Oswestry 5 Bargain Hunt

Today were in Shropshire, reputedly the home of Dick Whittington,

who went off somewhere called...

London in search of his fortune.

Pah! Who needs London?

Everything our team needs is right here, so let's go Bargain Hunting.

Today, we're in Oswestry

and between the 100 or so stalls that are on offer today,

and this crowd...

..there'll be plenty of opportunities for fame and fortune.

Coming up on today's show, after an early wobble...

You are a liability.

What have you done?

Our experts decide to stamp their authority.

-Yes or no?

-Yeah.

-Yes!

-Yes, I think so.

PLAYS ACCORDION

That's enough.

Go on!

But will their guidance pay off at the auction?

Yes, £60, that's what we like.

Before all that, let's meet today's Bargain Hunters.

Well, we've got two teams of friends on the show today.

We've got Vicky and Beth,

and we've got Brian and Gareth.

Welcome.

-Hello.

-Hello.

We're going to have trouble with you, Vicky, I can tell.

-No.

-How did you two become friends?

-Well, I work as a club promoter

so part of my job is to flyer to students

to try and get them to come to the club nights we have in Chester.

And Beth comes walking over, she looks really confused.

I'm like, "Are you all right, darling?" She's like, "Yeah, do you know where a supermarket is?"

I was like, "OK, I'm going there in a minute,

"would you like to come with me?"

And then I just never really got rid...

Never got rid of me, I just stuck around.

-Now you're on Bargain Hunt together.

-I know!

-How brilliant is that?

Now, I also believe you're a bit of a singer yourself, aren't you?

-A little bit, yeah.

-Are you modest?

-I try to be.

-Have you got a tune up your sleeve?

-No, I couldn't.

-Give us a blast.

-Really?

-Yeah, come on,

maximum volume because it's windy.

-OK.

-OK.

# When the rain is blowing in your face

# And the whole world is on your case

# I can offer you a warm embrace... #

Lads, this is good, isn't it?

We want a round of applause for that.

I mean, that's very good, darling.

Off-the-cuff, in a field, in a gale. I mean, how much better is that?

So, Beth, tell us what you're studying, darling.

I'm doing English and history,

and I want to go and be a teacher, maybe, or a journalist.

-Do you think you girls are going to make a great team today?

-I think so.

-We get on like a house on fire.

-We do.

-You're definitely going to beat the boys, right?

-I think so.

-Obviously!

This is brave talk. Anyway, Good luck. Lovely to talk to you.

-Boys, are you quaking in your boots?

-Definitely, yeah.

Yeah, definitely.

-Now, blue is the right colour for you two, isn't it?

-Certainly is, yeah.

-Why?

It's where we first met, on blue watch in Wrexham fire station when I joined.

-Two fireman.

-Certainly.

-Brilliant.

-Are you still in the same force together?

-Still in the same station,

-different watches.

-Brilliant.

-And you collect cats, Gary?

-I don't collect cats.

There's a story behind the cat story.

I think Brian knows more about it than me, don't you?

-I got the better angle on it, didn't I?

-Not a very pretty angle.

-OK.

-He's a bit of a show off, Gareth, when we're at work

and likes to think he's a bit of a superhero.

-And...

-He's a fireman!

We went to the typical cat in the tree and he's trying to show off

in front of the RSPCA lady and caught his pants up a tree and split them.

HE LAUGHS

-Very funny!

-Revealing to us down below.

-Oh, really?

-And the cat just jumped out anyway.

-Oh, did he?

-So, what are your tactics going to be today, then, chaps?

-Big and shiny.

-As long as it's shiny, the bigger the better.

-I'm going to be careful. He wants to go and spend.

OK, fine, well, this is the money moment.

Here's your £300. Girls, boys, you know the rules.

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

Goodness gracious me. Whatever's going to happen next?

And which experts are we reckoning with today?

Well, throwing down the gauntlet is the chivalrous Thomas Plant.

But ready for the challenge is fearsome warrior David Barby.

Let battle commence.

-You're both quite tall, aren't you?

-We are a bit.

I have to stand on my tips. Now, any strategy?

I'm looking for sort of military memorabilia and maybe fire service.

We're looking for quite weird things, quite bold things.

-Because we are weird in ourselves.

-You're not that weird.

Let's start here and just do a quick run. OK.

So, the hour starts now and something tells me

they won't be fighting over the same bargains.

-I really like this.

-Why?

-She just likes a handbag.

-It's really cool.

-No, it's not.

-She thinks it's from Top Shop.

-He said it's made from Hungarian...

-What, yak skin or something?

Something like that. Are you not a fan? I would have that.

Yeah, but you'd have it for you, wouldn't you? You wouldn't, like...

Who else wants it?

That's quite right.

-You want it as an accessory.

-You're quite right.

-You've got it.

-I don't know if anyone would want that.

-You're good at this.

-She's very good, isn't she?

-I think it's a good start but let's carry on.

-OK, let's do that.

-We can always go back, can't we?

-Yes.

Or not.

Now, what's that Barby dug up for our superhero cat rescuers?

Just feel the weight of it.

-That's quite heavy, actually.

-It's made out of shell casings.

Dating from the First World War.

That's interesting, isn't it?

-It IS interesting and what's it shaped like?

-Shell?

-No, what's it shaped like?

-A scuttle.

A scuttle, that's what I want. It's shaped like a scuttle,

complete with this swing handle,

-so that's quite a nice object.

-I like that.

-£24.

-Yes.

-Hello.

This little bit of trench art here,

um, you've got £24 on it.

What's the very best you can do?

-20?

-Ooh... I said the very, very best.

-Oh, come on.

-Is that the very best?

-These chaps are in the fire service!

-A fire service discount?

-They say 50%, fire service discount.

Oh, do they?

We were looking around the £15 mark.

16 and we've got a deal.

-16?

-If you're happy with it.

-I'm happy with 16.

-OK.

-It's quirky, it's different.

-Its First World War.

-It's pre-First World War

which makes it even lower.

What date would you put on it?

It either Boer War or it's the Indian Frontier.

Yes, so I think that's quite interesting. Little piece of trench art for £15?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, we're happy with that.

-Good.

-At 15.

-Yes.

-Marvellous. Thank you very much.

That's your first buy and thank you very much.

-That was so quick, within the first 10 minutes.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

And an extra pound off at the end.

Huh! Good work, Barby.

Now, our girls have been entranced by something, well, girly.

-Why do you like that?

-It's just a bit different, isn't it?

-It plays music.

-Ah.

Do you like it? It's better than your Hungarian vodka bottle.

So, it's a Kigu...

Kigu compact,

K-I-G-U and it's a concerta one,

-which is the musical one. How much is that?

-45. I had 65 on it.

-Really?

You know, I'd like a little bit less.

-35, but that's the lowest I could go.

-30?

30, then, but that IS the lowest I can go on it.

-Shall we just get buying?

-You've just started shopping.

-Yeah, absolutely.

-Yeah.

-Come on.

We'll think about. You've got this to come back to.

That and the Hungarian vodka bottle.

That and your piece of Hungarian toot.

Never one to sit on the fence, that Thomas.

But there isn't time to put everything back.

Now, has Barby led our brave firefighters straight

to the source of a bargain?

-It's a tobacco cabinet.

-Yep.

So you put your cigars in there

-and in there, there would've been a tobacco pot.

-Right.

OK. And then the whole thing has this tambour slide on it.

He wants 35 for it. £35.

-I think that's quite good.

-Should we take less?

-What do you think?

-I like it.

-I like it because it's different, isn't it?

-Have a word with the stallholder.

She's quoted 35. Have a word. Tell him you're a fireman.

Oh, no, not that old trick again.

-He's heard every word!

-Watch out, here come our men of action!

# I need a hero

# I'm holding on for a hero till the morning light... #

-What's the very best?

-32.

-I'll go to 32, I can't go lower.

-No lower?

-Because I think it will go...

-Bit of fire service discount?

-Sorry?

-Fire service discount?

-That's it, 32, that's your discount.

-That's not a discount.

-That is, definitely.

-I'll go to 30, I'll drop you to 30.

-Happy with 30?

-OK, can we have another quick look at it?

-Certainly.

-Thanks.

# Ah!

# Ah! #

-How much?

-£30.

-£30...

-I think it's a good buy.

-Yeah?

-Hold on just a moment.

Hold on just a moment.

Hang on, old Barby's had a brainwave.

Right. What's missing...

-..is that.

-You saying we need to buy that as well?

-But it would be rather nice to put the two together.

-It would, yeah.

-I like that.

-I'd buy that myself.

-Would you really?

-Yeah.

-Should we go for it?

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

-Go and tell him you'll have it.

And the stallholder throws in the jar for 35 for the lot.

Two down, chaps, and the girls haven't bought anything yet. Oh, Lord.

-But the Reds may be finally getting into sync.

-Do you like them?

-Yeah.

-Do you know, you picked up something I quite like.

-For once!

Your and our taste sort of matching.

-We're finding a happy medium, aren't we?

-A union, I say.

-Yes!

So, "Duckworth's essence and colours."

"Heart Brand, gold medal quality, use only Heart Brand essence."

They're lovely, aren't they?

-From Manchester as well.

-From Manchester. That's good.

This is Duckworth premier ginger ale extract, ginger ale.

I like this, by the way, I've just seen that, I really like that.

-"Old rich tobacco." What actually is it?

-It's a thermometer.

(Goodness.)

-£125.

-No.

-No, OK.

But these, I love these. They're 28 each.

-Do you think we should try to get them all for £100?

-No point just buying one.

No, there wouldn't, you want the lot.

-Don't be paying three figures.

-No.

-So, 90, 80?

-Just do what you can.

-OK, let's see.

-Do what you can and I'll carry on looking.

While our girls head into the breach,

let me collar you for a moment.

Have you noticed something?

In these fares, there are the most phenomenal numbers of dogs about.

Big dogs, little dogs, black dogs, brown dogs...

DOG BARKS

Sometimes they have a fight.

DOG BARKS

See? All around us are all these dogs.

Like this little baby here.

Is that not the sweetest little Dalmatian mask?

This is made of porcelain, probably from the Derby factory,

and dates from around about 1830-1850.

Just look at how beautifully it's been painted.

Don't you love that irregular black spot on the top of its head?

Down this end, there's a little hole and a bit of gilding

because this thing has an additional purpose.

Apart from being a charming dog mask, it's also a whistle.

And because of that, it'll appeal to two lots of collectors.

The collector who goes for whistles,

and they're absolutely crackers about their subject,

and then the rest of them, all those people who are bonkers about dogs.

What's it worth? Well, here at the fair, you could buy it for £100.

What might it bring elsewhere in a specialist sale?

I reckon the top end of £400.

In fact, you'd be barking not to buy it. Now, let's see if it works.

HIGH PITCHED WHISTLE

Did someone say walkies? Woof!

I think it does.

# Who let the dogs out?

# Who? Who, who, who?

# Who let the dogs out? #

-Now, are those girls still haggling?

-OK. We'll take them full.

All right then.

-No, it's all over.

-You just bought them?

-What have you done?

-She just bought them. She just shook his hand.

-I saw you shake.

-I haven't given him any money yet.

-That doesn't matter!

That doesn't matter. Honestly.

You are a liability.

What are you like? What are you like when you're on your club nights?

-You are a liability.

-You don't even want to know.

You set them off on their own, Thomas.

-So, what do I do?

-You have to pay the man.

-You shook on them, didn't you? At what price?

-60 for all of them.

-Are we brilliant or what?

-You're lovely.

Well, Beth didn't have much choice

but at least that's one down for the Reds.

The Blues, however, have only got one to find.

What's that?

HONK!

-Oops.

-Pardon.

THEY LAUGH

-How much?

-150.

150. How old would that be, Dave?

Its treacle glaze. We'd be looking at something around about 1840-1850.

-That old?

-Yes.

-It's nice, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-It's a loving cup.

This would've been passed round a fraternity of gentlemen.

-Yeah?

-Out for a good night, sitting in front of a roaring fire in a pub.

That would be filled with ale and, of course,

for some unsuspecting guy who's the last one to drink,

those frogs would appear and he would've gone, "Oh!"

-But that's quite nice, it's a fun piece.

-Yeah.

It's two frogs. (That's Gareth and Brian). Gareth and Brian.

-Do you think so? Which one is which?

-You are the damaged one.

Damaged goods?

It's not the prettiest jug I've ever seen, to be honest.

But, isn't it masculine, isn't it chunky?

That lovely treacle glaze, yes. You could be holding the FA Cup.

I'm going to make an enquiry.

I think you're winning them over, me old mucker.

And they're not the only ones who need convincing.

How to play the accordion!

Please!

Really, really? Honestly?

-Yeah, 100%.

-Can you play?

-No, that's why it's got an instruction booklet.

-How to play.

Really? Really?

-Do you know how to play?

-No, I don't.

Actually my mother had one of these, which is quite useful.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-This is pretty cool.

Is it like playing the piano, but sideways?

Probably it is. I have sold a few of these in my time.

The most important thing is the paper in here.

And it's all good?

Well, it's got to be OK.

-I really like, it, you know.

-I think you're both nuts.

-It is very showy.

-I absolutely love it.

-Really?

As you love it so much, you're not doing the bargaining.

-OK.

-Because that means you'll just go for anything.

Can I have a go, Thomas?

You really want go? You want to strap it on?

OK.

OK, that goes on there.

-Do I look French?

-No, you look Hungarian.

How do you look... All you need is that water bottle, now.

Oh, yes.

Oh, my hair is all trapped. OK.

Ha ha.

You have to put that through there.

Look at me, guys. Put the hat out.

Push it in.

Oh, Lord, what a racket!

That's enough!

Right, cos you two like it so much,

-I'm going to have a conversation.

-Oh, thank you.

Shall I stand here?

Thomas, you are such a martyr.

£80 a good price?

I think it's a good price, are you going to buy this? Yes or no?

-Yes.

-Yes, I think so.

Yes, yes, yes, OK. That is marvellous, well done.

-Thank you very much.

-I can't believe we have shopped so quickly, oh.

-Spontaneous.

-It's worrying, isn't it?

Ha ha ha.

Well, our men are trained to race straight to the heart of the matter.

Good news?

-45.

-Is that good, do you think?

-Oh, I tried 40.

-Yes.

-Because I hate it, for the record, I hate it.

-Why?

-Because it's horrible.

But it's very you two. It is so you.

-Let's just do it, yeah?

-Yeah. Can we take it off you, though?

-Are you going to walk around like that all day?

-Yes.

Unless you want to carry it over to the auction, because that's item number two.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-How's it going?

-Not too bad.

Good.

Isn't this a fabulous fair? There's so much.

There is.

Spoilt for choice, it's incredible.

-You, you have spilt something, just there.

-Ha ha.

You finished? What?

-Yes.

-What was that?

-They finished, they got all the items.

Right, we need to get a wriggle on. Come on.

Well, we went inside.

-Oh, maybe we should go inside.

-They are lying through their teeth.

It's all over there.

Oh, they are trying to throw us off, see you later.

Bye, blue team.

That'll spur the red team on.

Now, girls,

I don't want to broach the subject, but time is running out.

That's pretty.

OK, that is what we call pique work, and its tortoise shell,

inlaid with gold and silver, it is probably 1870s, 1880s.

-What's your very best on that?

-60.

It's make your mind up time, reds.

-That's rock bottom.

-59.5.

Get a move on, girls.

-Let's do that, then.

-You sure?

Yes.

This is our final item.

Two minutes left.

-What about that locket?

-Which one?

The silver one.

This one?

See, I prefer that, about 20 times more.

Put a picture of me and Beth inside inside.

I'd wear that round my neck forever.

That's beautiful.

-What's that?

-£75.

Oh, come on.

-I can't do any less on that one.

-60 for that?

-No, I can't, no.

-Why not?

I can't, can't.

OK, this is more commercial than this,

more people wear lockets than brooches.

Yes, true, how much for this again, sorry?

£75.

-70?

-70? OK.

I think we're there with it.

-£70?

-Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Come on, that's it.

Yay, we're done!

Stop the clock cos time's up.

So, let's remind ourselves what the Reds bought.

They all like the advertising boards,

which Vicky snapped up for £60.

Thomas hated the accordion

but overcame his prejudice to secure it for 45.

And, finally,

they suspended their last hope with this silver locket, for £70.

Girls, how much did we spend?

£175?

Was that £175 I heard?

It was.

Now, Thomas, you look completely fagged out, old fruit.

These girls exhausted you, haven't they?

You have been run off your feet, he's speechless...

which is a change.

I'm exhausted, I feel like I've been through the mill with these two.

Well, you could have gone with worse, I tell you.

Anyway, overall you spent £175 so, who's got the £175?

-Have you got it Vick?

-Beth's got it.

-Beth's got it, very good.

You give it to me, and I give it straight to Thomas.

Thank you very much.

What will you spend it on, Thomas?

That would be telling in front of these two,

but I want to buy something to keep these two in check.

Probably something that we won't like.

What, like chains? Webbing, or a cage?

LAUGHTER

A cage!

On that happy note,

why don't we check out what blue team bought, eh?

At £15, this trench part coal hod

might fuel some interest at the auction.

Our firemen hope the oak cabinet will smoke out the bidders for 35.

I think they ought to make around about £60 to £70 on it.

So, there is a profit margin there.

And the chunky cup made up their last butch buy for £80.

I'm feeling confident about what we've bought and it should sell well.

How did you feel the shopping went?

-Marvellous.

-Brilliant.

-Did you enjoy it? Lovely experience.

-Great fun.

You fellows need a hose down,

now you've got so overheated with David Barby?

Yeah, he's looked after us well.

Were they decisive, David?

They've been very decisive,

after all, they have to deal with life and death situations every day.

Firemen, they do.

-How much did you spend over all?

-£130.

Well, that's about average, isn't it?

£170 to go across to David, who has got the £170?

Brian.

-I did have it.

-You did have it, oh, yeah?

Don't give it to him directly, it comes to me first,

for checking purposes to make sure it's good wine!

Anyway, there you go, £170.

Thank you very much.

What are you going to do with that, old fruit?

They've bought such very masculine items,

as one would expect from these two guys,

I want to continue in the same train.

So, you're going to get something a bit butch, are you?

Yes, that's going to be so difficult.

Anyway, good luck with that, go and have a cup of tea, chaps.

Meanwhile, we're staggering off to Croft Castle, and it's gorgeous.

Overlooking the tranquil countryside of North Herefordshire

is Croft Castle.

Over the last 1,000 years

almost 30 generations of the Croft family have lived here.

Wow!

The history of the illustrious Croft family

mirrors the very history of Britain itself.

Through a mention in the Doomsday book,

through fighting in the Wars of the Roses,

through protecting Queen Elizabeth I,

through all sorts of deeds of derring-do fighting in the Civil War.

But it was in 1817 that the Croft family took centre stage

in a tragedy that was about to affect the course of British history

for the rest of the 19th century.

In 1837 Queen Victoria ascended to the throne,

one of our longest serving monarchs, she gave her name to an age.

But it was only through a tragic twist of fate

that she even became Queen in the first place.

This tale begins half a decade earlier,

with George, Prince Regent, who is terribly unhappy marriage

with Princess Caroline produced just one heir,

Charlotte.

After a childhood surrounded by family quarrels,

when Charlotte came of age, George decided to marry her off.

Around this time, Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg arrived in London.

He spotted Charlotte and courted her.

They were married in 1816 and theirs was a happy union.

Sadly, Princess Charlotte miscarried twice

in the early months of the marriage,

but in 1817, when she was pregnant for the third time,

all appeared to be going well, and when the announcements were made

the entire country exploded with excitement.

Because Charlotte was George III's only legitimate grandchild,

and any child that she had would be heir to the throne.

And this is where the Croft family step in to the story.

This portrait is of Richard Croft, sixth Baronet,

who was a leading obstetrician of his day.

In fact, it was he who was required to attend

Princess Charlotte in her confinement.

And on 3rd November, 1817, after a torturous 50-hour labour,

the woman delivered a child, a boy that was still born.

But worse was to come. Five and a half hours later,

the 21-year-old princess died of a postpartum haemorrhage.

Prince Leopold was distraught

and there was a great outpouring of grief nationally.

The bells of St Paul's tolled,

and all theatre performances were suspended.

What I think is extraordinary

is the speed with which publishers and manufacturers

produced items in memoriam to Charlotte.

For example, this volume is entitled,

"Memoirs of the Princess Charlotte."

In the title page you can see an engraving of her,

that you can see was done in November 1817,

the month that she died.

And here we have got an image of Prince Leopold lying

prostrate with grief at the bottom of her tomb.

This is a volume with nigh on 700 pages celebrating her life.

And the Staffordshire ceramic manufacturers weren't far behind.

Here we've got examples of pearl ware,

that has been bat-printed with an image showing Princess Charlotte,

and an inscription, "Britain mourns, her Princes weep."

Surrounded appropriately by a weeping willow.

And what happened to Sir Richard Croft?

Well, sadly, the whole affair played heavily on his mind.

He became severely depressed and took his life three months later.

Here's his image recorded from his death bed,

but the race was on amongst the other Royal Dukes

to sire a legitimate offspring.

The Duke of Kent was successful,

he produced a baby called Victoria and the rest is history.

The big question today is, of course, are our teams

over at the auction about to create a bit of history of their own?

For today's auction,

we've travelled to the leafy Cheshire town of Nantwich

to Peter Wilson Saleroom.

Let's find out what Robert Stone thinks of our teams lots.

At £20 only, £20. 25 anywhere, now? At £20 only, then.

-Hello, Robert.

-Morning, Tim.

-Very nice to be here.

-Great to see you.

It's looking very smart, your showroom, look at these urns.

We make such an effort for you.

You do, I've never seen such big ones.

Our first items are the Duckworth Essence advertising boards,

how do you rate these?

Well, I think they're very decorative,

the thing for us is that it is a Manchester company

and still in existence today.

Yes, the family is still hard at it,

making their potions and flavourings.

What are these four going to bring them?

Well, we think about 40 to 60.

Yeah, £60 is what they need to make because that's what they paid.

Next on a completely different note, we've got the accordion.

Yep, Alvari, it sounds Italian, doesn't it?

Alvari, si!

But, German.

Oh, really? Achtung.

This make varies in quality enormously,

and when I look at this one

there are certain elements that I'm not very happy about.

-The keyboard is in a bit of a state, the keys don't rest level.

-Yes.

-So...

It looks a bit clapped out to me.

I don't think it's very useable, to be fair.

-What's it worth?

-Well, I'm thinking around 40 to 60.

Are you? Well, that's smashing because they only paid £45.

-You are brilliant, Robert.

-Oh, that's marvellous.

Next is Vicky's silver locket. How do you rate that?

Bit of a problem with this because it hasn't got a hallmark on it.

So, I can only look at it as a white metal locket

which is how we have to describe it in the catalogue.

-That's a legal requirement?

-Absolutely.

That's a good tip, if you're buying silver and want to call it silver,

make sure it's hallmarked.

Does that effect the value?

It does, because if it had a hallmark on it,

it might be £70, but as it stands it's 30 to 50.

OK, well, they paid 70.

That could be the dark hole.

That could mean that they really do need their bonus buy,

so let's go and have a look at it.

So, girls, the left over lolly moment, yes?

Yes.

You gave the man £175, what did you spend it on, Thomas?

I only spent a mere morsel on a very fine police cape.

Ha ha! What are you like, Thomas?

Look, you could be like Batman and Robin, couldn't you?

-You could do 'ello, 'ello, 'ello, I suppose.

-It's rather good!

Give us a demo then, you love a bit of dressing up.

I do, actually.

You look like Harry Potter.

Go away, I look like Harry Potter!

I spent £40 on this, it was marked up as a bit more,

and it should make 60.

-OK.

-Do you like it, Beth?

Um... I don't think I do that much, no.

Tell you what, why don't we let one of these girls have a go,

cos you've got feel how thick it is.

Is it not bullet proof?

See whether it suits you.

I think it's quite good.

-When are these from?

-This is probably 50s.

It's not something I'd personally choose to wear,

but if it's a collectible we might be able to sell it.

You say you're not personally going to wear it,

but I think you should personally wear it.

Oh, look at that! Look at that, that's lovely!

You've heard the prediction that it might make £20 profit,

you don't decide right now, you decide after

the sale of your first three items, but for the audience at home,

let's find out what the old auctioneer

thinks about the bobby's cape.

Ah, now, doesn't this take you back to Dixon of Dock Green, folks?

Great show, Robert, yes?

Absolutely, I remember it very well, sadly, Tim.

I know, we were only three at the time.

-But they all wore these, didn't they?

-They certainly did.

Beautifully made, feel the thickness of that cloth,

it's like a hunting cloth, isn't it?

West of England hunting cloth. What's your estimate?

20 to 40.

-It's a "come and buy me" type investment.

-It is.

I don't blame you having a go at that.

Anyway, he paid 40,

and I would have thought it weight of cloth alone it's worth that.

Anyway, now, that's it for the reds, now for the blues.

First up for them is what I call a bit of trench art.

Do you know, metal ware, generally, is making so little at auction.

Something like this,

it's just not something which I think is terribly commercial.

I'm quite surprised, if I may say so, that they bought it.

-How much?

-10 to 20.

That's all right, they paid £15, you're about on the button.

Moving on, we've got the smokers cabinet

which is a pretty standard, boring number, isn't it, really?

It's mechanical but also there's a rack missing at the top,

and in here, we've got a Doulton Lambeth tobacco jar.

-You've got quite a lot there for your money, haven't you?

-I think so.

How much?

-40 to 50.

-OK, £35 they paid.

That's fair enough.

Now, lastly, is this treacle-glazed frog mug.

It's a decorative thing, very representative of Victorian pottery,

late 19th century, possibly.

On this one, I've suggested it's going to be making about 30 to 40.

-£80 is was paid.

-Did they? That's a lot of money, isn't it?

I think they went for a punt with it.

Well, over all it's an interesting trio,

but I've a fancy they're going to need that bonus buy,

so let's go and have a look at it.

Brian, Gareth, you spend £130, £170 of leftover lolly went to David.

Did he spend the whole £170, David?

I did not, but I bought this.

Ha-ha!

What are you laughing at?

-It's very small.

-It is very small.

We said big and shiny.

Well, it's shiny.

This is quite an interesting little cigar lighter.

How much?

I paid £120 for it.

But it's silver, hallmarked all the way through,

and it dates from the latter part of the 19th century.

Of course, you'd light it, wouldn't you?

And if you dropped it on the floor then you'd have a fire.

Then what would you do? You'd call in the firemen!

Oh, ha ha, I see where you're going, yes.

The whole thing is absolutely appropriate.

How much profit?

I paid £120 for it, silver market is a little bit on the move now.

Profit margin, I think about £20 to £30.

Well, for the audience at home,

let's find out what the auctioneer thinks.

Well, Robert, this is rather fun, isn't it?

It's great.

A little bit of Edwardian paraphernalia for the table.

London 1907 is the hallmark, so, a collector's item, perhaps.

-Yeah, how much?

-50 to 80.

£120 David paid for it.

Did he?

I hope it does well for him, but £120 is a lot of money, isn't it?

-Puts the pressure on me.

-Well, puts the pressure on you, and you deserve a bit of pressure too.

Good luck in a minute, thanks, Robert.

Now, Vicks, Beth, how are you feeling, excited?

-Very, I'm excited.

-Are you excited or nervous, Vic?

Bit of both, I think.

I'm nervous for you, I have to tell you.

I've never seen a room crammed more with people, have you?

You couldn't get a sheet of bronco in here.

Look at it, every seat is taken and every bit of standing room,

so that's a good sign.

-They've come to see us, haven't they?

-That's what they've done, you and Tom.

Anyway, first lot up

are the Duckworth's advertising essence cards, here they come.

I think this is a really super lot, here, really nice.

Look great in somebody's kitchen, some lovely memorabilia.

What may we say for them, £30 to start me off.

At £30 anywhere now, 30, surely.

30 bid over there, at 30, and five now, do I hear?

At 35, 40, 45?

Do I hear 45?

At £40 the bid's there, at 40.

Five anywhere else? At £40 it will be sold, bid's there, at £40, then.

Oh, no, that's £20 down, I don't believe that.

Oh, no.

The Alvari accordion, buy this, take it in to the square,

do a bit of busking, you'll get your money back in no time at all.

OK, £30 to start it off, do I hear £30?

At 30 do I hear, at £30 now? At 30, do I hear?

-Awkward...

-There's a deathly silence in the room, you're not listening

to what I'm telling you, this could be a business opportunity for you.

At £30, 30 do I hear?

At 30, I'm bid, and five now, 35 anywhere, now?

At £30, at £30, one lonely bid, one lonely person, at £30 only, then.

All quiet at 30, then.

-I don't believe this, £30, that's another minus 15.

-Oh, no.

Now, the locket.

Lot number 12, the locket, ladies and gentlemen, a lovely thing,

the white metal locket.

20 to start it off, please, 20 do I hear?

At 20, 20, a lovely present for somebody.

At 20 I'm bid, and five now on the internet.

30, now? 30, surely?

25's on the internet, the bid's there.

At £25 only, 25, the bid's there. All finished and done,

on the internet at £25, then.

That is minus £45, dear, oh, dear.

-You are minus £80, now. What are we going to do about this cape business?

-We best had, hadn't we?

Yes.

You don't have to.

Yeah, we will.

You're going to do it?

We're going with the bonus buy, then.

We're risking all, at £40, here it comes.

'Ello, 'ello, 'ello.

£20, I'm bid straight away for the cape, there we are.

At 25, I'm bid straight away, 30 on commission.

35, I think you'd look great in this.

At £30, I'm bid, five now on commission?

Five, do I hear? 35, well done. 40, anywhere?

40 is the now. At 35. The bid is there, 40 anywhere else?

At £35, being sold at £35.

Oh, too quick, sold at 35, minus £5.

That means over all you're minus £85, which could be a winning score.

Look, the big thing now is don't say a word to the blues.

We won't.

-Hush-hush.

-Of course, mum's the word.

-Poor chickens.

-Now, Brian, Gareth - how is it? Nervy?

-Yeah.

-Little bit.

Is it a bit like the old bell ringing on top of the appliance?

-Worse than that.

-Worse than that?

-Yeah, raring to go.

Worse than a major fire, this is! I don't believe it.

-Now, do you know how those Reds got on?

-No.

-No.

-Very good.

We don't want you to.

Stand by, cos here we go.

Lot number 32, I have a commission, I can start the bidding at £10.

So, the next bid is 12. 12 I've got.

-14, 16, 18, 20.

-Yes!

25 is the next bid, 25. 30. 25 it's there. £25.

-At £25, all finished and done at 25, then.

-25. Proper job.

-Modest profit.

-Modest profit, but it's a profit.

-Good start.

Lot number 33, the smoker's cabinet, and again,

I've got commissions on this and I can start the bidding

on this at £40. 40 I'm bid, 45 there,

-50 is it now? 45's there, 50, 55, 60, 65.

-Yes!

60 is your bidder, £60. Anywhere else? At £60 only, at 60.

And 65 anywhere? At £60 there, going to be sold.

Yes, £60, that's what we like, that's £25 on top. Well done, David.

Lot number 34, the two-handled, Rockingham style

treacle glaze loving cup.

And I can start the bidding on this at £40.

Straight away at £40, that's on commission at 40. 45, do I hear?

45 anywhere, do I hear? 45 there, 50 is it, now? 55, 60 now.

-Oh, come one, it's worth more than that!

-60 on commission, 65, 65, 65?

At £60, the bid's here, at 60. 65, 70, 75 now.

At 70, the bid's here at £70. Still on commission at £70.

At £70 only, at 70, all finished and done at £70.

£70, bad luck, you're minus 10 on that, but overall, you are plus 25.

You've got a big decision here.

Because plus £25 could be a winning score today, right?

Are you going to go with that bonus buy? It's your decision.

-I don't think we should.

-Quickly, you're not?

-No? You're not going to do it?

-No.

-Definitely not going to do it?

-Definitely not.

-We're going to sell it anyway and here it comes.

So, what can I start it off at?

I can start the bidding off,

because I've got several commissions on this, at £100.

-Aaah!

-£100, at £100 I'm bid. 110, is there now?

100 I have, at 110 anywhere now? 110, 120 bid, 130 now, do I hear?

At 120, the bid's still with me on commission at 120, 130 anywhere?

At £120, at 120 only, then, it will be sold at £120.

120, it wiped its face! Ha-ha-ha!

Isn't that extraordinary, how these auctions work out?

But the fact is, you're £25 up, that could be a winning score,

don't say a word to the Reds, right?

And all will be revealed to you lovely firemen in a moment.

-Well, what a wonderful competition we've had today, haven't we?

-We have.

-Been chatting

-about the scores?

-Not at all.

-No.

-Well, it is my sad duty

to reveal that there is quite a gap between the teams today.

-And I'm afraid the Reds are the runners-up.

-Ohhh!

And in fact, you're running quite a long way up, actually.

Minus £85 is the end result. In fact, it was a minus score

-on every single object, wasn't it?

-It was, wasn't it?

-Have you enjoyed it?

-We've had a brilliant time.

-Have you had a good time?

-Yeah, lovely.

You've been supported by Thomas, which is the thrill for any all-girl team!

Anyway, we've loved having you on the programme. Thank you for being so sporting.

But the team that is ahead today and is taking home profits

-of £25 are the Blues. There you go.

-Thank you very much.

Must be a lovely feeling, taking home folding money.

-We had a brilliant day.

-Congratulations. You've been great.

We've had a great day.

-Join us soon for more bargain hunting, yes?

-ALL: Yes!

I know, you're sitting here thinking,

"I could have done better than that!"

Well, what's stopping you?

If you think you can spot a bargain, go to our BBC website and apply.

It'll be splendid to see you!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

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