Eric Knowles v Will Axon - Auction Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

This is Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is -

the show that pitches TV's best-loved antiques experts

against each other in an all-out battle for profit...

Yee-haw!

..and gives you the insider's view of the trade!

Who's there?

Each week, one pair of duelling dealers will face a different

daily challenge...

The Axeman! Grr!

..putting their reputations on the line...

Ready for the ball.

..and giving you their top tips and savvy secrets

on how to make the most money from buying and selling.

Get in there!

Today's epic struggle is an auction extravaganza

between ceramics specialist, Eric Knowles,

and fine art authority, Will Axon.

Coming up, Will's playing dirty.

I'm going to make him pay for this one. Watch.

He's a cheeky monkey, that lad.

Eric makes an extraordinary discovery.

-Ah, amazing!

-So what's in here, then?

-Yes, exactly.

And Will triumphantly invades Eric's territory.

Come on, Knocker. You're meant to be the ceramics king.

There's a new king on the block!

This is Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!

Welcome one, welcome all.

Prepare yourselves for a winner-takes-all

battle of the bidding at a no-holds-barred,

action-packed auction.

Fair warning. Selling.

We've got two antiques adventurers whose laser-like sights

can spot a bargain at 100 paces.

And in today's colossal collectable chaos,

who'll leave with the treasure and who'll be left with the tat?

Let's meet the boys.

First up, the pride of the north, the boss of the bidding,

the commander-in-chief of all things ceramic.

It's the Prince of Porcelain himself, Eric "Knocker" Knowles.

Trust me, I'm here to buy.

His rival is a man on a mission, an antiques aficionado.

He'll take on all comers to challenge the throne.

Swinging in from Suffolk, full of eastern promise,

it's Will "The Axeman" Axon.

Respect where respect is due, but I still want to beat him.

Today's prize purchasing fight takes place at Gildings Auctioneers

in Market Harborough in Leicestershire.

Our competitive combatants arrive with a spring in their step

and £1,000 of their own money to spend.

Their ultimate aim is simple - make as much money as possible

to donate for their chosen charities.

So, Eric Knowles and Will Axon, best foot forward,

throw caution to the wind and relish the risk.

It's time to Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.

-So, how are you?

-Good. Anticipating sale day?

-Yes.

I mean, let's face it, we are both on home turf.

We are both auctioneers, so...

But are we game keepers turned poachers now?

-I'm not quite sure.

-Or are we poachers turned gamekeepers?

-Well, it doesn't matter. We're in Market Harborough.

-Good-looking sale.

-Good mix of items. Something for everyone.

-You checked it online?

I did have a look online. I marked one or two lots. What about you?

Well, I'm more of a I want to go and see it and touch it

-and feel it, handle it type.

-And what about the antiques?

-Well, they...

On top of that, we've got £1,000, but bearing in mind that we've got

the buys premium, it gives us about £800 and a bit.

-That's enough money, isn't it?

-I think so, too.

-Let's see how much we've got left at the end of it.

-OK.

-Good luck, sir.

-And you too.

Mm, no talk of tactics. They're keeping their powder dry.

But remember, our saleroom superheroes

aren't just bidding against each other today. Oh, no!

If only it were that simple.

They'll be fending off the rest of the room

and there's plenty of bidders standing by online.

But before the money starts flying, our boys want to look at the lots.

You've got to really sort of concentrate

because if there's something good in this auction,

you don't want to be the one that misses it.

Yes, Eric's focused, but is it enough?

Will thinks it's all about preparation.

My plan of attack is - concentrate on the items that I marked,

that I got that gut instinct feeling for when I saw them online,

and, you know, if the price is right, I might stick my hand up.

Well, that's the general idea, William.

As Eric continues to have a good old feel of what's on offer,

Will makes a beeline for something he saw online.

They jumped out at me because cuff links are a commercial item.

They are easily saleable.

These are particularly nice quality, 18 carat gold and platinum.

If you had to buy this from a top retailer or a jeweller,

they are easily into three figures.

Some of them might even try and charge you four.

Mm, sounds like The Axeman did a lot of research

before he set foot in the saleroom.

He's determined to give good old Knocker a run for his money.

And look where Will is now -

brazenly treading on Eric's territory. Gasp!

Everything laid before me is breakable.

Eric would be in heaven.

I think I'm going to give it a wide berth.

Actually, Eric's already in paradise.

He thinks he's found something rather special.

This is described as a Chinese carved jade group of two cubs.

The estimate is £60-100,

but I don't think all the money I've got today is going to buy that.

To me, it looks as though it's definitely 18th-century.

This one is ticking all the boxes, so we'll just watch, wait, and see.

Oh, Knocker's in the know.

Has he found an all-important sleeper -

something that may have been undervalued in the catalogue?

But Eric's not the only one with an eagle eye.

Will's also got something to show us...

(and he's whispering for a reason.)

-HE WHISPERS:

-Well, when I was browsing the online catalogue,

one item really jumped out at me.

It's a little mother-of-pearl casket.

Now, catalogued as 19th century, possibly Continental.

Between you and me, it's 17th century and it's Gujarati Indian.

My prediction - two, three, four, £5,000?

I haven't got the budget.

Estimate - £20-30.

So, this could get very exciting.

Will both our boys buy something that will make them a mint?

Let's hope that no-one else heard them talking.

His fine find has certainly put Eric in a playful mood.

It's remarkable, isn't it, how ladies in the 1930s

had such a great sense of balance.

You only ever see them standing on one leg.

Well, if you say so.

Our pair of purchasers have perused the pieces and now the room

has filled up, the auctioneer's on the rostrum, and the gavel is go.

The ceramic section is first

so prepare to see some arm action from Eric.

But, hold on, what's this? Will looks ready to dive in.

Now, I've got lot 37 coming up.

I know it's not very fashionable but I love blue and white.

One minute he says he's giving the breakables a wide berth,

the next he loves blue and white.

With me at £38. At 38, 42.

-42, 45, 48.

-Hm, someone else.

55. 65. £65.

-75. One more?

-78, sir.

£78, at 78. All done and selling... to 901. Thank you.

I was a little bit cheeky there to be honest.

He was looking for another fiver, I called out my £3 bid.

It's a public auction so any bid that you make has to be accepted.

So Will is off the mark.

He's stepped into the kingdom of crockery. Hm...

Yes, he has.

Add in the fees

and the Staffordshire printware bowl and plate costs him £92.04.

I don't think I've ever seen a bowl this shape before

with this nice shaped rim.

If I turn it over, we've got some nice wear around the foot there

which makes me know that it's mid-19th century,

that sort of period.

And also to boot... I get a little platter.

I'm hoping maybe to sell the bowl for...

Well, it'll have to be £100 plus, won't it?

And in the platter, if I can get £20, £30 for that, it's pure profit.

With Will treading very firmly on Eric's toes,

the master is getting anxious.

20, thank you. 20.

I just need to get off the mark because...

The Axeman hath cometh, and The Axeman hath biddeth,

and The Axeman hath winneth.

Brace yourself, Eric. He's getting ready to biddeth again.

There's more Staffordshire.

Three little moulded pickle dishes coming up.

Again, printed in blue and white, formed as leaves.

38, 40. 42, take my absentee bidder out at 42.

All done? Selling at 42.

901, thank you.

And he winneth again!

It's a blue and white double whammith.

Three pickle dishes, including a pair,

for £49.56 including commission.

I don't want to be unkind, but pickle dishes are so boring.

I just wonder where the market is.

But Will's very confident. He goes to admire them again.

Look at that. You've got the texture of the leaf,

the veins, the tendrils.

And then on this side, they've been transferred,

decorated with these chinoiserie scenes.

I also love on them these little handles here.

Little flat handles with a pierced hole there.

I've not really seen that on this sort of model.

And also, I got a third one here at the back which if I can make

a good price on these, that one again is going to be pure profit.

And that leaves Eric in a bit of a pickle.

Will's performed a landgrab on the ceramics

and Eric's left with nothing.

But the call of the china is strong.

Eric tries for a Staffordshire tea set.

Five, 70, five, 80. £80...

But it's not to be.

Then, a collection of pottery jelly moulds...

28, 30. 32, 35.

..but he has a wobble when the price goes too high.

Then it's yet more Staffordshire - a dessert basket.

65, 70. Against the online bidder now at 80.

It's just not worth it.

And although he loses out,

Knocker won't be knocked off his porcelain podium.

I'm going to have a go on some very smart Wedgwood bone china

coffee cups and saucers.

Start the bidding at just £10, please. At 10?

At £10, £10 bid straight in, thank you, at 12.

15. 18. 20. 22. Five.

28, 30.

All done? Quite sure, finished. And sold.

Ah! He's finally in the game.

Add in the premium, Eric pays £35.40.

It is so stylish! And what's more, it is in such lovely condition.

Date wise, I would've thought probably late 1930s.

The gilding is all there. It just shouts quality.

Yes, Eric's soon into the swing of things. Just ten lots later

and he's bidding on some royal commemorative plaques.

Coming in on the aisles? 20. £25, aisle bid at 30. 35.

Taking it away, £35 here...

Put your hammer down, lad. Put your hammer down.

GAVEL BANGS No, it don't expect any favours,

but I used to work with that chap.

Nope, there's no friends in this business, Eric.

Nonetheless, the plaques are his

for £41.30 including commission.

Well, if you're going to go out and buy yourself some royal memorabilia,

then you can't do much better than that made by Royal Doulton.

Here's a pair of panels featuring Edward VII and Alexandra,

so we know they date to 1902 because it tells us.

I paid the sort of money today that I would've paid,

believe it or not, over 20 years ago.

The market is not as bouncy, but I can't resist a bargain.

Well, he may not get another if The Axeman has anything to do with it.

I want to keep an eye on him.

I don't want him buying anything too cheap,

because if I think he is, I might bid against him.

That wasn't a bid!

Yep, lesson one of the saleroom - never wave at the auctioneer. Hm.

Well, the next item is described as an arts and crafts

wrought iron and brass three light candelabra. £30 to 50...

If it's towards the bottom end, I'm interested.

I'm going to make him pay for this one. Watch.

£20 to start. £20 to start bidding.

22. 25, 28, 30, 32, 35, 38.

40, 42, 45, 48, 50, 55.

-Ooh, I might get stuck with this!

-£60 from you?

-No, sir, I'm out.

£60, lady's bid now at £60.

He's a cheeky monkey, that lad.

I took him well to his limit.

Almost got stuck with it, but luckily someone behind me

got me out of the muddle there.

They do say that emulation is the sincerest form of flattery.

But we all know that that is a total fib.

Will may have his little games but Eric's an old hand

and remains undeterred.

Just a few lots on,

and he's interested in a mahogany tea caddy and coaster.

110. 120. All done?

GAVEL BANGS

That becomes his first big ticket item of the day.

£141.60 with fees.

Well, this little Georgian tea caddy caught my eye simply because

it was just so nicely made.

But to be frank with you, as much as I like that,

this was the object in the same lot that caught my attention.

You've got what to all intents and purposes is a clamp.

You can either clamp it onto a chair leg,

or if necessary, you can actually clamp it on to the edge of a table.

Date wise, around about 1820.

I've never seen one before.

It could well be worth more than the tea caddy.

Hm, not often Eric finds something he's never seen before.

Sounds promising.

Our boys are running away with themselves now

so let's pause to look at the figures.

Our two titans of the trade each arrived

with £1,000 of their own money.

Eric 'Knocker' Knowles had a slow start but he's now bought three

items and spent £218.30 - that leaves £781.70 to spend.

Will 'The Axeman' Axon raced ahead but is now on a go-slow.

His two lots have cost £141.60 -

meaning he has a whopping £858.40 in his kitty.

So, Will may have some catching up to do

but he's not in the least bit fazed.

He's biding his time.

However, he has spotted a collection of children's play packaging.

It's almost got that pop art appeal to me. Real graphic effect.

I don't think it's going to be worth a huge amount of money.

But I might just see what it makes.

20. Two. 25. 28. 30. Two.

£32 standing in front. At 32.

Watching you all carefully. 32.

-BANGS GAVEL

-901.

Bought it.

Yes, add in the fees, it's £37.76.

Illustrated was this rather fine box of washing powder.

As well as the other more graphic bits of packaging.

As far as date goes, I would have thought, what...

'70s. Maybe '50s to '70s. Maybe even '40s.

I'm going to have to do a bit of research.

There was just something about them.

So I took a punt and stuck my hand in the air.

Other brands of washing powder are available,

only in slightly larger boxes.

So, they're neck and neck - three purchases each.

And Eric's primed for the next lot he's marked up.

(But he doesn't want anyone to hear.)

(This is nice. I've got a writing slope coming up next.

(That's quite nice. I think it's going to go for a lot.)

Bid at 120. 130. 140.

150. 160. 170. 180.

190. 200.

-And 10.

-BANGS GAVEL

I think that's good money for this.

Include the fees and the price rises to £247.80 -

a quarter of Eric's budget.

What we've got is the early to mid-19th century

equivalent of a laptop. This just shone in the auction.

Primarily because this brass inlay, which is

often referred to as boulework.

Hopefully it's an object that's going to sell itself.

Well it might need some help, Eric.

Next up are those cuff links The Axeman fancied.

Bidding starts here at 140 with me. 150. 160.

170 there. 180.

190.

Online bidder.

200. There we go at 200. And 10. 220.

230. I will sell at 230.

BANGS GAVEL

He's got what he wanted.

The 18 carat gold and platinum cuff links cost him

£271.40 with fees.

And in one little lot, Will more than doubles his total spend.

Eric also spends big on his next item.

He buys a small collection of costume jewellery,

which includes a Trifari brooch that he likes.

He pays £153.40 with commission.

The bidding war is hotting up - but it could reach boiling point

as our experts' sleepers go under the hammer.

Eric's Chinese carved jade group is first.

Bidding opens here at 500. 800.

1,000.

1,500.

I think Eric is out. 2,000.

2,500 I'm bid.

3,000. 3,600.

Don't raise your hand.

Away at 3,600.

BANGS GAVEL

Well spotted. But let's see what the casket makes.

I predict it's going to make more than that.

And a few minutes later...

Look at that. The internet start us at £650.

650, 700. I'm out. 750...

1,000. 2,000.

2,500. 2,800.

This is the internet against the room.

Phones haven't even started bidding yet.

I predicted five, it's going to make more.

5,000.

500. I'm at £5,500.

BANGS GAVEL

Great work. Well done. Brilliant.

I'm really glad that made all the money, cos it was worth it.

Lovely thing.

And that just goes to show our boys really know their stuff.

As if you were in any doubt.

With the budget busters out of the way,

Will can concentrate on the more realistic prospects.

He makes a quick bid on a Victorian brass-mounted folio stand

and pays £177 with fees.

I saw that there was a stamp on the brass work here.

Had a closer look and it's Bunyard Patent, London.

Then if I pull this down,

you'll see that the actual stands become the legs.

And here, a gentleman, you would be through your folio, your prints.

Hopefully the person that I can find for it will appreciate

it like I do.

And with that, Will calls it a day. Eric wants more though.

Throughout the auction,

he's been standing next to a twin pedestal sideboard.

And when it comes up, he has a punt.

Bid at 75. 80. 90.

100. 110.

120. It's a lot of furniture for the money, isn't it? But there we go.

120.

130. Thank you. 130. 140.

At 140. Fair warning. I'm selling to the room at 140.

BANGS GAVEL

He's got it. Add in the fees and Eric pays £165.20.

Good luck getting it home!

Just bought myself a William IV sideboard. It's lovely mahogany.

It's just not in fashion.

But I bought it with a mind to finding the right person,

with the right house.

Well, you could sound a bit more enthusiastic, Knocker.

Someone will love it. So, that's it.

Our experts have gesticulated with gladiatorial grandeur,

waved their paddles with pride and bravely

bid for their bargains. So how do the figures stack up?

Both our experts arrived at the auction

with £1,000 of their own money.

Eric Knowles ended up with six lots at a total cost of £784.70.

Will Axon bought fewer items and spent less.

Five lots for £627.76.

So what do they make of each other's efforts?

This is the bit we could never predict.

It looks like we've actually swapped roles here.

I think I've got more breakables than you have.

You've gone down the wood route. Talk me through your lots.

I love this writing slope. Just give you a bit of a lift in there. Look.

Oh lovely! A little inkwell there.

-It's all original.

-A bit of bling, Eric. A bit of bling.

-Just keep still.

-Go on, then. It takes a man to wear a brooch.

It does. But that's me. Dolls house materials. Surely.

How can you not fall in love with a little mini Coleman's mustard?

Well, I can. But, you know, everybody to their own.

-What's this thing at the front?

-This is my buy of the day.

The Bunyard Patent folio stand.

-I've seen similar make high three figures.

-Oooh!

This is fighting talk, isn't it?

-Listen, try and get them home without breaking them.

-OK.

Go and try and make a profit. Good to see you.

You've been working out, haven't you?

Well, that's the easy bit done and dusted.

Now, it's time to pop on the old thinking caps as our worthy

warriors change up a gear.

All those auction purchases must be turned into stellar sales.

Our experts must scour the country

and delve into their little black books to find the very best buyers.

Their aim - pounce on every pound and eke out every last penny to

make mighty profits for their chosen charities.

At Knocker HQ in Buckinghamshire, Eric's analysing his arsenal.

In all fairness, it's more of a lottery. I've done my bit for Queen

and King and country by buying the Doulton plaques down there,

of Edward and Alexandra.

If you ever wanted to take coffee from an elegant china coffee pot,

look no further than my Wedgwood example.

I've got some costume jewellery.

The real star is this wonderful brooch by Trifari.

They are resting on this lovely brass-inlaid very early Victorian

writing slope.

I also ended up with a Georgian tea caddy.

But my main interest was in this object.

It's either a waiter or it could be a candle stand.

Last but not least, my William IV pedestal sideboard.

Where is the rest of it, you say. It's in my garage at the moment.

It's so big!

From my point of view, I've got to make what, to all intents and

purposes, is a lottery into something that equates with a handsome profit.

Easier said than done.

Yes, he's not wrong there.

At The Axeman's lair near Newmarket, Will's out of his comfort zone.

Looking at my items, I'm slightly concerned that I may have done

an Eric Knowles here and bought too many breakables.

What really drew me to this first lot of blue and white...

A - two items in the lot. Always good.

And the condition of it is perfect. Then the pickle dishes.

What I thought was unusual was the fact that we had a pair.

And another one as well thrown in to the deal.

Then I've got some cuff links at the front here.

I just thought we were nice quality. 18 carat gold and platinum.

And then the packaging. It just really caught my eye.

At the end of the day, that's what it was designed to do.

And my favourite lot of them all is my folio stand.

It does need a bit of work.

I don't think Eric founded the auction particularly easy either.

So hopefully we are going to find ourselves both in the same

boat with this one.

Actually, I say boat, maybe we'll find ourselves in the same punt.

Well, whatever it is, let's hope it doesn't sink.

So, time to ensure those lots bring in lots of cold hard cash.

Remember, until they've shaken on it

and the money has changed hands, no deal is truly sealed.

Eric throws himself into the ring first -

and he's starting with his most expensive item.

A bold move!

His George IV writing box owes him the best part of £248.

He's in Northampton to meet Mark Goodger,

who's a dealer specialising in antique boxes.

So, can Knocker polish off an early profit?

I've brought along my treasure, which I'm hoping might be your treasure.

That's a very nice box actually. Period-wise - 1820s to 1830s.

Lovely bit of brass work, isn't it?

Missing its escutcheon. Obviously it needs a bit of work.

-It's not been touched for 150 to 200 years.

-No-frills.

-So no secret compartments?

-I faffed around with it.

Fiddling here, fiddling there.

Thinking that there must be something under there.

There is a secret compartment, yes.

Ah!

What did you press? What did you press?!

-That's a secret, Eric.

-Oh! How amazing!

-What's in here then?

-Yes, exactly!

-Unfortunately...

-Fresh air.

-Yes.

I'm feeling very dim.

THEY LAUGH

I was hoping for somewhere around about £350.

I'd look at around about £250. How does that sound?

If I could meet you halfway, I'm still in the game.

-I think we could that, Eric.

-Could we?

-300. Yes.

-All right.

Great. Good stuff.

Yes, Eric's very much in the game.

The box reveals its hidden secrets - a profit of 52.20.

I think it all hinged on that secret compartment.

Trust me, you got it live.

I tried to find it but he knew where.

That being said, I'm hoping if you're watching, Will,

I've still got a few tricks up my own sleeve.

Well, let's hope so, Eric, because Will has been

researching his miniature packaging and is about to go all hi tech.

Get him!

I discovered that most of it was made by Kiddicraft.

And that got me in touch with Chas Sumter.

He runs a website which is dedicated to Hilary Page, his life

and works, the founder of Kiddicraft.

He's down in the south of France

so I'm at home waiting to have an internet chat with him, to see

if he doesn't want to add to his extensive archive.

How very modern!

The play packaging is made up of 23 individual pieces.

Altogether, they stand him at nearly £38.

I did send you images of my packaging.

What was the reasoning behind producing that?

The idea behind the miniature packaging was to give children

a world of their own, where they could replicate shopping.

Originally all the products would have been packed with little,

tiny sweets inside.

Or sugar syrup.

I doubt it's still edible.

WILL LAUGHS

Yes.

I've got around 20 or so. What sort of money are they worth each?

A fair price would probably be say £5 apiece.

-So if you have 23...

-Yes?

-I would be prepared to give you £115.

-Really?

You are the man who knows what these are worth. Thank you again.

-It's been fascinating talking to you.

-Thank you, Will.

I shall look forward to seeing them in the flesh.

Will pays £3.20 to post the packaging

to Chas's British-based family -

and once that's taken into account, he's left with an excellent

starting profit of £74.04 - and he's delighted!

I thought they were going to be worth a little bit more than

I paid for them. But when someone makes you an offer like that,

you've literally got to bite their arm off.

In which case, it's a good job you didn't do the deal in person.

The Axeman continues his hi tech search

while Knocker's doing things the old-fashioned way.

He's brought his royal commemorative plaques to Stratford in

East London to meet Nilesh - the manager of the Edward VII pub.

Have I got a monarch for him.

Not only a monarch, I've got his wife as well.

Eric's Doulton King and Queen cost him just over £41,

but can he make a few sovereigns more?

I can provide Edward VII.

And I can provide his wife, Queen Alexandra.

Oh, right.

-The little mark on the back, that is from the Royal Doulton factory.

-OK.

And I'm pretty sure that they would have been made for his coronation.

-It says it on there, doesn't it?

-Yes. Absolutely. 1902.

How polite of you. Thank you. It's so hard being an expert.

When it comes to asking price,

I would start off asking £95 for the two.

-Let's say 95 then. It's fine by me.

-95. Put your hand there.

-Thank you.

All right. That's really good of you.

Eric pitches it just right

and leaves with a princely profit of £53.70.

I've returned a monarch and his wife to a hostelry that bears his name.

What more could he ask in later life?

Wonder if there'll ever be a pub named after Eric.

Pint at the Knocker Arms, anyone?

No time for Will to stop for refreshments - he's brought

all his various bits of blue and white back to Market Harborough.

He's meeting Richard who's a specialist in transfer-printed ware.

I'm going to start with my first little lot which is

a pair of pickle dishes. I was intrigued by this painted W.

-That is a workman's mark.

-Is it really?

-Yes.

-Decorator's mark?

A mark so they got paid at the end of the day.

-They are about 1825. Typical Wedgewood shape.

-Yes.

Standard willow pattern.

They would have been part of a dinner service

and put on the table with pickles.

If I asked you for 150 for the pair, is that...?

-That is a little strong.

-Would £100 the around the right mark?

Yes, I think I can do that.

I tell you what, hold on to that for me for a moment,

because I've got a third one.

-Is that worth anything to you?

-I'd hate to sell that for about £10.

£10. So I couldn't squeeze another tenner out of you for all three?

-OK. I'll do that.

-Yes?

-Yep.

I think we have a deal at 110, Richard. That is very fair of you.

The pickle dishes bring in a tasty profit of 60.44,

but Will's as keen as mustard for a double deal.

Next, it's the pedestal bowl and meat platter.

This, I suppose, fruit bowl, centre bowl, that sort of thing.

-Fruit bowl, salad bowl.

-What have you spotted there? A little hairline.

When you think what it's gone through for 200 years,

-all the times it's been washed.

-It's amazing, isn't it?

-Yes.

-This was made by Henshall.

-Right.

-And it is a view of St Albans.

-Is it really?

-Uh-huh. You can see the famous St Albans Abbey.

Of course.

As with my pickle dishes, where there was a little extra bonus...

-We like a bonus.

-I've picked up...

I know it's not hugely exciting, but a similar sort of date?

Probably a little bit earlier. About 1815.

It's a nice size, nicely marked.

Is there any chance we could just sneak over the £100 mark,

-do you think?

-Yes. 110?

-Shall we say 110?

Listen, 110 for the pickle dishes, 110 for the bowl and the platter.

Great. Thank you.

Yes, he's done it.

The second lot of blue and white serves up a profit of £17.96 -

and Will's cock-a-hoop!

Come on, Knocker! You are meant to be the ceramics king.

There is a new kid on the block!

Yes, well, perhaps a slightly over-enthusiastic response

but he's certainly challenged Eric's crown as King of Crockery.

But Mr Knowles won't be outdone.

He quickly sees off his Wedgwood celadon coffee set - it's bought

by a dealer in Kent for £65, and that's a profit of £29.60.

So, as they hit the halfway point - who has time for a coffee,

and who needs to prepare a flask? Let's tot up their tallies.

Eric Knowles has made three sales so far -

bringing in a profit of £135.50.

Will Axon has also sold three lots -

and at this stage is a little ahead - a midway total of £152.44.

There's less than £17 in it, so this is anyone's game.

As Will hits the phones, Eric comes out fighting.

He's on his way to Hungerford in Berkshire,

a town well-known for its antiques shops.

He's brought the Georgian tea caddy and the unusual wooden

coaster that came with it - and he's heading for dealer, Stewart.

-Stewart, how are you doing?

-Eric, well, thank you. Yourself?

Good, yes. I'm fine.

I've got what, to all intents and purposes,

is just an honest Georgian tea caddy.

I like the pattern on the top.

The other feature is these little panels of burr yew.

That's what it is.

-Have you ever seen one of these before?

-I haven't.

-That's what appealed to me.

-It can obviously be clamped on to a table.

-Working service.

-It's working service.

When you first look at this, you think, sewing clamp

type of thing, to do with embroidery or that type of cottage industry.

But it's better than that.

I think it's either a candle stand or a drink.

I would err for candle stand because it's more my sort of thing.

I know the bulk of the value is there.

-But the bulk of the interest is there.

-It is!

I'll come in with an opening gambit of £180.

-We are not far away, actually.

-We're not far away.

I was thinking... 150 to 160. That sort of price.

When you said those two figures, it was the 160 that registered.

-Can we do business at 160?

-We can.

-You are a star.

-Well done.

The coaster appears to be the star item.

But it's not a star profit sadly - just 18.40.

Will is moving on to his biggest spend - the cuff links.

He's not far from home in Cambridge and he's aimed his sights on Tony,

who runs a gentleman's outfitter.

And our Axeman has been trying to add value.

I'm hoping that my 18 carat gold and platinum cuff links are going

to be the sort of thing that he's looking for.

To really set them off, I've dug out one of my own cuff link boxes.

And I think they look the business!

So, will presentation boost the profits?

The cuff links owe him in excess of £270.

As well as dealing in gentlemen's fashion,

you are now branching into vintage accessories, is that right?

-Yes, principally cuff links.

-I'm always wearing cuff links.

They are just a great way, aren't they,

to add a splash of colour to an outfit, even a bit of humour.

For example, today I've got my dollar and pound signs.

That's my thinking. You've seen a photograph of them.

How did you see them?

I thought they were a very sophisticated vintage bling

-look of cuff link.

-I love that! Vintage bling.

-Yes, they are very stylish.

-Yes.

But the platinum in them really did lift the cuff links.

The moment has come for me to show you them in the flesh, as it were.

To really set them off I dug out one of my own cuff link boxes.

-Which I am prepared to donate for you.

-It's rather nice too.

I would have thought they could be, what, 1930s?

I was thinking '30s myself.

Have a look at those. What have I said to you 320?

If you could soften the tariff a little on what you said,

I think we might be getting somewhere near.

They say three is the magic number. Let's shake at £300, Tony.

I'm sure that they are going to look the business in your window.

I can imagine crowds of people stopping as they walk past.

-With that guarantee, Will, we've got a deal.

-It's a deal.

It's a big price but a small profit.

The cuff links add 28.60 to Will's total.

And with the sale in the bag he's thinking about his own presentation.

Oh, yes. I could see myself in that.

Maybe just making my way down to the yacht at Monaco.

I thought you had one there.

Mm, suits you, Axeman!

But don't spend too much time playing dress up or you'll be

playing catch up, because Eric is pushing on.

He's got the William IV pedestal sideboard

out of the garage and lugged it to Dorset.

He's meeting Paul, who's married to one of Eric's former colleagues.

So far, they've only seen some pictures Eric's e-mailed them.

They think they've got the right place for it in their dining room.

But first of all, Paul has got to see it

and we've got to do something of a deal.

Eric paid £165-odd for the hefty piece.

Will Paul give him a hefty profit?

-Paul, good to see you.

-Good morning.

-Good morning.

-I've got to apologise for blocking your drive.

-That's fine.

-We are looking around about 1830-1835.

-It's quite an old piece.

Oh, yes! We're talking William IV.

If you look at that carving, that is really sumptuous and quality carving.

It's certainly a very fine piece.

There is a drawer in there. I want you to just pull that door open.

-Yep.

-And can you pull that drawer out.

-Yep. Look at that!

-Segmented. To take bottles of wine.

-That would be perfect.

-Yes.

-I am interested, Eric.

-Good, good.

I was hoping for around the £300 mark.

-Which I think is pretty much a bargain price.

-What about 200?

If we can go in at 250 we have got a deal.

-OK, deal.

-You've got a deal.

Yes, it's a mighty piece of furniture

and it looks right at home in Paul's dining room.

And it did well for Eric - a profit of 84.80 -

which nudges him ahead of The Axeman.

Eric is on a roll.

His next stop is Westerham in Kent where he's meeting Julie,

a lady who knows her costume jewellery.

They're meeting in a pub garden

so she can take a look at the Trifari brooch.

I've sent Julie an image

and she has actually confessed to "going weak at the knees."

I'm hoping that when she sees it

that weakness is going to extend to the opening of her wallet.

So can Knocker's knee-trembler help him trouser a winning profit?

Tell me a little bit about Trifari, cos I know you are a mine

of information about costume jewellery.

It was founded in about 1919, in New York.

The very wealthy couldn't afford real jewels anymore

so a lot of the jewellers were out of work.

They started working for costume jewellery companies.

It's not until you really see a piece that you can decide,

is it as good as I really think? Here we go.

SHE GASPS

Oh, yes. The enamel is in very good condition. This enamel often chips.

-That is a fur clip. That would have been to wear on fur.

-Interesting.

You could clip it through all the layers.

If I came in with an opening gambit of what, £230...?

I was thinking more about 130.

The very best I could do would be about 190.

180?

Meet you in the middle, 185. How about that?

-Is that pushing it?

-Yes, no. I can go 185.

-185.

-Thank you very much.

-It's a pleasure.

Mmm, a lady who clearly knows her stuff.

You'll remember the brooch came with a box of other costume jewellery -

that collection is bought by a nearby gallery for £50.

Add that to Julie's offer

and Eric makes a total profit of 81.60.

That means Eric is all sold up so everything rests on The Axeman's

final item - the brass-mounted folio stand that cost him £177.

Will said he's known these to sell for a lot more money.

So will he do the business?

He's in South London to meet Luke, who's a dealer

specialising in gentleman's library antiques.

I fell in love with this.

I think it's a really smart piece of furniture.

OK, it's a little bit, shall we say, tired. What's do you think of it?

Is it as you expected?

Well, yeah, it's very much something I deal in.

I'd date it to about 1860, Crimean War period.

I think it must be. With these nice lacquered brass mounts.

We've got a Bunyard Patent, London.

Then again on the lock, which is nice.

I think if it had been in tiptop condition,

I reckon it's almost like a four figure piece of furniture.

But I know this probably needs relining.

I would like to see it with a £300-£500 estimate.

That's a lot of money, but is Luke prepared to pay it?

They do seal a deal but is it enough to top Eric's total?

All will be revealed in just a moment -

but The Axeman is feeling chipper.

Well, that is The Axeman all sold up.

And though I say so myself, staying sharp.

As our incredible experts prepare to find out their final figures,

let's remind ourselves of what they spent on their items.

Both our boys arrived in Market Harborough

with £1,000 of their own money to spend.

Eric struggled at the start

but ended up with six lots costing £784.70.

Will made early headway but left with just five purchases.

Including the cost of posting the play packaging,

he spent £630.96.

Now, though, it's the profit that matters.

All of the money that Eric and Will have made from today's

challenge will go to charities of their choice.

So, without further ado, let's find out who is today's

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Champion.

-Hey up!

-Fancy meeting you here.

-You too.

How are you doing, all right?

I'm doing all right but how about that auction, eh?

Cor, I found that a tough old day. What was your best buy?

I don't normally go for furniture.

But I found a nice private buyer for my pedestal sideboard.

Terribly undervalued that sort of furniture at the moment.

Unbelievable. What about yourself?

My little sleeper, the brass-mounted folio stand,

it was in a little bit of, shall we say, fresh to market condition.

But I found someone who loves that type of thing.

-Shall we get on with the business?

-Let's see what the damage is.

-I'll count us in, shall I?

-You shall indeed.

-Going, going...

..gone!

BOTH: Oh!

-Touche, Mr Knowles.

-Well, there we go.

-It's just a case of look and learn, isn't it?

-I'm still learning.

You never stop, do you? It's a bit of a cliche.

The unpredictability of it all.

So, you never can tell.

The folio stand didn't bring in the big bucks.

It's a great piece.

The issue is this leather, which we need to do a lot of work on.

And that's not going to be done cheaply.

-220?

-Yeah. 220. That would be a fair price.

-Is that all right?

-Yes. Thanks very much.

-No, not at all.

The condition was the problem.

And Will's profit of £43 was a long way short.

The auction is the toughest of all the buying days.

It's always nice to win that one.

I did make a profit but it wasn't good enough.

Tough old day, I can tell you.

It's a lot easier the other side of the rostrum.

Well, tomorrow won't be any easier.

It's the culmination of the week - Eric and Will are fighting

for the ultimate accolade in antiques television.

Take cover - it's the Showdown!