Episode 3 Antiques Road Trip

It's the nation's favourite antiques experts with £200 each...

I love that.

..a classic car and a goal to scour Britain for antiques.

Yippee!

It is a good job that I like you!

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

There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers...

Oh, I'm getting wet!

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

-How much did you make?

-About a couple of quid.

This is the Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah!

On this road trip, a pair of duelling devils are vying for England's heartlands.

Young Thomas Plant runs a Berkshire sale room with his cheery energy

and a magpie eye.

Shiny, shiny and...oh, more shiny.

While Philip Serrell, an auctioneer from Worcestershire,

has a quick wit and a very sunny outlook.

I don't know what's happening, really.

My life needs to take a new direction.

After both suffering losses on the last leg...

Do you know there are occasions on a Sunday morning when you get up

and you think "I should have stopped in bed?"

That's a hideous loss.

They need to up their games.

They both started this road trip with a cool £200.

Though he lost a little lolly on the last leg,

Thomas has still managed to accumulate £247.54 in total.

While the privations of the last time have left Philip

in the poorhouse with only £193.34 to his name.

It was the rash purchase of a large canoe that did him in.

I'm still emotionally destroyed after the canoe saga.

Don't talk about it!

I think I was scuttled!

-Just call me Bismarck from now on!

-All right, Bizzy!

This whole road trip takes our boys from Samlesbury in Lancashire

over the waves to the Isle of Man

and then south to Greenwich in London,

a heroic journey of almost 700 miles.

Today they begin in the city of Sheffield, South Yorkshire

and cruise through the Peak District

and the East Midlands before ending up at their auction in Leicester.

Sheffield is, of course, Steel City -

famed for its long association with the metal, but it also has one or two surprises in store.

Do you know what I didn't realise about Sheffield is that

I didn't realise it was so hilly.

Well, you do now.

It's just a fantastic view, isn't it?

It's a great view. What do you know?

I know nothing, mate. Sheffield Wednesday, Sheffield United...

-The Full Monty.

-The Full Monty?

-It was set here.

-Was it?

-Yes, of course it was.

-Steel, all the steelworks.

As it was such a great film, do you want to...

-Thomas!

-Come on!

No, no, come along. No, no!

-Thomas, come on!

-Wouldn't you like that?

No, no, I wouldn't!

A bit of exhibitionism.

SONG: "Hot Stuff"

You worry me sometimes.

And me.

And if there isn't enough to worry about,

it looks like the car's conked out too.

MOTOR STRUGGLES TO START

-That is gone, isn't it?

-It's dead, finished, kaput.

Ga-pizza, kaput, good night, goodbye.

-It's the electrics.

-Yes. We're auctioneers, not engineers.

I know that.

-Thomas, what we'll do, we'll call a cab.

-All right, OK.

Here we are. Here we are.

You are a gentleman, sir.

Thomas.

Oh, this is much better, isn't it?

Don't worry, lads, a local garage will pick up the car.

-What's your name?

-My name is Gill.

What are you doing for the next couple of weeks, Gill?!

I'll pay the man, don't worry. I'll pay him. Thank you.

You have got more money than me.

Finally, they've arrived at their first shop,

Dronfield Antiques where dealer Howard presides.

-Howard, I'm Thomas.

-Thomas, hi.

-Hi, Philip.

-Hi.

I'm sorry we're a bit full in here, but it's always like this.

Howard's shop is, indeed, stuffed to the gunnels with items.

Surely, our lads can find something to their taste in here.

There's a lot here. My God.

I don't know quite where to start.

Thomas has alighted on a 1960s hairdryer.

I'm not sure that's quite what you're looking for though, old boy.

It looks like something out of Barbarella, the film.

# Barbarella, Ba-BaBarbarella.

# Ba-ba-ba-ba... #

Yes, the resemblance is uncanny, Thomas.

But while mountaineering over the acres of stock,

Thomas has spied something that might carry a bit more weight in the saleroom.

Oh, my giddy aunt!

I've seen some scales. They might be a bit big.

They're railway ones, I reckon. Railway scales.

I mean, the whole thing weighs a ton.

These heavy duty scales were made by W & T Avery of Birmingham,

a manufacturer of weighing scales founded in the 18th century.

I reckon they're railway scales, or something like that, or food scales,

but we're missing the weights. I'll ask him.

I'm standing on these scales. Right.

What you know about these?

Um, well, I would have thought they were late Victorian probably.

They've been there a while actually, buried under some furniture.

-What have you got on them?

-I think they're on at about 65, I think.

-50 quid to buy them.

-OK, OK.

But before long, he's trying to haggle Howard down.

Can we do anything on the price?

-At less than 50 quid?

-Yeah, yeah.

-How much less?

-Well...

About a fiver less might do it.

Well, I was thinking maybe a tenner less.

But you know, it's up to you.

I would like to pay £40 for them if you are happy with that.

-I'll take your £40, yes.

-Really?

-Yes.

-Right.

-You're a very kind man.

-My pleasure.

-Hopefully, they'll be all right.

And I hope they'll be an earner.

So do we, Howard. So do we.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you very much indeed.

Philip hasn't found anything in Howard's shop

so he's wandered off, just down the road, to Swifties,

a yard that deals mainly in roofing and architectural salvage.

This kind of place is right up Philip's street.

Luckily, Tracy's on hand to give him a friendly welcome.

Oh, stop it, Tracy. You'll make the dog blush.

Can Tracy and her doggy assistant, Molly,

help to salvage Philip's chances in this game?

That's nice, isn't it?

You can see cool things here.

I like that, there.

I wonder how much that is. It looks like a pedestal.

I can't really see, that's the trouble. I'll have to find Tracy.

It's a solid marble pedestal or plinth. It's priced up at £50.

You could put a bird bath on there.

You could put a sundial on there.

You could put a plant on there. That's what I love about you, Trace!

You've got some vision.

-What could you do that for me?

-50.

Oh, behave, Trace! Go and have another look at it!

-Blooming ruined, that is.

-£40.

I'm daft enough to want to buy that.

I'll give you 30 quid for it, sold as seen.

-Go on, then.

-You're an angel.

-I should come here more often.

-Oh, yes.

Now, Philip, how on earth are you planning to get that...

Oh, I see.

Whoops, carefully now. Mind the dog.

I'll end up in the middle of the road with this.

Back at the other shop, Thomas is ready to move onwards

and is calling his compadre to let him know his travel plans.

Hello.

-Hello, Philip.

-Thomas, how are you?

-I'm going to go off to my shop now.

-Oh, right, so what am I going to do?

-Well, you can make your own way.

-That's nice, isn't it?! Charming(!)

"You can make your own way"!

-Bye.

-Bye.

-He's not very happy.

My taxi's here and I'm not waiting for him

because he's got stuff to do so I'm going to go and get it.

Well, I think we're left to our own devices now.

I'm sorry to say you are, Philip.

Don't forget your hunk of marble now, will you?

Thomas, meanwhile, has just found an old friend, Gill, the taxi driver.

Yes, that's brilliant, thank you.

They're heading for Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire,

about 24 miles away... which is rather a long taxi journey.

I hope you brought your wallet, Thomas.

And how are you doing with your purchases so far?

Not bad, actually.

But Philip, unfortunately, had a very bad time. He bought a canoe.

Well, it didn't do too well.

-He comes out very stern on television, sometimes.

-Does he?

He's not grumpy all the time.

Not quite all the time(!)

Now known as the capital of the Peak District, Chapel-en-le-Frith

was founded in the 13th century.

Thomas is heading into antiques

and collectables where Barry's ready to greet him.

-Hello, I'm Thomas.

-I'm Barry.

-Barry, nice to meet you.

-Nice to meet you.

So here we are. We're in... I think we're in the Dales.

I'm pretty sure we're in the Dales.

Not even close. You're in the Peak District.

Let's hope your eye for a bargain's sharper than your geography today, Tom.

Sure enough, he's spotted something he might want to snap up.

I might look through all those photographs.

The First World War cards. A nice shipping one.

The thing about postcards and photographs - Victorian, Edwardian,

up to the First and Second World War - look at this lot.

You just wonder where they went to, what they got up to.

People like big job lots of photographs.

Barry, what can be done on these?

-Normally, we sell them out as individuals.

-OK.

-But maybe I'll do a deal for the lot.

-What do you think?

-I would have thought about 45 quid for the lot.

-Can I offer you 30?

What about 35?

Go on, 30.

35.

It's a battle of wills.

I'll make a concession.

-£32 and that's it.

-32? Not 30.

-32.

Thank you very much, sir. Thank you.

And I get the basket?

-Yeah, I suppose so.

-What do you mean, "I suppose so"?!

I thought Dick Turpin wore a mask!

(LAUGHS)

-There you are.

-Thank you, sir. I'll get you some change.

But highway man or not, Thomas's luck is in today.

-You're a winner.

-Why am I a winner?

-There's no change.

-No change?! Thank you very much. £30. Get in!

Nicely done, Thomas.

30 quid, yes, yes! Awesome!

Meanwhile, Philip is still back in Sheffield.

Since his local knowledge is a little lacking,

he's decided to spend the afternoon learning more about the city.

Kelham Island Museum should do the trick.

It celebrates Sheffield's industrial heritage.

In particular, her status as Steel City.

Pleased to meet you, Philip. Mick Steeper.

Mick, how are you, all right?

Mick is a technical manager, an engineer in the steel industry,

and is just the man to ask...

Why then was Sheffield a centre for steel?

Well, the reason that Sheffield developed a steel industry was

because of the geographical features.

There's water power in the rivers that are coming down from the hills.

There's five, isn't there? There's the Don, I know that one.

What are the other ones?

There's the Sheaf, the Porter, the Rivelin, and...

-The other one!

-The other one!

Sheffield is recorded as a centre for metalwork,

particularly cutlery making, stretching back

to the mediaeval period, but it was at the dawn of the Victorian era

that steelmaking became super-sized.

At the time of Victoria and onwards,

Sheffield's interests moved on to a much higher volume steelmaking.

-Which, presumably, is the Industrial Revolution.

-That's right.

And the reason that Britain needed steel changed completely.

It was no longer small volume stuff like the cutlery and the hand saws.

It became large volume stuff like rail, like shipbuilding,

like steel in construction.

Once the industry was able to produce the metal in volume,

all the other machines associated with steelmaking

had to grow in size.

Inside Mick wants to show Philip

an immense steam engine that once powered a steel mill.

This is just the most amazing piece of kit.

-This is the steam engine itself.

-This is the engine.

The steam enters the three cylinders at the top.

Each drives an individual piston.

Over 2,000 people worked on the ordinance plans

-of which this was part.

-Was that war effort?

Basically, munitions and armour.

These mills were used to roll armour plate for battleships.

-Some sort of motor, isn't it?

-It certainly is.

But the steel industry in Sheffield also prides itself

on it's history of small-scale Artisan manufacture.

Philip's going to meet Stan, one of the last little masters.

The craftsmen who carry centuries-old metalworking skills

into the present day.

So Stan, how long have you been doing this?

70 years, and I'm 86 now.

And I'm just learning, more or less.

-You're 80 what?

-86 now.

-No, I don't believe that.

-I am, yes.

-Really?

-Yes.

-Do you think you've got the hang of this yet?

-Just about.

Stan is a highly skilled craftsmen, known as a cutler.

-Cutler's make cutlery.

-That's right. I'm a spring knife cutler.

Stan makes every part of these pocket knives himself,

right down to the springs that hold them together.

-Who taught you through this?

-Who taught me?

-Yes.

A little old fella called Ted Osborne.

He was about 60 when I first started as an apprentice in 1946.

-You started in 1946.

-Yes.

-So all of this comes from Sheffield steel, doesn't it?

-Oh, yes.

-The blade's got my name on, of course.

-"Stan Shaw, Sheffield."

It's hard work making those because I've got to make all the blades,

and springs and linings, and things.

There's 200 hours in that one.

-Thank you, Stan, you've been a star.

-It's a pleasure.

I tell you what, it's been a joy to meet you, and a pleasure.

And with that, it's time for Phil to cut and run(!)

(LAUGHS) Sorry.

Thomas, meanwhile, is still in Chapel-en-le-Frith,

and he's about to have a nice surprise.

HORN HONKS

It looks like the car's been repaired and delivered back to him.

Let's hope she works. Come on, work for me!

ENGINE TURNS OVER

Ha-ha! I can't believe it works, that so brilliant.

So, Thomas is back in the driving seat and off to meet Philip.

Nighty-night, chaps.

But a new day finds them roving England's grassy byways once more.

Philip seems to be in a reflective mood.

I can't help myself buying canoes and other rubbish like that.

If I go and find another one I'll go and buy it.

And it's just... You know you're just going to end up doomed.

Oh, Philip, do cheer up. And stop harping on about that blasted canoe.

I'd like to buy a muck spreader.

-A muck spreader?!

-Yeah, I think that'd be really cool.

Oh, Lordy.

So far, Thomas has spent £70 on two lots.

The cast iron scales and the collection of vintage postcards

and photographs.

He still has a generous £177.54 burning a hole in his pocket.

While old cheery chops, Philip, has only spent £30 on one lot -

the solid marble pedestal.

That leaves him £163.34 and a hernia to spend today.

-Are you shopping in Bakewell?

-I don't know.

You are.

Glad to see you're paying attention, chaps.

All the best.

At least the landscape does not disappoint.

Look at that view!

Philip's dropping Thomas off in Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Ah, lovely.

This pretty market town is home to the celebrated delicacies,

the Bakewell pudding and the Bakewell tart.

-Well, Thomas, you have a jolly good shop.

-I will. Don't forget my tart.

-I won't forget your tart. A nice big one for you.

-Yes.

Cheeky.

-Good luck!

-Thank you.

Thomas is heading for the regal Tsar Emporium where dapper owner

Mel holds court.

-Thomas. Hi, I'm Mel.

-Mel, nice to meet you.

I like your style.

Mel's shop is simply packed with shiny baubles

but will all that glitters mean gold for our Tom?

-It's a bit like an assault course in here.

-It is a bit.

-You might get molested by Maximus. He's floating about.

-Maximus?! Hello, Maximus.

Are you named after Maximus...

-DOG YAPS Sorry!

-He's feisty.

He's only playing but...

I have the same trouble with Thomas and Philip.

It's quite cute, isn't it?

It's a child's toy tambourine, made of wood and pigskin,

probably dating from the 1950s.

It's a great bit of fun.

And he's spied something else that might just be the answer to all his prayers.

I quite like the little St Christopher.

That's sweet, isn't it?

It's a rosewood St Christopher plaque priced up at £14.

It's a little St Christopher plaque.

St Christopher, obviously, the patron saint of all things travel.

Would be good for us on our travels.

I think we need it with the car.

It certainly couldn't hurt.

-Now, what deal can he strike with Mel?

-How much is on the ticket?

-You've got £25 on it.

-Yeah. Um...

-You know...

Yeah. To give you a chance, I'll do you that for ten.

-And the St Christopher?

-How much is on that ticket?

-14.

-Well, I suppose seven.

-Seven.

-Could we do the two for 15?

-You're a cheeky one, aren't you?

-Can but ask.

-OK then. We'll do that.

Oh, brilliant. We'll do that. We'll have those for 15.

A glittering deal.

Wonderful. Thanks. I'm off to go and buy a tart for Philip.

Righty ho.

When in Rome, eh, Thomas?

-I'm here to buy a Bakewell tart...

-Right. OK.

..for my co-pilot on my little trip, Philip.

How much is that then?

What Thomas has here is a Bakewell tart with a shortcrust pastry base,

importantly distinct from a Bakewell pudding

which is made with flaky pastry.

-Thank you. I'm sure he'll love it.

-I'm sure he will.

And with that sweet little mission accomplished, he's heading onwards.

Philip, meanwhile, has driven about ten miles

to the Matlock area in Derbyshire.

The former spa town of Matlock sits at the southern edge of the Peak District.

The shop Philip is aiming for is in the small village of Cromford

just to the south of Matlock. Dealer Pat is on hand to help.

-Hi, how are you? Is it all right if I have a look round?

-It is indeed.

-Philip.

-How do you do?

Philip's not doing too well so far.

The thing is, I have got to buy.

I've only bought one lot. That's the issue for me.

Luckily, he's alighted on something which might spark some interest.

That's a fireman's nozzle, if you'll pardon the expression.

So that would go on the end of your hose and put your fire out.

I like that.

But will Pat throw a wet blanket on his enthusiasm?

I think at auction... You've got that priced at 30 quid.

I think at auction, 30 quid's the top end.

I think it would make 15 to 30 quid.

-If I offered you a tenner, would you throw me out the door?

-I might do.

-But would you throw me out with this and you with a tenner?

-Ha!

-I could manage 15.

-How about 12 quid? My maths ain't very good.

-That's sort of splitting the difference.

-All right.

-And 13's unlucky, isn't it?

-We're not going to say 13.

Pat, you're an absolute gentleman. Thank you ever so much.

I'll get some money out. I like that.

I don't know quite why I bought it.

You never seem to, Philip.

But his second buy seems to have lit a fire under him.

He's back in the car and heading for Matlock town centre.

I'm so far behind the game now. I've got to go and buy something.

And I've got to go and buy something that's not going to make me

just £10 profit, so it's going to mean taking a risk.

Matthew from Magpie Antiques is an old pal.

Hiya, matey.

-Good to see you.

-You too.

So, let's hope he can help Phil stack up another buy.

And it's not long before something takes his fancy.

# Je t'aime... #

Hellfire. How much is she?

# Oui, je t'aime... #

I'm very, very tempted.

Isn't she hot?

Isn't she just gorgeous?

She's lovely, isn't she?

She's a 1960s mannequin, Phil.

Minus her arms. Armless.

Mate, she's still got the glass eyes in.

-And how much is she like that?

-Probably about 80 quid.

Give me one sec. Give me one second.

Matthew's popping downstairs to check what the rock bottom price

might be with the dealer who owns Philip's new friend.

His interest might not be as crack pot as it seems.

Retro mannequins can be popular

and might attract interest from vintage style enthusiasts.

Right, sir. I've had a word. I can get that young lady for you...

..for 60 quid. You don't get the clothes with her, unfortunately.

-So you'd need to wrap her up in a towel...

-Not the clothes?!

You need to wrap her up in a towel and sit her in that convertible.

No, I can't do that. I can't do that.

No, you can't.

The designer corset the mannequin is wearing is far too expensive for Philip.

It's selling for £120 second-hand.

So, you can keep your mitts off that lot.

I didn't think this was that sort of show.

Right, Phil. Here's your date for this evening.

She's a picture.

Now, what can Matthew do on the price?

What about if we come down a little bit on the price...

Give you 30 quid for it. That's it. Finished as she is. Handshake.

Got to buy something off you.

And I know I'm being mean, but I've just got to buy something.

-Let's say 35 and you take scarf, as well.

-The whole lot as it stands.

-The whole lot, £35.

-Go on.

-She is yours, sir.

-Cheers, matey.

-Spot on.

Good Lord. How am I going to explain this to my wife?

-That's none of our business, Philip.

-Thank you, my friend.

Anyway, best get going.

They're driving about 20 miles to Ravenshead near Nottingham

where Philip's dropping Thomas off.

Having bought all the lots he wants for auction,

he's decided to visit an intriguing local collection.

All the best.

Thomas is meeting Andy Carter,

a petro-head with an addiction to a special kind of vehicle.

Bubble cars.

-Hello.

-Hello, Thomas. Pleased to meet you. I'm Andy.

-Andy, nice to meet you. Andy, are these all your cars?

-Yes.

This is my bubble car collection.

Bubble cars, or micro cars, are tiny but road-worthy vehicles

dating from the 1950s and '60s.

Today their retro looks and quirky charm make them

irresistible to their devoted fan base

and most particularly to Andy who has more than 20 of them.

-It's my hobby, yes.

-Your hobby?

-Right back to when I was a teenager.

So, tell me about the bubble car. Why were they invented?

Well, they appeared after the war in the mid-'50s.

The Suez Crisis meant petrol was rationed.

They do fantastic fuel consumption.

People were just getting back on their feet after World War II.

Cars were very expensive. So these cars were much cheaper

so it enabled working people to get around and get to work.

They were one step up from a motorbike.

Covered transport.

-Well, that's it. Covered transport. You wouldn't get wet.

-That's right.

-Bring me through your collection here.

-Right.

Well, I'll start with the car that I started with.

So, Thomas, this is my first car. A BMW Isetta.

My mum and dad didn't want me to have a motorbike

when I was 16 years of age.

So they went and bought me an old Isetta.

Andy got the car in 1970 after the micro-car craze had waned for most.

They suddenly dropped out of fashion.

When the Mini and the Fiat 500 and the NSU became popular,

all of a sudden, nobody wanted a bubble car any more.

They weren't cool enough to be seen in.

But caring not a jot for popular opinion,

Andy's love for the bubble car was born.

-Were you chuffed to bits?

-Oh, yes. Fantastic.

Yes, I could take a girl to a party. I had my own mobility.

-It was fantastic.

-That was it. Freedom.

-Yes.

-You could get out.

-How do you get into this one?

-Well, you'll have to stand back, Thomas.

-OK. Yeah, yeah.

-The whole front of the car opens up.

-There we go.

-Then you just jump in.

-And you'll notice the steering wheel even moves out.

-It does.

-To allow you room to get in.

-Then you just slip in.

-Just jump in.

Literally, just jump in.

Ooh, it's, um... Right.

-Are you OK in there?

-Yeah, I'm all right.

Luckily, I don't suffer from claustrophobia.

This is wonderful. It's quite sort of compact and sort of bijou in here.

Wonderful. Open-top motoring.

Look at that. You can feel the wind in your hair.

Did you take your wife out in this?

My wife did actually go out with me when I had a Isetta.

At one time, I did run over her foot and yet she still married me.

God, that's true love, isn't it?

Bubble cars were made both in Britain, like these Peel cars

built in the Isle of Man,

and in Europe, like Andy's BMW.

German cars were obviously much higher quality.

The British cars quite often were made of fibreglass,

-they were designed with a motorbike engine.

-Who would have made them?

Well, this one was designed by Hunslet, the locomotive company in Leeds.

-On three wheels?

-Yes, three wheels.

With a little Villiers motorbike engine. Incredibly noisy.

-It looks dreadful.

-But that's part of its charm, Thomas.

I know it is part of its charm.

That, I think, has got lines, it's got design to it.

Somebody's thought about that.

Some nutter's done that one.

You know? You can imagine someone in a shed...

But that's the great British way, Thomas. Tut tut.

Now a special treat.

Andy's going to let him drive one of the bubble beauties.

I'll take her for a spin round the block.

# Here in my car

# I feel safest of all

# I can lock all my doors

# It's the only way to live

# In cars... #

This is brilliant.

-How was that?

-Wow. Wow. Wow.

What a great, great experience.

I don't think I've ever driven a car like that.

You did very well.

Well, that's very kind. Very kind.

Thank you very much.

-I've really enjoyed my day.

-It's been my pleasure, Thomas.

Meanwhile, that old gear-head Philip has the, er, macro car

and has driven on to West Bridgford where he has one last shop to visit.

-Hello. Hi. Philip.

-Philip. Andy.

Right. I've got to buy something.

With only three items bagged and time rapidly running out,

yes, you jolly well do, Philip.

But something's caught his eye.

Uh-oh. The theme is developing here.

Is that a young lady up there?

It's just a fairly saucy second world war calendar.

The price on the ticket is £38.

What I like on the back is this inscription.

"To Albert, with lots of love, Annette."

So Annette clearly had a good old sense of humour, didn't she?

He's going to weigh up that decision,

but something in a cabinet has caught his eye.

It's a little set of scales for checking the weight of gold sovereign coins.

He's thinking he might combine them in a job lot

with the fire hose nozzle he bought earlier.

That's appropriate. Ticket price is £10.

The purpose of this was just to make sure that you weren't being

-kippered on your gold.

-That's right.

-So you'd weigh your sovereign...

Sovereigns or half sovereigns.

..and it should have a specific amount of gold in it.

-That's right.

-I think that's quite a bit of fun.

But we've got a load of weights missing, haven't we?

Well, that's a possibility again, isn't it?

And here's a fab little item.

SONG: THUNDERBIRDS THEME TUNE

Fantastic. Look at that.

Thunderbirds are go.

I think this is brilliant. So...

I spent seven years qualifying

as a fine art auctioneer.

I've been in this business, what, 35 years now

and I'm just about to buy a Thunderbirds 2 alarm clock.

What is the world coming to?

Oh, Philip. Don't be so dramatic.

I think that is possibly one of the worst things I've ever seen in my life.

In fact, I think that's so bad it's verging on genius.

Unfortunately, it isn't an original Thunderbirds item.

It dates from the early 1990s. Ticket price for the toy is £10.

Philip's amassed a little pile of items and they're certainly diverse.

The combined ticket price for all three pieces is £58.

Now, what sort of a deal can he strike with Andy?

To me, there's £25 worth there.

I think 20 for the three.

22.50.

And we can deal.

I tell you what, because I can't do 50ps,

-I'll give you 22 quid.

-Go on, then. £22.

-You're on. You're a gentleman.

And with that, Philip has his lots for auction.

And not a moment too soon.

They've repaired nearby to unveil their haul of items.

-Philip's up first.

-Well, this is my first lot, Thomas.

-Really?

I don't know what made me do this.

-Oh, Philip!

-Hold on, whoa!

-I think she's rather fetching.

-She's armless(!)

Oh, that's my line!

See, I know she hasn't got any arms, but what I was thinking was,

if you just went round here like that, you can sort of...

All very nice, but somehow the arms don't match with the body.

Huh, not quite.

-What is this?

-Right... Well... It's a lump of marble.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-This is my best buy ever.

-More on the same theme.

-Tut, tut!

-Well, I had a stocking moment.

-That's fine.

Every bloke should have one. So I think she's really cool.

-She was a tenner.

-She's beautiful. She's like one of the Vargas girls.

-Lovely shape.

-Do you think she'll do all right for a tenner?

For a tenner, she's great. She'll make £15.

-And now the Thunderbirds toy.

-£6, right?

Are you ready? Thunderbirds are... I'll count you in, ready?

Thunderbirds are go!

TOY WHIRS

-Isn't that just brilliant?

-Yes.

There is a minor problem.

-What, that it's 1992?

-And it doesn't work.

That's the only thing it does. It doesn't do anything else at all.

-£6?!

-Yeah, was I robbed?

-Robbed?!

-Really, that's 50p in a boot sale.

-Yeah, but it's brilliant, isn't it?

-Come on, let me see what you bought.

-I'm humbled by your purchases.

I can understand that.

-Oh, right.

-First up, the basket of photos and postcards.

-So you've got somebody's photograph album...

-Yes, a collection of photographs.

AND the tambourine. Was it going for a song?!

This is...

my "Kumbaya, My Lord".

-Child's tambourine!

-Right, OK.

-7.50.

-How you can knock...

..my "Thunderbirds are go" at six quid,

when that cost you £7.50 is beyond me.

But surely Thomas's Victorian scales will turn out to be a heavy hitter,

-won't they?

-These were £40, the Avery and Sons.

I think either railway station or post office.

And that's the thing that'll make them sell, isn't it?

Yes... They need a bit of love and attention, but it's all there.

-I think you're all right with that lot.

-Finally, some mild positivity.

-God, is that it, then?

-That's it. It's really, really depressing.

Aren't you both fonts of joy today, then?

Well, at least Thomas has a little treat for Philip -

the Bakewell tart.

-Oh!

-Tarts.

-Absolutely!

-Shall we go and... We need a drink to go with this.

-Definitely.

But do they have any tasty predictions,

once their rival's back is turned?

I think Thomas has been really clever, cos he's only spent about £80.

If they GIVE all his stuff away, he can't lose as much as I did

with my canoe or the rest of it at the last auction.

Oh, enough about the canoe!

I think he's been really quite clever.

To buy underwear on the Antiques Road Trip on an armless mannequin

is BRILLIANT! Is it going to make profit?

It's probably going to do all right. It'll probably make something.

I think perhaps arms would have helped, wouldn't they?

Does that mean that I'm going to retain the lead?

Well, I haven't done that well myself, so it's...

all up in the air - we'll have to wait for the auction.

Then you won't have long to wait.

On this leg, Thomas and Philip have travelled from the city

of Sheffield to their auction in Leicester in the East Midlands.

Leicester is a city with a venerable history,

stretching back to the Roman period.

I quite like Leicester.

Do you know, I think it's quite attractive.

I'm glad it meets with your approval, chaps.

-They're aiming for Churchgate Auctions.

-Are you ready for this?

I am ready. Oh, thanks for stopping in a puddle!

-Set my day off beautifully!

-Don't bicker!

Thomas plant started this leg with £247.54 -

he spent £84 on the nose and has four lots in this sale.

Philip Serrell began with £193.34 - he spent £99

and has five lots to show for it.

Auctioneer Dickon Dearman will be at the helm today.

Our tussling twosome are about to do battle - take it away!

First up are Thomas's Victorian scales. What will they weigh in at?

Do I see £30? £30 for them? 20, then? £20.

£20 has been bid on those scales. Is there 22, now?

-22...

-That's not great.

-24, 26, 28, £30.

32, 35, 37,

£40. 40, yes.

-45, 50...

-50!

Do I see... No. Selling then to you, sir, for £45.

They make just a shade more than Thomas paid -

not an auspicious start, but better than a loss.

-This doesn't look good, does it?

-A lot of work, isn't it?

-It doesn't look good.

Now, Philip's job lot of fire hose nozzle

and sovereign scales - will they set the sale room alight?

Do I see £10? £10 has been bid... 12, from you, sir.

14, 16, 18, £20.

22. 22, 25, 25 now. 25 do I see anywhere?

25, is there? Selling then, for £22...

Again, they squeak a profit.

A turn for Thomas, next, as his basket of miscellaneous photos

-and postcards are up.

-Do I see £20 for these?

-Oh, dear.

-£10, then? £10 I have down there.

-This is not good news.

£12, 14, 16, 18, £20.

-You're off.

-..24, 26,

28... 28, do I see now?

Selling then for £26.

Another sale price that's nothing to write home about.

Tough luck, Thomas.

-What did you pay for those?

-Don't...

-I'm not telling you, ner-ner, ner-ner ner!

-£20.

Now, can Philip's post-war bombshell seduce the punters?

-Opening here at £15.

-Get in there - profit!

-17 now. £17.

17 from you, sir. Is there 20 now? £20.

20 do I see now?

No further bids...

Selling then, for £17.

That is a good profit.

I wouldn't say it's a GOOD profit, but it's a profit!

It seems there's one thing that always sells - shrewd, Philip.

It's previous experience with the two of us.

Yeah, that's a massive hit, that, isn't it?

Now, the other woman in Philip's life. Can he repeat the trick?

So, £20. £10, then.

-Ouch!

-Do I see 12? £12, 14?

16, 18, £20. 22,

25, 27, £30 has been bid.

35 now, 35 is there, anywhere?

Selling then for... Ooh, 35, fresh bidder, madam.

-Fresh bidder.

-There you are.

£35. Is there 40 now? £40? 40 is there, anywhere?

Selling then, for £35.

-£35.

-Which is exactly where we started!

And lot number 64...

Seems like the punters didn't fancy her.

-It's all looking good, isn't it?

-Rosy. # Everything's Rosie... #

It's Thomas's tambourine next.

Perhaps this will shake things up?

20. Do I see £20? I'll take £10, then.

-£10 bid, 12, 14...

-I'm going.

Start the car.

-This is just ridiculous.

-Yes, 22, 24? Shake of the head.

24, do I see now? Anywhere? No further interest...

Selling then for £22.

An unexpected success - with bells on. Well done!

-# Kumbaya, my Lord... #

-Oh, Ging Gang Goolie, more like.

Now, the Thunderbirds toy that even Philip seems to lack faith in.

-£10.

-That's fantastic! Get in there!

-Do I see 12 now?

£12, 14, 16, 18, £20.

-£20.

-22...

Don't dare to dream...

I'm living the dream(!)

£30, 32 now? 32 is there, anywhere? 32, do I see?

Selling then, for £30.

And it flies! F-AB!

-You are one of the country's leading toy experts, right?

-Yes.

That's not in any dispute at all.

You said my toy was worth 50 pence.

This isn't a toy auction.

I wouldn't have entertained it.

To be absolutely honest.

Thomas could do with some help here, so let's hope

his St Christopher plaque will protect him from further losses.

-£10 for this. Do I see ten? A fiver, then?

-Oh!

£5 has been bid, and six now. Six pounds. Eight pounds?

10, £12, 14, no, £14, do I see?

16. £16 now, anywhere? 16, 16, do I see?

Selling, for £14.

-Doubled my money.

-Looks like someone's watching over you, Thomas.

And finally, the great hunk of marble - can it carve out a profit?

-What's my marble plinth going to make?

-£30? 25 if you like.

25 has been bid. Do I see £30? £30. £30 just there. 35?

-What did you pay for it?

-30.

-40, yes. £50? 50, thank you, madam.

Do I see 60 now? £60. 60 is there, anywhere? Selling then, for £50.

Thank you.

A very respectable sale,

proving even Philip's bad luck isn't set in stone.

Thomas started this leg with £247.54.

After paying auction costs, he made a rather modest profit

of £2.74, which gives him £250.28 to carry forward.

While Philip began with £193.34, he made a slightly more

substantial profit of £27.28, giving him £220.62 in his wallet.

So that means that, despite his grumbling,

he ends this leg victorious. Well done, Phil.

-I've had enough. I'm going to...

-Don't!

Come on, we've all made money this time.

-We've got to be happy.

-How much d'you make?

About a couple of quid!

Onwards and upwards. Come on - two pounds profit... £25. Let's go!

Wahey!

Next time on the Antiques Road Trip,

Thomas and Philip do some deals on the quiet.

-Will you just shut up, Jack?!

-And then decide to make some noise...

HONK!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd