney.

0:30:180:30:22

Splitting up, Paul heads for Dodo Antiques with proprietor Owen in attendance.

0:30:240:30:30

Who knows what gorgeous items will catch Mr Laidlaw's eye?

0:30:300:30:35

Do you own this material?

0:30:350:30:37

It's a dinner gong.

0:30:370:30:39

It's missing a cord, but let's do the business.

0:30:390:30:43

Lovely tone. Very oriental.

0:30:430:30:46

That's a shell case.

0:30:460:30:47

So Paul's found some military gear already.

0:30:470:30:52

The markings on this naval shell date it to January, 1898.

0:30:520:30:57

This is kept as a souvenir. Doesn't it make a handsome gong? What's it on?

0:30:580:31:04

A whopping great big piece of mahogany.

0:31:040:31:07

So far as they go, it's a superior example.

0:31:070:31:11

It's a pretty unique item and I'm sensing Paul has fallen for its charm.

0:31:110:31:16

I can't see a price on it!

0:31:160:31:19

We could do that for £45 for you.

0:31:190:31:21

-Could you think harder about that?

-I'm thinking pretty hard!

0:31:240:31:28

-I think that's not expensive...

-It's not.

-But it's not a bargain.

0:31:280:31:32

-So what is a bargain?

-20 quid's a bargain!

-20 quid's scrap!

0:31:320:31:36

See if you can find a few things and we'll do a deal.

0:31:360:31:40

Why don't we? I like that.

0:31:400:31:42

While Paul hunts for potential bargains, Thomas is across the road in Leo's Place.

0:31:420:31:49

-And he's feeling the pressure.

-The thing is...I just know what sells,

0:31:490:31:54

especially in that jewellery world. All he knows about is military things. More military stuff(!)

0:31:540:32:00

Well, Paul's found his feet with military gear. Can manager Di help you back onto yours?

0:32:010:32:07

-Is it all right if I just pick out things I'm interested in?

-Not at all, Martin.

-Thomas.

-Thomas!

0:32:080:32:14

-LAUGHTER

-Where does Martin come from?

-I don't know!

0:32:140:32:19

I've never been called a Martin. Robert I get a lot of because of Robert Plant, but Martin...?

0:32:190:32:25

Hmm. I think you might have to enlighten Di on that one.

0:32:250:32:30

The singer. Led Zeppelin singer.

0:32:300:32:32

-I'll just put them over there.

-Glad you cleared that up, Martin.

0:32:320:32:36

Now back to business, Thomas.

0:32:360:32:39

See, I am drawn to this.

0:32:390:32:41

But this looks like it could have been in there a long time.

0:32:410:32:47

I'll put these two to one side. 38 and 9.50.

0:32:470:32:51

It's German, 1920s,

0:32:510:32:54

1930s. That sort of fashion for that Egyptian-style jewellery. I don't even think it's silver.

0:32:540:33:01

This is too rich for me at £38.

0:33:010:33:04

-Would you be interested in it?

-Well, I would be, but it's a real low figure.

0:33:040:33:10

-Real low figure.

-How low?

0:33:100:33:13

-I mean, it's so low, I don't expect people to accept it.

-20?

0:33:130:33:17

No, it's too much, I'm afraid.

0:33:170:33:19

-How much too much?

-If it was a tenner, I'd have it. And then there's this brooch,

0:33:200:33:26

which I'm interested in. I like these because they're smoky quartz.

0:33:260:33:32

-Yes.

-Which isn't the greatest stone to walk the Earth, but... I tell you what.

0:33:320:33:37

You see, I've got this £20 sitting here. I'd give you that for those two. So that's 15 and that's 5.

0:33:370:33:45

Because it's you, Tom,

0:33:460:33:48

I'll accept 20.

0:33:480:33:51

-Oh, brilliant.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

0:33:510:33:53

A great buy for Thomas and time for Paul to show us his mettle.

0:33:530:33:59

All, some or none of these could all end up worth buying,

0:33:590:34:04

but let's see what we've got. Lovely little pocket notepad.

0:34:040:34:09

Nice.

0:34:090:34:10

Pocket fruit knife. This is a bit of decadence.

0:34:100:34:14

A cocktail swizzle stick. Isn't it so tiresome when one's champagne is a tad too effervescent?

0:34:140:34:20

Like those.

0:34:200:34:22

He's also found an English silver cigar cutter,

0:34:240:34:27

a silver penknife as well as a lorgnette.

0:34:270:34:31

I say! Isn't Mrs Smith's behaviour scandalous in the village at the moment?

0:34:320:34:38

It's a great collection of silver,

0:34:380:34:41

but at £171 it would only leave him with £84.88 to spend.

0:34:410:34:47

-How are you getting on, Paul?

-If there's any way you can look at what can be squeezed on all of that.

0:34:470:34:53

OK. I'll go and give the dealer a ring, see what I can do.

0:34:530:34:57

Be warned, Owen. Our Mr Laidlaw loves a good haggle.

0:34:570:35:02

Is that the best?

0:35:020:35:04

Thank you. See you later.

0:35:040:35:07

She's saying really the best she could do would be 145 on the lot.

0:35:090:35:13

-What did we start at? I never even added them up.

-You've got 15% off.

0:35:130:35:18

-15?!

-Yeah.

-She's not even trying!

0:35:180:35:20

OK, I could throw something else into the deal to try to sweeten it.

0:35:200:35:24

-Liking the sound of that.

-Over here.

-This kind of negotiation is right up Paul's street.

0:35:240:35:30

We've had this little lot.

0:35:300:35:32

Owen has two classic mirrors.

0:35:320:35:35

They're priced at £95 and £80.

0:35:350:35:38

Reproduction, late-Georgian style. Oval-framed.

0:35:380:35:42

Satinwood stringing to the edges. There's nothing the matter with it.

0:35:420:35:46

-And the Victorian one is like a tombstone.

-I could do them for a tenner each.

0:35:460:35:52

What a bargain! How can you refuse?

0:35:520:35:54

My fear at the moment is I'm shooting all my bolts, but I'm still talking to you.

0:35:540:36:00

-Where were we with the gong? 40?

-I'll go to 30 on the gong.

0:36:000:36:05

Now we're talking about gong, a couple of mirrors and a handful of silver and plate. Add it up

0:36:050:36:11

-and give me the last price.

-190.

0:36:110:36:14

170.

0:36:140:36:15

-You're teetering. You want to do it.

-Go on, then.

-What a result! How do you manage it, Paul?

0:36:180:36:23

One shop down and he's bought four lots. The pressure's back on you, Thomas.

0:36:230:36:30

But Alan's here to help Thomas find an Albert.

0:36:300:36:33

-That's a lovely Albert.

-It's a gorgeous fob as well.

0:36:330:36:38

Beautifully enamelled centre.

0:36:380:36:40

Named for Queen Victoria's beloved Albert,

0:36:400:36:44

this is a decorative chain for a gentleman's waistcoat.

0:36:440:36:48

That's rather handsome.

0:36:480:36:50

So is that something you're willing to sell to me at a deal?

0:36:500:36:55

-I'd always be willing to sell you something.

-Well, I know, but...

0:36:550:37:00

-You mean at the right price?

-At a good price.

0:37:000:37:04

Would you consider £90 a reasonable price?

0:37:040:37:08

Well, that's OK. I had another figure in mind.

0:37:080:37:12

A bit less.

0:37:120:37:14

But I know I'm being sort of...pushing.

0:37:140:37:18

I'll take another five off. 85, which is very reasonable.

0:37:180:37:22

You wouldn't go as low as 70?

0:37:220:37:25

No.

0:37:250:37:26

-You said you'd take a fiver. Would you take a bit more off?

-Not really.

-Go on.

-No.

-No?

0:37:260:37:32

-I'll do it for 80, but that's it. All right?

-£80?

-Yeah, that's it.

0:37:340:37:39

-Well, I like you. I'm going to say yes.

-OK.

-You've got a deal. Thank you very much.

0:37:390:37:44

-It's a very nice thing.

-Good.

-I hope it's not the undoing of me!

0:37:440:37:50

Another good, but possibly risky purchase for Thomas.

0:37:500:37:54

But on a roll we follow our frontrunner down the road to Woburn

0:37:560:38:01

with its hallowed place in the dramatic Thomas Plant story.

0:38:010:38:06

This was the venue for my wedding. Woburn Abbey. A few years down the line, here I am back again.

0:38:080:38:14

It brings back very happy memories. So what a lucky boy.

0:38:140:38:18

Hopefully, your luck will continue as you head to the old town hall and Town Hall Antiques

0:38:180:38:24

where owner Alvin is on hand to help.

0:38:240:38:27

I wouldn't mind looking in your friend's cabinet.

0:38:270:38:31

A Viennese bronze of a swallow.

0:38:310:38:34

It's well done. Just tap it with your ring.

0:38:370:38:40

Obviously, if it's another metal, it doesn't ring as well as a bronze.

0:38:400:38:45

That's got a really nice ring to it. That's got 125 on it.

0:38:450:38:49

-I could squeeze to 110.

-Really?

0:38:490:38:52

I love that swallow.

0:38:520:38:54

She wouldn't come down any more on that if you gave her a call?

0:38:540:38:59

I'll take another five, but not a penny less.

0:38:590:39:03

105. I think that's quite a good buy.

0:39:030:39:07

You're being very mean if you're not happy to pay 105.

0:39:070:39:10

-What about 100?

-No. No. Not at all.

0:39:100:39:14

-105.

-Hard to argue with that, so Thomas looks to partner the swallow statue with another item

0:39:140:39:21

-to get a better deal.

-These are cultured pearls. The bead is implanted inside the oyster.

0:39:210:39:29

And you've got this sort of creamy colour to them, but look how they change colour.

0:39:330:39:39

Creamy colour against my skin. See?

0:39:390:39:41

But put pearls against white and look what happens - they come alive. Isn't that amazing?

0:39:410:39:48

Do you think she would do me a deal

0:39:480:39:52

-on these two items?

-On that and the swallow?

0:39:520:39:55

We've got these at 59. And I've got the swallow at 125.

0:39:550:40:01

That's 184.

0:40:010:40:04

If I say 150 for the two items.

0:40:040:40:07

-Are you sure not 140?

-Definitely not. 150.

-Meet halfway?

0:40:100:40:14

-Nope, 150 is the deal.

-Do it for 145.

-No. No, 150.

0:40:140:40:19

God, that means I would have spent £250 on my first day.

0:40:190:40:23

-Go on, let's do it.

-Well done.

0:40:230:40:25

Who'd have thought it? Thomas has bought five lots in the first day.

0:40:270:40:33

The competition is heating up, but for now our antique hunters need their beauty sleep.

0:40:330:40:38

It's a new day and our chaps are on the road again.

0:40:450:40:49

What are you going to buy? You've bought four already.

0:40:490:40:53

Yeah, I'm on a roll. I can't help myself.

0:40:530:40:56

-You haven't bought one item over three figures yet.

-#

-Not a single item!

-#

0:40:560:41:02

So far, Paul's spent £170 on four lots,

0:41:030:41:08

leaving £85.88.

0:41:080:41:10

Thomas, meanwhile, hit the shopping hard, spending a colossal £250 on five lots.

0:41:120:41:18

He has just £55.20 left to spend.

0:41:200:41:22

They come alive. Isn't that amazing?

0:41:220:41:25

They're leaving Woburn behind and chauffeur Paul drops Thomas off

0:41:250:41:29

at the Shuttleworth Airdrome.

0:41:290:41:32

-Good luck buying. Spend all your money.

-Yeah. Enjoy!

0:41:340:41:39

The Shuttleworth collection is an assortment of working aircraft and automobiles

0:41:390:41:43

founded by the young aviator Richard Shuttleworth.

0:41:430:41:47

-Showing Thomas around is Tony Podmore.

-Come on in.

0:41:470:41:51

I'm fascinated by the collection and how it came to be.

0:41:510:41:57

-Obviously, there was a Mr Shuttleworth.

-Richard Shuttleworth was born in 1909.

0:41:570:42:03

He had inherited his grandfather's and father's flair for all things mechanical.

0:42:030:42:07

Richard Shuttleworth was passionate about cars and became a motor racing driver,

0:42:070:42:12

taking part in the first ever British Grand Prix in 1935.

0:42:120:42:16

But after a nasty accident his career was cut short.

0:42:160:42:20

He decided, though, however, to take an interest in flying

0:42:200:42:25

-because he thought it was so much safer!

-This never give up attitude, this never die attitude.

0:42:250:42:31

It's terribly British.

0:42:310:42:33

And Richard's gung-ho attitude didn't stop there.

0:42:330:42:37

When war broke out, he volunteered as a pilot for the Royal Air Force.

0:42:370:42:41

It was during, very sadly, a night flying sortie

0:42:410:42:46

-at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire that he suffered a fatal crash.

-So he was only 31.

0:42:460:42:53

In 1944, Richard's mother set up a trust in his memory

0:42:530:42:58

and today the collection houses some of Richard's most prized possessions.

0:42:580:43:03

There she is. The world's oldest airworthy aeroplane.

0:43:030:43:08

-My!

-A 1909 Bleriot.

-1909.

0:43:080:43:12

-Isn't she amazing?

-It IS amazing.

0:43:120:43:15

Richard believed that the very best form of preservation was to keep everything in working order.

0:43:150:43:22

-Has this ever been up, really?

-Oh, yes.

-Really?

-Absolutely, yes.

0:43:220:43:25

-It goes up in the air?

-What we do, in view of the rarity value of it,

0:43:250:43:30

it is the only one of its kind in the world,

0:43:300:43:34

-we restrict it to what we affectionately call hops.

-OK.

0:43:340:43:38

This is where it goes down our runway, the aircraft comes off the ground,

0:43:380:43:43

and just hops along.

0:43:430:43:46

Wow. It looks like one of those model aero engines I sell at auctions.

0:43:490:43:54

-There's no chance it can hop today?

-No, but I'll tell you what we can do. We can fly one for real.

0:43:540:44:00

-Not one of these!

-Not a Bleriot. A vintage 1931 De Havilland Tiger Moth.

0:44:000:44:05

-Yes!

-Come this way.

0:44:050:44:08

While Thomas gets kitted out,

0:44:100:44:12

Paul's taking his £88.55 south to Hemel Hempstead.

0:44:120:44:17

That looks the part, doesn't it?

0:44:200:44:22

Off The Wall - Eccentric European Collectables.

0:44:220:44:26

-That's got Laidlaw written all over it. But closed.

-Never one to be defeated, Laidlaw's on the phone.

0:44:260:44:33

Why not? In for a penny, give it a try.

0:44:330:44:36

Michelle, where are you?

0:44:360:44:39

When I need you!

0:44:390:44:42

'I can't answer your call right now. If you leave your message...'

0:44:420:44:46

As he patiently waits for news, Thomas is ready for action.

0:44:460:44:51

# Highway to the danger zone

0:44:530:44:57

# Take a ride into the danger zone... #

0:44:580:45:04

-That's fabulous. You look great. How do you feel?

-Ready.

0:45:090:45:13

Contact.

0:45:130:45:14

MUSIC: "The Dam Busters" THEME

0:45:210:45:23

Up, up and away! Hold on tight, Biggles!

0:45:250:45:30

The De Havilland Tiger Moth is a 1930s biplane designed by Geoffrey De Havilland

0:45:300:45:36

and was operated by the RAF as a primary trainer.

0:45:360:45:40

The Tiger Moth remained in service with the RAF until 1952.

0:45:400:45:45

Thomas, it looks as if you're having a ball.

0:45:480:45:52

Oh, that was just awesome.

0:45:540:45:57

Absolutely awesome.

0:45:570:45:59

Absolutely wonderful. Very honoured and as you can tell by my big smile it's been a wonderful trip up.

0:45:590:46:07

Mm, "awesome". While Thomas is on cloud nine, Paul's prayers have been answered.

0:46:100:46:16

Shop owner Michelle opened up, but in order to get in he needs to help move stuff out!

0:46:180:46:24

This is like I'm in the auction room again!

0:46:270:46:30

Michelle has owned the shop for 11 years

0:46:320:46:35

and it's bursting at the seams. Good luck, Paul!

0:46:350:46:40

This place is like an antiques TARDIS! Have you seen round here?

0:46:400:46:44

Look at this.

0:46:450:46:47

That... is a Georgian cribbage board.

0:46:490:46:53

This is just a score-keeping board. People played crib round this maybe 150 or even 200 years ago.

0:46:530:47:00

In a tavern.

0:47:000:47:02

Smoking a clay pipe.

0:47:030:47:06

I think it's charming. It is...£3.

0:47:060:47:10

Now what have you spotted?

0:47:160:47:18

It is a Chinese armchair here.

0:47:180:47:21

A striking piece of furniture, but I don't know if there is any tremendous age to it.

0:47:210:47:27

Never mind the quality, feel the weight!

0:47:280:47:31

I'd like it to be 18th or 19th century, brought back in some tea clipper

0:47:310:47:36

or in someone's military baggage train. What I don't want

0:47:360:47:41

is it to have been brought over 30 years ago in a shipping container with a load of looky-likies.

0:47:410:47:46

After his antique assault course, it's time to talk numbers.

0:47:470:47:52

I think I paid about £90 for it about 15 years ago.

0:47:520:47:56

-Wow. Wow. Ouch.

-How about 50 for the chair and you've got a deal for the chair?

0:47:560:48:02

-OK, you might have seen me looking at this wee cribbage board.

-Is it a buy one get one free moment?

0:48:020:48:08

-You didn't tell me you could read minds as well!

-I'm psychic.

0:48:080:48:12

-I'm sticking my neck out with the chair. That is a gamble. It could work for me.

-Yeah.

0:48:120:48:18

You give me the chair for 45, throw that in as a wee freebie, and I'll take a punt at the chair.

0:48:180:48:24

OK.

0:48:240:48:25

The chair takes up more room in this very overcrowded shop!

0:48:250:48:30

-It's empty!

-With his last two lots secured,

0:48:300:48:35

our chaps can delay their auction showdown no longer.

0:48:350:48:39

Paul began this leg with £255.88

0:48:420:48:46

and spent a proud £215 on six auction lots.

0:48:460:48:50

The silver collection, the Chinese armchair, the Victorian dressing mirror, Sheraton dressing mirror,

0:48:500:48:58

the shell case gong and the freebie cribbage board.

0:48:580:49:03

As for Thomas, he took his £305.20 and threw caution to the wind,

0:49:040:49:09

spending £250 on five lots.

0:49:090:49:12

The bronze swallow figurine,

0:49:130:49:16

the pearl necklace, the double Albert watch chain,

0:49:160:49:20

the Art Deco brooch and the smoky quartz brooch.

0:49:200:49:25

But who has impressed most with their shopping prowess?

0:49:250:49:29

I am really nervous because he's bought really well.

0:49:290:49:33

And although I've bought well, that silver lot is going to eclipse everything.

0:49:330:49:38

As soon as that came out, I went, "Oh!"

0:49:380:49:40

I think this is the auction where it turns in my favour again.

0:49:400:49:46

Well, maybe. It's been a fabulous jaunt, though,

0:49:460:49:50

from delightful Olney via Woburn and Hemel Hempstead

0:49:500:49:54

with the auction house in Watlington firmly in their sights.

0:49:540:49:58

I feel pretty confident, Paul. You've got some great lots.

0:49:580:50:03

Reputedly England's smallest town, nestling in the shadows of the Chiltern Hills,

0:50:030:50:08

Watlington offers a traditional market town welcome. Just what our cheeky chaps need on auction day.

0:50:080:50:15

Kicking things off today is auctioneer Simon Jones,

0:50:160:50:20

but first what does he think of their choices?

0:50:200:50:24

There's a good cross-section. The little bronze bird will do well. It's a pretty little thing.

0:50:240:50:29

My favourite item will be the chair, simply because you don't see many and it's just a lovely object.

0:50:290:50:36

It's the moment of truth. Let the auction begin!

0:50:360:50:40

First up, it's Paul's dressing mirror.

0:50:400:50:43

40, then, to start me. 40 I'm bid.

0:50:430:50:46

42 anywhere? All done, then, at 40?

0:50:460:50:50

Excellent start.

0:50:530:50:55

But will the dinner gong strike the right note?

0:50:550:50:58

£50, £60 for it? £50?

0:50:580:51:01

50 I'm bid. 55 before I go to the phone? Coming to you at 55.

0:51:010:51:06

55 I'm bid. 60 anywhere? At 55, then... 60. 65?

0:51:070:51:12

65. 70? 70 I'm bid. 75?

0:51:140:51:17

Come to daddy.

0:51:170:51:20

75. 80? 80 I'm bid. 85?

0:51:200:51:22

-At £80 in the room...

-£80!

0:51:250:51:28

All done at 80? 619.

0:51:280:51:31

Well done.

0:51:310:51:33

Read it and weep, Plant.

0:51:330:51:35

Well done, Paul. Off to a flying start and it can only get better as your next lot was a freebie.

0:51:350:51:42

Lot 110.

0:51:420:51:44

The little cribbage board. Sweet little chap, this.

0:51:440:51:47

What can you say for that? £40, £50?

0:51:470:51:49

-That would do.

-20 to start me. 15 to go.

0:51:490:51:54

-Nobody want a cribbage board? 10? 10 I'm bid.

-Dirt cheap!

0:51:540:51:59

-£10, then.

-I'd give you more.

0:51:590:52:02

At £10. All done at 10.

0:52:020:52:05

-Oh, well, it was a tenner.

-It cost you nothing, so it's £10.

0:52:050:52:09

Three lots down and Paul's hot on your heels, Thomas.

0:52:090:52:14

-Let's hope your figurine pays off.

-50 I'm bid. 55 anywhere?

0:52:140:52:18

At £50. 55? Yes, 55.

0:52:180:52:21

60. 65? At £60, then. Right at the back of the room.

0:52:210:52:25

Somebody got a bargain there. You were unlucky there.

0:52:250:52:30

-Somebody got a bargain.

-Oh, dear. It was always risky. Now for Paul's second mirror.

0:52:300:52:35

128 is the Sheraton string inlaid dressing mirror.

0:52:350:52:40

£40, £50 for this?

0:52:400:52:42

30, then, to start me. 20 for the dressing mirror?

0:52:420:52:46

The little Sheraton one.

0:52:460:52:48

£20 I'm bid. At 20. All done at 20.

0:52:480:52:52

-Thank you, auctioneer.

-£10 profit.

0:52:520:52:55

Back to Thomas for his pearls.

0:52:550:52:57

Fingers crossed.

0:52:570:52:59

£40, £50 for it? 30 to start me?

0:52:590:53:03

The necklace.

0:53:030:53:05

Don't tell me pearls are out of fashion. £20 I'm bid. 22?

0:53:050:53:08

At £20. All done at 20.

0:53:080:53:12

-Ouch.

-Oh, go on! Give him a hug!

0:53:120:53:15

-A hug?

-No.

-You want a hug?

-No.

-Later.

0:53:150:53:20

No hugs later.

0:53:200:53:22

Surely his silver double Albert chain and fob will get him back?

0:53:220:53:27

40, then, to start me. 40 I'm bid. 42. 44? At £42 seated.

0:53:270:53:31

44 anywhere? At £42. All done at 42.

0:53:310:53:35

667.

0:53:350:53:36

-Do you want me to start bidding on your stuff? I've got money to burn.

-Yes.

0:53:380:53:43

Keep positive, Thomas. Things can only get better.

0:53:430:53:47

350 is an enamel 1930s Egyptian brooch.

0:53:470:53:51

20, then, to start me? £20 I'm bid. 22 anywhere?

0:53:510:53:54

22. 24. 26. 28.

0:53:540:53:57

30. 32. 34.

0:53:570:54:00

36. 38. 40. 42?

0:54:000:54:03

At £40. All done at 40?

0:54:030:54:06

-126.

-Sweet.

0:54:060:54:08

That's more like it! Now Thomas' last stand.

0:54:080:54:11

The double smoky quartz brooch.

0:54:110:54:15

£30 for it?

0:54:150:54:18

25 I'm bid. 28?

0:54:180:54:21

£25, then, for the smoky quartz. £25. All done at 25.

0:54:210:54:25

-With Alan.

-Fair enough.

0:54:250:54:27

The brooches were your saving grace. Now for Paul's collection of silver.

0:54:270:54:33

I'm nervous about this. Here it comes.

0:54:330:54:36

£100 to start me. £100 I'm bid.

0:54:360:54:39

110 anywhere? 110. 120.

0:54:390:54:42

-130. 140. 150? 140, then.

-Oh, dear.

-Standing at the back of the room at 140. 150 anywhere?

0:54:420:54:48

-That's cheap for a lot of stuff.

-664.

0:54:480:54:52

-It's Paul's last stab at a big profit.

-A Chinese chair.

0:54:540:54:59

£100 I'm bid. 110?

0:54:590:55:02

At £100. Are you all happy? At the maiden bid of £100, all done.

0:55:020:55:06

-627.

-Can you lend me some money?

0:55:060:55:09

Can you lend me some money?

0:55:100:55:12

In spectacular fashion, Mr Laidlaw wins the day.

0:55:120:55:17

Thomas started this leg in the lead with £305.20,

0:55:200:55:24

but after commission he's made a hideous loss of £96.66,

0:55:240:55:29

giving him a meagre £208.54 to carry forward.

0:55:290:55:34

Paul, meanwhile, started this leg with £255.88.

0:55:370:55:42

He made a fabulous profit of £104.80,

0:55:420:55:46

so with a whopping £360.68 in the kitty, he's firmly in the lead.

0:55:460:55:51

-What a rollercoaster!

-Tell me!

0:55:530:55:56

I feel like I've been on the helter skelter, you know.

0:55:560:56:00

It's going to make for an interesting shop in the last leg.

0:56:000:56:04

All to play for for me. I'm going for it.

0:56:040:56:07

We've heard that before! Next time, it's the grand finale.

0:56:070:56:11

-Thomas is playing catch up.

-My shop closes in three quarters of an hour.

0:56:110:56:16

Time is against me. I've got the devil chasing me on my back.

0:56:160:56:20

And has Mr Laidlaw met his match?

0:56:200:56:24

-Make it £28 and I will buy it.

-I can't!

-Oh!

0:56:240:56:29

You're good.

0:56:290:56:31

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