Eric Knowles v Will Axon - Showdown

Download Subtitles

Transcript

0:00:02 > 0:00:05This is Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is - the show that pitches

0:00:05 > 0:00:09TV's best-loved antiques experts against each other in an all-out

0:00:09 > 0:00:11battle for profit.

0:00:11 > 0:00:12Yee-ha!

0:00:12 > 0:00:15And gives you the insider's view of the trade!

0:00:16 > 0:00:18Who's there?

0:00:18 > 0:00:21Each week, one pair of duelling dealers will face

0:00:21 > 0:00:24a different daily challenge...

0:00:24 > 0:00:26The Axeman! Grr!

0:00:26 > 0:00:29..putting their reputations on the line...

0:00:29 > 0:00:32Ready for the ball.

0:00:32 > 0:00:35..and giving you their top tips and savvy secrets

0:00:35 > 0:00:39on how to make the most money from buying and selling.

0:00:39 > 0:00:40Get in there.

0:00:44 > 0:00:47Today, the roughest, toughest antiques challenge known to man.

0:00:47 > 0:00:51The formidable master Eric Knowles takes on the Put Your Money

0:00:51 > 0:00:54apprentice Will Axon in the climax of the week -

0:00:54 > 0:00:56brace yourselves for the Showdown!

0:00:58 > 0:01:00Coming up...

0:01:00 > 0:01:02Will's brewing up a profit...

0:01:02 > 0:01:05Tea's up. Tea's up. Milk, two sugars. Bye!

0:01:06 > 0:01:09A lack of auction etiquette upsets Eric...

0:01:09 > 0:01:13The boy is on the phone. Just having a chat.

0:01:13 > 0:01:16It's not the done thing in an auction.

0:01:16 > 0:01:19And Knocker's nearly moved to tears...

0:01:19 > 0:01:23Don't look at me, Will. You might see a grown man cry.

0:01:23 > 0:01:26This is Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

0:01:40 > 0:01:43Take your seats and strap yourselves in, folks,

0:01:43 > 0:01:46the marathon money-spinning mayhem is about to begin.

0:01:46 > 0:01:50Two dynamic deal-makers are preparing for a titanic trade-off in

0:01:50 > 0:01:54a final attempt to prove themselves the ultimate antiques expert.

0:01:56 > 0:02:00But there can only be one winner as the new kid on the block tries

0:02:00 > 0:02:05to upstage the King of Knowledge. But who will reign supreme?

0:02:05 > 0:02:08First up, we have antiques royalty, a living legend.

0:02:08 > 0:02:10In centuries to come, schoolchildren will

0:02:10 > 0:02:14learn about the extraordinary wisdom of this humble man from Lancashire.

0:02:14 > 0:02:18It's the Captain of Crockery, the Baron of Breakables -

0:02:18 > 0:02:20it's Eric 'Knocker' Knowles.

0:02:22 > 0:02:25Remember, knowledge is power.

0:02:25 > 0:02:29But the pretender to his throne should never be under-estimated.

0:02:29 > 0:02:33A top tactician, he can sniff out a bargain from a mile away.

0:02:33 > 0:02:36Charging in from Suffolk, it's the Admiral of Artwork,

0:02:36 > 0:02:40the Lieutenant of the Lots, it's Will 'The Axeman' Axon.

0:02:41 > 0:02:43Let the battle commence

0:02:43 > 0:02:46Our experts each have £1,000 of their own money to

0:02:46 > 0:02:49spend across four different locations -

0:02:49 > 0:02:56a car-boot sale, a foreign market, an auction, and an antiques fair.

0:02:56 > 0:02:59Once they've amassed their antiques arsenal,

0:02:59 > 0:03:02they must use their wit and wisdom to sell it all - and any profit

0:03:02 > 0:03:06they make will go straight to a charity of their choice.

0:03:06 > 0:03:08But the Showdown has a nasty twist.

0:03:08 > 0:03:10At least half their items must be sold at

0:03:10 > 0:03:12the electrifying Showdown Auction -

0:03:12 > 0:03:15where our dealers lose all control over the buying public.

0:03:15 > 0:03:19Absolutely anything can happen - but one thing is for sure -

0:03:19 > 0:03:23only one man will emerge triumphant, crowned the King of the Showdown.

0:03:23 > 0:03:26The other will be banished from court.

0:03:26 > 0:03:30So, Eric Knowles and Will Axon, this is it.

0:03:30 > 0:03:34It's time to Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

0:03:34 > 0:03:38- So here we are.- Eric. You have your instructions.- I have!- So do I.

0:03:38 > 0:03:39It says...

0:03:39 > 0:03:43"Welcome to the mighty Showdown. The rules are simple.

0:03:43 > 0:03:47"You must each buy two items at every one of your regular

0:03:47 > 0:03:53"Put Your Money challenges. You have £1,000 to spend."

0:03:53 > 0:03:56- Of our own money.- Mmm.

0:03:56 > 0:03:59"You can sell up to four items wherever you want.

0:03:59 > 0:04:03"The rest will be sold at the Showdown Auction in direct

0:04:03 > 0:04:06"competition with your opponent.

0:04:06 > 0:04:09"The winner is the 'expert'..."

0:04:09 > 0:04:11I see they've put it in inverted commas.

0:04:11 > 0:04:14"..who makes the most profit. Good luck."

0:04:14 > 0:04:19- This is your first Showdown. - My first Showdown.- It's a doddle.

0:04:19 > 0:04:23I'm not so sure. Hopefully the stuff will sell itself.

0:04:23 > 0:04:26- That's what I'm hoping. That's the joy of an auction.- Yeah!

0:04:26 > 0:04:30- It sells itself. Good luck, mate.- So naive.

0:04:31 > 0:04:34So Will is a little anxious and naughty Knocker's not helping!

0:04:34 > 0:04:36But no time for The Axeman to worry -

0:04:36 > 0:04:39because they leap straight into Round One -

0:04:39 > 0:04:41the car-boot sale.

0:04:41 > 0:04:44They're at Ford Airfield in West Sussex, and Eric can't

0:04:44 > 0:04:46wait for a good old rummage.

0:04:46 > 0:04:51If I can't find it here, I'm not going to find it anywhere.

0:04:51 > 0:04:58I'm full of optimism. I'm full of verve. I'm full of nonsense.

0:04:58 > 0:05:00Is this a sudden realisation, Eric?

0:05:00 > 0:05:02Anyway, how's Will feeling?

0:05:02 > 0:05:05I've really got to look for something that's going to put

0:05:05 > 0:05:09clear water between me and Eric. I've got my work cut out today.

0:05:09 > 0:05:11Keeping my eyes peeled.

0:05:11 > 0:05:14Both our boys get hunting - and after a quick shufti,

0:05:14 > 0:05:18it's Will who pounces first - he's found an Italian box.

0:05:19 > 0:05:22It's just nice quality, isn't it? Obviously Sorrento-ware.

0:05:22 > 0:05:25You can tell that from the top. This typical inlay here.

0:05:25 > 0:05:29This sort of Italianate scene. I'm loving the sort of book spines.

0:05:29 > 0:05:32You've got a sliding secret drawer there.

0:05:34 > 0:05:38Bit of age to it. It was how much? £40.

0:05:38 > 0:05:41Let's do a deal on that. £40.

0:05:42 > 0:05:45Oh, there you go - the new boy jumps in.

0:05:45 > 0:05:46That should boost his confidence.

0:05:46 > 0:05:49Across the airfield, Eric's preparing his own campaign,

0:05:49 > 0:05:52with a print of a famous battle scene.

0:05:53 > 0:05:56As a boy, I was fascinated with Waterloo.

0:05:56 > 0:05:59- It's the capture of the Eagle. - Yeah, yeah.- £10.

0:06:00 > 0:06:02- 10 quid.- Yeah.

0:06:02 > 0:06:04OK, I'll buy it.

0:06:04 > 0:06:07A quickfire decision from Eric. And whilst he's there...

0:06:07 > 0:06:11- I quite like that as well. How much is that one?- 20.

0:06:11 > 0:06:13At a push, 15.

0:06:13 > 0:06:16I'm not going to leave that behind because there is something

0:06:16 > 0:06:18macho about it.

0:06:18 > 0:06:22Oh, Eric. You're all man. He pays the lower price - £15.

0:06:23 > 0:06:29Despite the fact that it's actually dated 1789, the minute you pick it up

0:06:29 > 0:06:34and look at the decoration, you just know that it's relatively modern.

0:06:34 > 0:06:39But I tell you what, that is just one beautiful German tankard,

0:06:39 > 0:06:41despite the fact it's not of any great vintage.

0:06:41 > 0:06:45So, quick as a flash, Eric's got both his car boot bargains.

0:06:45 > 0:06:47Will is playing catch-up but maybe not for long.

0:06:47 > 0:06:50He's found a tea set...

0:06:50 > 0:06:55- You doing the whole lot as one? - The kettle is quite hard to come by.

0:06:55 > 0:06:58- 20 quid. - How about 25 and we will be done?

0:06:58 > 0:07:0325, go on, then. Let's have a deal. £25.

0:07:04 > 0:07:08- You are a hard man.- Right! Tea's up. Tea's up!

0:07:08 > 0:07:10Milk, two sugars. Bye!

0:07:11 > 0:07:14No time for a break yet, Will. Show us what you've got.

0:07:14 > 0:07:18I'm sure a lot of you at home recognise this from your childhood.

0:07:18 > 0:07:20A Picquot Ware tea set.

0:07:20 > 0:07:22What's unusual about that is this kettle. What is it?

0:07:22 > 0:07:24'50s, '60s, that sort of period.

0:07:24 > 0:07:27Hopefully there is a funky young couple who are setting up home

0:07:27 > 0:07:30and this will be the tea set of their dreams.

0:07:30 > 0:07:33Well, there you go - they've made light work of the car boot,

0:07:33 > 0:07:36but brought an intriguing start to our Showdown.

0:07:36 > 0:07:38Let's look at the figures.

0:07:38 > 0:07:42Both our experts started out with £1,000 of their own money.

0:07:42 > 0:07:45Eric bought both his items at the same stall -

0:07:45 > 0:07:49he spent £25, leaving £975 in his kitty.

0:07:49 > 0:07:54Will has spent a little more so far - £65,

0:07:54 > 0:07:57so he's got £935 still to spend.

0:07:57 > 0:07:59And there's no time to waste.

0:07:59 > 0:08:02It's straight on to Round Two - the foreign market.

0:08:02 > 0:08:06Our collectible connoisseurs convert all those pounds into euros

0:08:06 > 0:08:10and nip across to Paris - to the Porte de Vanves flea market.

0:08:10 > 0:08:13Knocker has been here before and he knows it's a challenge.

0:08:13 > 0:08:16The truth of the matter is...it's a lottery.

0:08:16 > 0:08:19Yes, but will it be you?

0:08:19 > 0:08:22Will is already considering the numbers.

0:08:22 > 0:08:25Looking at some of the prices on the few stalls that I've looked at,

0:08:25 > 0:08:27I think auction is not going to be my best option.

0:08:27 > 0:08:30I think I'm going to have to work what

0:08:30 > 0:08:31I buy here into a private buyer.

0:08:31 > 0:08:34But Will's also got a secret weapon up his sleeve...

0:08:34 > 0:08:37he can speak pretty good French.

0:08:37 > 0:08:40His dogged determination leads him to a bronze statue of a dog.

0:08:40 > 0:08:44The seller wants 70 euros but Will gets him down to 55...

0:08:45 > 0:08:4955. Allez! Good work, sir.

0:08:49 > 0:08:53..which when you convert it back into Sterling, works out at £45.83.

0:08:56 > 0:08:59It's basically a bronze, I'm hoping, Great Dane.

0:08:59 > 0:09:02Because the chap I've got in mind for this has a Great Dane.

0:09:02 > 0:09:06But, you know, he's not too Scooby, is he?

0:09:06 > 0:09:07So Will's happy.

0:09:07 > 0:09:11Now, they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, so Eric's

0:09:11 > 0:09:15relying on some of his old ones when he finds a French faience dish.

0:09:15 > 0:09:16- Combien?- 40.- 40.

0:09:16 > 0:09:22It's a pity it's so dirty. I have to buy things to wash it with.

0:09:22 > 0:09:27- 30 if you want.- 30? It's worth asking. OK, put it there.

0:09:27 > 0:09:30Yes, he's probably got some washing up liquid at home

0:09:30 > 0:09:33that'll do the trick. Crafty old Knocker.

0:09:33 > 0:09:38After the currency conversion, the dish costs him £25.

0:09:38 > 0:09:41I'm buying something which looks as though it should be 18th-century.

0:09:41 > 0:09:43It's got a little bit of flaking here.

0:09:43 > 0:09:46That is quite acceptable on faience, believe it or not.

0:09:46 > 0:09:50Something like that is not major damage.

0:09:50 > 0:09:53I am a happy Englishman in Paris.

0:09:53 > 0:09:55And Eric's even happier

0:09:55 > 0:09:59when something else on the same stall catches his eye.

0:09:59 > 0:10:02- 1920.- Yep.

0:10:02 > 0:10:07- How much is that?- 50. - Is that the best price?- 40.- 40.

0:10:07 > 0:10:10All right. We'll do that. OK.

0:10:10 > 0:10:15He didn't waste any time nailing that one. 40 euros is £33.33.

0:10:16 > 0:10:17It's a nice little thing.

0:10:17 > 0:10:20It's a shame it's got a tiny little chip there.

0:10:20 > 0:10:23It was actually made in Austria.

0:10:23 > 0:10:26For 40 euros, it was always going to come home with me.

0:10:26 > 0:10:29So Eric's taken the lead

0:10:29 > 0:10:32and yet again snapped up two items at one stall.

0:10:32 > 0:10:35Will finds himself chasing the master once more.

0:10:36 > 0:10:39Something caught my eye. It is this little inlaid panel.

0:10:39 > 0:10:42Pretty self-explanatory. Tintin Au Congo.

0:10:42 > 0:10:46I did enquire about the price earlier. They were asking 50.

0:10:46 > 0:10:50I thought it was a bit cheeky. Thank you, yes. They were asking 60.

0:10:50 > 0:10:53I've got the boss man here and I'm just going to finish the deal.

0:10:53 > 0:10:55Monsieur.

0:10:55 > 0:10:57- Pour le Tintin Au Congo...- Oui?

0:10:57 > 0:11:03- Je peux vous payer 30 euro. Ca va?- Parfait.- Ah!

0:11:03 > 0:11:05Tres bien. Merci beaucoup, monsieur.

0:11:05 > 0:11:08Oh, he's such a show off. I'm sure you don't need me

0:11:08 > 0:11:11to tell you that the man instantly accepted The Axeman's

0:11:11 > 0:11:15offer of 30 euros - so the Tintin plaque costs him £25.

0:11:15 > 0:11:18I thought his pronunciation was a bit ropey, if I'm honest. Mmm.

0:11:20 > 0:11:21Tintin Au Congo.

0:11:21 > 0:11:24It's the iconic front cover of the book by the same name.

0:11:24 > 0:11:27Looking at the kind of woods that have been used

0:11:27 > 0:11:30here for the inlay, I think this has probably been made in Africa.

0:11:30 > 0:11:32I think I might have a buyer set up for this.

0:11:32 > 0:11:35He is only seven but he's going to fall in love with it.

0:11:35 > 0:11:38Well, let's hope he's got enough pocket money to buy it, Will!

0:11:38 > 0:11:40And that comic book caper brings us to the

0:11:40 > 0:11:42halfway point in our big buying battle.

0:11:42 > 0:11:44Let's tot up the numbers.

0:11:44 > 0:11:48Both our boys started out with £1,000 of their own money.

0:11:48 > 0:11:51Eric's barely broken a sweat in either round,

0:11:51 > 0:11:57paying out a thrifty £83.33 - leaving £916.67 in his kitty.

0:11:57 > 0:12:02Will has spent a little bit more, parting with £135.83.

0:12:02 > 0:12:07So he has £864.17 to spend.

0:12:07 > 0:12:10So, they bring lots of money back to Britain for Round Three -

0:12:10 > 0:12:11the auction.

0:12:11 > 0:12:14Our experts have rocked up at Gildings Auctioneers

0:12:14 > 0:12:16in Market Harborough.

0:12:16 > 0:12:18Both men earn their crust in the saleroom

0:12:18 > 0:12:22so it's home turf all round - but who will come out on top?

0:12:22 > 0:12:25They start scouring the room, looking for lots they like.

0:12:25 > 0:12:28And Will's in a combative mood.

0:12:28 > 0:12:31The room is filling up with buyers. That's competition.

0:12:31 > 0:12:35I've got to find that item that they miss, the saleroom has missed,

0:12:35 > 0:12:39and that I can make a profit on. Let the battle commence.

0:12:39 > 0:12:41Yes, you can tell he's in his comfort zone,

0:12:41 > 0:12:43he can't wait to get stuck in.

0:12:43 > 0:12:45Eric however seems a little underwhelmed.

0:12:47 > 0:12:50There is an awful lot of this and that.

0:12:50 > 0:12:55You can abbreviate this and that. Take it as you will.

0:12:55 > 0:12:57Come on, Knocker - get amongst it.

0:12:57 > 0:13:00There'll be a pot out there with your name on it.

0:13:00 > 0:13:03Our boys have had a good root around but viewing time is over.

0:13:03 > 0:13:08Deep breaths, everyone! Here we go. The master shows his interest first.

0:13:08 > 0:13:11The next lot is described as, "A continental porcelain

0:13:11 > 0:13:14"group of a classical maiden and three cherubs."

0:13:14 > 0:13:18If it goes for less than £50, you are looking at the buyer.

0:13:19 > 0:13:22Absentee bid, £40. Any advance?

0:13:22 > 0:13:23Eric is having a go on this lot.

0:13:23 > 0:13:26- One more?- Yes, one more.

0:13:26 > 0:13:2855. With you, sir, at £55.

0:13:29 > 0:13:31Selling...

0:13:31 > 0:13:33Yes, he's done it.

0:13:33 > 0:13:36Add in the auction commission and Eric pays £64.90.

0:13:36 > 0:13:41This particular example probably dates to around about 1850.

0:13:41 > 0:13:44The gilding is in such nice condition.

0:13:44 > 0:13:47There are little bits of damage on it.

0:13:47 > 0:13:49But the money I paid was worth it.

0:13:49 > 0:13:52Eric gets back to main saleroom and just a few minutes later

0:13:52 > 0:13:55is bidding on a pair of Royal Doulton vases.

0:13:55 > 0:13:58Selling at 85.

0:13:58 > 0:14:03And they're his for £100.30 including commission.

0:14:04 > 0:14:08A pair of Royal Doulton stoneware vases which

0:14:08 > 0:14:10date to around about 1910.

0:14:10 > 0:14:14What you are looking at is entirely hand decorated.

0:14:14 > 0:14:17These are going to appeal to somebody who maybe has an

0:14:17 > 0:14:22Arts and Crafts house and is wanting something authentic from the period.

0:14:22 > 0:14:26Well Eric hasn't hung about - his work here is done.

0:14:26 > 0:14:28Will, however, hasn't bought anything.

0:14:28 > 0:14:31He's seen some silk scarves, but before bidding,

0:14:31 > 0:14:33he's getting some advice.

0:14:33 > 0:14:36Do you buy vintage Hermes scarf-type things?

0:14:36 > 0:14:40Oh, Will! This kind of behaviour is frowned on by the old school.

0:14:40 > 0:14:42NO AUDIBLE SPEECH

0:14:42 > 0:14:48The auction is in full flow. And the boy is on the phone.

0:14:48 > 0:14:50Just having a chat.

0:14:50 > 0:14:55It's not the done thing in an auction just to have a chinwag with somebody.

0:14:55 > 0:14:59Hmm. But Will thinks it's time well spent.

0:14:59 > 0:15:02Just double-checking that my friend's better half still

0:15:02 > 0:15:05deals in vintage clothes and so on, before I have a go on those scarves.

0:15:05 > 0:15:08But that is the sort of thing they buy.

0:15:08 > 0:15:12Four Liberty silk scarves. £70. I'm here to sell.

0:15:12 > 0:15:14Are you bidding? 75.

0:15:14 > 0:15:1880. I'm waiting. 85.

0:15:18 > 0:15:21- At £85... - BANGS GAVEL

0:15:21 > 0:15:23Will makes an informed decision

0:15:23 > 0:15:27and gets four silk scarves for £100.30 with fees.

0:15:29 > 0:15:32What I like about them is that they are so different.

0:15:32 > 0:15:34Liberty is a good name. Good quality.

0:15:34 > 0:15:38Nice design. Maybe try and double my money. £50 per scarf.

0:15:38 > 0:15:40Oh, that'd be nice.

0:15:40 > 0:15:43A little while later, Will's waving that paddle again.

0:15:43 > 0:15:45His second auction item is a leather snuff box -

0:15:45 > 0:15:48he pays £29.50 including commission.

0:15:49 > 0:15:52What I like about it is that it's made of leather.

0:15:52 > 0:15:56In the top we've got this nice sort of leather pressed design.

0:15:56 > 0:16:00I don't think there is any great age to that. But even so, a quirky item.

0:16:01 > 0:16:04And with that, we reach the end of Round Three.

0:16:04 > 0:16:06Let's check on the money.

0:16:06 > 0:16:08Eric has suddenly trebled his spending.

0:16:08 > 0:16:15Overall he's paid out £248.53, leaving £751.47 in the kitty.

0:16:15 > 0:16:18And those are very similar figures to Will's.

0:16:18 > 0:16:21He's splashed out a fraction more - £265.63,

0:16:21 > 0:16:25so has £734.37 to spend.

0:16:26 > 0:16:30So, they've both got a lot of money left as we reach Round Four -

0:16:30 > 0:16:32the antiques fair.

0:16:32 > 0:16:35The final frantic buying session takes place at the

0:16:35 > 0:16:38East of England showground in Peterborough.

0:16:38 > 0:16:41And this place is enormous - 1,700 stands,

0:16:41 > 0:16:46so lots of ground to cover for this concluding competitive bout.

0:16:46 > 0:16:47I want to spend big.

0:16:47 > 0:16:53Having said that, I've got the best part of about 10 acres to cover.

0:16:53 > 0:16:57I'm going to have to put in a fair amount of legwork.

0:16:58 > 0:17:01And he's not the only potential big spender in town.

0:17:01 > 0:17:03Will is keen to splash the cash too.

0:17:05 > 0:17:08I've still got a lot of money in my pocket.

0:17:08 > 0:17:11I'd like to spend it if I can, but it's just finding the right thing.

0:17:11 > 0:17:13There's plenty here today.

0:17:13 > 0:17:16Hopefully I'll be able to get rid of all that booty

0:17:16 > 0:17:18and buy some treasure.

0:17:18 > 0:17:20Eric is first out of the blocks.

0:17:20 > 0:17:23He's struck by breakables. I know! Who would have predicted it?

0:17:23 > 0:17:25He's leaping in for another double deal.

0:17:27 > 0:17:31- £30 for the two.- A fiver off that...

0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Four off that.- OK. I'll do a double purchase.

0:17:34 > 0:17:39Yet again, two items from the same stall - it's his theme of the day.

0:17:39 > 0:17:42I know I always buy pots, I can't help it.

0:17:42 > 0:17:46First of all, I had to have that pickle dish.

0:17:46 > 0:17:51It's probably around about 1810. This is pearlware. It's transfer printed.

0:17:51 > 0:17:56Although it's priced at 15, I got this Minton plate for £10.

0:17:56 > 0:18:03But it's probably around about 1880. It's in lovely condition.

0:18:03 > 0:18:05Well, he said he wanted to spend big -

0:18:05 > 0:18:07and £30 doesn't really come close.

0:18:07 > 0:18:10So, that's an interesting tactic at such a huge fair.

0:18:10 > 0:18:13But, if he thinks he's bought well, that's the main thing.

0:18:13 > 0:18:17So, Eric can put his feet up - his Showdown is sorted.

0:18:17 > 0:18:20But Will is still all about the money.

0:18:20 > 0:18:22# It's not about the money, money, money... #

0:18:22 > 0:18:26My eye was caught by your little urn stand here.

0:18:26 > 0:18:29What I like about it is that it is quite nice and dinky.

0:18:29 > 0:18:30It's not too big, is it.

0:18:30 > 0:18:35What I didn't like about it was your ticket of 180.

0:18:35 > 0:18:41I would be willing to do a deal with you at 150.

0:18:41 > 0:18:44- How does that sound?- 160.

0:18:44 > 0:18:48Can we split the difference? Be really cheeky and say 155?

0:18:48 > 0:18:49- All right.- Done.

0:18:49 > 0:18:53Well, cheeky seemed to work! And that's a fairly hefty spend.

0:18:54 > 0:18:57What I've bought myself here is a late 19th-century,

0:18:57 > 0:19:02perhaps early 20th century Chinese urn stand. I think it's rather fine.

0:19:02 > 0:19:08Beautifully carved and it actually makes a rather good stool.

0:19:08 > 0:19:10I've been on my feet all day. I'm knackered!

0:19:10 > 0:19:13I think I might just stay here and man the stall.

0:19:13 > 0:19:15Smalls for sale.

0:19:15 > 0:19:17Smalls!

0:19:17 > 0:19:18Never mind his smalls,

0:19:18 > 0:19:22next Will's looking at something large...and expensive.

0:19:22 > 0:19:23It's an Art Deco tea trolley.

0:19:25 > 0:19:30- You've got 300 on the ticket. What would be your absolute death?- 250.

0:19:30 > 0:19:33Make it 240 and we've got a deal.

0:19:33 > 0:19:35Go on, mate. Give me a tenner for a luck.

0:19:35 > 0:19:37Good work, mate. Good work.

0:19:37 > 0:19:41Oooh! Another big ticket item. Very different game-play to Knocker.

0:19:41 > 0:19:43The Axeman chops 20% off the asking price,

0:19:43 > 0:19:45so is definitely smiling.

0:19:47 > 0:19:52How can you not fall in love with this Art Deco chromed glass

0:19:52 > 0:19:53tea trolley?

0:19:53 > 0:19:58Date wise, I would've thought 1930s certainly. A period piece.

0:19:58 > 0:20:00If you want quality, you've got to pay for it.

0:20:00 > 0:20:04But has he left room for profit? So, there we have it,

0:20:04 > 0:20:07four epic locations, eight superb items each.

0:20:07 > 0:20:10Before we catch up with our haggling heroes,

0:20:10 > 0:20:12let's see the final spending figures.

0:20:12 > 0:20:15Both our experts started the challenge

0:20:15 > 0:20:17with £1,000 of their own money.

0:20:17 > 0:20:20Eric Knowles spent just a quarter of that -

0:20:20 > 0:20:23£278.53 on mainly breakables.

0:20:23 > 0:20:26Will Axon bought a more varied mix.

0:20:26 > 0:20:29He finished his spending with a final flourish in Peterborough -

0:20:29 > 0:20:34his total outlay of £660.63 is more than double his rival's.

0:20:34 > 0:20:37So quite a difference in financial terms -

0:20:37 > 0:20:40but once they've sold it all on, who'll be soaking up the applause

0:20:40 > 0:20:43and who'll be getting a slow hand clap?

0:20:45 > 0:20:48- So...- How are you? - That's the buying done anyway.

0:20:48 > 0:20:52- God, it's hard work, isn't it? - It is. Tell me, give me your top two.

0:20:52 > 0:20:56I like my Art Deco trolley. I think that's a really stylish thing.

0:20:56 > 0:21:00I'm going to chance my arm at auction with my Sorrento-ware

0:21:00 > 0:21:02box which, again, I really like.

0:21:02 > 0:21:04What two items really stand out for you?

0:21:04 > 0:21:09- The little silver overlay glass vase that I bought in Paris.- Sounds nice.

0:21:09 > 0:21:12And the Minton dish that I bought here today.

0:21:12 > 0:21:17- Put it there. I'll see you at auction.- I'm quite excited, you know.

0:21:17 > 0:21:20- Listen, there could be tears. - Not mine, I hope.

0:21:23 > 0:21:27Yes, it's the stuff of nightmares. But that excitement is all to come.

0:21:27 > 0:21:31First, they must decide which items to send to the Showdown Auction -

0:21:31 > 0:21:34then knuckle down and find buyers for the rest of their hauls.

0:21:34 > 0:21:37And since the auction is so unpredictable,

0:21:37 > 0:21:40they must leave no stone unturned in their quests for victory -

0:21:40 > 0:21:42to ensure they make plenty of profit first.

0:21:44 > 0:21:45At Knocker HQ in Buckinghamshire,

0:21:45 > 0:21:48Eric has already made some decisions.

0:21:48 > 0:21:55When it comes to the auction, the Doulton vases will be going that way.

0:21:55 > 0:22:00So too my French blue-glazed figural group.

0:22:00 > 0:22:05The German 18th-century style, don't always believe a date,

0:22:05 > 0:22:08it says 1789 on that.

0:22:08 > 0:22:14I'm actually going to put in my silver overlay green glass vase.

0:22:14 > 0:22:20As you can see, it's cleaned up and looks absolutely first-class.

0:22:20 > 0:22:23As for the others, I've got my French faience dish.

0:22:23 > 0:22:28I've got my 19th century pearlware pickle dish.

0:22:28 > 0:22:32And the Minton dish, I think I'm onto a winner with that one.

0:22:32 > 0:22:36And finally, my coloured print.

0:22:36 > 0:22:40And I'm in search of a Napoleonic horseman.

0:22:40 > 0:22:42When it comes to finding a buyer, well,

0:22:42 > 0:22:45where's there's a will there's a way.

0:22:45 > 0:22:48The only problem is that I've got a Will in the way.

0:22:48 > 0:22:51I can only hope that he's going to meet his Waterloo.

0:22:51 > 0:22:55Yes, well, he's a long way from Waterloo just now.

0:22:55 > 0:22:57The Axeman is at home near Newmarket

0:22:57 > 0:23:00and he's quite chuffed with his bits.

0:23:00 > 0:23:04Here's my selection from all four days buying. My Liberty scarves.

0:23:04 > 0:23:06No great age, but they are Liberty.

0:23:06 > 0:23:10Then at the front here, Sorrento-ware box. £40 for that.

0:23:10 > 0:23:14Not dear. Then the Tintin inlaid hardwood cover.

0:23:14 > 0:23:17Then we've got Scooby-Doo, or the Great Dane over there.

0:23:17 > 0:23:19About 1920s, in bronze.

0:23:19 > 0:23:25Then I've got this nice circa 1900 Chinese hardwood urn stand.

0:23:25 > 0:23:28And then at the front, we've got the little leather snuff box.

0:23:28 > 0:23:29Unusual. Good shape.

0:23:29 > 0:23:32Then I think my favourite out of the whole lot has got to be this

0:23:32 > 0:23:34Art Deco tea trolley.

0:23:34 > 0:23:37They call it the Savoy, with that nice circular support.

0:23:37 > 0:23:39We've got the tea set. Picquot Ware.

0:23:39 > 0:23:44But what's unusual is, I have the kettle. I think auction items...

0:23:44 > 0:23:45Sorrento-ware box.

0:23:45 > 0:23:48I think the leather snuff can go back in to auction.

0:23:48 > 0:23:51I'm hoping the Chinese market will react well to the urn stand.

0:23:51 > 0:23:55And the tea set. Well, Eric, they call it the Showdown.

0:23:55 > 0:23:58And as they say in wrestling, you're going down!

0:23:58 > 0:24:00Oh, blimey. He's looking fierce.

0:24:00 > 0:24:04So, with the auction items decided, it's now time to shift the rest.

0:24:04 > 0:24:07But remember, until they've shaken on it

0:24:07 > 0:24:10and the money has changed hands, no deal is truly sealed.

0:24:10 > 0:24:13Eric's launching his selling campaign in Central London

0:24:13 > 0:24:16with the Minton dish he bought in Peterborough.

0:24:16 > 0:24:18He's aiming high right from the start.

0:24:19 > 0:24:22I'm here to meet Patch Rogers.

0:24:22 > 0:24:26He usually operates out of his barn in West Sussex.

0:24:26 > 0:24:28But he also operates from this building.

0:24:28 > 0:24:31He's seen an image of my dish. He likes it.

0:24:31 > 0:24:35So I'm going to see if we can dish up a deal.

0:24:35 > 0:24:39Well, it cost him a tenner - let's hope it serves him well.

0:24:39 > 0:24:42- How are you doing?- How are you doing? - Good to see you.

0:24:42 > 0:24:44I'm here to see if we can dish up some business.

0:24:44 > 0:24:47- OK.- Because there is one dish...

0:24:47 > 0:24:51It's Minton. It's that lovely blue, looks like it should be Dresser.

0:24:51 > 0:24:53- Yes.- It's probably not provable.- No.

0:24:53 > 0:24:56When we say Dresser, we're talking about Dr Christopher Dresser.

0:24:56 > 0:24:57That's him.

0:24:57 > 0:25:02Designs for Minton and lots of other potteries. Wallpaper.

0:25:02 > 0:25:04He did an enormous amount.

0:25:04 > 0:25:07With the enamel work, it's quite important to check that

0:25:07 > 0:25:11- and make sure it hasn't been restored or badly marked.- Exactly.

0:25:11 > 0:25:14- It all looks fine. - Make me an offer I can't refuse.

0:25:14 > 0:25:18- OK. 75?- I'd be happy with 80, to be perfectly frank with you.

0:25:18 > 0:25:22- I'd like to round it up.- All right. 80 quid.- You're on.- Lovely.

0:25:22 > 0:25:24A high-class sale right from the off.

0:25:24 > 0:25:28A profit of £70 on a plate for Eric.

0:25:28 > 0:25:32Will's battle for selling supremacy starts close to home in Suffolk.

0:25:32 > 0:25:35He's come to see his pal Jimmy who's a carpenter -

0:25:35 > 0:25:39and Will knows his young son likes a certain comic book hero.

0:25:39 > 0:25:44Being the master craftsman that you are, a carpenter of distinction,

0:25:44 > 0:25:51you can surely appreciate the quality of the African inlaid panel.

0:25:51 > 0:25:54- And of course, I thought of your son.- That is his favourite story.

0:25:54 > 0:25:55That is a result.

0:25:55 > 0:25:58It's taken someone a long time, cos it's all been hand done, hasn't it?

0:25:58 > 0:26:00All the different types of timber separated,

0:26:00 > 0:26:03and they way they've put it all together, it's very well made.

0:26:03 > 0:26:07- How does £50 sound? - 50 quid sounds very good.- Yeah?

0:26:07 > 0:26:09- Are we on?- Yes. - Jimmy, let's shake on it.- OK.

0:26:09 > 0:26:11- Good work.- It's been good fun.

0:26:11 > 0:26:15The Axeman begins his Showdown selling spree by doubling his money

0:26:15 > 0:26:17- £25 profit for the wooden plaque.

0:26:18 > 0:26:21I love it when a plan comes together.

0:26:21 > 0:26:25I had Jimmy in mind for that panel from the moment I saw it in Paris.

0:26:25 > 0:26:26And he's come good.

0:26:26 > 0:26:30He certainly has - buying with someone in mind

0:26:30 > 0:26:32often pays big dividends.

0:26:32 > 0:26:35So, they're both off to a good start and Eric's pressing on.

0:26:35 > 0:26:38He's in Bournemouth to see collector Vernon -

0:26:38 > 0:26:41and he's brought his blue and white pickle dish.

0:26:41 > 0:26:44There's something about blue and white printed pottery that

0:26:44 > 0:26:46just presses the right buttons for me.

0:26:46 > 0:26:49It does for me too. A lot of them have got a good picture in them.

0:26:49 > 0:26:52That's what's always drawn me to them.

0:26:52 > 0:26:55I'm holding something of relatively small size.

0:26:55 > 0:27:00What attracted me initially was when I turned it over.

0:27:00 > 0:27:04You've got this lovely leaf design on it. I've got to come clean.

0:27:04 > 0:27:08When I was looking at these veins, there is one vein there which

0:27:08 > 0:27:12I think there's a little fissure of sorts, rather than a crack.

0:27:12 > 0:27:14I'm going to take that into account.

0:27:14 > 0:27:18I thought it was worth at least 50 quid or something.

0:27:18 > 0:27:21With that sort of mark, I would say 40.

0:27:21 > 0:27:25Yes, because I think it's coming home, that piece.

0:27:25 > 0:27:28- Put your hand there and we will do a deal of £40.- OK.

0:27:28 > 0:27:31A slight defect in the pickle dish diminishes its price.

0:27:31 > 0:27:35But Eric still doubles his money with a profit of £20.

0:27:35 > 0:27:37But what's Will up to?

0:27:37 > 0:27:40He's still bidding to be top dog - he's in Little Downham

0:27:40 > 0:27:44in Cambridgeshire to meet Adrian and his Great Dane, Luca.

0:27:44 > 0:27:46And guess what he's brought...

0:27:46 > 0:27:50I told you about the bronze Great Dane that I bought in Paris.

0:27:50 > 0:27:55- And here he is.- Definitely a he. - Definitely a he.

0:27:55 > 0:27:59The ears, cos Luca has got these lovely, floppy Great Dane ears.

0:27:59 > 0:28:03- What's going on here?- Cropped.- It's pretty much outlawed now, isn't it?

0:28:03 > 0:28:06- Illegal.- Illegal. - In Europe.- Really?- Yes.

0:28:06 > 0:28:12But we must stress that this is a period piece. This is Art Deco.

0:28:12 > 0:28:16Probably 1930s. At that time, it wasn't really frowned upon, was it?

0:28:16 > 0:28:17No. It was typical.

0:28:17 > 0:28:21I was a bit worried about the ears but we can live with the ears.

0:28:21 > 0:28:24- What about £100? - I'm thinking more 60, Will.

0:28:24 > 0:28:26- £60?- Yes.

0:28:26 > 0:28:29- Can we say £80? - 70 and we've got a deal.

0:28:29 > 0:28:35- I'm going to be really cheeky and say £75 on the nose.- On the nose.

0:28:35 > 0:28:38- Go on. Good work, fella.- Thank you.

0:28:38 > 0:28:40A bit of ruff haggling

0:28:40 > 0:28:45but Will's bronze Deco dog collars him a profit of £29.17.

0:28:46 > 0:28:50Well, that's me out of the doghouse. Eric, you still in the kennel?

0:28:50 > 0:28:52Actually, Will, he's gone walkies -

0:28:52 > 0:28:56and pitched up in Bristol to see Chris, who deals in militaria.

0:28:56 > 0:28:59Eric's brought his £10 print of Waterloo

0:28:59 > 0:29:03and he's hoping it won't be too much of a battle to sell it.

0:29:03 > 0:29:07I think the original would probably date to around 1880.

0:29:07 > 0:29:10I thought it would look good in a gentleman's office.

0:29:10 > 0:29:13- Behind a desk or something like that.- Yes.

0:29:13 > 0:29:16Just to contemplate...if somebody is knifing you in the back for

0:29:16 > 0:29:20your job, you could look at that and say, "Well, that's real, that is."

0:29:20 > 0:29:22It's a nice looking print.

0:29:22 > 0:29:25I was hoping for somewhere around about the £50 mark.

0:29:25 > 0:29:29If that was in a local auction then I would mark my card at £25-£35.

0:29:29 > 0:29:32Would you be happy at £35?

0:29:32 > 0:29:38- I will go with 30.- 30?- Yes.- Put it there.- All right.- You are a star.

0:29:38 > 0:29:40The print of Waterloo gives Eric a less than historic

0:29:40 > 0:29:44profit of £20 but it all adds to the total.

0:29:44 > 0:29:47And every penny counts, as Will has been finding out.

0:29:47 > 0:29:50He's taken a big hit on his Liberty scarves.

0:29:50 > 0:29:53After quite a bit of work, he sold them to a vintage dealer

0:29:53 > 0:29:59in Cambridge for £60, which means a chunky loss of £40.30.

0:29:59 > 0:30:02And while he's found someone he thinks wants the tea trolley,

0:30:02 > 0:30:03it's not straightforward.

0:30:05 > 0:30:08The only time I could find to sell my Art Deco cocktail trolley

0:30:08 > 0:30:12is on the actual day of the Showdown Auction. Which isn't ideal.

0:30:12 > 0:30:15Because if he doesn't want it then I'm stuck with it.

0:30:15 > 0:30:19In the meantime, I'm going to get it looking its best.

0:30:19 > 0:30:24Hmm. It's his most expensive item too - a risky position to be in.

0:30:24 > 0:30:25Is Eric doing any better?

0:30:25 > 0:30:28Well, he's in Tunbridge Wells with his French faience dish

0:30:28 > 0:30:31to meet dealer and collector Alan.

0:30:31 > 0:30:33- You have a look at that. - That's what we want to see.

0:30:33 > 0:30:36- It's got that mark of Joseph... - Olerys.

0:30:36 > 0:30:39That's the man. I love these Chinoiserie type figures.

0:30:39 > 0:30:42- I like these.- You only get one chance to paint this.- Yes, you do.

0:30:42 > 0:30:44You've got to paint it right first time.

0:30:44 > 0:30:46I think it's really nice. I like it very much.

0:30:46 > 0:30:48What sort of money are we talking about for it?

0:30:48 > 0:30:50Must be worth at least £100 of somebody's money.

0:30:50 > 0:30:53I think somewhere around the £60 mark, Eric.

0:30:53 > 0:30:57Faience doesn't sell as it did ten years ago.

0:30:57 > 0:31:00- If we said £65, you think we've got a deal?- Yes. I'd be happy with that.

0:31:00 > 0:31:02- Put it there, mate.- OK.- Excellent.

0:31:02 > 0:31:06Sold! The French faience fetches a £40 profit for Eric

0:31:06 > 0:31:08and he's in a feisty mood.

0:31:08 > 0:31:11It's always a pleasure doing business with somebody who knows what

0:31:11 > 0:31:14they are talking about. Somebody who is a kindred spirit.

0:31:14 > 0:31:17And obviously very knowledgeable.

0:31:17 > 0:31:20If you are watching, Will, remember, knowledge is power.

0:31:22 > 0:31:24With Will having to off his trolley later,

0:31:24 > 0:31:27our boys now gear up for the mighty Showdown Auction.

0:31:27 > 0:31:30The tension is palpable, I tell you.

0:31:30 > 0:31:32But before the excitement gets too much,

0:31:32 > 0:31:35let's see how our boys are doing so far.

0:31:35 > 0:31:37Eric Knowles has sold four of his items

0:31:37 > 0:31:41and made a pretty steady profit - £150.

0:31:41 > 0:31:43Will is not faring so well.

0:31:43 > 0:31:47He's not yet been able to sell the trolley - and he's taken a loss.

0:31:47 > 0:31:51His profit currently stands at a measly £13.87.

0:31:53 > 0:31:56And this is the point at which our experts lose all control.

0:31:56 > 0:31:59No more smooth-talking and cajoling of contacts.

0:31:59 > 0:32:02They're now at the mercy of the Showdown Auction.

0:32:02 > 0:32:05Both our boys are auctioneers by trade - but for once,

0:32:05 > 0:32:08they'll be sitting back and watching from the side-lines.

0:32:08 > 0:32:10For today, their fate rests with the staff

0:32:10 > 0:32:13and bidders at Bulstrodes saleroom in Christchurch in Dorset.

0:32:13 > 0:32:16So, how are our prized pair feeling?

0:32:17 > 0:32:21- Hello, mate.- Well met, Will. - How are you?- I'm fine.

0:32:21 > 0:32:23Showdown Auctions, they are...

0:32:23 > 0:32:27- It's my first one.- I've suffered one or two casualties here.

0:32:27 > 0:32:29Listen, I'm not going to talk negative.

0:32:29 > 0:32:32I understand we are in the hands of a lady auctioneer today.

0:32:32 > 0:32:35I'm pretty sure she's going to be able to eke out any

0:32:35 > 0:32:38- bids from the buyers. - And make us a decent profit.

0:32:38 > 0:32:40Let's hope that Lady luck is smiling on us.

0:32:40 > 0:32:43I'm going to check my lots, Eric. Make sure they are all tiptop.

0:32:43 > 0:32:45- Catch you later.- Take care.

0:32:45 > 0:32:47They both seem fairly chipper at this stage,

0:32:47 > 0:32:49but anything can happen here.

0:32:49 > 0:32:52One thing is for sure - both our boys will be paying the saleroom's

0:32:52 > 0:32:55standard seller's commission, plus some house fees.

0:32:55 > 0:32:57So, before the auction kicks off,

0:32:57 > 0:33:00there's time to check out each other's lots.

0:33:00 > 0:33:03I think that's a bit of a niche market.

0:33:03 > 0:33:08Somebody who collects snuff boxes and is into entomology.

0:33:10 > 0:33:12The study of insects. But you knew that.

0:33:12 > 0:33:15It is reproduction, but even so, it's got the look.

0:33:15 > 0:33:19So who knows, someone might take a fancy and it could fly.

0:33:19 > 0:33:24This is Will's Sorrento box. It has got some age.

0:33:24 > 0:33:27Probably around about 1910. I think he might be quids in with this one.

0:33:27 > 0:33:33Eric's Royal Doulton vases. Decent pair, good size, nicely decorated.

0:33:33 > 0:33:36They've got to be worth £100, but who can tell at the auction.

0:33:36 > 0:33:40In all honesty, Will, I think you are going to struggle with this one.

0:33:40 > 0:33:43It is its size that goes against it. The quality is good.

0:33:43 > 0:33:47I remember this from auction and I was tempted to have a go to myself.

0:33:47 > 0:33:49But left it to Eric.

0:33:49 > 0:33:54I'm hoping he hasn't discovered a rare factory, an unknown maker.

0:33:54 > 0:33:59I know Will paid £25 for this and they have estimated it at 30 to 50.

0:33:59 > 0:34:03The one thing that is different about what I'm looking at is

0:34:03 > 0:34:05the fact that there is a kettle.

0:34:05 > 0:34:08I think you might be onto an earner with this little lot.

0:34:08 > 0:34:11I can see why he has bought that. Nice quality. Didn't cost a lot.

0:34:11 > 0:34:14I think the estimate is 80 to 120.

0:34:14 > 0:34:17I think he's going to be quietly confident about this.

0:34:17 > 0:34:18Who can blame him?

0:34:18 > 0:34:20Well, let's see what happens.

0:34:20 > 0:34:24Eric's bohemian vase is one of the very first items in today's sale.

0:34:24 > 0:34:26How do you feel about that? Is that a good or bad thing?

0:34:26 > 0:34:29I don't like that. I like to be at least 20 to 30 lots in,

0:34:29 > 0:34:32and then you have established a rhythm by then.

0:34:32 > 0:34:34I think you are going to do well.

0:34:34 > 0:34:37The vase owes Eric just over £33.

0:34:37 > 0:34:42I'm going to start low estimate at £80.

0:34:42 > 0:34:44And 90. 100. And 10.

0:34:44 > 0:34:46120. 130.

0:34:46 > 0:34:48Yeah, all right!

0:34:48 > 0:34:54150. Any more bids? We will sell at £150.

0:34:54 > 0:34:57What a start! Knocker knocks it out of the park!

0:34:57 > 0:35:01Take off the fees and Eric's profit is £84.27.

0:35:01 > 0:35:03But he's not celebrating just yet.

0:35:04 > 0:35:07I don't want to come across as being negative

0:35:07 > 0:35:09but I think I'm already at the top of the hill

0:35:09 > 0:35:14and I think we be may well be going on a downhill trajectory.

0:35:14 > 0:35:15I'll catch you at the bottom.

0:35:15 > 0:35:17Well, let's see if he's right.

0:35:17 > 0:35:21Eric's pair of Royal Doulton stoneware vases is up next.

0:35:21 > 0:35:23He paid just over £100.

0:35:24 > 0:35:27You always take a gamble buying something at an auction and

0:35:27 > 0:35:30- putting it back into another auction, don't you?- This is them, look.

0:35:30 > 0:35:35Start at £30. A pair of Doulton pots. 30. 40.

0:35:35 > 0:35:3650 on the internet.

0:35:36 > 0:35:3855 in the room.

0:35:38 > 0:35:41Internet bid now at 70. £70.

0:35:41 > 0:35:43GAVEL BANGS THEY GROAN

0:35:43 > 0:35:45Oh, dear!

0:35:45 > 0:35:47Maybe he was right about the downward trajectory.

0:35:47 > 0:35:49The Doultons take a dive.

0:35:49 > 0:35:54After fees, Eric makes a loss of £47.34.

0:35:54 > 0:35:57- I'm feeling it for you, Eric. I'm feeling it.- Yeah (!)

0:35:57 > 0:36:00Will's turn next - and after his pretty disastrous private sales,

0:36:00 > 0:36:03he needs everything to sell well.

0:36:03 > 0:36:05Can the snuff box sniff out a profit?

0:36:05 > 0:36:09No bids at all then? Thank you. That's unsold.

0:36:10 > 0:36:13Oh, that is a massive blow! No interest at all.

0:36:13 > 0:36:19And there's still some fees to pay - Will's total loss is £33.10.

0:36:19 > 0:36:21Next up is his Sorrento-ware box.

0:36:21 > 0:36:25It cost him £40 and both Will and Eric rate it.

0:36:25 > 0:36:30The auctioneer predicts a small profit. Let's hope she's right.

0:36:30 > 0:36:35- £30 please. Somebody? 30? - I hope so at that sort of money.

0:36:35 > 0:36:37I'm tempted to put my own hand up.

0:36:37 > 0:36:42- Internet buyer at...- Come on!- Go on, Kate. Work your smile on that man.

0:36:42 > 0:36:43Thank you.

0:36:43 > 0:36:46It's a fiver more than he paid for it, but with auction fees

0:36:46 > 0:36:51the Sorrento-ware box makes another loss - £7.24.

0:36:51 > 0:36:55Will The Axeman be felled by his first Showdown Auction?

0:36:55 > 0:36:57Luckily, he's got time for a breather

0:36:57 > 0:37:01while Eric's next lot comes up - it's the French porcelain group.

0:37:01 > 0:37:04It says, "Scantily clad female in turquoise and blue."

0:37:04 > 0:37:08A scantily clad maiden is better than a fully clothed old man.

0:37:08 > 0:37:09That's true.

0:37:09 > 0:37:12£20, please, surely. Turquoise blue figure group...

0:37:12 > 0:37:14Ouch!

0:37:14 > 0:37:19Anyone want this at all today? No? OK, thank you. Unsold.

0:37:19 > 0:37:23Hmm. Scantily clad or not, the naked truth is the porcelain group scores

0:37:23 > 0:37:26a £68.50 loss for Eric.

0:37:26 > 0:37:30Don't look at me, Will, you might see a grown man cry.

0:37:30 > 0:37:33Well, let's see how his last lot goes.

0:37:33 > 0:37:35It's the German tankard that cost £15.

0:37:35 > 0:37:40So, will he be drowning his sorrows or toasting success?

0:37:40 > 0:37:44£10 for the pottery stein. 15. 20.

0:37:44 > 0:37:47And five is bid. At £25.

0:37:47 > 0:37:49Sells to the room.

0:37:49 > 0:37:52A sobering moment for Eric - he makes a profit,

0:37:52 > 0:37:57but after fees, the tankard pulls in just £1.60.

0:37:57 > 0:38:00- That's me done.- Is that you out? - That's me done.- You are out of jail.

0:38:00 > 0:38:05Will still has two lots left, and he's desperately in need of profit.

0:38:06 > 0:38:09- Send me some good karma. - I'll channel it to you.- Yeah, man.

0:38:11 > 0:38:13THEY HUM

0:38:13 > 0:38:16Try anything you like, but it all comes down to the bidders.

0:38:16 > 0:38:19Will they like his Chinese urn stand?

0:38:20 > 0:38:26I've got £155 at risk here. They've estimated it at £30-£50.

0:38:26 > 0:38:30I noticed that. I think the only thing going against it is its size.

0:38:30 > 0:38:3320, I've got 20. 25. 30.

0:38:33 > 0:38:36There's a fair bit of interest in the room...

0:38:36 > 0:38:41- 100 bid. 10.- Go on!- 130.

0:38:41 > 0:38:44- Little stand all done.- Go on, a little bit more! It's worth more!

0:38:44 > 0:38:46HE GROANS

0:38:46 > 0:38:50So Eric was right, size did matter. The urn stand provides

0:38:50 > 0:38:55Will's third loss of the day - after fees, it's £53.56.

0:38:55 > 0:38:58Surely, he must make a profit from his final lot -

0:38:58 > 0:39:01the Picquot tea set with its rare kettle.

0:39:01 > 0:39:02He paid £25.

0:39:02 > 0:39:08- £50 to start.- Surely.- £70. 80.

0:39:08 > 0:39:11- Come on, come on. - 90 bid. Give me 100.

0:39:11 > 0:39:14- 100 I've got.- Hang on. Just let... - £100 for this set now.

0:39:16 > 0:39:19Thank goodness for that. He finally makes a profit,

0:39:19 > 0:39:24and a decent one at that - £52.20 including all the fees.

0:39:24 > 0:39:29- Think it's all done bar the shouting. - Actually, no it isn't.

0:39:29 > 0:39:32- I've got one more Showdown sale. - Have you now?

0:39:32 > 0:39:36- Eric, keep my seat warm. - I will do.- Sir, it's been a pleasure.

0:39:36 > 0:39:38Yes, I'm sure it has.

0:39:38 > 0:39:40- All right, you be good.- OK.

0:39:40 > 0:39:43The world loves a trier.

0:39:43 > 0:39:45So Will legs it quick smart -

0:39:45 > 0:39:47he can't afford to miss his final potential buyer.

0:39:47 > 0:39:51He drives to the small town of Wilton near Salisbury

0:39:51 > 0:39:53to see antiques dealer Allan.

0:39:53 > 0:39:57The tea trolley owes him a lot - £240.

0:39:57 > 0:40:02Allan, here I am in, may I say, your wonderful looking shop.

0:40:02 > 0:40:07The ideal setting to show you what I understand is a Savoy

0:40:07 > 0:40:09- cocktail trolley. - That's correct, it is.

0:40:09 > 0:40:12The round ones are all called Savoy. It is actually of period.

0:40:12 > 0:40:15The one way you can tell, if you didn't know,

0:40:15 > 0:40:17is because of the mirroring.

0:40:17 > 0:40:20When they actually found that these were damaged,

0:40:20 > 0:40:24they replaced the shelves. They sprayed them all black.

0:40:24 > 0:40:28I'm going to ask you how you feel at around the £300 mark.

0:40:30 > 0:40:32I'm looking at around about 250.

0:40:32 > 0:40:35Shall we cut to the chase and say 275?

0:40:35 > 0:40:39- OK.- Go on, then.- Happy there. - I was going to shake above or below?

0:40:39 > 0:40:40- Right in between.- Go on, then.

0:40:40 > 0:40:43The trolley wheels in a profit of £35.

0:40:43 > 0:40:46But is it enough to shake up the Showdown?

0:40:46 > 0:40:49We'll reveal the winner in just a moment - first,

0:40:49 > 0:40:51let's remind ourselves of what they spent in total.

0:40:51 > 0:40:56Both our experts started out with £1,000 of their own money

0:40:56 > 0:40:58to spend on their eight items.

0:40:58 > 0:41:02Eric spent just over a quarter of that - £278.53.

0:41:02 > 0:41:08Will splashed the cash in comparison, spending £660.63.

0:41:08 > 0:41:11But now it all comes down to profit.

0:41:11 > 0:41:14All of the money that Eric and Will have made from today's

0:41:14 > 0:41:16challenge will go to charities of their choice.

0:41:16 > 0:41:19So, let's find out who is today's

0:41:19 > 0:41:21Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Showdown Champion.

0:41:23 > 0:41:27- This is it!- The Showdown! - I'm a bit nervous, Eric.

0:41:27 > 0:41:30- What have you got to be nervous about?- It's my first one.

0:41:30 > 0:41:32I took a hit at the auction.

0:41:32 > 0:41:34But I was pleased with my Picquot Ware tea set.

0:41:34 > 0:41:37If I've learned anything on this series it's to look

0:41:37 > 0:41:39out for a Picquot kettle.

0:41:39 > 0:41:43I was quite pleased with my silver overlay bohemian vase.

0:41:43 > 0:41:45- That did very well. - Let's see where it takes us.

0:41:45 > 0:41:49- This is... - This is it. One, two, three.

0:41:51 > 0:41:56- Oh my goodness!- Excuse me. I think there must be some mistake

0:41:56 > 0:42:00No mistake, Will, your Showdown Auction losses hit you hard

0:42:00 > 0:42:01and Eric rules the day.

0:42:01 > 0:42:04But both our experts have been building up their profit pots

0:42:04 > 0:42:08over a week of challenges, so who will take the crown?

0:42:09 > 0:42:12- Ready?- One, two, three.

0:42:12 > 0:42:15Oh! Oh! Hello!

0:42:15 > 0:42:17There is honour in defeat here.

0:42:17 > 0:42:21You are sharper than the axe blade to which you are now related.

0:42:21 > 0:42:23It has been great fun.

0:42:23 > 0:42:26I couldn't say I could have done it with anyone finer than yourself.

0:42:26 > 0:42:29You are probably right there. You are probably right.

0:42:29 > 0:42:33- You are a legend, sir. You are a legend.- I am, in my own underpants.

0:42:33 > 0:42:36Yes, and with that brief thought, Will is the winner.

0:42:36 > 0:42:41But together they've made some serious money - well over £2,300.

0:42:41 > 0:42:46And every last penny will go straight to their good causes.

0:42:46 > 0:42:49My chosen charity is Sightsavers.

0:42:49 > 0:42:52Their work involves travelling the globe,

0:42:52 > 0:42:57helping to eliminate avoidable blindness in young people.

0:42:57 > 0:43:00My chosen charity is Sophie's Smile Fund.

0:43:00 > 0:43:02Part of the Brain Tumour Charity.

0:43:02 > 0:43:05Set up in memory of my daughter's best friend, Sophie Bell,

0:43:05 > 0:43:08who sadly succumbed to a tumour 18 months ago.

0:43:08 > 0:43:11It's been a week of no-holds-barred combat.

0:43:11 > 0:43:13Our excellent experts have really put their money

0:43:13 > 0:43:17where their mouths are - and showed they can make a convincing profit

0:43:17 > 0:43:21from buying and selling antiques when their own money is on the line.