London 15 Bargain Hunt

'Today, we're at Epsom Downs Racecourse Antiques Fair in Surrey.'

Now, the rules of the game. Two teams, the Reds and Blues

each get ?300 and an hour to shop for their three items.

'Then it's off to the auction, where their items go under the hammer.'

The team that makes the most profit wins.

It's easy, isn't it? So let's go and meet the teams,

unless you're too dizzy.

Today we have two teams of happily married couples.

Well, they are at the moment.

For the Reds, we've got Beryl and Jim

and for the Blues, we've got Pat and Dave.

Welcome to Bargain Hunt, teams. ALL: Hello, Tim.

Now, Beryl, tell us about how you met Jim.

I met him at a respite hotel.

It was five days he asked me to marry him. Yes?

And nine weeks later, we were wed.

Jim, you're retired now, but you've had a bit of a seafaring life.

That's right, yes. I was on board the HMS Belfast.

You're a collector, aren't you? Yes.

Unusual ink drawings? That's right, yes.

I like tattoos. I've got quite a few - about 39 in all.

Are you going to show us one? Legs and arms...

Yes. This is quite an easy one to get to.

It's a family show, this, don't forget.

That's the one I like the best,

because that was the one my father had on.

And then I got a drawing copied from him sent to me in Hong Kong...

And it says... "Good luck." Good luck.

Good luck to you. Now for the Blues.

Pat, tell us how you first met.

Well, we had an electrical fault in the kitchen

and I phoned the LEB and this lovely gentleman arrived.

And it was sparks ever since? You could say that.

Is there anything you'll be keeping your eyes peeled for today?

Not particularly for character jugs,

but I have got a good collection of them.

Right. And we picked one up in Norfolk,

in an antique shop.

But because somebody said we've already got that one...

Somebody standing quite close to you.

But I gradually talked her into it, and, later on, I sold it for ?1,000.

And how much did you pay? ?95.

Gosh, that's good, isn't it? Well, I'd look out for another one today.

You never know. That's brilliant, isn't it?

Are you scared already? Yes. I'm not surprised.

Now is the money moment. There's your ?300. You know the rules.

Your experts await and off you go, and very, very good luck.

So, quite who is going to reign victorious today?

'Let's find out who will be guiding our teams.

'Bagging some bargains for the Reds is Kate Bliss.

'Cutting a mean deal for the Blues is Thomas Plant.

MUSIC: "In The Mood" by Glenn Miller

And they'll be under starter's orders today

as they look after not one, but two lots of teams.

Hey, Jim, what have you found there?

It's a little tin Hornby Series. That takes us back, doesn't it?

Do you remember this when you were a kid? Yes, I do.

It is, of course, a signal box, isn't it? Yeah.

And would be part of a much bigger Hornby train set.

But, as just one single piece, that's collectible in its own right.

Now, we have the little retailers' and makers' trademark there.

Hornby Series.

But you've also got the box, which is another bonus.

Collectors do like the boxes,

even though it's a bit tatty on the corner here.

But that's not too much to worry about.

But what price is it? It was up for ?35.

And I had a chat with the man,

who is a very nice fella, and I got it for ?20.

And have you bought it at that? Yes. Well done, Jim.

What do you think, Beryl?

That's cheeky.

'I say she's right.

'The Reds spent ?20 and still have lots of lolly in the bank.

'I wonder if the Blues are having as much fun.'

So what have you found there? A compass.

Can I hold it? There we are.

I think it's a Second World War compass, from a ship.

But the reason I say that is because we've got the arrow there.

You'd have that when you were in the RAF.

Stacks of it. Behind the arrow, you've got a crown.

That crown is George VI's crown.

And I think, if I'm not mistaken, they've got a slide button.

My theory is that it's a torch.

There to shine up, so you can see it in the dark. You can illuminate it.

So, it's marked up at ?55. We can see the price there.

These should sell between ?50-80. Maybe a bit less.

So I'd have thought that anything off that would be a good bonus.

Yes, if you could get it for a song.

Shall we chat with the dealer? Let's go.

'Hoping it will keep them on course in rocky seas,

'the Blues purchase the compass for ?40.'

Now, I know you thought it wouldn't be good

to spend too much money on one item.

This is a really affordable piece. What do you think? It's great.

You like it? Yes, I do. Beryl's turning her nose up already.

What do you think, Beryl? I don't like it.

She never does like it. What don't you like about it?

He's got one in the hallway that he taps every time he walks by.

I can't bear it.

This is quite a nice example.

It's got this lovely oak surround

and we've got a ceramic dial here, rather than paper or enamel.

And all the printing on it is still quite nice.

It's not Victorian. It's an early 20th-century one.

But the best thing about it is that it's not going to break the bank.

It's priced at ?24. Now, I didn't think that was too bad anyway,

but I have had a chat to the stallholder

and he's come down to ?15 for me. Now, ?15 for a good, solid,

working barometer, I think is a bit of a bargain. Yeah.

Can you put your commercial head on, even though you don't like it?

Yeah. Do you think somebody might pay more for that? Yes.

Happy? Yeah, it would. It would make an old man very happy.

Well, do you want to come and help me do the deal, then? Certainly.

OK. Come on, then. This way.

So the deal was done and, as promised,

the Reds get the barometer for only ?15.

What do you think of this, Thomas?

Tell me about it. Why has that grabbed you?

Well, it looks like two First World War airmen... Yes.

And they have a big question mark. Why? Absolutely.

So Dave, you were in the RAF, weren't you?

So it is something which you know a lot about.

This is obviously a very emotive piece for you, isn't it?

It is, really.

You've got the two airmen here and the question mark, as you have said.

It's made out of plaster. Is it? Oh! Yeah.

And it's got that really sort of soft feel to it.

And obviously it's for cigarettes or for pipes or for cigars.

Very unusual. It is unusual and it's circa 1916, on the ticket.

Pat, what do you think of the price? 150?

I think that's quite a lot, really. You're quite right.

That 150 needs to come down.

So shall we go and chat to the dealer? Yes.

Dave's gentle persuasion saw the Blues picking up

the ashtray for ?100.

Boys. What do you think of this? Definitely.

I think that's quite nice. What do you think?

It's a very fine mantel clock.

Then you've got two urns there. Yes.

Those urns could sit either side of the clock.

So the three together is the garniture. Yeah.

First of all, it's got a white enamel face

with painted numerals - these are called Arabic numerals.

And they're framed by swags. You can see these floral swags.

Now, this gilt metal, in this instance,

is rather poor, because it's splitting on the drum, here.

Can you see that? You see, that's not great.

Personally, it's only worth, to me, ?120-150.

You know, and that's what you might get at auction for it.

As a garniture, it's quite a nice thing,

but that's where I sit with it.

Well, they want ?170. ?170. I think that's a bit too much.

I think it's too much. I'm in agreement with you, Dave.

Let's go chat to the dealer.

'Trust a lady to spend a gent's money.

'They picked up the clock for ?130.'

Look what I've got.

Hey! Look at the box. Isn't it lovely?

That's lovely, Beryl. Manifesto, it's called.

"The new race game".

And you've got this lovely, printed racing image.

It says here, published by John Jaques Son.

Now, that's interesting, because Jaques Son Ltd of London

actually manufactured croquet sets.

And I wonder if it's the same gaming firm.

Hey, isn't that super? It looks to be all complete.

It's all lead. Lead horses.

How lovely. You've got eight horses, or counters, for the game.

And this must be the board.

Let's have a little look, Jim. If you hold one end.

That's great, isn't it?

So, obviously, you throw the dice and the race begins.

And you've got the horses' names here. Manifesto, of course,

giving the game its name.

Green Ginger, Shannon Lass. Why Not? Why Not?

Now, tell me, what's the price?

?140. That's a lot of our money, isn't it?

And he won't come down.

I can see somebody paying ?150-160, because it's in such nice order.

And I think in a sale with other toys in it,

so toy buyers are there, it could do quite well.

We are at Epsom racecourse.

Well, it's smashing to be at Bellmans Auctioneers in West Sussex

with my old schoolmate - I mean, workmate - Jonathan Pratt.

Jonathan, how nice to see you. Morning, Timothy.

Jim and Beryl, their first item is this little barometer.

Any good? Rather plain.

A simple object. Oak-cased barometer. ?15-25.

Perfect. ?15, they paid. There's a bit of room in that one.

Next is the Hornby tin-plate, wee signalman's box.

It's certainly in very good condition.

The collectors are gentlemen in their twilight years,

who are nostalgic and are looking for the best quality.

So how much is it going to bring them?

About ?15-25. A little bit of hesitation there?

Well, I think that's about the money, ?15-25. Well, ?20, they paid.

Just about the money.

By the time collectors get excited, we should be away.

Now, the final lot I think is most interesting.

Would you have a flutter on this?

It's by Jaques, which is a good name.

It's complete. No damage.

Little bit of play-wear on them, but, you know, bearable.

So, yeah, I really like it, actually. What's your estimate?

My estimate for that is ?100-150.

Is it? Well, they paid ?140. It may get to the top of that.

Because it's nice and complete, it may do better than that.

Bearing in mind what you've had to say about all of this lot - no.

They could need their bonus buy, so let's go and have a look at it.

Jim and Beryl, you gave Kate Bliss ?125 of leftover lolly.

What did she spend it on? Well, it was quite hard to spend all that.

And I ended up finding you something a bit different.

It's nice. Have a little feely feel.

Oh, Beryl likes it. I like it.

Now, it's actually a pen holder or pen stand for your desk.

And you've got this rather nice eagle here.

Do you see the detail of the feathers on his wings?

I thought he was rather a handsome chap.

It is very nice. Like it? Now, it is silver plate rather than silver,

but it's by a very well-known maker, Walker Hall.

Right. How much was it? It was ?30.

Ooh! But I think somebody might pay a little bit more than that for it.

You don't have to decide right now.

Let's find out from the auctioneer what he thinks about the eagle.

Well, here you go, Jonathan, winging its way across.

Lovely. What do you make of that? I'd say it's a cigarette holder.

It's certainly a cigarette holder for the desk. Yes.

The little flag there, W, Walker Hall. So, good maker.

Is it worth a lot? I reckon we'll get ?30-40 for it.

Kate Bliss will cover you with kisses.

Oh, brilliant. ?30, she paid, you see.

So if you get ?30-50, she'll be over the moon.

That's it for the Reds. Now for the Blues.

We've another agglomeration of extraordinary objects.

Starting off with the bearing compass.

You've got black lacquer and brass on it.

The brass is a bit polished up.

They do like it with a lacquer on it.

It's a bit clean. I'd have thought we'll get between ?30-50 for it.

That's fine. ?40 was paid. So, it's right in the middle.

What about this ashtray made of plaster?

A good-looking piece. A bit of collectible from the war.

And it's weird, this question mark. What do you make of it?

Well, maybe it has some sort of macabre sense.

Who's next? When's your number up?

So, do you think it will make the ton?

I don't think it'll get that far to be honest with you.

My estimate's ?20-30. How much? ?20-30.

Lordy! There is a big question mark hanging over it. Afraid so.

Now, yesterday's antiques for some people.

These little clock garnitures?

The fashion tends to move towards the modern.

This is a bit more Grandma's mantelpiece.

But there's a collector out there for it. I think it will sell.

I've priced it at ?50-80. I'm afraid they paid ?130.

Yeah. Pat and Dave, they went overboard for this.

They like it. They've taken two quite big risks here.

Therefore they'll need their bonus buy. Let's go and have a look at it.

Don't be! That shock. That pregnant pause!

Look.

Isn't that cute? It's a really retro toy from Mattel.

How old do you think it is? Oh, it's 1968. '68.

It's dated on the side, if you have a look.

How much did you pay for it? Oh, a huge ?18.

?18? ?18. At least ?18.50.

Do you think it will make something?

I'd predict all of a ?2 profit. ?20. ?2. It might make ?20.

It might make more. You don't have to decide now.

Let's see what the auctioneer thinks.

Well, a little jack-in-the-box, or jack-in-the-music-box, as it is.

Turn the handle, it plays a tune.

Do you want to sing along?

Oh, dear. There he is. So, would your children be grateful -

I think this is a bit of market research - if you took that home?

Would they be amused by this?

I think they probably would, for a little while.

I think we'll put that well and truly away.

What's it worth, then? I'd say between ?10-20.

Not too bad. Thomas Plant paid ?18. I think, if you wind it

and he comes out with a fistful of tenners.

We've spawned yet another TV programme.

You taking the auction today? I am indeed, yeah. Well done.

190. 210. Are you all done?

I'll sell, then, for ?210.

Now, how are you feeling? Cool? Yes. Relaxed?

Is there any piece that you wish that you hadn't bought,

that you got in the auction?

Any second thoughts? Barometer. What's the matter with that?

I hate it. I don't know about that. Kate recommended it to you.

I know. ?15 is all that was paid.

And the auctioneer's estimate is ?15-25. That's not too bad.

You like it, don't you, Jim? I do like it.

You think it's set fair, don't you? I do, definitely.

The first lot is the barometer and here it comes. Good luck.

Lot 1451a. We've an oak-cased aneroid barometer

with ceramic dial, circa 1900.

Start me at ?30 for this. ?30.

?20, then. ?20 is bid, thank you, madam.

?20 for the lady. Two anywhere else?

At ?20, then, the front row made a bid of ?20. All done at 20?

That's very good. ?20. Plus ?5. Nice start. Now, on the...

A 1950s Hornby tin-plate signal box.

Nice lot, this. And I'm bid ?10 to start.

?10 is bid. Looking for ?12 now. We're bid ?10.

?12, lady at the back, now. ?15 anywhere?

Gentleman has bid at ?12. ?12 it is.

Do I see ?15? ?12 with you, sir.

BERYL: Oh, come on!

?12. Minus ?8. You're minus ?3 overall.

A Jaques Manifesto racing game

with painted lead-horse counters, cards and base board,

in a cedar wood box. Who'll start me at ?100 for this?

?60, then. Come on. ?60 is bid on the right.

And five. And 70, sir. 75.

80. Five. 90. Five.

100. 110. 120. 130.

140. 150. 160.

170. 180. 190.

200. 210.

That's racing ahead. 220. 230?

?220, then, gentleman in the hat, on the right, at ?220.

230. 240. 250.

260. 270. 280. 290.

300. 320 is the next bid. 320.

I don't believe it. He hasn't finished yet.

?380. Gentleman in the hat still at ?380.

For ?380...

SQUEALING

Absolutely magical. Brilliant!

Well done. ?380.

You've made a profit of ?240 on that.

That means, overall, you're ?237 up.

Now, what are you going to do

about the eagle pencil-and-cigarette holder?

Shall we stick with it? Stick with it.

Are you sure you want to do that? No bonus buy?

No bonus buy. But we'll sell it anyway and here it comes.

Lot 1456a, a silver-plated pen holder in the form of an eagle.

This one by Walker Hall. Handsome lot, this.

And two bids on the books. Straight in at ?30 is bid.

?30. ?30. Going for five now.

?30. Main bid of ?30. Are we all done at ?30?

Straight away at ?30. Last chance, selling ?30.

?30. It wiped its face. So you have ?237 profit.

And I do congratulate you. It's brilliant.

Now, you must not tell the Blues a thing.

Go out of here looking really depressed.

That is a result, though, isn't it?

Well done, darling.

# All I really want is money in my pocket

# Cash in my hand, yo, scrilla in my wallet... #

?100. How are you feeling, Blues?

I'm fine. Feeling fine? Absolutely fine. Feeling cool?

Absolutely. Freezing.

First item that comes up is the hand-held bearing compass.

And here it comes. Lot 1472a. A compass.

Brass and black lacquer, with a back light.

And... ?30 for this? ?30 to start me?

20, then. 20 is bid.

25, sir? And 30. 35.

And 40. 45. 50. 55.

60. ?55.

60 anywhere else? ?55, then, gentleman's bid.

In the centre. Last chance. ?55.

Well done. ?55. Plus ?15.

Now, your ashtray.

1473a. We have a World War I plaster ashtray for the Royal Flying Corps.

And I have a flurry of bids to start me in at ?25.

And 30. At ?30 at the back. Looking for five now.

35. 40. ?40, then.

At ?40 and selling for ?40.

Last chance and selling. ?40.

?40. Minus ?60, I'm afraid. That's a big, deep hole.

Minus ?45. It's not as bad as it could be.

Here it comes. It's the garniture. 1474a. A French clock garniture.

Nice-looking lot, this. ?40 is bid. At ?40. And five. And 50.

And five and 60. And five and 70.

And five and 80. ?85.

?85. Do I see 90?

That's not bad. Are you all done?

?85. It is on sale at the left at ?85.

?85. That's minus ?45 on that.

You are minus ?90 overall. ?90. What are you going to do?

Minus 90 is not so hot. Yes, please. Jack-in-the-box.

You hope it's going to pop you out a profit?

You're going with the bonus buy for ?18 and here it comes.

Lot 1477a. A Mattel tin jack-in-the-music-box circa 1968.

There is a cheerful soul, this. Surely start me at ?20 for this.

?20. Go on. Tenner, then.

Ten is bid. Thank you. On the left at ten. Looking for 12 now.

Gentleman seated, at ten. 12 anywhere else?

?10 it is, then. At ?10.

Last chance at ?10.

Bad luck. ?10. Minus eight.

Minus ?98, all right?

That's not too bad. It was that quick.

That's not too bad. It could be worse.

Oh, dear. A loss of ?98 for the Blues,

which means the Reds are the runaway winners

with their whopping profit of ?237.

Let's meet our new lots of Reds and Blues.

For the Reds, we've got sisters Patricia and Sally. Welcome.

And for the Blues, we've got, erm...

Fay, who's a standard lamp, and Chris, who's a long-case clock.

And I'll be talking to you later about what you're wearing.

But for the Reds, we're in safe hands with you two girls, aren't we?

You certainly are. Why's that? We're both registered nurses.

Jolly good.

So if I'm going to have a collapse, today's my day to do it. Brilliant.

Sally, have you always been a nurse? No. I trained as a nurse

and then I was sharing a flat in Guildford with a stewardess

and she used to come home in her little sports car

and she'd have a tan

and lots of money, couldn't close her purse,

and I would struggle in after a ten-hour shift on the ward

and they were recruiting, so I went for it and got it

and I flew for 13 years.

Now for the Blues.

Or should I say, the black and tans?

Hi. Fay. What are you doing here, eh?

We love fancy dress. Do you really?

We thought we'd have a Bargain Hunt theme day.

So, how do you know each other?

We work together in Brighton in a pub.

Chris is a chef and I do the drinks. Chris, you're fond of collectables.

Any particular type? Yes, that is true.

Me and Fay have brought along our lovely teapot.

It's one of four. It's not a massive collection.

It is beautiful and hideous.

And who's it by? Tony Woods. You probably haven't heard of him.

I hope he's not watching because I don't want to offend him. No.

We got this one because it looks a little bit like Pat Butcher.

Actually, funnily enough, you're not far wrong.

Almost as extraordinary as the ?300 moment.

Here's your ?300. You know the rules, your experts await

and off you go and very, very, very good luck.

What do you think, guys, about this stall?

There are some lovely things here.

I have to say, something is standing out quite strongly.

The plate would be really lovely. No, no.

One, two, three. Unusual. Absolutely. No, I agree. Unusual.

Kate, what metal is that? Is that silver or brass or...? Let's see.

We've got a set of three. Now, this is bronze

and I'm pretty sure this is silver.

I've got some marks on mine. I don't know if yours...? Yes, yes.

We've got some numbers. 925.

That tells you that that's sterling standard silver,

And we've got various symbols, by the look of things.

I've got a maze. I've got an owl.

There's some sort of god and a dolphin here.

That's right. And they do look Greek.

They do. Now, if you can see,

next to the numbers, there's a name stamped. Yes.

I think it's on all of them. Oh, gosh, yes.

Now, that reads Lalaounis.

It's the jeweller, actually. Jeweller.

Lalaounis had a shop in Sloane Street in London

And they were Greek jewellers

and I think these symbols here may refer to Greek legends.

They're certainly very Greek-looking symbols.

But I haven't got a price on mine. Have you? It's underneath my one

and it's ?75. Right.

With these, the name is actually going to really help to sell them

because people who know the jeweller will home in on these.

So I think we should have a chat. Have a go. Yes. Sally? Me?

I love them. I love them.

Not quite "la-la, Patricia," the Reds knocked off a tenner

and picked up the dishes for 65.

Now, over to one of my favourite Teletubbies. Only joking, Tom.

These are First World War medals.

And what's nice about First World War medals for a researcher

is that every medal has the name it was awarded to.

So on here we've got Lance Corporal GF Booth,

Royal Lancashire Regiment.

Does this help the item sell? It really does.

You could go to the War Office in the records

and find out more about him. Yeah.

So we have the '14-'15 Star,

and means that this man wasn't a conscript.

He joined early in the war.

The British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Do you like them? Yes, I do like them.

It's a sobering thought but they're lovely things.

What do you think they'd make at auction? Between ?80 and ?120.

Yeah. Sounds good. Shall we ask the gentleman? I think we should.

How much have you got them on for? 90, but I'll do 75.

How does that grab you? Sounds reasonable.

Perfect. Thank you. Shall we do the deal?

I don't get them very often. You're very kind.

Kate and Sally,

I've just looked on a stall where we got those plates from

but I don't know if it's old or worth anything.

Well, let's have a closer look, Pat.

What we've got here is cast metal with this lovely gilt finish.

And it's what's known as the rococo style.

I'm sure you've heard of rococo-style things.

The dial is enamelled and in lovely condition

because you often get damage to the enamel or cracking.

But it also makes me slightly curious as to the age

because it's just in such nice condition.

Let's look at the price.

Yes. Is that too much? ?145. You do pick them, don't you?

Any profit, at all? Well, I have to say, at auction,

particularly in the auction we're going to, where there'll be

a lot of works of art, this will sit very well

and I would estimate it at probably between ?100 and ?150.

Right. So I think if we can just ask the stallholder

if she can do a better deal for us, we've got a good chance.

I would buy it. And I would.

Well, that's a really good start, isn't it? Wonderful.

The Reds had a big hand in haggling the price down to ?100.

Now, what's the time, Mr Wolf?

Yeah, I like him. Lovely-jubbly.

What do you think of this? What have you found?

Erm, it looks like a wolf. A wolf? A wolf.

Yeah, the big bad wolf. He's got a cape, there it is.

He's a Pelham Puppet. Oh, a Pelham Puppet. Yeah, Pelham Puppet, 1963.

He's nice. Really strong colours. Yeah, I like it.

Does he have a box? It has and it looks in good condition.

That's a good sign. It doesn't look like it's been played with much.

I don't think there's any damage. Good, nice gnarly face there.

The price is evident, ?48. Have you had a chat with the stallholder?

Yeah. We think we can get it down maybe to 35, if we can push them.

Do you think that's room for any profit? Absolutely.

I mean, I sell Pelham Puppets for between ?30 and ?50.

I can't see you doing too wrong with that... OK. ..at 35 quid.

OK. What do you think? I think he's good. Let's go for him.

He's cute, let's get him. Well done.

True to his word, the dealer let Chris have our wolfie for ?35.

You've found this in the nick of time, Sally, cos they're packing up.

We did leave it rather late but I saw it and I adore silver.

Someone could use it for cufflinks, you could buy it for a present.

Originally, it was made as a cigarette box

and if we open it up,

it's wooden-lined, cedar-lined, probably,

to keep the tobacco fresh.

But it would be good as a trinket box for jewellery or cufflinks,

which makes it still commercial at auction today.

And it's got that lovely little crest there

but otherwise, perfectly plain and that's a good thing,

because the purchaser could then get it engraved if they wished...

Yes. And we've got nice, clear

hallmarks here, which collectors always like.

Clearly marked there for Birmingham and the date 1907...

Over 100... ..so it's over 100 years old.

We've got a bit of a bad dent just there on the corner

and that can't be repaired very easily because of the wooden lining.

You can't get at it.

Has it got a price on it? Oh, here we go.

Now, 55. What do you think about that? I think it's a good price

but if we can get it as down as we can, we might get a profit.

Yeah. Well, if it was in perfect condition,

then I would say about ?50 would be fine.

But it has got that dent and a wee bit of dimpling on the top.

I think that could put a few people off,

so the lower we can get it the better. OK. I agree. Yeah.

?35 is what it took to secure the silver cigarette box.

What have you got there, Fay? A ball inside a ball inside a ball.

You like that, do you? Mm-hm. What do you like about it?

I don't know. It's really amazing. It's really intricate.

Well, you might not like this.

But these are made out of ivory, so it's a tusk that has been carved.

We can't sell it unless it's carved before or made before 1947.

This item looks to me like it was carved in the pre-war period,

in probably the 1920s.

And it's carved out of one piece of ivory.

So they carve the first ball and then carve the second ball in it?

Absolutely. All at once. It's amazing, isn't it? Yeah.

How...? What...? How and why, I just can't tell you.

The story is that the two dragons fought over a flaming pearl,

which this is.

The dragons are fighting over the flaming pearl

and that's a very traditional Chinese story. How much is this one?

I think it was ?40.

I think that ?40 isn't bad, but there's damage to it.

But it's still collectable? Yeah, it's still very collectable.

Fay, you spotted it. Why did you spot it?

I just thought it was really pretty.

Yeah? Yeah. Shall we get it?

Yeah. I think so. Go on, Fay.

Talk to the dealer? Haggling time. Come on, let's go.

Well, it's a treat to be at Bellmans auction house

in Wisborough Green, West Sussex, with Jonathan Pratt. Good morning.

Good morning, Timothy.

For the Reds, Patricia and Sally, first, it's this cigarette box.

Now, do you have a view about this? Well...

cigarette boxes aren't the easiest things to sell.

This one has seen better days. The top's quite polished out.

Well, there was a crest, there. Yeah.

There is some scratching which might have been a crest once. Exactly.

And then there's creases and dents. Creases.

My estimate is ?25-?35.

?35 paid. Yes.

Next up is this French-style little timepiece.

Isn't it beautiful? Well, it's all in the eye of the beholder.

I don't mind these things if they're made of gilt bronze

and it's got some material in it.

This is gilt something or other.

It's a lead-based metal like spelter.

What's your estimate? ?60-?80.

Well, that's not so kind.

See, he likes it but he won't put the money on it. ?100, they paid.

Yeah. So I don't think that stands

a snowflake's chance in the old proverbial

of making a profit. Absolutely.

That's my prediction. It's a problem.

But I fancy not half as much a problem

as these three little Greek saucers. I mean, what's going on here?

Well, they're stamped Lalaounis.

A very well-known Greek jewellery designing firm

who did silverwork as well. Oh, I'm sorry, well...

They still retail in cities including London. I take it back.

You've done your research. This is not a joke, then?

You see jewellery stamped Lalaounis and it's still made.

So what's your estimate? ?40-?60.

?65 paid. So I see three problems lurching around these three objects

and they're definitely going to need their bonus buy,

so let's have a look at it and keep our legs crossed.

Now, I know that you love Art Deco. I do.

So I've gone for some silver and some Art Deco for you.

And what we have here is this lovely little timepiece

in a Britannia silver frame here,

engraved or engine-turned with this lovely Art Deco sunburst effect

and it's ticking away and working nicely. It's gorgeous. It's lovely.

I love it. Mm. Absolutely love it.

Dare I ask how much this is? Well, I didn't blow the lot.

It was ?50. That's good.

Is it going to make a profit? Make a profit?

Well done, Patricia. I hope it will.

I mean, I would buy it for ?50 also,

so I just hope there's somebody in the sale room

who feels the same way. Yeah.

Well, you don't have to decide right now,

but let's find out what the auctioneer thinks

about the strut timepiece.

Stylistically, you're into the Deco style there.

It's a nice touch. It's a nice little strut clock,

could use it next to the bed.

You could even take it if you're travelling.

It is silver, isn't it? It's Britannia standard silver,

so it's better quality.

Which they reserve for better-quality items.

Disappointing bezel there.

Yes, the bezel's all rubbed. You can see the yellow coming through.

Why have a plated bezel and a nice silver back? Quite.

That's slightly bad, isn't it? But it's ticking away. Yes.

How much? How much? I would say ?40-?60.

?50 paid by Kate Bliss, so it stands a chance. I think so.

Anyway, that's it for the Reds. Now for the Blues.

They've got a whacky group here, look at this.

So, First World War trio.

With medals, it's always the soldier, the person,

that can add to the value of them.

This chap, I've looked up. A chap called Booth.

He went in as a Lance Corporal and came out as a Private,

so he got demoted by one rank for doing something silly, I suppose.

That's quite interesting, isn't it? I mean, the mind boggles.

How much do you think they're going to bring, Jonathan?

Er, I would say, really, ?30-?50.

Is that all? ?75, they paid. Mm.

Next up is the Pelham Puppet, which is great, in its box.

Yeah. And you've got old wolfie, there.

I think he's a fun guy to play with, really. It's not an early one. No.

Sadly. But the box is in reasonable condition, he's in great condition.

Anyway, it's all complete, it's in good nick.

So how much for old wolfie, then? About ?30-?50.

That's great. ?35 is all they paid, so that's great. Yeah.

Now, what about this piece of ivory?

I mean, personally, I'm not a great fan of these sorts of things.

Yes. I...

How many balls do you think there are there? Four or five? Inside?

Well, one's cracked, actually, sadly, inside.

Any sort of damage is not good news, is it? No, it isn't really.

Where's the value to this, then, broken? Realistically, ?20-?30.

?40, they paid. So wolfie should be all right.

The medals are not looking so good and the ivory's dodgy.

They're going to need their bonus buy. Let's have a look at it.

Look at that!

LAUGHTER

Isn't it wonderful? It's amazing.

Isn't it great fun? Just to, you know, reflect that what you guys do,

working as a waitress in a cocktail bar.

You gave me ?150.

Don't tell me you spent ?150?

And it was marked up at ?28

and I had a figure in mind, and I bought it for 15. Oh!

How old is it?

It's 1960s, isn't it? Great fun. Yeah. Yeah.

You don't have to decide right now, but for the benefit of the audience,

here's what the auctioneer thinks about Tom's ice bucket.

It's one way to keep the children away from the drinks cabinet.

It certainly is.

Put you off alcohol for life.

Well, I think it's got the look. Yeah, it's a good novelty thing.

A good novelty thing and if you want an ice bucket,

how much would you pay, do you think, for a whacky one like that?

My feeling is we'll get ?20-?30 for it.

That's a relief to Tom, because he paid 15. OK.

Anything over ?15, Jonathan Pratt, will be a result. Brilliant.

It's a winner. Very, very, very good luck with that one.

So, girls, how is it? It's been brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Have you got any anticipation as to how you think you're going to do?

We're going to do brilliantly.

I think we're going to have a profit.

First up is the cigarette box and here it comes.

And who'll start me at ?20 for this? ?20 for the cigarette box.

Oh, dear. ?20 is bid. Maiden bid of 20. ?20.

25. 30?

35. Excellent. And 40?

35 seated right in the cap. At ?35. 40 anywhere else?

?35 on the right and selling. Ooh, no!

Last chance. ?35. GAVEL BANGS

?35. Well done. That's not bad. Not bad. Wiped its face.

No shame, no gain.

Now the timepiece.

A French rococo-style gilt metal-mounted clock.

A decorative lot, this. ?30 is bid.

?30 is bid with me, at 30. 35 and 40.

45 and 50. 55, please, the book now, at 55.

Do I see 60? ?55, then, standing right at 55. Oh, a bit more.

60 anywhere else? At ?55, then, gentleman's bid. That's a bargain.

Last chance and selling. ?55...

Oh, dear. Bad luck. Minus ?45. Never mind.

That's very, very cheap. Be positive.

Here comes your three Greek dishes. Here they come.

Lot 1494A, we have a set of three Greek metal dishes by Lalaounis.

Lalaounis. In different poses. I've got bids to start me at...

?15 is bid. I thought he was going to say 50.

At ?15. Looking for 20, now.

At ?15. 20, anywhere?

At ?15. ?15 it is, then.

And 20 and 5. Good, good, good.

At ?25, still with me, then, at ?25. At ?25, I'll sell.

Last chance at ?25...

GAVEL BANGS Oh, dear. ?25.

Minus 40 on that. You're minus ?85, girls.

So what are you going to do? We're going for the bonus. Definitely.

You're not even thinking about that, are you? No. It's a lovely piece.

Well, you're a couple of punters, you are.

One auction virgin and a confirmed punter.

We're going with the bonus buy.

A Britannia standard silver-case strut clock of Art Deco design

and I have ?25 to start with.

Oh, good. And 30 and 5.

And 40, clears the book now at ?40.

Do I see 5? ?40, gentleman standing right at ?40.

Any further bidding? Selling then for ?40. Last chance.

Selling at ?40.

Oh! That was ?40, minus ?10 on that. Sorry, girls.

You are minus 95. Not to worry.

Minus ?95. That could be a winning score, all right?

You could still win today's competition.

Just don't tell the Blues a thing. Lips are sealed.

Now, Chris and Fay, have you been talking to the Reds? No. No?

You don't know how they've got on? We growled at them. Rrrr.

FAY GROWLING Like that.

Anyway, you're so sweet, you two.

So first off up are the First World War medals. Here they come.

And ?30 is bid. ?30 is bid, looking for 5, now.

At ?30. 35.

40. Medals. ?40. We've stopped at ?40.

5 anywhere else? ?40 against you, still at ?40.

Do I see 5? I'm selling at ?40. Are we all done?

?40 it is, then. At 40. Last chance and selling for ?40.

Oh, no! ?40. You're minus 35 on that. That's the end of it.

The Pelham Puppet, here it comes.

1513A, a Pelham wolf puppet, 1960s.

I've got ?20 on the book. ?20?

I'm looking for 2, now. ?20. 2, anyone?

?20. And 2. 25. LAUGHTER

28, sir? ?25 against you, then, at 25.

8 anywhere else? At ?25. I'll sell at ?25.

Last chance and selling. ?25...

GAVEL BANGS ?25. It's going very well.

It's going well, isn't it? Minus ?10 on that. Thomas! Sorry.

Lot 1514A, a Chinese carved and pierced ivory puzzle ball on stand.

And I've got two bids. I can start straight in at ?25.

And 30 clears the book now. On the left at ?30. Do I see 5?

30 on the left and seated, selling.

?30. All done? Last chance it is.

Selling at ?30...

GAVEL BANGS ?30, minus ?10.

We're going to go for the bonus buy.

It's worth the risk.

It's the only one we like. Yes. Is it? Oh!

Well, it is now.

Metal-mounted novelty ice bucket, moulded as a man's face.

Wow! Here he is. Look at him there, smiling away.

And, erm...

I'm surprised to say I've got two bids of interest to start me at ?20.

?20 is bid. ?20! ?5 profit. ?20. ?20. I'll take 5.

Take 5, go on. 22? ?20 it is, then, against you all on the book.

All done at ?20...

Minus 50! Plus ?5. Well, that's nice, Tom. Well done.

At least it's a profit. You are minus ?50.

Now, look, don't despair. This could be a winning score. OK, OK.

You're not going to take home money

but you could have the honour and prestige

of winning today's programme.

But don't tell the Reds, all right, and we'll have a little reveal. OK.

So which of the teams today are ahead?

Have you been talking? No. No.

No words have passed with regard to your individual scores.

Well, it is a close-run thing, I have to say,

but marginally behind today

are the Reds.

Oh, my God!

Oh, no! Bad luck, girls, cos you put in a sterling effort, I have to say.

Thank you. You are minus ?95, OK, which is no shameful score.

We enjoyed it.

But the victors today... Yes!

What they used to call the young 'uns have done very well.

Thanks, Thomas, for the profit on the bonus buy.

Well, actually, yeah, thank you. Overall, you're only minus ?50.

Did you think you were ahead or behind before I revealed it?

I thought we were losing. I thought we were. We don't have losers.

Just runners-up. We only have runners-up. That's losing.

But congratulations on coming ahead today

and join us soon for some more bargain hunting, yes?

ALL: Yes!

Focus on what's important, Jamie.

So long as you make the right decision in the moment.