Episode 24 Antiques Road Trip


Episode 24

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Transcript


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It's the nation's favourite antiques experts with £200 each, a classic car and a goal -

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-to scour Britain for antiques.

-That hurts.

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What do you think?

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The aim - to make the biggest profit at auction, but it's no mean feat.

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-There will be worthy winners and valiant losers.

-What have I done?!

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So will it be the high road to glory or the slow road to disaster?

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Put your back into it!

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This is the Antiques Road Trip!

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Yeah!

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It's the fourth day of this road trip and we're motoring along in a classic Morris Minor

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with our experts, Thomas Plant and James Lewis.

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-These gents seem to be bonding.

-How old are you, James?

-39.

-I thought you were 50!

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Thanks, Thomas.

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Thomas Plant is an experienced valuer and auctioneer with a huge font...

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-of knowledge.

-Wasn't the telephone invented in Scotland?

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Wasn't it? I think it was.

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He's up against James Lewis who's been in the antiques business for over 20 years.

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It's cracked, it's chipped - guaranteed profit.

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Thomas's original £200 starter pack has only risen to a tiny £220.66.

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-And he's feeling the pressure.

-I'm completely gutted.

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Whereas James's original £200

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has multiplied to a massive £1,032.92.

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Wow!

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-I'm pleased at that.

-I bet you are.

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This week, Thomas and James will be travelling over 800 miles,

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looping their way from the Scottish West Coast up to the Highlands,

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down to the Lowlands and back again, eventually finishing up at the country's capital city, Edinburgh.

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But on this leg they're starting off in Tarland, Aberdeenshire,

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and heading south for an auction in the ancient capital of Dunfermline.

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Just over 30 miles west of Aberdeen, Tarland is a quiet, pretty village with breathtaking scenery.

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-Wow, great views.

-Beautiful.

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-Go and spend some money.

-Are you coming in as well?

-No. I've got bigger fish to fry!

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All right, calm down. ..Don't forget to pick me up!

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Tower Workshop is a family-run business whose stock includes 17th-19th century antiques.

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Lovely.

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These sort of mirrors, encrusted with flowers,

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were made from the 18th century right the way through to the present day.

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With over £1,000 in his pocket, surely he can afford a splurge.

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I'm feeling under pressure. Under pressure.

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Owner George steps in and takes James to see his secret stash in the shed.

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-How much is the mangle?

-I would need £35 for that.

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Those things are an absolute nightmare. They should be worth so much more than they are.

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I'll get the guys to pull it out and you can have a better look.

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The quite nice thing is it's got a name, Northern Co-Operative Society, which was big up here.

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So you're buying a bit of social history here as well. It's not just a useful item.

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I've never used one, but it's in pretty good condition. The castors are still all there.

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It's all fairly original and it still works.

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I can see that making 15, 20, 25 quid at auction. 35, tops.

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Mmm. Nope. 35 is my bottom on it.

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Somebody will walk in and they'll say, "I'm going to have that."

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-And they'll think it's for nothing.

-It's got a bit of woodworm.

-All good pieces do.

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I've got a little bit myself!

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But, no, I think it's worth every penny.

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-There's no movement at all?

-Have a think.

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-Have a think.

-I'm thinking.

-What are you thinking?

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-I hate when people fight me over fivers.

-I was going to fight you for a bit more than that!

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-But 35, I think is, you know...

-Is it?

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-Yeah.

-Right. OK, decision made. That's a no.

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-OK.

-Let's move on.

-Let's try something else.

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George isn't making much headway with James,

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whereas Thomas is moseying five miles south to his first shop in Dinnet.

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Auld Alliance Antiques is a Road Trip regular.

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It's an Aladdin's cave, filled to the brim with bric-a-brac

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and where you can find anything, including the occasional gem,

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all curated by owner Dave and partner Jane.

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James is sort of thrashing me.

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And I just don't know what to do.

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I've got to stop looking at antiques and start looking at junk. It's the only way forward.

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Maybe Dave can point Thomas in the right direction.

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-Have you got some interesting things in your box?

-I just got it.

-Can I have a rummage?

-Yeah.

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-Has this been bought from the local auction?

-It's mostly rubbish.

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-As much as I like to buy antiques...

-Yeah!

-..in the past few weeks, they've been bombing.

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Thomas has spotted an assorted mix of period hunting and training crops.

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I quite like this one. And it's obviously for the military.

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It's got its little number there.

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-I like things like that. Has that got to be a lot of money.

-Not very much.

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-It wouldn't be more than a tenner.

-No, that's great.

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-And what's... This is a silver one.

-That's a hunting crop.

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And what's that one got to be?

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About 15.

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Hmm.

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I like those.

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-I like those. I'll have a think about those.

-Have a thinky-poo.

-A thinky-poo?

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Yeah, a thinky-poo.

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Looks like James has something to have a thinky-poo over, too.

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I've got a very interesting lamp.

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I bet you've never seen another one of these on your travels this week.

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Oh, my goodness. It's revolting.

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Look at that for a piece of interesting... A work of art!

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It's again a bit of social history.

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-How much is that?

-£20.

-It's vile!

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-I bet you make money on that.

-It's vile!

-I bet you make money.

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I don't want it! I don't want it!

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This is a Murano glass table lamp with figures in 18th-century dress.

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Murano is renowned for its quality and design, although James might not be keen on this one.

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The £20 George is asking, though, seems a steal.

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The price also includes a ruby glass figure of an Italian court

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and a sculpted bird. Gosh.

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Just buy the three pieces of me.

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-Would you like that in your furniture room?

-Em...

-No!

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, James.

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-This is definitely the case with these two pieces

-Quack, quack.

-And the lamp.

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Three pieces. Do a deal, go on.

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James, I think you're tired. Do you want a little lie down?

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-They deserve to be ground up and put as road fill. They have nothing about them whatsoever.

-James...

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-We could light this up for you.

-I'll give you a tenner.

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-I can't do it for a tenner.

-A tenner for the three. You should be begging me.

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-I think it's a good thing, that.

-You don't! You know it's rubbish.

-I don't.

-You do!

-Do I?

-Yes!

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You just bought yourself a lamp.

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-You've really talked me into that.

-I think it'll do well. I'm on halfers!

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The art glass trio are very collectable, so James should be happy to snap them up.

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-I think he's met his match with this silver-tongued salesman, though.

-Should I have bought the mangle? No.

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I'll gie you a fiver off it, James. A nice thing of quality.

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-I don't want the mangle.

-In Dunfermline, they still use them.

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-I don't want the mangle.

-Think of that. Have a go.

-I'll give you 15 quid.

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-Oh, no, James.

-If it makes 35, after commission, I make 15 quid.

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-I can't do it.

-I know. Look, that's what I wanted to spend.

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-And that's what I've spent.

-Oh, dear.

-That's pathetic.

-That won't keep me going long.

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-Another two for the mangle. OK?

-Yeah.

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You just bought a mangle!

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-I'd have taken 15. I just wanted...

-Oh, don't you even start that!

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So George has managed to sell James a mangle, two glass figurines and a lamp that he doesn't want,

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all for £30.

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It's vile, it's disgusting, it has no class.

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It's cracked, it's chipped - guaranteed profit.

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I think George could sell anything. What a charming bloke!

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Let's see how Thomas is getting on. He's found a rather odd object.

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You sometimes want to go up to people and say, "Can I measure you up? I want to see what you're like."

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-Measure their proportions. Don't you ever feel that?

-Er, no.

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But this 19th-century steel contraption was used for measuring. They have a ticket price of £25.

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-I like those and I like the crops.

-You've got silver tops.

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It's quite sweet, that.

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-I like this.

-I'm not quite sure what it is, but it's got an adjustable...

-No, it's good, that.

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It's adjustable height. It might be for hanging game or something.

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-Can that be a good price?

-Yeah.

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Och...

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-I'll do it for £15 or something.

-Oh, yeah. Brilliant.

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-Can I buy that?

-Yeah.

-15? That's £15. That's great.

-Yeah.

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-I can't decide about those dividers.

-The what?

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-I think he's referring to the calipers.

-How much are the dividers?

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-They're calipers.

-Did I say anything?

-You didn't.

-I didn't.

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-Not a sausage.

-A tenner.

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Thomas's bill comes to a grand total of £50.

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Right. Time for some negotiations.

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-Can I give you a straight 50?

-Yeah, I suppose so.

-You suppose so?

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Not quite what I was expecting.

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There's £50.

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Well, at least he stuck to his plan of buying the curious. Let's hope it pays off.

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Whilst in Tarland village, James decides to take a break to pay homage

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to the nearby MacRobert Trust.

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The foundation for the Trust is at Douneside House, which has a remarkable, but tragic story

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and has left a permanent legacy with the RAF.

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Complete with 15 acres of magnificent gardens and grounds with spectacular views,

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this was the MacRoberts' family home until Lady MacRobert's death in 1954.

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-Great to see you.

-James, welcome to the MacRobert Trust. And to Douneside House.

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Chief Executive of the MacRobert Trust, Bob Joseph, shows us around.

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The story starts with Sir Alexander MacRobert, co-founder of the British India Corporation,

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and his American-born wife Lady Rachel MacRobert.

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The family were extremely wealthy, but they were also philanthropic.

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He built for his workers in India the Georgina MacRobert Hospital.

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He was awarded his knighthood in 1910

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-for his generosity in India.

-Gosh.

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Sir Alexander MacRobert died in 1922, leaving behind his wife and their three sons,

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Alasdair, Roderic and Iain. Sadly, this was only the start of a terrible family tragedy.

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-Three boys, all killed in aviation.

-Oh, really?

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One before the war in 1938 and two during the war

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in 1941.

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Within five weeks of each other. Can you imagine that?

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Her very first response was to sit down at the desk and write a cheque for £25,000

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which she sent to Sir Archibald Sinclair, the Secretary of State for Air,

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and she said, "Please buy a bomber." The only stipulation she made was

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that the bomber should be named MacRobert's Reply, "my reply to the loss of my sons".

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Lady MacRobert had shown incredible fortitude in the face of tragedy.

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The chosen bomber was a Stirling and in October, 1941,

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it was handed over to Flying Officer PJS Boggis,

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who flew it on 12 missions.

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-Looking in great order, but the original one didn't survive.

-It did not survive the war.

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It crashed over Denmark with the loss of seven crew.

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Still determined to help, Lady MacRobert donated a further £20,000

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to purchase four Hurricane fighters in 1942.

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They were sent to RAF operations in the Middle East. Three were named for her sons, the fourth for her.

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These acts of generosity cemented a charitable legacy for the MacRoberts' name.

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Ever since this very first aeroplane,

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-there has always been a MacRoberts' Reply...

-Really?

-..in the Air Force.

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-Even now?

-Even now. It's currently a Tornado GR4.

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-Somewhat different.

-15 Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth.

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And we see it here quite a lot because we're essentially in the training area.

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Buried in the gardens at Douneside, Lady MacRobert's spirit still informs the work of the Trust

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which helps the forces, young people and the countryside as this is what her boys would have wanted,

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should they have lived.

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Lovely. I think we need a few more like her.

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Thomas drives 40 minutes east to Drumoak for his last shop of the day.

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Drumoak is a quaint village in Aberdeenshire. Located nearby lies the grounds

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of the 13th-century Drum Castle, the oldest intact castle owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

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Thomas is in a hurry to close the gap on James,

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although if you were driving behind him, you wouldn't know it.

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Mm.

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His final destination appears to be a caravan site.

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-Hello!

-Hello.

-How are you?

-Fine, thank you.

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-This is your lock-up, is it?

-This is the lock-up!

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Dealer Susan keeps everything and anything here. She had to start selling out of necessity

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as there was no more room in her house to keep all the bits she started collecting.

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-This is the strangest place I've ever bought antiques.

-Oh! I'll try to take that as a compliment.

-It is!

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Don't be put off, Thomas. There are hidden treasures within this storage trailer. Get rummaging.

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This is a Road Trip first. This is like doing a valuation, going to somebody's house

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as an auctioneer. I spend my life on my knees.

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I'll have to get these trousers laundered.

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-Getting dirty might have paid off.

-Got some pens here.

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Ah, my knees, my knees, my knees.

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This is a nippy number three.

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-That must be good.

-It's fine and rare. Fine and rare, Susan.

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Thomas has unearthed a marbled, Art Deco, Conway Stewart, 14-carat-gold-nibbed fountain pen

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with matching pencil and two spare pencils.

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-Oh, yes. They're kept in a 1935 Cadbury's Jubilee tin.

-They're quite sweet, really.

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And people like them. They look good.

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And then you've got this extraordinary Victorian thing.

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Like an oil lamp. I can't remember if I've sold one of these before.

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It just needs a bit of replacing, but it's for something.

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I wonder if it's a table lighter.

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It is, Thomas. A 1920s, silver-plated, gentleman's cigar table lighter, as an oil lamp.

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However, that and the pen set don't appear to have a ticket price.

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That's handy. They might even be free!

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-That would be good, wouldn't it?

-How much for these?

-Four pens and a tin.

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£20.

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I'll give you a tenner for them.

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£20 and I'll give you that genie lamp as a pressie.

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-As long as you promise to win.

-James Lewis has got £1,000 burning a hole in his pocket.

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-He's spent £1,000...

-So why didn't I get James?

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Do you prefer me or James?!

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Yes, Susan. We don't always get what we wish for.

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-It doesn't stop Thomas trying.

-I know it sounds mean of me, but £20 is a bit too much.

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-How about 15?

-I still...I still think that 15...

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-They're fun little things.

-With the lamp thrown in.

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15 with the lamp.

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Do me £10 for those two. Go on.

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-And if you don't win, you come back and buy me ice cream.

-I promise.

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-Done.

-I promise. Thank you very much.

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Cor, that Susan's nice. I wonder if she'll get her ice cream.

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The boys have had a hard day's shop so it's time to rest up. Nighty night.

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It's the start of a new day and we join James Lewis and Thomas Plant in their Morris Minor

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enjoying the open road and the majesty of the Scottish countryside.

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-Look - cows!

-Thomas, you're so easily impressed.

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So far, Thomas has spent £60 on four lots - two contraptions,

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two hunting and training crops

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and a 1930s Conway Stewart writing set.

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The lucky boy was also given this 1920s cigar table lighter by the lovely Susan,

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leaving him with £160.66 for today's shopping.

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I'll buy you ice cream. I promise.

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Whereas James has spent £30 on two items that he didn't even want.

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A Murano glass table lamp and two glass figures,

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plus an 1870s Aberdeen mangle, meaning he's very much in the money still with £1,002.92.

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You really talked me into that one!

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The boys are heading 50 miles south to Kirriemuir,

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however, there's been a hitch.

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The Morris has broken down.

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We have been smelling a funny smell, haven't we?

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I thought that was you.

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-To be honest with you, James...

-Do you know what you're looking for?

-Not really.

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Neither would I!

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-Can I suggest we get a taxi?

-Or hitch.

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The gents still have plenty to do,

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so Thomas gets a lift from a kind neighbour as he wants to explore Kirriemuir.

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Thank you very much. Thank you. Have a lovely day.

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Whilst James takes a taxi half an hour east to Letham,

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as he wants to get back to business.

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-Hello there.

-Hello.

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-I'm James.

-I'm Barbara.

-Wow! This place is full!

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It's not been a great start to the day, so let's hope Lovejoy Antiques cheers him up.

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Shop owner Barbara is on hand if needs be.

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I'm interested in everything, really. I don't mind having a gamble at something

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that's a few hundred pounds. I'd prefer something expensive.

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Really? Actions speak louder than words.

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-Oh, £1,445.

-Yes. Break the piggy bank.

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Has he spotted something to make him part with his cash?

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The creamware jug made somewhere around 18...

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1830, 1840, probably.

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Yep, it's 19th century with a painting that commemorates the iron bridge over the River Wear

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in Sunderland.

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One of the most famous iron bridges of its time. However, it's slightly damaged.

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Hand-painted, which is nice.

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Creamware doesn't matter so much if it's damaged

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because it's very soft and, therefore, it chips very easily.

0:21:520:21:56

But they're not easy things to sell.

0:21:560:21:59

I have it on at 190,

0:22:000:22:02

-so 150 would be my best.

-OK.

0:22:020:22:05

-I was thinking about two figures.

-130.

0:22:050:22:09

I'm going to be really cheeky.

0:22:090:22:12

£60 to £100 is what I think it would go for at auction.

0:22:120:22:16

Oh, no, I couldn't.

0:22:160:22:19

Anywhere close?

0:22:200:22:22

How would 110 suit you?

0:22:220:22:24

105?

0:22:250:22:27

Tiny bit...?

0:22:290:22:31

100 is the best.

0:22:330:22:35

-Very, very best.

-OK.

0:22:350:22:37

-In that case, I'll buy your jug.

-Right.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

0:22:370:22:43

-100.

-Thank you very much.

0:22:450:22:47

Back in Kirriemuir, Thomas has taken time out to feel inspired.

0:22:470:22:53

It's a charming and historic town in the county of Angus

0:22:530:22:57

and is best known as the birthplace of JM Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan.

0:22:570:23:02

Believe it or not, this unassuming terrace

0:23:030:23:06

is where world-famous playwright James Matthew Barrie was born

0:23:060:23:10

to handloom weaver David Barrie and Margaret Ogilvy, the daughter of a stonemason,

0:23:100:23:16

now part of the National Trust for Scotland. Thomas will find out how Barrie's story began.

0:23:160:23:22

-Hello.

-Hi, Thomas. How are you doing?

-Good, thank you.

-Let me tell you about this room.

0:23:220:23:27

John McKenna is our tour guide.

0:23:270:23:29

The room we're in just now is the family living room.

0:23:290:23:33

Everything happened in here - cooking, eating, sleeping.

0:23:330:23:36

-Who slept there?

-That would be the children. It's a box bed.

0:23:360:23:40

The kids would all be squeezed in in concertina fashion and Mum and Dad would have next door.

0:23:400:23:46

Barrie was the ninth of ten children

0:23:460:23:50

and this is where he would have heard the fantastical stories from his mother and grandmother,

0:23:500:23:56

those that found their way into his writings, particularly Peter Pan.

0:23:560:24:01

However, this room also holds sad memories.

0:24:010:24:04

When he was six years old, there was a tragedy in the family.

0:24:040:24:07

His brother, within a couple of days of his 14th birthday, died in a tragic skating accident.

0:24:070:24:13

-They brought the body home and presented it on the table for the wake.

-No?

0:24:130:24:19

-That affected Jamie Barrie deeply.

-That's awful.

0:24:190:24:23

Barrie's mother Margaret was devastated by David's loss.

0:24:230:24:28

When he heard her crying, he tried to console her

0:24:280:24:32

by mimicking his deceased brother and dressed up in his clothes. How sad is that?

0:24:320:24:37

My opinion is that's the way Barrie always consoled himself about his brother's death,

0:24:370:24:43

knowing the fact that his brother won't ever grow up to be a man,

0:24:430:24:47

and he then invented this whole fantasy about Peter Pan and this Neverland.

0:24:470:24:52

-So Neverland, never grow up?

-Yeah.

0:24:520:24:54

The ground floor of the cottage has been transformed to resemble Barrie's London apartments,

0:24:540:25:00

including the desk on which he used to write his now famous stories.

0:25:000:25:04

That is the original manuscript for Peter Pan, the play.

0:25:040:25:08

Really?

0:25:080:25:10

1904 was the original stage production.

0:25:100:25:13

And what's really interesting about it is Barrie actually wrote five different endings.

0:25:130:25:18

I'd love to find out what the other four were.

0:25:180:25:21

This room holds many artefacts, including Barrie's glasses

0:25:210:25:26

and a letter from his dear friend, Captain Scott of the Antarctic.

0:25:260:25:30

When they discovered Scott's body, they found a letter written to JM Barrie.

0:25:300:25:36

They were great friends and Scott, here he is dying in the tent in the wilderness of the Antarctic,

0:25:360:25:42

pleading with Barrie to look after his children.

0:25:420:25:45

"..in a very comfortless spot.

0:25:450:25:49

"Hoping this letter may be found and sent to you,

0:25:490:25:53

"I write a word of farewell."

0:25:530:25:57

If I was in the Antarctic and I was writing a farewell letter,

0:25:570:26:02

I wouldn't be writing to somebody who was godfather to my... Well, I might do.

0:26:020:26:08

That's the high regard people had for Jamie Barrie,

0:26:080:26:10

and it's only when you see something as significant as a letter of this nature,

0:26:100:26:15

you realise there was more to the ma than we can ever encapsulate in his writings.

0:26:150:26:20

Although he was married to actress Margaret Ansell for 15 years,

0:26:200:26:24

Barrie had no children.

0:26:240:26:27

He drew upon his own childhood experiences for his inspiration

0:26:270:26:31

and he sat in this very seat to write a lot of his celebrated work, including Peter Pan.

0:26:310:26:38

-Can you tell me what that is?

-It's a pirate. And what's that up there?

0:26:380:26:42

-It's a galleon.

-Oh, it is a boat.

0:26:420:26:45

Then over here, you've got Tinker Bell.

0:26:450:26:48

So Barrie's sitting here, runs out of inspiration and what does he do?

0:26:480:26:52

He's trying to visualise...

0:26:520:26:55

He's taking it out of his head and making it into a form,

0:26:550:26:58

so that he can draw from that form to continue with his play or his novel.

0:26:580:27:03

Barrie remained devoted to the town of Kirriemuir

0:27:030:27:07

and kept in touch with his friends and family whilst pursuing his London literary life.

0:27:070:27:13

In 1930, he donated a cricket pavilion and a Camera Obscura to the town

0:27:130:27:17

and was made a Freeman of Kirriemuir in recognition of his literary achievements.

0:27:170:27:22

He was very humble. He could have been buried in Poets' Corner.

0:27:220:27:26

And he was buried in Kirriemuir with his family.

0:27:260:27:30

This man of modest origin received a baronetcy, the Order of Merit and many other honours.

0:27:300:27:36

However, if you visit his grave, you'll simply see "James Matthew Barrie".

0:27:360:27:42

Unassuming to the very end.

0:27:420:27:45

-Thank you very much, John.

-I'm glad you've enjoyed yourself.

-It's been a real, real pleasure.

0:27:450:27:50

Meanwhile, as the Morris Minor is still out of action,

0:27:500:27:54

James takes a taxi from Letham and heads south to Glencarse for his final shop.

0:27:540:27:59

Oh, dear, he is really pooped!

0:28:000:28:03

-I hope you find lots of bargains.

-Thank you.

0:28:030:28:08

Springing into action, James enters Michael Young Antiques.

0:28:080:28:13

Established in 1887, this shop is third generation.

0:28:130:28:17

-Ah, Michael!

-Hello.

-James. Nice to see you.

0:28:170:28:20

It has an extensive collection of fine quality items,

0:28:200:28:24

dating from the Georgian and Victorian eras.

0:28:240:28:27

-How flexible are you on these?

-They're 150.

0:28:270:28:30

What do you suggest?

0:28:300:28:33

I was thinking a lot less.

0:28:330:28:35

These are four assorted, nine-carat gold brooches.

0:28:360:28:40

They include an amethyst and an Art Deco, nine-carat gold bar.

0:28:400:28:45

-I was thinking £20 each, something like that.

-80 quid?

0:28:450:28:49

Do you want to make it the round 100

0:28:500:28:52

I think they've got to be worth 100.

0:28:520:28:55

Four gold brooches, should be a profit in those.

0:28:550:28:58

Right, OK, I'm going to think on those.

0:28:580:29:02

Back on the road and in a cab, Thomas is making his way to join James at Michael Young Antiques.

0:29:020:29:09

I'm quite excited about the next shop. It's my last shop of this leg.

0:29:090:29:13

If something catches my eye and it slips in with another lot, I'll do it. Otherwise, I don't really mind.

0:29:130:29:19

Interesting tactics for your last "wow" item for auction!

0:29:190:29:24

Hello, James.

0:29:240:29:26

Fancy seeing you here!

0:29:260:29:28

I thought I might have had a bit more of a head start.

0:29:280:29:32

Thomas wastes no time in scanning the shop.

0:29:320:29:35

Oh, sugar!

0:29:370:29:39

Steady!

0:29:390:29:40

Back on the other side of the shop, James seems to have found his star buy.

0:29:400:29:45

I quite like that.

0:29:450:29:48

This is such a rare thing.

0:29:480:29:50

A bit of Chinese bronze.

0:29:500:29:53

That surface would have been polished, so you would literally have had it as a hand mirror.

0:29:530:29:58

So you put the loop there through the back,

0:29:580:30:02

put your hand through there and use it as a hand mirror for dressing, put it on a lady's dressing table.

0:30:020:30:09

Before the use of bronze mirrors, people simply reflected their faces by filling a basin with water.

0:30:090:30:16

This mirror is apparently from the Song Dynasty, 1200 AD,

0:30:160:30:20

and is priced at £200, but Michael is open to negotiation.

0:30:200:30:24

Do you want to give me 100 for it?

0:30:240:30:26

If I paid you 100, I'd lose.

0:30:260:30:28

-So you don't want to give me 100.

-I think that's the most it would make.

0:30:280:30:33

For me, I love it.

0:30:330:30:35

But how frustrating it would be...

0:30:350:30:38

if the room just didn't understand it and didn't respond to how wonderful it is.

0:30:380:30:43

Is 50 quid any good?

0:30:430:30:45

Is there anything else you want?

0:30:450:30:48

James has got his eye on two promising lots.

0:30:480:30:51

Michael wanted £100 for the four gold brooches, so maybe he'll reduce the price of the mirror.

0:30:510:30:57

That, we were talking about 50.

0:30:570:31:00

Would you take 120 if I bought the two, that and that?

0:31:000:31:03

Let's do it and see how they go.

0:31:030:31:06

-Yeah.

-We've got a deal. Thank you. Thank you.

0:31:060:31:10

Over on the other side of the shop, Thomas seems to have spotted something.

0:31:100:31:15

This is a 19th century, cast-iron fountain spout.

0:31:150:31:18

-Superb.

-Yeah.

-It'd be nice to have that in your garden, wouldn't it?

-It would be.

0:31:180:31:23

-What would you expect to get for that?

-20 quid or something.

0:31:230:31:27

-I don't know what it's worth, but I'd take 20 quid for it.

-A bit of fun?

-Yeah.

0:31:270:31:32

-I quite like that.

-Yeah, it's fun.

0:31:320:31:35

I like that very much. I do think that's rather fun.

0:31:350:31:38

Could I... I have to ask.

0:31:380:31:41

-Could I ask... Could I give you 15 for it?

-You could, yes.

0:31:410:31:45

-Would you accept that?

-I'd be glad for you to have it.

0:31:450:31:48

I hope you put it up in your garden instead of an auction room.

0:31:480:31:52

-I'd love to put it up in my garden. I think that's fun.

-Yes.

0:31:520:31:56

-So, 15?

-Thanks very much indeed.

-Thank you very much, Michael.

0:31:560:32:00

Well, Thomas's tactic was not to spend big.

0:32:000:32:03

This bespoke water feature definitely ticks that box.

0:32:030:32:07

I think he's lovely.

0:32:070:32:10

Well, would James agree? It's time for the gents to reveal their lots.

0:32:100:32:15

Come on, what have you got?

0:32:150:32:17

It doesn't look that much, but there you are. I've gone for random things.

0:32:170:32:24

You certainly have. I like them.

0:32:240:32:26

-Nice.

-This is an agricultural measurer.

-Is it to measure girth?

0:32:260:32:31

To measure girth.

0:32:310:32:33

Put that down before someone gets hurt!

0:32:350:32:38

-This is silver. This is nice.

-No?

0:32:380:32:41

-A solid silver-mounted one?

-Yeah, it's 1895. Bend over.

0:32:410:32:46

Oh, Thomas!

0:32:470:32:50

-And this is First World War.

-Oh, it's a regimental one.

-Yeah, yeah. Artillery.

0:32:500:32:55

-And it's got the early number on. Look, 4273.

-Oh, put it down!

0:32:550:33:00

James looks worried. What will Thomas think of his items though?

0:33:000:33:05

That's a big, showy lot, isn't it, the lamp?

0:33:050:33:09

-That's impressive.

-Impressive? It's vulgar.

-No, it's great.

0:33:090:33:13

-Look at that!

-It's marvellous. I think there's £150 there.

0:33:130:33:18

-Don't be ridiculous!

-There is, there is.

-It's chipped.

0:33:180:33:22

-It's going to make good money. How much did you pay for it?

-I paid 100. Is that too much?

-Far too much.

0:33:220:33:28

-I paid a tenner.

-How did you do that?

-I thought it was just horrid.

0:33:280:33:32

-Oh, I love that.

-Very nice, very early.

0:33:320:33:36

Chinese.

0:33:360:33:38

-And presumably it's bronze?

-Hmm.

0:33:380:33:40

-It's a mirror because that would be polished. It's very early. 1300s, 1400s?

-Yeah, I think so.

0:33:400:33:47

-50 quid.

-Oh... £50?

0:33:470:33:50

-I want it.

-You can't have it.

0:33:500:33:53

-Four lots. Where's number five?

-A-ha!

0:33:530:33:56

It's blending into its surroundings so well.

0:33:560:33:59

Is it?

0:33:590:34:01

It looks like it should be in a railway station. So it's a mangle.

0:34:010:34:05

Is it heavy?

0:34:050:34:07

-Oh, God, that's heavy!

-That's heavy. It would've been fun getting that in the Morris.

-What did you pay?

0:34:070:34:13

-20 quid.

-Perfect.

0:34:130:34:15

Well, let's see if I get a whipping at the auction, eh?

0:34:150:34:19

-I don't think you will, James.

-I'm sure I will.

0:34:190:34:22

In your dreams! Let's find out what they really think.

0:34:220:34:25

Oh, Thomas has been so careful. Not a single risk.

0:34:250:34:30

Everything he's bought will be a profit.

0:34:300:34:33

All those lovely bits of big Murano figures. £10?!

0:34:330:34:38

-Going to make 100. On the whole, he's done rather well.

-If he doesn't make a profit, the world's bonkers.

0:34:380:34:44

This leg of the road trip started north in Tarland,

0:34:440:34:48

worked its way to Dinnet, then east to Drumoak,

0:34:480:34:52

then 50 miles to Kirriemuir with a stop in Letham,

0:34:520:34:55

and then south to Glencarse before ending up in Dunfermline for the auction.

0:34:550:35:00

Dunfermline has one of the best preserved medieval landscapes in Scotland.

0:35:000:35:06

It's also well known as the birthplace of Scottish-American industrialist Andrew Carnegie

0:35:060:35:12

who led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century.

0:35:120:35:16

At last, the Morris is back on the road.

0:35:160:35:20

-Profits or losses?

-Realistically, I should be in for a profit.

0:35:200:35:24

Well, you played it safe, so here's hoping.

0:35:240:35:27

Family-run business Castleblair Auctions is today's battleground.

0:35:270:35:32

Auctioneer Paul Heggie predicts Thomas and James's fortunes.

0:35:320:35:37

The mangle, I like.

0:35:380:35:40

A lot of people don't like them, but I do. We seem to be able to sell them very well.

0:35:400:35:45

I was really surprised with the font It's a really, really nice piece.

0:35:450:35:49

It's not often that you see these turning up for auction, so I was quite surprised.

0:35:490:35:55

Thomas began this leg with £220.66

0:35:550:35:59

and spent a cautious £75 on five auction lots.

0:35:590:36:03

Thank you very much.

0:36:030:36:06

However, James started with an impressive £1,032.92

0:36:060:36:10

and spent £250, also on five auction lots.

0:36:100:36:14

You talked me into that one!

0:36:160:36:18

Right, take your seats. We're off!

0:36:180:36:21

-You've been given a booster seat.

-I've been given a booster seat, James!

-You little man, you!

0:36:210:36:27

First up is Thomas's 19th century, cast-iron fountain head.

0:36:270:36:31

-£28.

-28.

-Underbidders are out. 28. Bid 30.

0:36:310:36:35

32. 35. 38. 40.

0:36:350:36:38

42. 45. Book bids are out at 45. We're on the floor at 45.

0:36:380:36:42

48. 50.

0:36:420:36:45

5. 55 I'm bid now. All finished at 55? Last call at 55...?

0:36:450:36:50

-55. Was that 55?

-Well done, well done.

0:36:500:36:53

That water feature has given Thomas a great start and boosted his morale.

0:36:530:36:58

Fighting back, making back that profit.

0:36:580:37:02

James splashed the cash with this damaged Creamware jug.

0:37:020:37:06

Will his spending pay off?

0:37:060:37:08

-Lots of bids on this again. I can start the bidding at £35.

-Oh, no.

0:37:080:37:12

-You'll be fine.

-38. 40...

-Calm down.

0:37:120:37:15

-Calm down.

-48. 50.

0:37:150:37:18

-Calm down.

-Book's out at 55. On the floor at 55. All finished at 55?

0:37:180:37:22

60. 5. 70. 5.

0:37:220:37:26

-80 to my left.

-Oh!

-Calm down, James.

0:37:260:37:29

-Last call, £80...?

-No!

0:37:290:37:31

-You lost money on that one.

-JAMES PRETENDS TO SOB

0:37:310:37:35

How dramatic! But this loss of £20

0:37:350:37:38

would dent James's extraordinary lead.

0:37:380:37:42

-There you go.

-If you spend more than £100...

-You make a loss.

0:37:420:37:46

Will Thomas's hunting and training crops whip the crowd into a frenzy?

0:37:460:37:51

£50 for it? 50? 40? 30 to start it? £30 bid.

0:37:510:37:54

30 bid. 30 on the lot. £30. 32.

0:37:540:37:57

35. 38. 40.

0:37:570:38:00

42. 45.

0:38:000:38:02

48 to my left. At £48. New bid at 50

0:38:020:38:05

On the book bid at 55. 60.

0:38:050:38:08

Book's out at 60. We're on the floor again at 60. All finished at £60?

0:38:080:38:12

-60, that's not bad.

-Well done.

-That's a good profit.

0:38:130:38:17

Definitely. Thomas seems to be moving in the right direction.

0:38:170:38:21

Sweet smell of profit!

0:38:210:38:23

James is now pinning his hopes on this group of gold brooches.

0:38:240:38:28

£75 bid on the book. 75. 75.

0:38:280:38:31

80. 5. 90. 5.

0:38:310:38:34

100. 100 here at... 5. 110.

0:38:340:38:37

All finished at 110? Last call at 110...?

0:38:370:38:40

-Good profit. Really good profit.

-I'm pleased.

0:38:400:38:44

Thank goodness! And no more dramatics!

0:38:440:38:47

-You look sort of smug.

-Smug?

0:38:490:38:51

£40, that's brilliant, really, isn't it?

0:38:510:38:55

Thomas got a real bargain with this pen set.

0:38:550:38:58

Let's hope it's not a write-off!

0:38:580:39:00

-I can start on the book at 15 then..

-Told you.

0:39:000:39:04

16. 18. 20. 22.

0:39:040:39:07

-25. Book's at 25...

-Told you, 25!

0:39:070:39:09

£25. All finished at 25? Last call at £25...?

0:39:090:39:13

Pleased? Show some sort of reaction!

0:39:130:39:16

An excellent profit for Thomas who also has his poker face on.

0:39:160:39:21

Now time for that 1870s Aberdeen mangle that James didn't want.

0:39:210:39:27

-Lots and lots of interest in this.

-It's quite attractive.

0:39:270:39:30

I can start the bidding here at...£60.

0:39:300:39:33

Underbidders are all out. 60 bid, 60 on the lot.

0:39:330:39:36

£60 on the mangle. At £60. 65.

0:39:360:39:38

70. We're on the book at £70.

0:39:380:39:41

All finished at £70? Book bid at 70. Last call at £70?

0:39:410:39:44

-Hmm.

-What do you mean, "hmm"?

0:39:440:39:47

The unloved mangle has had the last laugh

0:39:470:39:50

as it's wrung out a great profit for James.

0:39:500:39:54

-Would you have paid 35 for it?

-No. I would've left it.

-So would I.

0:39:540:39:57

Next up is the cigar lighter that Thomas got for free.

0:39:570:40:02

£5 for it then?

0:40:020:40:04

-£5 bid. 6.

-There are five or six hands up.

0:40:040:40:07

10. 12. 15.

0:40:070:40:10

-Lady's bid at £18...

-£18? I'm not worried about that.

0:40:100:40:13

Last call at £18...?

0:40:130:40:15

Could have made a bit more, but it doesn't matter.

0:40:150:40:18

This silver-plated, genie style wick trimmer

0:40:180:40:21

gave Thomas a much-needed, although petite profit.

0:40:210:40:25

James really did value this ancient mirror,

0:40:250:40:28

but will the crowd see its worth?

0:40:280:40:30

£50 bid. Thank you. 50. 5.

0:40:300:40:33

60. 5. 70.

0:40:330:40:35

-5.

-Calm down, James.

-80.

0:40:350:40:37

-Let it go.

-5. 90.

0:40:370:40:39

5. 100. And 10 on the lot.

0:40:390:40:42

110. New bid at 120. 130.

0:40:420:40:46

-See? I told you.

-All finished at £130? Last call at 130...?

0:40:460:40:51

-Yay.

-There you are.

-That's all right.

-Come on.

0:40:510:40:54

All right? Surely that profit is something to shout about!

0:40:540:40:58

Now leave me alone.

0:40:580:41:00

Don't... You're such a baby.

0:41:000:41:03

Will these quirky, 19th century contraptions

0:41:030:41:05

yield Thomas the profit he needs?

0:41:050:41:08

At £10 shall we start it then?

0:41:080:41:11

£10 bid. 10. 12.

0:41:110:41:14

15. 18.

0:41:140:41:16

New bid at 20. 20 at the back. At £20. 22.

0:41:160:41:19

25. 28. Last call at £28...?

0:41:190:41:24

-Ohh... 28.

-What do you mean, "Ohh?"

0:41:240:41:27

What do you mean, "Ohh?" It's a profit.

0:41:270:41:30

Yes, James, it is, but Thomas won't see much of his £3 profit

0:41:300:41:34

after auction costs.

0:41:340:41:36

James didn't want this glass family of figurines

0:41:360:41:39

or the Murano table lamp.

0:41:390:41:42

-I can start with the book bid at 20.

-20.

-20 bid on the lot. 22. 25.

0:41:420:41:46

28. 30. 32.

0:41:460:41:50

35. 38.

0:41:500:41:52

-40.

-They're in the room.

-42.

0:41:520:41:54

45. 48. 50. New bid at £50.

0:41:540:41:58

All finished at £50? Last call at £50...?

0:41:580:42:02

-50.

-Very good.

-£40 profit.

-Yeah.

0:42:020:42:05

I thought it should have made another...

0:42:050:42:08

There should be a one in front of that.

0:42:080:42:10

The classic design of Murano speaks for itself

0:42:100:42:13

and at last, its value has been appreciated.

0:42:130:42:16

-You thought it was worth 150?

-They're rare things. Like that, in that condition, they're rare.

0:42:160:42:22

Thomas started this leg with £220.66.

0:42:220:42:26

After paying auction costs and making a profit of £77.52,

0:42:260:42:32

that leaves him with a decent £298.18.

0:42:320:42:36

James started with a whopping £1,032.92

0:42:380:42:43

and after auction costs, made £110.80 profit,

0:42:430:42:47

boosting his piggy bank to £1,143.72

0:42:470:42:53

and making him the clear winner of this leg.

0:42:530:42:56

So how do you feel? A profit? That's a rare thing for you, Thomas.

0:42:590:43:03

There's no need. There's no need to behave like that, Mr Lewis.

0:43:030:43:07

Maybe this is the start of Thomas's fightback.

0:43:070:43:11

Next time on the Antiques Road Trip, our chaps have trouble on four wheels.

0:43:110:43:17

We might have a flat.

0:43:170:43:19

And fun on two!

0:43:200:43:22

I'm attempting a turn.

0:43:220:43:25

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0:43:460:43:49

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