Episode 19 Antiques Road Trip

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

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

-Going, going, gone.

-Yes!

-Hello.

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

-Yes!

-There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

I'm going to try and win.

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

-The sun shines on the brave, doesn't it?

-Exactly.

This is the Antiques Road Trip.

It's the fourth leg of our West Country experience,

tripping in a vintage Lancia with Tom Scott and Phil Serrell.

-Have you enjoyed it?

-What a brilliant trip it's been.

-It's been really good fun. You've been good company.

-It's been great.

I have to say, my affection for your company has waned over

the course of the last auction.

Oh, dear.

Dealer, Tom, is a Road Trip greenhorn,

who was very much the runner-up

until a magnificent French frame put him right back in the picture.

At £290.

I'll tell you this,

it's got to be one of the best auction houses I've ever been to.

Phil, an auctioneer and a seasoned roadrunner, has been here before.

This is Philip Serrell for the Antiques Road Trip.

He's certainly not bitter though. Not much.

On the strength of that, they've changed the title of the programme.

They're going to call it You've Been Framed.

Phil began with £200 and he's increased that to £292.42.

Tom also set out with £200 and he's

so far amassed just a little bit more with £303.06.

-I've got one auction, you got to.

-Yeah.

-There's two left.

No, that's the end of it.

I've declared that the end of the competition.

Our trip begins at the far southwest corner of Britain,

at St Buryan, before wending its way around several counties

and never straying too far from the coast to reach Wareham in Dorset.

Today, we're starting out at Exeter in the county of Devon

and making for an auction over the border at Upwey in Dorset.

Why can't I see the seaside, Tom? Slow down. I want to see the sea.

-We're quite a long way inland here.

-Are we?

Actually, ex-geography teacher, Phil, has got a point,

because Exeter does have a link to the ocean.

There's been a quay here since Roman times but in the 16th century,

one of Britain's earliest canals was constructed to carry

goods to the river and the English Channel.

I love Exeter, down here, down by the river,

which presumably must be the River Exe.

-Yes.

-Or Ter!

Nowadays, this nicely redeveloped area is more about leisure, though.

-Here we go then, mate.

-And shopping.

-Funkles!

-Let's see what we can find, mate.

-Who's going in first? Thee or me?

You go first because you're technically the loser. Come on.

-No need for that already. Morning.

-Hello, hello, hello.

We all right to have a bit of a dig and we'll give you a shout?

Thank you very much. How much is the till?

While Phil makes a bid for the till,

Tom has the rest of Funkles to choose from.

There's plenty of it too.

It's just a question of seeking out the quality.

I don't know where to look.

Tricky.

Phil has moved on but, because the dealer's not around,

all communication has to be via Carmen and the phone.

-And when they do get to talk...

-Hiya, Simon.

-..they're still a long way apart.

-Yeah, your maritime bucket.

-'40, I'll do that for.'

-And that's the best you can do on that one?

-'It is really.'

-All right, OK.

Let me have a think and I'll have a wander round.

Ah, a humidor.

This could appeal to the Havana cigar devotees of Dorset.

Are there any?

-Ask him if there's any movement on this humidor at 70 quid.

-OK.

He wants to know if there's any movement on the humidor.

-'Tell him I'll go 55 but I'll be losing money if I go any lower.'

-OK.

-I'll let him know that. He said 55 is as low as he'll go.

-OK.

I think I need to buy it at 40, so I think I'm going to have to leave it.

Oh, dear.

Sounds like Phil is getting a bit frustrated. What's Tom unearthed?

They're quite fun, aren't they?

This would have been a bit of artillery. It's a shell.

Pretty big old thing. Someone has stuck those on the sides.

They could be quite good - if we can get them cheap.

Now, let's hope Phil has found something.

-I wanted to look at that woodwind instrument thing.

-OK.

-I can't get into it.

-Can't get into it.

-Haven't got the right key. No.

This just isn't his day so far, but while the search goes on,

Tom is about to smuggle his jugs over to Carmen.

-I'll just have a final quick...

-Not pinching them.

-Right, let's go.

-Sneaky.

I think we've got to be quick

-because Philip is just around the corner.

-I've got Simon on the line.

-Is he on the line?

-'We'll do them for £20 per pair.'

-20 quid the pair.

-How about 15?

I'm handing him over to you.

Simon, I was wondering whether you might be able to help me

and nip me down to £15 for the pair.

-'Yeah, you take them, mate.'

-Lovely. Appreciate that. Deal. £15.

-Good.

One deal to Tom but Phil has kept his powder dry.

I'll tell you what, I'm going to see what else I can find.

You really need to get that off your chest, mate.

So while Tom conceals his booty and departs, Phil's staying

-in Exeter, still searching for that elusive first bargain.

-Hello.

-Hello, good morning, Phil.

-How are you? All right?

-I'm very well.

-Nice to see you.

-You too.

There must be something at this antiques centre for Phil.

-The best place to start is with Norman himself.

-This is my store.

-Can I look at those, please?

-Of course you may.

Ah, Royal Worcester. Phil's day has suddenly perked up a bit.

As a Worcester man, he's got a soft spot for the stuff.

My office is 40yds away from where they were made, probably.

They were modelled by Hadley.

Potter and artist, James Hadley, has been described

as probably the finest English modeller of all time.

His work can be very valuable but only if it's in pristine condition.

Unfortunately, the front is damaged. It's been restored.

Crudely, may I say. The other one is perfect.

If you see people going... They're not trying to eat pots.

What they're trying to do is check for restoration.

If you bite a piece of restored porcelain,

it's like biting into soap, whereas if you bite

a piece of un-restored porcelain, it's actually really quite hard.

I'll have a think about that. Let's just see what else we can find first.

I think we'll be seeing more of those two.

There's some really interesting things in this place.

Really interesting things. Is it an ear trumpet? Hello?

I like that.

It's just a glazed stoneware water bottle, isn't it?

This is in really good condition for its age. It's salt glaze.

-We got a bit of damage to the tap.

-We've got 45 on there.

Let's just have a chat. Can I give you that to take back to the counter?

-A possibility, eh?

-Yeah, yeah.

Whatever the barrel's merits, the fact that the Worcester

figures actually belong to Norman might just swing it.

-Ticket price £150 the pair.

-What's the best on that you can do?

What are you aiming at?

I've got to try and buy for 15, 20 quid, that's what I've got.

-That's not mine.

-No. I think I'm going to stick at these here.

-That's what I think.

-So, what are you thinking, Phil?

You're thinking, you're concentrating, you're looking,

you're picking out little bits. Tell me what you honestly think.

I like him, I like him.

I think that one, I wouldn't say it's worthless,

I couldn't buy just one off you, I've got to buy the pair off you.

I've got to try and buy them for around the 60 quid mark.

-I can't come down to that kind of figure.

-OK.

-Can I give you 70 quid for the two?

-Can you make it 80?

That's a big reduction.

It's a massive reduction, it's a massive reduction.

-Can you ease me another fiver into it?

-I can't, I can't, honest.

I'll have those off you. You're a gentleman and a scholar.

Let me get some money out. I'm pleased with those. You've helped me.

-Thank you very, very much.

-It's a giveaway. It's your lucky day.

-I hope so.

-Phil's first buy for £80, that's a relief.

He's a changed man all of a sudden.

Now it's time to leave Exeter,

heading east towards Clyst Honiton.

Then follow the sign.

-You must be John.

-I am.

-How are you?

-Not too bad.

-Good to see you.

-And you.

-Is that full of stuff?

-That's full of stuff.

-That's full of antiques?

-Yes.

It's a barn.

Well, if you're going to stock a huge range of quality furniture and

decorative items, then a building like this makes perfect sense.

He was going at a hell of a lick

when he hit that corrugated iron, wasn't he?

But whether any of it will be within Phil's price range seems

-highly unlikely.

-That's a fair old thing, isn't it?

The two of them are £12,000. The one behind is bigger.

-So, they wouldn't come at 50 quid, would they?

-No, no.

Some of John's stock is a little more affordable.

The asking price of that Edwardian card table, for example,

is a mere £895, but even if Phil could afford it,

it might not play well at the auction.

-Now, what's he got there?

-These are wicked.

If you've got a cabinet and you want to fill it full of books,

that's what you buy to put in there. Are they books? No.

That's what they are.

-John?

-Hello.

-Are these book front things in here for sale?

-They could be for sale, I guess.

-How much are they?

-Absolutely no idea.

-What have we got?

-This is getting better by the minute.

I don't want all of them.

The bigger ones, I'd charge you £15 for and

-£10 for the smaller ones.

-You can't do 2 of them for 15 quid?

I would be replacing them anyway and it would cost me

more than I'm selling them for.

I'll tell you what I'm going to do, I've made my mind up.

-I'm going to have that one.

-Ah, Voltaire, very Phil Serrell.

Apparently, when the priest asked him to renounce Satan,

his last words were, "Now is not the time for making new enemies."

You've been really kind and I think you've got a fantastic shop.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-That's great, thank you.

You're a gentleman.

There can't be very many people who leave here

just £10 lighter in the wallet.

Tom, meanwhile, is motoring south,

making his way beside the River Exe to Lympstone, Exmouth,

where he'll visit a strange and wonderful house

-in the company of guide, Kate.

-Hello.

-Hello there.

-Nice to meet you.

-I'm Tom.

-Welcome to A La Ronde.

It's actually not round.

16-sided in fact, which makes it a hexadecagon.

Makes for some interestingly shaped rooms too,

several with great views of the estuary below.

A La Ronde wasn't created by any grand designer though,

-but by two very well travelled spinster cousins.

-Beautiful room.

-It is.

-Who had the house built?

Jane and Mary Parminter.

They went on this grand tour about the late 1780s

and they really were very gutsy ladies.

For spinsters to go off on their own on the Continent and particularly as

the French Revolution was occurring at the time, was absolutely amazing.

-Yeah.

-The experience certainly had quite an effect.

They got a lot of ideas,

when they were on their ten year travels, from Italy.

They wanted a round house when they came back to Britain.

The Parminters based their designs on Italian architecture,

and once they'd built A La Ronde,

they set about creating a highly individual decorating scheme

filled with many unusual mementos of their travels together.

The frieze is all made up from bird feathers.

The speckled ones, that's guinea fowl.

You can see peacock and the green is woodpecker.

-In the glue, they used quite a bit of cognac.

-That sounds good.

Well, yes.

Actually, it was the cognac that has kept the colourings of the feathers.

-Really? So, that's helped preserve it?

-Precisely.

Feathers and brandy were certainly different but without doubt,

Jane and Mary's favourite material was the seashell. Thousands of them.

Tiny ones to create pictures for the walls

and other larger ones for a variety of uses.

The fireplace has never ever been used

because they were making their creations.

These particular ones, here on the wall,

they did bring them back from their tour.

The home of the Parminters is now owned by the National Trust

and sadly only this portrait of Mary now survives.

Their journals, stored away in a bank vault for safekeeping,

were also lost during the Blitz in Exeter.

Were they alive today, the extraordinary cousins would

probably be competing for the Turner Prize, as at the top

of the house is their piece de resistance, the shell gallery.

They wanted you to get the impression that you were

either coming into a cave or a grotto.

-You've got all this algae on the walls...

-I see.

..and then you've got the softness of the sea.

Then you've got the shells on the shore.

-Way up here. I see.

-Way up there.

Because it's so very fragile, access is now restricted.

Tom, however, has been permitted a special peek.

-I'm going to surprise you now.

-OK.

-OK.

-Oh, yes. Look at that.

-Super.

-Amazing.

-Isn't it?

We're seeing the beginning of the actual gallery.

That's incredible, isn't it?

It's got to be tens of thousands of shells. It's really stunning.

But while Tom's been "A La Ronde", Phil has just

carried on shopping, journeying from Clyst Honiton to Hele...

..where, on the site of an old cider factory...

This is fantastic. I am so looking forward to this.

-..there is a very unusual retail opportunity.

-Hiya, how are you?

-You've got some good stuff here, haven't you?

-Thanks very much.

Yes, quite something.

They even supply film and TV props out of all of this.

-45,000 square feet of antiques, reclamation...

-Just passing through.

..and collectables.

And how much is the drum?

-40 quid. There's two more up there.

-How much is that bigger one?

-50 quid.

I'll tell you what, that's going to take some putting back together,

-isn't it?

-Yeah, I didn't realise it was badly damaged.

So, the price is coming down?

Yeah, I'll do it for 40 quid, the same as the other.

Are you sure, Phil?

It's a question of how the hell

it is ever going to fit back together again?

I think I'll worry about that later.

-It's a bit of a mess.

-Yeah, you could say that(!)

No, no, no, no, no, no, no!

There just has to be a vaulting horse here.

I bought one of those in the last road trip and I paid £70 for it,

and it went into auction and it made 30 quid.

I've got to buy that off you. I now know what they are worth. 30 quid.

Shall we move on?

Come on, Phil. Decision time.

I like the drum but it's fallen apart and I like the vaulting horse

because I'm convinced they're worth more than 30 quid.

I can do it for cost price that vaulting horse, which is 100 quid.

-Can't do anything like that.

-And the drum, I said 40, didn't I?

Yes, but it's wrecked, isn't it? I'll give you 20 quid

and I'll spend most of the night trying to put it back together again.

-Go on, then.

-All right? The drum is done. The drum's done,

-but I want to buy something else.

-I want you to buy something else.

I want to buy something else.

Now, I don't know about you,

but I think he's going to buy something else.

-How much is this roller, then?

-Ah, that sort of roller.

Good on a farm or for flattening a wicket.

I'll do that for 80 quid for you.

I know you've been helpful to me,

-but I'm going to bid you nonetheless and notwithstanding.

-Go on, then.

-50 quid.

-Don't be ridiculous.

-What?

-It did cost more than that.

Don't you speak to me like that. I'm trying to get rid of old stock here.

-75 quid.

-I'll tell you what. This is my best shot here.

Right.

-Oh, yeah?!

-Here you are. 60 quid.

Well, seeing as you said so many nice things about the place...

You're a gentlemen. Do you know what? I really like that.

-God knows what that is going to make.

-You'll do all right on that,

-I promise.

-How old...? You think that's what, 1860?

-My mum made it last week.

-Did she?

Lordy, mine was more of a knitter.

Well, after a slow start, Phil has certainly picked up speed today,

a very different approach from his rival.

How much money have you spent?

-15 whole pounds.

-15 quid?

-On one thing. It's good, isn't it?

On one thing?

Night, night.

Next morning finds our travellers on the other side of the border.

Dorchester was the capital of Wessex, wasn't it? Was it? Is this Wessex?

No, it's Dorset.

I know that but it's the old area of Wessex, isn't it? I think.

Geographer, Phil, was yesterday's big spender,

splashing out £170 on some false books, a drum,

a huge garden roller and some Worcester figurines.

It's a giveaway. It's your lucky day.

Leaving him with £122.42 to spend today.

While Tom was the super saver,

parting with a mere £15 for two artillery shell jugs...

-You take them, mate.

-Lovely, appreciate that.

..making him cash rich with almost £288.06 at his disposal.

Later, they'll be making for the auction in Upwey,

but our first stop is in the Dorset County town of Dorchester.

LILTING ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYS

It's got a nice feel to it, this place, I think.

Everywhere feels nice in the sun.

-Everywhere feels nice when you're ahead.

-Now, Phil!

Dorchester is famous for its poets like Sir John Cowper Powys

and William Barnes,

but the town's favourite son is without doubt, Thomas Hardy.

Did Thomas Hardy write Tom Brown's Schooldays?

He wrote, what's it, didn't he? Tom Jones.

Actually, he mostly wrote books without Tom in the title, Phil.

But he did base the Mayor of Casterbridge on his hometown.

Listen, you know what you've got to do, don't you?

-Going to spend, spend and spend, mate.

-65 quid mirrors.

-Mirrors, mirrors, mirrors, go buy some mirrors.

-See you later.

Now, of course, the key plot line in the Mayor of Casterbridge is the

decision by the central character to auction off his own family.

But I'm sure the antique shops of the real Dorchester

-steer very clear of such controversies.

-Morning.

-You all right?

-All right, thank you.

I bought a table off you a couple of years back on a trip, didn't I?

-Made a fortune?

-Wish I had done.

Just let the table go, Phil - start afresh!

He doesn't need to buy much at "De Danann", either,

so he can very much pick and choose.

-I think that's a Tunbridge Ware sock darner.

-Yes, it's pretty, isn't it?

Yes, just a nice little thing. Is there a price on that?

Yeah, it's a fiver.

See, that could be a problem, because I'm used to getting, like,

20 or 30 quid off something.

If it's only a fiver, how am I going to get 20 quid off that?

-Well, I thought it might make up for the table.

-Ha-ha-ha!

-Can I ask you to put that by for me?

-Yeah, no problem.

Well, it's no vaulting horse, Phil,

but it COULD be a very sensible buy. That, too, at a pinch...

It's a 19th century snuffbox.

Very often, these would have had decorated scenes on the front.

Now, that, because there's no decoration, and a bit of damage,

it's not going to be a hugely sought-after thing.

But I think that's quite a nice little lot.

The ticket price is £30,

but I'm sure John would be willing to do a deal.

I like that.

It's just a marble column, and, erm,

it's just a thing that's going to look decorative,

either to show off a good Parian bust

or piece of marble, or a pot or a bronze.

So let's put that down there.

Mm! Two nice little treen items, versus a big old lump,

-what do YOU think?

-Can I move it out?

It COULD be described as a jardiniere, or even a torchere,

and the ticket price is £175.

I think the death would be like about 100 quid.

-No, that wouldn't be any good for me.

-Wouldn't make any money?

-No.

See, there's a chunk off there, look.

I think that's just come down another fiver.

-Still a nice thing.

-It's a lovely thing but it's broken.

65 quid.

-I'll shake your hand now.

-Yeah, go on, then.

You're a gentleman. Thank you very much indeed.

That, plus his roller, must amount

to some of Phil's heaviest purchases yet. Well done!

BELL RINGS

Time, ladies and gentlemen. Time. Last orders!

I think that means he's finished shopping.

Elsewhere in Dorchester...

at the Curiosity Centre -

sounds a bit more like Dickens than Hardy.

-Morning.

-Hi.

-I'm Tom.

-Hi. Martin. Nice to meet you.

-Come for a bit of a rummage, is that all right?

-Lots to see here.

Yes, definitely a bit Dickensian, I'd say.

The Curiosity Centre will require plenty of digging, though.

There's a lot of...vintage... There's a lot of painted, sort of,

shabby chic, which I'm not after.

So we'll just try and narrow it down a little bit.

I could make Philip a nice new scarf.

Careful! He's very fussy about those, Tom!

-Didgeridoo.

-No, didgeri-don't!

-How about a strong box?

-Might it be treasure?

-It's heavy enough...

-KEY SQUEAKS AS IT TURNS

That's the good bit -

weight in there... I can't even lift the door!

If you spend long enough in Phil's company,

do you all end up buying like him, I wonder?

What's he got on here? £85.

I really like that.

Well, I'm sure Phil would approve. But now what's he come up with?

Have you seen this?

Oh, lordie.

That is a canoe. That's got to be bigger than Philip's, surely.

You mean - the one that lost him £70 on a previous Road Trip?

I like that a lot. Fantastic!

Just what is it about canoes, chaps?

I'm pretty sure that says £300.

Wonder if I can afford that?

No!

Trouble is, this is probably going to

see me down the creek the wrong way, isn't it?

Yes. And I don't see a paddle, do you?

Time to consult Martin, or perhaps just seek help.

First thing, I'd like to have a look...

-at this.

-Ah, you found my strongbox.

-Yeah.

-Does it open? I can't get it open.

-Let's try.

-It might be me.

-I certainly had it open.

-Ah, there you go.

Ah, I was hoping the takings from last week would have been in there!

-It's had some use.

-Yeah, what has someone been putting in there,

apart from snails? What would we be looking at?

We could do something on that for you. Maybe...

-75.

-It's a bit steeper than I was hoping.

Come on, then, you know the game.

What I was going to do is make you a bid of...

-45...

-45?

-..which I know is really harsh.

You're welcome to drop this on my foot if you want!

It's a bit tight, Tom, but I tell you what,

-squeeze me another fiver...

-Yeah?

-..and it's yours.

-50?

-Yeah.

-Perfect.

-All right.

-I love that. Brilliant. Thank you very much.

-Deal.

Now for the flagship!

What I'm hoping is that you're going to talk me right out of it.

Why would I do that?

-Because you want me to win, surely?

-Hey, it's a highly unusual thing,

you won't find many of these in the auction houses.

No, and there's probably a good reason for that.

-Now, it is wildly out of my budget...

-Right.

..and I'm thinking about how awkward this must be for you, every night,

-dragging it back in.

-Ha-ha! I know where this is leading.

I'm looking at being really, really cheeky,

-and talking like 60 quid.

-60 quid's a little cheap.

-I know it is.

-A little cheap.

Do you want another fiver, like on the strongbox,

-is that what you mean?

-Well, compare the size of the strongbox

to the size of the boat, and maybe that increment would be about right!

What about 120, includes the box?

What about 130?

-125?

-Go for it. Deal.

-Brilliant.

-Well done.

-Thanks, Martin.

So, £75 for the canoe and £50 for the strongbox.

Does Upwey know what's coming?!

Meanwhile, the Silver Fox, blissfully unaware that the canoe

has changed hands, is on the road,

and he's finally heading for the sea -

without a scarf -

motoring from Dorchester down to Chesil Beach and Abbotsbury...

..to visit a unique and very ancient bird sanctuary.

Hello? Oh, hi!

-Hello, Phil.

-How are you?

-Nice to meet you.

-Goodness me!

-You must be Dave.

-Welcome to Abbotsbury Swannery.

-This looks

-very official!

-Oh, yes.

-So, what's your official title, then?

-I'm the swanherd here at Abbotsbury.

-Do I have to stand to attention?

Well, no!

Dave is the latest

in a long and extremely venerable line of swanherds here.

Benedictine monks first founded the swannery

for the meat, over 600 years ago.

But for most of its history,

conservation and study has been the aim.

So, Dave, these two, which just seem to be... I won't say perched,

-but do they nest anywhere?

-Well, they nest where they want to nest.

They choose the site, and there's not much we can do about that.

And once they've got a site,

normally it's the same site year after year after year.

They're not duck and drake - what are they called?

They're cob and pen. Cob is the male.

-And they give birth to a cygnet.

-Yes.

-And how do you tell them apart?

-Well, the male is usually heavier.

There is normally a weight difference.

-The black berry on top of the bill is usually bigger.

-Yes.

The male will have a richer colour orange on the bill.

How many other swanneries are there in Britain?

This is the only nesting colony of its kind here,

and it's the only managed colony in the world.

-I'm going to put you to a test now.

-Yes?

-What's his name?

-Erm...

-You've got me!

-You should have said Harry.

No-one would ever have known!

Because it's located on the Fleet Lagoon

and sheltered from the open sea by Chesil Beach beyond,

the birds can flourish here in the shallow, salty water

and return year after year.

When swans were eaten, their feathers were a useful by-product

and at Abbotsbury, they like to maintain some traditions.

Well, we collect them throughout the summer, whilst the birds

-are moulting here...

-Yes.

-..and there's a lot of people

that have very specific uses for those feathers.

Lloyd's of London still use Abbotsbury quills

to record shipping accidents, and they also adorn ceremonial helmets.

The Gentlemen-at-Arms, the Queen's bodyguard,

have them made into plumes for the helmets.

-This is called a fall?

-A fall.

And these... That's fantastic.

-They're all just beautifully bound, aren't they?

-Yes.

Although there's usually plenty of weed or grass to eat at Abbotsbury,

around 600 swans will always welcome a feed.

Come on!

Is there any danger that you might over-feed them?

-It's never been a problem, erm...

-I've had that problem.

Really? Ha-ha-ha!

Now, you know how everyone warns you that a swan can break your arm?

Ha! Highly unlikely, apparently.

While we're at it - they do mostly mate for life,

but the odd one can wander.

The ones that are paler, they're the younger ones.

-They are last year's cygnets.

-The ones with the grey back,

-that's 12 months old.

-Yes. They will moult for the first time this July.

The last grey feathers will be lost in that moult, so by August,

they will be snow white. Their beaks will remain grey for another year.

They make a great noise. Just listening to them...

SWANS MAKE PADDLING EFFECT

-All you can hear is...

-It's lovely.

-..on the water. Fantastic.

-Yes.

But while Phil's been communing with swans...

..Tom's still in Dorchester...

..heading for the same shop that his travelling companion graced earlier.

-Afternoon.

-Afternoon.

-How are you doing?

-Yeah, all right, thank you.

-I'm Tom.

-I'm John.

-Nice to meet you.

-Pleased to meet you.

-Do you mind if I have a rummage?

-No, have a look round,

-by all means.

-Down here?

-Down here, up the stairs as well.

Brilliant.

Now, Tom's still got plenty of cash,

and there's certainly enough to choose from...

I think this would look good in Philip's house.

..although I think we can rule out at least one item.

Trouble is, Philip's probably bought everything this morning.

Nonsense!

-BANGS HEAD

-Ouch!

How much are those?

-£20...

-The pair?

..each. They're quite nice. Quite sweet.

Just decorative. The cane is in not bad condition -

there's a few breaks here.

This could be ideal, especially with them being...

a pair.

Or are they a pair?

They're not quite a pair.

Let's see what John can do on those, then.

-You've got 40 for the two of them.

-Right.

Where can you be? Can you help me?

20.

That's very generous. Can I squeeze you a little more?

-HE WINCES

-18.

-HE LAUGHS

-Perfect.

-OK!

-That is brilliant, John - thank you very much for that.

Well, that was all very amicable!

That's what I wanted to find.

Ah - didn't Phil peel that one earlier?

BELL RINGS

The ticket price on that is £65.

I don't think it's big enough for a ship's bell - maybe a small boat,

-I'm not sure.

-Cor, he's getting very nautical today!

But then the auction at Upwey is just a few miles from the coast.

John - your bell...

It can be 40 quid.

-Can it?

-Mmm.

-I think that's going to be too much for me.

-BELL RINGS

35 - if that's any good. But that is...

That's getting better. Any way you can do 25?

Mm-mmm. 30 quid - split the difference.

-OK.

-All right?

-30 quid. Deal.

-That's brilliant.

-Done.

Time to compare those purchases.

Our two men are... outstanding in their field... Ha!

-You go first - let's see what you've got.

-OK.

-Got a bit of technology.

-Hello!

Sadly, the roller couldn't be with us.

-It is heavy.

-That looks brilliant.

-It's a bit of fun.

-That looks a very...excellent find.

I thought you could turn it t'other way up,

and just turn it into a column?

Just leave it lying next to your tennis court, surely?

-Yeah. And then...

-You've got a bit of Worcester?

They're by James Hadley,

and they're about 1870-1875. That one...

-has been bust.

-Has it? They ARE lovely, aren't they?

-And then, I always like to beat my own drum.

-Yeah, I know -

-I'm hearing that.

-That was 20 quid.

-That's all right. It's a coffee table piece.

-And then,

-my last lot...

-Something tucked away?

-..is here.

-Now for another, much too heavy, lump.

-I love that.

That's fantastic. I am so envious of that. That manhole cover.

I've always wanted one. It's the manhole cover.

That's straight out of the Serrell handbook, isn't it?

-Must be a fascinating read!

-How much was your bell?

-My bell was £30.

You see, I'm not completely convinced about this, whether it is an 1840 one.

-I think that's actually the time, rather than the date!

-Yeah.

-What on earth have you done here?

-I don't know.

I don't know why I bought that. I don't know why I did.

-You don't like those, do you?

-I think they're absolutely...

Let me remember the word. Gopping.

And what do you think of this?

-I love that.

-My strongbox.

-I love that.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-I've got one more for you.

-Let's have a look, then.

-I did buy some furniture.

-Really?

-Two, so it's a set, very nearly.

A pair of stools.

It's not anyone you know?

TOM LAUGHS

-Don't be so rude!

-Is it?

-So how much did you pay for those?

-£9 each.

-You can't fail, can you?

-I think that was a good deal.

-You cannot fail.

-It grieves me to say this...

-You think we've done all right?

No, I think YOU'VE done all right.

-This is going to be a good auction again, isn't it?

-Yes, fantastic.

Come on, let's go.

But, what do they really think?

Not a fan of the drum. I think that's a real clanger.

I think the real danger is that Tom has possibly out-Serrelled Serrell.

He's gone and bought a canoe!

I'm quietly confident.

I think I might have rattled Phil a little bit, here.

Tom's canoe against my Worcester figures, my column and my roller.

Who's going to win? "I hope it's me!"

After starting out in Devon at Exeter,

and heading over into Dorset,

this leg of our trip concludes at an auction in Upwey.

Do you know where we're going to?

Upwey could be some way up this way.

-Down this way?

-Up this way. Not up that way, this way.

Now, Upwey Station stars, as itself, in a Thomas Hardy poem

and the village also boasts its own wishing well,

which could be handy, because there's been a bit of an accident.

They're in for a shock. Stand by.

Ah! Busted!

-Oh, dear!

-That's not so hot, is it?

Happy days!

Yeah!

So, a roller which survived two world wars,

dating back to the early days of Queen Victoria, has been broken.

Because it's insured, though, the auctioneer's valuation

guarantees a minimum pay-out when it goes under the hammer.

So, how does Michael Keeble value it?

The granite roller unfortunately got broken in transit.

I believe it would have made £120, if not broken, in the auction.

Well, that'll help Phil overcome his disappointment, no doubt.

He began with £292.42,

and he spent £235 on five auction lots.

-Do you recognise this?

-Yours? Mine?

While Tom started out with £303.06, and he spent £188,

also on five auction lots.

Now, who was it said, "The only way is up"?

Because whoever it was was wrong.

-What's this one again?

-It's my Worcester figures.

We're both a long way from home.

Remember, the one on the left's been restored,

but the other is in very good condition.

I've got three pre-commissioneds on this one.

I can start them at 80, 90, 100...

110, 120, 130, anywhere?

-Philip!

-130, anywhere?

What a piece.

No interest?

130, 140 on the book, 150 anywhere?

-Look at you.

-Selling, then.

The dealer did say it was Phil's lucky day, though.

-Happy days.

-That's a relief, mate, that is a huge relief.

-A nice start.

Yes, absolutely. What have you got next?

Tom's strongbox. No attempt to lift it, I see.

Needed a bit of a clean-up.

Lovely item, and two pre-bids on this. Take me in at £65.

HE MOUTHS

£70, anywhere?

Nope? Staying at 65 to the pre-bidder, then.

That's just landed on my toe.

Still a profit, Tom!

And I cleaned it!

Should have left it dirty, mate.

Now, for the canoe. This may not be plain sailing.

It's laying on the side wall, there.

Everyone's going to want this at home.

Well, no-one seems to want it here.

£20 for it, then.

-This is not looking good.

-None of you have got transport, have you?

£2 for it.

£2?!

Two's bid, three, four, five, six. Eight, ten,

12? £10 is bid.

12 anywhere?

Surely it's worth more than this.

£12 at the back. 15? 18?

-16?

-This is a struggle.

18? 20. 22. 25?

She only lives round the corner. It's easy for her. 25? 26?

It's £26 in the middle. 28, anywhere, I'm really struggling.

He's doing well, he's doing well for me.

£26, and selling, then.

Well done, Madam.

So, are we agreed, brothers? No more canoes!

I'd buy that every day.

You did!

I probably won't buy another one for quite a long time.

Time for Phil's column. Jardiniere, anyone?

Oh, here we go. You've got bids on the book.

-£20 is bid.

-Thanks(!)

Worth more, surely. 22, anywhere?

24, 26, 28?

£26 in the middle. 28, anywhere?

Is that it? Are we all done at £26? And selling, then.

That's made the same as my boat.

Yes. Big and awkward isn't good.

I think that's just an absolute hoot, really, don't you?

He's taken that well. How will his old drum fare?

Clearly, the most important factor about this

is that it will fit in the boot of the car.

Nice thing, we can start this one in at £24.

-That's a relief. Out of jail on that.

-Yeah.

26, anywhere? 26, 28, 30?

£30 is with you, sir. 32, 35...

There's one bidding for it.

42, 45, 50, 55, 52?

52. 55? 52 at the back.

55 anywhere? Are we all done at 52? And selling, then.

To 414.

With that tiny profit, Phil's creeping ahead.

Do I sense that there's just a little hint of warped,

bitter and twisted creeping in?

What on earth could make you think I'm bitter today?

I think that's great. A great price.

Can Tom's converted shells strike back?

A pair of World War II artillery shells.

I don't want anyone to know they're mine.

Nice things. Tenner for 'em?

£5 for them, then. Five is bid, six is bid 7, 8, 9, 10, 12?

£12 to the lady in the middle.

Come on, come on.

There's a pair of 'em. £14, anywhere?

Are we all done at 12? And selling, then.

14. 16. £14 with the lady. £16, anywhere?

Are we all done at 14, then?

And selling. To 184, thank you.

A bigger loss, after commission.

To be fair, that's probably where they should have sold at.

-What, for those?

-Raising 14 quid.

They'd probably have sold very well, there.

Now, for the roller. The auctioneer had quite a bit of interest,

but that was before it was broken.

Could be a different story now, though.

How can you break a granite roller?

Mind you, pairs always sell better than singles, don't they?

I can see what you're doing.

What can I say?

We'll give it a go. £20 for it?

Would've been a lot more if it wasn't broken.

Fiver for it, then.

-£2... This isn't going to sell, is it?

-Nope.

-We'll have to take this thing with us.

-Who wants a busted roller?

OK, we'll pass that one.

Phil, however, doubles his money

because the insurance pays

the auctioneer's valuation of £120.

Surely Tom's Weymouth Bell ought to earn a profit.

Perfect pub piece.

But then, I said that about my boat.

£20 for it?

Ten today, then, ten at the back.

12 anywhere? 12, there. 15?

18, 20, 22, 25, 28, 30. 32.

-Keep going.

-£30 at the back.

32, anywhere?

All done at 30. I'm selling, then. 264, thank you.

Another loss after commission, though. Oh, dear!

If I had the same opportunity, I'd go and buy the same rubbish again,

for the same money. That's what really worries me.

Phil's false books. Shame they're not Thomas Hardy.

£10 for 'em?

£8 with me, then, on the books.

£9 anywhere?

Amazingly expensive to buy these new.

-Anyone?

-They're expensive.

11 for these, sir. 12, anywhere?

At £12, anywhere? Are we all done at £11? And selling, then.

That was extremely cheap.

Just burnt more money.

It hasn't been a good day for either of them, has it?

Finally, those stools that Phil was so rude about.

I can start these in at £12. £14 anywhere?

14? 16, 18, 20, 22?

-Yeah, rapid bidding.

-£20 on the bid with the pre-commissioneds, 22.

22 at the front.

24 anywhere? 24 anywhere?

Are we all done at 22?

And selling, then.

Well, at least it wasn't another loss, Tom.

I tell you, what a brilliant day we've had today.

Crash and burn, wasn't it?

Phil's the winner, thanks to the cash for his broken roller

and Tom's ship-sinking canoe purchase.

Tom began with £303.06.

After paying auction costs he made a loss of £59.26,

leaving him with £243.86 to spend next time.

While Phil started out with £292.42

and after paying auction costs, he made a profit of £51.18

so he has £343.60 and a lead of almost £100.

-All right, how many have you...

-Feeling quite relaxed now.

Yeah, right. Get back in the sun.

Be careful you don't get sunburnt.

-Been a lovely old day, hasn't it?

-I'm glad you've had a nice time.

Yeah, I've had a super time. Would come here again!

Next time, I'll break everything!

Next time on the Road Trip, Phil's splashing out.

I'm going to make an instantaneous purchase here.

But Tom's struggling to get into gear.

I'm just going round and round in circles here.