0:00:02 > 0:00:07'This is the show that pitches TV's best-loved antiques experts
0:00:07 > 0:00:10'against each other in all-out battle for profit,
0:00:10 > 0:00:14'and gives you the secrets of the trade.
0:00:14 > 0:00:20'Coming up, our experts show you how to avoid the pitfalls of buying at auction.'
0:00:20 > 0:00:25This chest has had a new top on it. To me, that completely ruins it.
0:00:25 > 0:00:31'We see what happens when two top dealers go head-to-head for the same lot.'
0:00:31 > 0:00:34That's Eric, isn't it? ..Yeah.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37'And, in the pursuit of victory,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40'Knocker Knowles knows no boundaries.'
0:00:40 > 0:00:45I thought your patch was your patch and my patch was my patch.
0:00:45 > 0:00:49I'm an Englishman in Worcester. Nothing wrong with that.
0:01:02 > 0:01:07'Today's contest pitches two war horses of the antiques world
0:01:07 > 0:01:10'against each other...
0:01:16 > 0:01:21'They battle it out to see who can make the biggest profit
0:01:21 > 0:01:24'from buying and selling antiques.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28'It's our loveable lad from Lancashire...'
0:01:28 > 0:01:32Doing me breathing exercises to get limbered up.
0:01:32 > 0:01:36'..versus the antiques maestro from the Midlands.'
0:01:36 > 0:01:37A lot would argue with that.
0:01:37 > 0:01:42'They're risking their own hard-earned cash and reputations
0:01:42 > 0:01:46'as they attempt to outdo each other with their devilish dealings.'
0:01:46 > 0:01:49- Last time... - There you go.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54'Today, Eric and Phil lock horns deep in the garden of England.
0:01:54 > 0:01:58'Their mission, to root out the best profit-making bargains in Kent,
0:01:58 > 0:02:05'where 526 weird and wonderful lots are about to come under the hammer.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10'Today, our rivals each have up to £1,000 of their own money to spend
0:02:10 > 0:02:14'to make profit for charity over a week of challenges.
0:02:14 > 0:02:20'Each has his own strategy but, in the battle for profit, there can be only one winner.
0:02:20 > 0:02:26'Eric Knowles and Philip Serrell, it's time to put your money where your mouth is.'
0:02:26 > 0:02:30I still get a buzz coming into an auction room.
0:02:30 > 0:02:34- With £1,000 in your pocket! - What about your strategy?
0:02:34 > 0:02:38I want to try and buy between five and ten lots.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41If I only mark five or ten, I've got no options.
0:02:41 > 0:02:46I'm going to look at 20 or 30 lots, so I've got a bit of choice.
0:02:46 > 0:02:52I'm going to stick to ceramics. I'm going to look at names I know.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55- Are you big on bells? - I've got that sinking feeling.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58- Seconds out, round one? - DING DING
0:02:58 > 0:03:03'Before the auction begins, our duo start rifling their way
0:03:03 > 0:03:07'through as many lots as possible, to work out which of them
0:03:07 > 0:03:10'they might make the biggest profit on.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14'Phil kicks off his campaign with military precision,
0:03:14 > 0:03:19'working through the catalogue like an antiques buying machine.'
0:03:19 > 0:03:22I've marked it. I don't want it.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Reproduction. Don't want it.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Nice enough wardrobe, but very plain. Don't want it.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34'And Knocker's no slouch, either,
0:03:34 > 0:03:37'picking his way through the porcelain at a rate of knots,
0:03:37 > 0:03:43'using laser beam focus to ascertain each piece's profitability.'
0:03:45 > 0:03:49Quite a typical Royal Crown Derby Imari trio.
0:03:49 > 0:03:54What am I looking for? I'm looking to make sure it's perfect.
0:03:54 > 0:03:58Look at the handle. That's a vulnerable place.
0:03:58 > 0:04:03You're looking at the gilding. You want the gilding to be perfect.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07Also, take the sticker... Always put it back.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11Make sure there's nothing lurking underneath that sticker.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14'Our profit-hungry pair have eagle eyes
0:04:14 > 0:04:18'for anything to scupper their hopes of making more than their rival.'
0:04:18 > 0:04:23That timber there is almost like "plum pudding mahogany".
0:04:23 > 0:04:28But look at this. That's a totally different colour.
0:04:28 > 0:04:33This chest has had a new top on it. For me, that completely ruins it.
0:04:33 > 0:04:38That's turned a £200 to £300 chest into a real £40 boiler.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42'Knocker's found something that promises maximum profit
0:04:42 > 0:04:44'from miniature investment.'
0:04:44 > 0:04:50With all these things, condition is absolutely paramount.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53There's a maker - Lilliput Lane.
0:04:53 > 0:04:58There are lots of collectors of Lilliput Lane.
0:04:58 > 0:05:05There are certain building which are worth an awful lot more than others.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09'With the auction about to start, the Fox spotted something
0:05:09 > 0:05:14'that's got his dealer's mind racing - a Victorian chimney pot.'
0:05:16 > 0:05:20That's a great thing for putting plants in.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23It makes a pretty feature in the garden.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26I've got to be quick. The auction's about to start.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29This is bidding on the hoof, this is.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34'Will the Fox's chimney pot profit plans go up in smoke?
0:05:34 > 0:05:38'Will Knocker's ceramic strategy crack under pressure?
0:05:38 > 0:05:41'Our battling boys brace themselves for bidding.'
0:05:41 > 0:05:43We start with lot number one.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46'Let battle commence.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51'First for Phil is the chimney pot. The Fox's mind is racing.'
0:05:51 > 0:05:56Are you going to buy it? Who else is going to bid? Worse, will Eric bid?
0:05:56 > 0:06:00Next, we've got the chimney pot, lot number 18, or a planter.
0:06:00 > 0:06:05He's got the same idea. Now he's told everybody.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08A bit of interest starts me at £15. Looking for 16.
0:06:08 > 0:06:1015 I have. 16 anywhere now?
0:06:10 > 0:06:1416. I've got 18. 20? I've got 22.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17With me at £22. Looking for 24. I'm out. It's in the room.
0:06:17 > 0:06:2126 to the gentleman by the office. 28, sir? 30?
0:06:21 > 0:06:25Still 28 on my right. And selling at £28...
0:06:26 > 0:06:30'The Fox snaps up his prey.'
0:06:30 > 0:06:32I bought that for £28.
0:06:32 > 0:06:38I'm not necessarily pleased that I've bought that, but I am pleased that I've bought my first lot.
0:06:38 > 0:06:43'With saleroom fees added, Phil spends...
0:06:43 > 0:06:47'And Eric is completely flummoxed.'
0:06:47 > 0:06:50Phil just bought a chimney pot.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55I'm sure he's got every good reason, but I'm scratching me head.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59Two fish pictures. Lot number 108...
0:06:59 > 0:07:03'The prince of porcelain's first target is just as barmy.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07'Knocker's after a couple of framed prints of fish.'
0:07:09 > 0:07:11Selling at £12...
0:07:12 > 0:07:17'The fish cost Eric £13.50, with the auction premium included.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20'Not exactly ceramics, are they, Knocker?
0:07:20 > 0:07:24'The Fox is sticking to his strategy like glue,
0:07:24 > 0:07:29'checking out potential purchases while the auction is in full swing.'
0:07:29 > 0:07:33Bit of a sneak preview, this, opportunist viewing.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37Look at this old till. I would think it's probably Edwardian.
0:07:40 > 0:07:44Made in Halifax. It's in mahogany. I like that.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47That's probably worth £30 to £50.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50I'm going to have a go at buying that.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53'First, a lot's come up that Phil's after -
0:07:53 > 0:07:57'an old salt-glazed stone water filter.'
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Selling at £16... BANGS GAVEL
0:08:03 > 0:08:06'He's got big plans for it.'
0:08:06 > 0:08:11Wouldn't it look great in a baker's shop with French sticks in?
0:08:11 > 0:08:14A really good thing to dress the shop.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16'Knocker is nonplussed.'
0:08:16 > 0:08:21Water filters and chimney pots. Oh, yes. Exciting stuff(!)
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- Large selection of Lilliput Lane houses.- Here we go.
0:08:25 > 0:08:31'Here's a chance for Knocker to get the miniatures he earmarked.'
0:08:31 > 0:08:33Selling at 22...
0:08:33 > 0:08:37'Eric snaps them up for...
0:08:37 > 0:08:39'And allows himself a chuckle.'
0:08:39 > 0:08:43- CHUCKLES - I'm now in property.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47I never had Eric Knowles down for Lilliput Lane.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51Have I missed something?
0:08:51 > 0:08:55'No idea, Foxy, but Knocker's limbering up for a fight.'
0:08:55 > 0:08:58All the best lots have yet to come.
0:08:58 > 0:09:04As for that sly old Fox, if I get my way he'll be one fox on the run today.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07'He's on the run, all right, chasing more bargains.'
0:09:07 > 0:09:10Selling at 16...
0:09:10 > 0:09:15'Phil snaps up a stone barrel and Toby pump.'
0:09:15 > 0:09:18That really is for nothing.
0:09:18 > 0:09:22'Meanwhile, Knocker is content to wait and keep his powder dry,
0:09:22 > 0:09:25'whilst the Fox does all the running.'
0:09:25 > 0:09:28My till's coming up now, lot number 200.
0:09:28 > 0:09:33Estimate £25. I'm going to give £30 to £40 for that.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37It's a nice thing. See what everybody else reckons to it.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41Interest starts me off at 25. Looking for 28. 28?
0:09:41 > 0:09:45I've got 30. 32? 34. 36?
0:09:45 > 0:09:49I'm out. 36 in the room. Looking for £38.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52Last time, then, at £36...
0:09:52 > 0:09:58'Right on the limit of what Phil was prepared to pay!
0:09:58 > 0:10:02'The Fox rounds off a hat-trick of buys,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05'winning the bidding for a ship's compass.'
0:10:05 > 0:10:07£50...
0:10:07 > 0:10:12'But he pushes the boat out to get it!
0:10:16 > 0:10:22'The Fox is rampant. He's bought five items. Knocker has bought two.
0:10:22 > 0:10:25'This is what Eric has been waiting for.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29'It's a collection of Royal Worcester china
0:10:29 > 0:10:32'with a reserve price of £65.'
0:10:32 > 0:10:36I have to admit that some of the pieces are damaged.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41So I'm bidding just on those I know are in perfect condition.
0:10:41 > 0:10:49I think I'm going to see some serious competition because it's desirable. It's Royal Worcester.
0:10:49 > 0:10:5255 I have right at the back. 60? Five? 70? Five?
0:10:52 > 0:10:5480? Five?
0:10:54 > 0:10:5790? Five?
0:10:57 > 0:11:01100? And five? 110? 15?
0:11:01 > 0:11:03120? Five? 130?
0:11:03 > 0:11:07125 behind you. 30 anywhere now?
0:11:07 > 0:11:10Selling at 125. Last time at 125...
0:11:10 > 0:11:14I wasn't going to go any more than 125.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17By the time I've paid my buyer's premium,
0:11:17 > 0:11:22that's going to cost me around about £140,
0:11:22 > 0:11:24which is my top mark.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27'Ten out of ten for sums, Eric!
0:11:32 > 0:11:36'This is shaping up to be a mighty battle of wits.
0:11:36 > 0:11:40'How are our duelling duo getting on?
0:11:40 > 0:11:45'Eric and Phil both started the day with £1,000 of their own money.
0:11:45 > 0:11:51'Phil has bought five lots, but spent modestly...
0:11:57 > 0:12:03'Eric has bought just three lots, but spent more than his rival...
0:12:07 > 0:12:11'Our battling boys are more-or-less even Stevens,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15'but there's plenty more fighting to come.
0:12:17 > 0:12:23'Earlier, our heavyweight contenders pored over all the lots on offer.
0:12:23 > 0:12:27'Knocker was after ceramics, his speciality,
0:12:27 > 0:12:32'but there's not much here so he's been forced to look for alternatives.'
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Hm. We'll give that one a miss.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38'The Fox is stalking this showroom like a caged beast,
0:12:38 > 0:12:42'seeing potential profit round every corner.'
0:12:42 > 0:12:46These I love. These are by a man called Terence Cuneo.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48It's signed.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52There was another signature that Cuneo put on every work.
0:12:52 > 0:12:55See that little mouse?
0:12:55 > 0:13:00On every print or painting, there's a little mouse. There it is.
0:13:00 > 0:13:02And on this one...
0:13:02 > 0:13:05There it is.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07I think these are worth £80 to £100 apiece.
0:13:07 > 0:13:13The interest for me is to sell them to someone with an interest in cars.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15That's where I think the value is.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20'The Fox is on top form, already developing his strategy for selling.
0:13:20 > 0:13:27'With quality ceramics thin on the ground, Knocker has to change his buying plans, fast.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29'He spots some Art Deco.'
0:13:29 > 0:13:34This is a bit of 1920s, 1930s.
0:13:34 > 0:13:38Very stylish clock, but you turn it round...
0:13:38 > 0:13:43- CHUCKLES - That's where you put your battery!
0:13:43 > 0:13:46I think we've got an electric clock movement.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49It needs some TLC, does that.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53Whether you'll get it working again, I don't know.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Might have a punt on that.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59'While our Eric wanders the wilderness of doubt,
0:13:59 > 0:14:02'Phil knows exactly what he's after.'
0:14:02 > 0:14:07This is a 19th-century mahogany breakfast table. Useful things.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10It'll just about seat six but also,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13it'll go up so you can store it.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17A table like this, probably five to ten years ago,
0:14:17 > 0:14:20was worth £600 to £900.
0:14:20 > 0:14:25I've had a look in the auction catalogue. This estimated at £150.
0:14:25 > 0:14:30So, for me, I might think I can give up to £200, £220 for this.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32At that price, I think it's cheap.
0:14:32 > 0:14:37I'm not buying it because I like it or because it's a good thing.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39I'm buying it solely on price.
0:14:39 > 0:14:43'There's that no-nonsense approach we expect from the Fox.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47'And listen to his verdict on the next lot,
0:14:47 > 0:14:50'a glazed bureau that's seen better days.'
0:14:50 > 0:14:55They're hugely unpopular, hugely unfashionable.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57That's got an estimate of £30.
0:14:57 > 0:15:01£35, £40, I'm interested. £60, don't want it.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06'Knocker has spotted the bureau. It isn't love at first sight, either.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09'But he's not writing it off yet.'
0:15:09 > 0:15:11When you buy something like this,
0:15:11 > 0:15:16you're conscious that restoration costs could be as much as the item.
0:15:16 > 0:15:21If it's going cheap enough, I might have a stab.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24'Go on, Eric. Our Knocker needs to get spending.
0:15:24 > 0:15:28'The broken Art Deco clock is under the hammer, reserve £30.
0:15:28 > 0:15:33'But our lad's not the only one who likes it.'
0:15:33 > 0:15:3642? 44? 46? 48?
0:15:36 > 0:15:38£50? And five? 60?
0:15:38 > 0:15:42Five? 70? Five?
0:15:42 > 0:15:4580? Five? 90?
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Five? 90 I have. Five anywhere now?
0:15:48 > 0:15:51Selling at £90 now... BANGS GAVEL
0:15:51 > 0:15:53'Eric's gambled in the hope
0:15:53 > 0:15:57'that the motionless timepiece will be repairable and saleable.'
0:15:57 > 0:16:01Just bought myself an Art Deco clock for a hotel.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03All I need now is the hotel.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06'Dream on, Eric. Not at this auction.'
0:16:06 > 0:16:09252 is this nice Art Deco cocktail tray.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13'This companion piece will have to do. Eric is the only bidder.'
0:16:13 > 0:16:17Selling at £25...
0:16:23 > 0:16:28'With no decent pots on offer, Eric has to grin and bear it.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30'And keep a beady eye on his rival.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34'He's got over £800 up his sleeve
0:16:34 > 0:16:38'and a string of profitable targets.'
0:16:38 > 0:16:42The first one is one of those Cuneo prints. Estimate £110.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45I'd like it for 85. We will see.
0:16:45 > 0:16:51Bentley by Cuneo. The train. It's all signed. 120? 110?
0:16:51 > 0:16:57100? Nobody on 100? I'll come down to 90, if that helps.
0:16:57 > 0:17:03- Nobody at 90...?- 60, sir.- The lady won't go below £90, I'm afraid.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- I'll bid you 90, sir. - Thank you, sir. Selling at £90.
0:17:06 > 0:17:10- Last time at 90... - That's the first one bought.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20'That makes the Fox hungry for the second print.'
0:17:20 > 0:17:2390 it's got to be. Yes? Thank you.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Selling at 90...
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Thank you.
0:17:27 > 0:17:31'Once again, no other bidders. This is the realm of the Fox.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35'Phil has two prints for less than he thought.
0:17:35 > 0:17:40'Knocker can only watch helplessly as Phil dominates this auction room.
0:17:40 > 0:17:47'The Fox isn't wild about this next lot, but he reckons there's a profit in it.'
0:17:47 > 0:17:52A mahogany tilt-turn table. What shall we say? 180?
0:17:52 > 0:17:55170? 160, surely?
0:17:55 > 0:18:01'Phil's cunning tactic is to wait until he's sure no-one else is bidding.'
0:18:01 > 0:18:04150 if it helps. Nobody at 150?
0:18:04 > 0:18:09150 I've got. Last time at £150, then...
0:18:09 > 0:18:13'And the mighty Fox claims his table for...
0:18:18 > 0:18:20'Knocker is still on the sidelines.
0:18:20 > 0:18:26'The Fox is on a roll, adding a sturdy storage chest to his haul.'
0:18:26 > 0:18:31- Ten, sir.- Ten I've got. 12 anywhere now? Selling at £10...
0:18:31 > 0:18:33'It's a low-risk buy.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41'And what of Knocker? He's left with it all to do.
0:18:41 > 0:18:48'He's only bought five lots and still has nearly £700 in his kitty.'
0:18:48 > 0:18:54I don't mind admitting that, because I've left everything I want to go for towards the end,
0:18:54 > 0:18:57there is that element of jeopardy!
0:18:57 > 0:19:02'That's a man under pressure, but has our Eric really been waiting
0:19:02 > 0:19:06'for this nice, but not exactly Earth-shattering, cane stool?'
0:19:06 > 0:19:0820? 15?
0:19:08 > 0:19:11- Yes. - 'It looks like it.'
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Selling at 15...
0:19:13 > 0:19:15Thank you.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19'There you go. One cane stool for...'
0:19:20 > 0:19:26That little stool. How long has he been interested in oak furniture?
0:19:26 > 0:19:32'Eric's switch of strategy to furniture has Phil worried.'
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Well, next is lot number 520, the oak bureau.
0:19:36 > 0:19:40That's his sort of thing. They've got it at £30.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43I'm going to have a go at that.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45'You mischievous devil!
0:19:45 > 0:19:50'Let's remind ourselves of your earlier verdict on the bureau.'
0:19:50 > 0:19:53They're hugely unpopular, hugely unfashionable.
0:19:53 > 0:19:57£35, £40, I'm interested. £60, don't want it.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02'But now Phil's spotted a golden chance to get one over on Eric.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05'It means it's war over the bureau.'
0:20:10 > 0:20:16Whether the Fox decides he wants to bid against the Knocker,
0:20:16 > 0:20:19if he wants to pay more, then so be it.
0:20:19 > 0:20:21'Bring it on!'
0:20:21 > 0:20:24The oak glazed bureau cabinet.
0:20:24 > 0:20:2615 I've got. 18? 20?
0:20:26 > 0:20:2822? 24?
0:20:28 > 0:20:30Yeah.
0:20:30 > 0:20:3226? 28?
0:20:33 > 0:20:34Yeah.
0:20:34 > 0:20:3730, sir? 32?
0:20:37 > 0:20:40That's Eric, isn't it? ..Yeah.
0:20:40 > 0:20:4234? 36?
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- One more, sir. - 38. Looks like it could be yours.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- 40 I've got. - One more, sir.- 42? 44?
0:20:50 > 0:20:55- I don't know what to do...- I can't wait any longer.- One more, sir.
0:20:55 > 0:20:5844 I've got. 46?
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Last time 46. Looking for 48?
0:21:01 > 0:21:05- One more, sir.- 50? I want 55.
0:21:05 > 0:21:09- The very last one, sir. - And 60?
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- He's just saying that.- I'll take 58. - You're a good lad.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- 60 I want.- One more, sir. - 60 I've got.
0:21:16 > 0:21:1862? 64?
0:21:18 > 0:21:21- There's a lot of polishing. Eric can have that.- No?
0:21:21 > 0:21:24I'm selling at £62 last time...
0:21:24 > 0:21:29- There you go!- Eric's bought that and I'm glad I didn't.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31There is serious work in that.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33He's a lovely lad,
0:21:33 > 0:21:37but I'm not sure that the generosity of human kindness
0:21:37 > 0:21:41was running through his veins for that moment in time.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45'What a battle of wills! Eric's been forced to cough up...
0:21:47 > 0:21:51'..twice as much as the Fox was prepared to pay.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55'After that display of brotherly love, the buying is over.
0:22:18 > 0:22:22'Before they go their separate ways to sell,
0:22:22 > 0:22:26'our profit-seekers asses each other's wares.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31'Needless to say, they start with Eric's controversial oak cabinet.'
0:22:31 > 0:22:37- I started the bidding on that one. - And ended it.- I intended to end it.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42I grant you, I'll have to spend as much on getting it restored.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47You obviously have a monopoly in early Victorian stoneware.
0:22:47 > 0:22:52- That's got E Knowles all over it. - If I could walk home with one item.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- That would be it. What date's that? - It's probably about 1930.
0:22:56 > 0:23:02I don't think, ha-ha, I'm going to make any great loss.
0:23:02 > 0:23:07I realise the name of the game is to blow you out the water.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- LAUGHS:- Just love him! - But that being said,
0:23:11 > 0:23:13listen, I think we deserve a treat.
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- Absolutely.- In the form of something nice and cold
0:23:18 > 0:23:20and cool.
0:23:20 > 0:23:25'After a well-earned cold drink, the game is now for our boys
0:23:25 > 0:23:27'to make as much profit as they can
0:23:27 > 0:23:31'to donate to the charities of their choice.
0:23:31 > 0:23:35'As well as his chimney and water filter, Phil must sell...
0:23:35 > 0:23:38'this barrel and Toby pump,
0:23:38 > 0:23:40'a mahogany shop till,
0:23:40 > 0:23:43'a ship's compass,
0:23:43 > 0:23:46'two vintage car prints,
0:23:46 > 0:23:49'this mahogany tilt-turn table
0:23:49 > 0:23:51'and an old chest.
0:23:51 > 0:23:57'In addition to his oak bureau and Art Deco clock, Eric must sell...
0:23:57 > 0:23:59'two framed fish pictures,
0:23:59 > 0:24:02'some Lilliput Lane miniatures,
0:24:02 > 0:24:04'some Royal Worcester china,
0:24:04 > 0:24:07'this Art Deco cocktail tray
0:24:07 > 0:24:09'and the cane stool.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17'Buying their items was only the start of the challenge.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21'It's all about the profit they can make from selling them.
0:24:21 > 0:24:23'It all comes down to this -
0:24:23 > 0:24:27'for Eric and Phil it's time to sell like they've never sold before.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31'They'll be pulling out all the stops to find buyers,
0:24:31 > 0:24:35'rifling through their little black books and setting up deals.
0:24:35 > 0:24:43'But, until they've shaken on it and the money's changed hands, no deal is truly sealed.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48'Both have returned home to finalise their strategies.
0:24:48 > 0:24:53'In Malvern, the Fox has a cunning plan for two of his nine lots.'
0:24:55 > 0:24:59What's Malvern famous for? Malvern water.
0:24:59 > 0:25:05Perhaps I can sell those two water purifiers to someone with an interest.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07I've got to get on the net
0:25:07 > 0:25:12and find someone to buy something to do with a vintage Bentley.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Knowles, I'm on your trail.
0:25:14 > 0:25:19'The Fox is in fighting form but he'd better get down from that hill,
0:25:19 > 0:25:25'because lean, mean Knocker is already on the road to selling.'
0:25:25 > 0:25:28I've got one lovely Art Deco clock.
0:25:28 > 0:25:35It's got the name of one Art Deco dealer written all over it.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40So I've sent an image and she say she like what she see.
0:25:40 > 0:25:45So it's a case of me presenting it to her in three dimensions.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48Hopefully, it'll look three times better.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53'Eric's clock cost him just over £100 but he's not had it repaired
0:25:53 > 0:25:55'or restored.
0:25:55 > 0:26:00'So, will Art Deco specialist Cheryl do a deal based on looks alone?'
0:26:00 > 0:26:03Could we look at the back and see what's going on?
0:26:03 > 0:26:07- Was this electric? - It was at some stage.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11It could well be that the mechanism could be up and running,
0:26:11 > 0:26:13but it has to be tested.
0:26:13 > 0:26:17- Does it come up to expectations? - It's lovely.
0:26:17 > 0:26:21What I like is the colours, the satinwood on the front
0:26:21 > 0:26:23then the contrast.
0:26:23 > 0:26:28It looks like zebrano on the side, the zebra look.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32You've got dashes where the numbers should be and the original hands.
0:26:32 > 0:26:37- I see this clock retailing for at least £400.- OK.
0:26:37 > 0:26:41Having said that, I'm only too aware that it needs work on it
0:26:41 > 0:26:43that's going to cost.
0:26:43 > 0:26:46My opening gambit is going to be...£300.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51So if I put my toe in the water and suggest maybe 150?
0:26:51 > 0:26:55That water would be too hot for you to put your toe in.
0:26:55 > 0:26:58So we need to put a little ice in?
0:26:58 > 0:27:01'Toes? Ice? This must be dealer talk.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03'Come on, Knocker!'
0:27:03 > 0:27:10Let me save a lot of time and say I'm looking for £280 or thereabouts.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14- If I say 260...?- If you say 260, we have got ourselves a deal.
0:27:14 > 0:27:19- OK. We'll deal on 260. - That's a pleasure.
0:27:19 > 0:27:24'Knocker seals his first deal and more than doubles his money.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28'Electrical fittings need to be tested by an electrician.'
0:27:29 > 0:27:31Look and learn, Mr Serrell.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35'A bit early to be counting your chickens, Knocker.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38'That Fox might come along and gobble them up.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43'Phil's auction house is a hive of activity.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46'Phil has invited George to his saleroom.
0:27:46 > 0:27:52'He specialises in selling pre-restoration items within the trade.'
0:27:52 > 0:27:55Let me tell you what I thought. Imagination's required.
0:27:55 > 0:28:01Rubber bung there. Rubber bung there, there and there.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Piece of plate glass. Wouldn't it make a wicked coffee table?
0:28:05 > 0:28:09They wouldn't do it like that. They would raise the box.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13Lift it up six inches off the ground.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Then, as you say, a glass top.
0:28:16 > 0:28:18It would look the bee's knees.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21- What would that retail for? - About £200.
0:28:21 > 0:28:26- How much is it going to cost them to do that?- At least £100.
0:28:26 > 0:28:32Right, I was going to ask you... £60, £70 for it.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34As it is, it's not worth that.
0:28:34 > 0:28:37It's worth £30 to £40.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39I wanted £60 for it.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43How about in the middle, 50 quid now, shake hands?
0:28:43 > 0:28:46Done deal. I'm pleased with that.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49'That wily old Fox.
0:28:49 > 0:28:54'He clinches the deal by getting his customer to enthuse about the item.
0:28:54 > 0:28:56'Our man gets his mitts
0:28:56 > 0:29:01'on nearly four times as much cash as he paid for it in auction.
0:29:01 > 0:29:08'Eric is also using every trick in the book to maximise his chances of victory.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11'He showed his Lilliput Lane houses to three specialists
0:29:11 > 0:29:15'then asked each of them to write down their top bid,
0:29:15 > 0:29:19'known in the trade as a silent auction.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22'Back at Knocker HQ, the results are in.'
0:29:22 > 0:29:27I can tell you now that, of the three bids that I had,
0:29:27 > 0:29:32the top bid goes to Malcolm Dee.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34'Hooray for Malcolm!'
0:29:34 > 0:29:37He has offered me £90.
0:29:37 > 0:29:39'And hooray for Eric!
0:29:39 > 0:29:43'Those little houses cost him less than £25.
0:29:43 > 0:29:48'Prices are on the rise in Lilliput, and Knocker is a property magnate.
0:29:48 > 0:29:53'Today's competition is turning into a selling masterclass,
0:29:53 > 0:29:58'with both our warriors vying for the advantage.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03'But, for Phil, this next deal is personal.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09'Y-yes, the wiliest of foxes is cruising east
0:30:09 > 0:30:12'in his beloved vintage sports car.
0:30:12 > 0:30:16'His aim, to look good - and try to sell his Cuneo prints
0:30:16 > 0:30:20'to one of the world's leading restorers of vintage Bentley cars.
0:30:20 > 0:30:22'That's his cover story.
0:30:22 > 0:30:28'Really, he's on a covert mission to check out some cracking motors.'
0:30:28 > 0:30:30This is like Christmas Day!
0:30:30 > 0:30:34In there are my presents waiting to be opened!
0:30:34 > 0:30:39- What have you got?- Enough of that. Let me look at these.
0:30:43 > 0:30:46'Oh, our Phil is agog!'
0:30:46 > 0:30:48Absolutely brilliant.
0:30:48 > 0:30:52'Finally, the Fox stops purring and starts dealing.'
0:30:52 > 0:30:56I went to auction and bought these because I love my cars.
0:30:56 > 0:31:01I wanted to sell them to someone who'd got that Bentley connection.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- Stanley, are you interested in these?- Yes, I am.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08Lord! Thank you! Thank you!
0:31:08 > 0:31:14- What do you think they're worth? - I'd pay a couple of hundred quid for the pair.
0:31:14 > 0:31:19I paid more than that for them. They've got to be worth £500.
0:31:19 > 0:31:22SILENCE, THEN STANLEY LAUGHS
0:31:22 > 0:31:26- That's really cruel, laughing at me. - I'll go 300, go on.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- 450.- I'll give you 350 for them.
0:31:29 > 0:31:33- Job done.- I'll shake hands with you now at 400 quid.
0:31:33 > 0:31:35All right. Job done.
0:31:35 > 0:31:37'That was audacious!
0:31:37 > 0:31:41'After drooling over the vintage racing cars, the Fox snaps back
0:31:41 > 0:31:45'to razor-sharp alertness and doubles his money!
0:31:47 > 0:31:51'Oh. And then he's gone again!'
0:31:51 > 0:31:53ENGINE REVS
0:31:53 > 0:31:55'Eric is in his Knocker-mobile,
0:31:55 > 0:31:59'heading to Kent for a potential sale.
0:31:59 > 0:32:04'He's sent ahead the bureau to the warehouse of one of his contacts,
0:32:04 > 0:32:05'John.'
0:32:05 > 0:32:10I did have the option of going with restoration first.
0:32:10 > 0:32:16To be honest, John, it was the logistics of time and cost for me.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20I thought this would do £150 in its present state.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24I won't even haggle on that. £150, I'll do it. It's a fair price.
0:32:24 > 0:32:30I'm not going to try to take an extra 20 or ten off. 150, it's done.
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- I wish I'd asked 250 now! - Then I wouldn't have done the deal.
0:32:34 > 0:32:38- Then I'd be down at 100. - £150, OK.
0:32:38 > 0:32:40'He didn't even have to haggle.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44'Knocker nets himself a little 100% profit.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46'Phil might have scoffed,
0:32:46 > 0:32:50'but our Eric's tenacity has more than paid off.
0:32:52 > 0:32:57'But, high up in the Malvern hills, the Fox is feeling pretty perky.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59'A local mineral water company
0:32:59 > 0:33:04'ARE interested in his 19th-century water filters.'
0:33:04 > 0:33:07£90 for the pair.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10- 92.- 92 it is. - You're an absolute scholar.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12Thank you.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23'Then he sells his chimney pot for £40!
0:33:25 > 0:33:29'This is a titanic tussle. These two mean business.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32'Every deal is going to count.
0:33:57 > 0:34:01'With less than £5 in it, this masterful display of dealing
0:34:01 > 0:34:04'is way too close to call.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10'It's Knocker who is ready to strike next.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12'After some furious research,
0:34:12 > 0:34:16'our Lancashire lad has lined up a potential sale with David,
0:34:16 > 0:34:22'who's producing a book of images of British angling from as far back as the 18th century.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27'Eric is hoping that these two beauties are up to scratch.
0:34:27 > 0:34:29'David is clearly an expert.'
0:34:29 > 0:34:32I do know what these are.
0:34:32 > 0:34:37They were created in a book called British Freshwater Fishes
0:34:37 > 0:34:40by Reverend William Houghton.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44It was a big two-volume folio with 41 of these plates in.
0:34:44 > 0:34:46These are two of those 41 plates.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Sadly, this book is rather often broken up.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- It is a shame.- So the prints can be sold individually.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58It's becoming harder to find unbroken copies of the book.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01They're now selling for £1,000 or more.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06That brings us to money. I'm looking in the region of £80.
0:35:06 > 0:35:1080 is far too high. The framing on these I think IS attractive.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14It's quite early framing. It adds value to them.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19But I come out much more like £20 each, £40 the pair.
0:35:19 > 0:35:21What about 50?
0:35:21 > 0:35:25- I could do 50 on those. - You could do 50?- Yes.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28I can do 50. Put it there. You're a star.
0:35:28 > 0:35:32'Well, well. Eric Knowles, self-confessed pot-aholic -
0:35:32 > 0:35:35'furniture dealer, Deco king
0:35:35 > 0:35:41'and now he trebles his money in the niche world of piscatorial art!
0:35:43 > 0:35:46'As if to ram the point home,
0:35:46 > 0:35:50'he sells his walnut and cane stool for £35,
0:35:50 > 0:35:54'and his 1930s cocktail tray for a profit of...
0:35:57 > 0:36:04'If there's one man in Britain who can slug it out toe-to-toe with the Knocker,
0:36:04 > 0:36:08'it's this foxy heavyweight, Phil Serrell.'
0:36:08 > 0:36:11All right. I'll have a deal with you.
0:36:11 > 0:36:16'He strikes back, doubling his money on his mahogany shop till,
0:36:16 > 0:36:23'and grabbing over £25 profit on his mahogany tilt-turn table.
0:36:23 > 0:36:28'He's lined up a Worcestershire dealer, Tony, for his ship's compass.
0:36:28 > 0:36:31'It cost Phil just over £56.'
0:36:31 > 0:36:35I'm hoping you can tell me more about this.
0:36:35 > 0:36:39- It's a marine compass. - It certainly is. And a big one.
0:36:39 > 0:36:42- It's seen better days. - Haven't we all?
0:36:42 > 0:36:47We've got a load of dates, patented September 1862.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52April 1863. Was that when it was recalibrated or something?
0:36:52 > 0:36:55That's what it is. It's like a watch.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59If you open a watch and a watchmaker's put new pieces into it,
0:36:59 > 0:37:03he would leave a piece of paper in the back of the watch
0:37:03 > 0:37:06telling the date and what he'd done.
0:37:06 > 0:37:09It's the same, but stamped on.
0:37:09 > 0:37:13- Do you like it?- I like it. I don't know whether I would restore it.
0:37:13 > 0:37:18If you look into there, there's one heck of a lot of work to do.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22- I need to get between £100 and £150. - I'm prepare to pay, for that...
0:37:22 > 0:37:24£100.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- I'll take your 100.- Deal.- Deal.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30'Another fantastic bit of business from the Fox.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34'Even when dealing to the trade, he nearly doubles his money.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41'This is going to be achingly close. There's one item left,
0:37:41 > 0:37:45'Eric's Royal Worcester porcelain.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50'For these two old-school experts, today was about professional pride.
0:37:50 > 0:37:54'Then Knocker made a move unprecedented for sheer audacity.'
0:38:00 > 0:38:03I'd heard you were in the city!
0:38:03 > 0:38:06- There's the man!- What are you doing?
0:38:06 > 0:38:10- I know you'll invite me in... - Well...- Don't interrupt.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14I thought your patch was your patch and my patch was my patch.
0:38:14 > 0:38:20I'm an Englishman in Worcester. Nothing wrong with that. I've got appointments here.
0:38:20 > 0:38:24As much as I enjoy having a chat, I've got to dash.
0:38:24 > 0:38:29You'll have to forgive me, Phil. You take care, and don't overdo it!
0:38:30 > 0:38:32What's he doing?
0:38:32 > 0:38:39'Sorry, Foxy, it's brazen but Knocker is within his rights to deal in Worcester.
0:38:39 > 0:38:45'If Knocker wins the contest by sealing a deal yards from Fox HQ,
0:38:45 > 0:38:48'and to one of Phil's customers,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51'the Midlands mauler will not be pleased.
0:38:51 > 0:38:56'The porcelain cost Eric just over £140.'
0:38:56 > 0:39:01What I find exciting, apart from being in the land of Serrell,
0:39:01 > 0:39:05- who I know you are familiar with. - I am, indeed.
0:39:05 > 0:39:07What I find more exciting than that
0:39:07 > 0:39:11is to know that these pieces of wonderful porcelain
0:39:11 > 0:39:14were made a few hundreds yards in that direction.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17I've always loved coming to Worcester.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21The question is, are we going to be able to do any business?
0:39:21 > 0:39:25From my point of view, that's the nicest bit, the scent bottle.
0:39:25 > 0:39:27It's missing its stopper.
0:39:27 > 0:39:31This one has one little lid but it should have a crown.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35- I'm hoping that's all there. - It's OK. It's not thrilling.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38'That's not what Knocker wanted to hear.
0:39:38 > 0:39:44'One thing is for sure, today's competition will be won or lost in Worcester.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49'Time to tot up the totals and reveal who has made the most cash.
0:39:52 > 0:39:58'Our duelling duo had £1,000 of their own money to spend...
0:40:03 > 0:40:07'Phil decided to speculate to accumulate.
0:40:11 > 0:40:17'All of the profit they make over a week will go to the charities of their choice.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20'Let's find out who's made the most cash,
0:40:20 > 0:40:25'and who is today's Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is champion.'
0:40:25 > 0:40:30- Well, my sly old Fox. How are you? - Knocker! How are you doing?
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- I'm doing all right. - Well, auction day.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35Eventful in many respects.
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Talking of being eventful,
0:40:37 > 0:40:41what's this about walking past my front door to sell stuff?
0:40:41 > 0:40:46- There's got to be honour amongst thieves.- There always will be!
0:40:46 > 0:40:50You've got to understand, I've read the rules.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53There are no restrictions as to where I can sell.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57You're welcome to come down t'metropolis.
0:40:57 > 0:41:02- What about you?- The closest I could get to your house was Hertfordshire.
0:41:02 > 0:41:08I came to see Stanley, who's got the best collection of vintage Bentleys.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11- But...- Yes, the moment of truth.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13On the count of three.
0:41:13 > 0:41:15One, two, three...
0:41:17 > 0:41:19- Argh! - It was a near-run thing!
0:41:19 > 0:41:22I've shut me coat in there now!
0:41:22 > 0:41:27It's a twin-edged sword because winner buys lunch.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31- So every cloud has a silver lining. - After you!
0:41:31 > 0:41:34- There's no shortage of clouds! - After you!
0:41:34 > 0:41:38'Knocker stands triumphant, and there's a new kid on the block
0:41:38 > 0:41:41'down Worcester way.'
0:41:41 > 0:41:44180. That's a good bid, actually.
0:41:44 > 0:41:48180. If we could just, forgive me,
0:41:48 > 0:41:52just move it a tad to 185, I'd feel so much better.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55- OK.- 185. You've got yourself a deal.
0:41:55 > 0:42:02'That deal, added to the amount Eric made when he sold his remaining Worcester items at auction,
0:42:02 > 0:42:05'netted him a total profit of...
0:42:07 > 0:42:10'Enough to snatch victory from the Fox.
0:42:10 > 0:42:14'And in Worcester! That's Phil's home town!
0:42:14 > 0:42:16'Have we mentioned that?'
0:42:16 > 0:42:20That was really close there. Knocker did me by £40.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24At least the charity's over £400 better off, so I'm delighted.
0:42:24 > 0:42:29I tell you what. It's nice to beat the old sly Fox at his own game!
0:42:29 > 0:42:32Even though it was by one of his whiskers.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35All that matters at the end of the day, really,
0:42:35 > 0:42:39is that I've made a tidy sum for my charity.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42'Don't count your chickens, chaps.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46'There's more challenges before your profit can be banked.
0:42:46 > 0:42:49'Tomorrow, Eric and Phil do battle at an antiques fair.'
0:42:49 > 0:42:53- How much is it? - I'm looking at about 30 grand.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55That's pretty, isn't it? Yeah.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59My name is Eric and I'm a pot-aholic!
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:21 > 0:43:24E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk