Ardingly 17 Bargain Hunt

Today we're at Ardingly in the High Weald of West Sussex -

an area of outstanding natural beauty.

But do you know what's even more beautiful?

Let's go bargain hunting! Yeah!

What a great day

to take £300, spend it on three items,

take it to auction and hopefully make a profit

and we just happen to have a whole host of white vans,

experts, contestants,

all knocking about, and let's take a peek at what's coming up.

More vans here than there are antiques! Morning!

Are you happy, darling?

The Reds are laughing all the way to the auction...

BOTH: Yes!

..with a clear aim in mind.

-I need to win the golden gavel.

-He needs to win it.

-He needs to win it.

And it's clear who's the boss of the Blues.

-We don't want those

-I don't want those, Mark!

If you say I like it, dear, I like it.

But who will emerge victorious?

109, thank you.

Let's meet today's teams.

Today we have couples as a theme on our programme.

For the Reds - Paul and Ian, for the Blues - Linda and David.

-Welcome everyone.

-ALL: Hello, Tim.

-Lovely to see you.

Now, how did you two get together?

15 years ago, I clapped eyes on this young man, at a quite well-known

gentleman's drinking establishment in Clapham.

But we didn't actually get together until two years later.

And what you do for a living, Paul?

I'm an Executive Housekeeper at the Holiday Inn in Mayfair.

This is a good ad for them, isn't it? Gosh!

But you started off as a chef?

-I did, yes, I trained for three years to be a chef.

-What happened?

I love cooking, but didn't like to do it in a professional kitchen,

so I can give great dinner parties,

but I went down a different track.

-And what's your main aim today, Paul?

-Is to spend not much

-and win a golden gavel.

-You want the golden gavel?

-Yes, desperately.

-You're going to get a profit on all three items, are you?

-Yes, I am.

-Is that the prediction?

-Yes.

It says here, Ian, that you're the more frugal of the two.

-Does that mean you're a bit tight?

-I'd say careful is the word.

I don't mind spending money, but I don't like to be...

-Are you from north of the border, by any chance?

-A little bit!

What do you collect yourself?

20th-century glassware, some ceramics,

but our house was built

in 1908, so we're kind of looking at art and crafts, Edwardian...

You might be buying a bit of that today, for the show.

If it's there, and at the right price. Yeah.

I love that, don't you? The right price!

But what is the right price? We're about to discover.

Anyway, good luck, chaps. Meanwhile, you two -

how did you both meet, David?

We were introduced by mutual friends,

20 years ago on a blind date

and we had a fish and chip supper

and got married three years later.

Was it the result of the fish and chips or the friends' introductions?

No! Seriously, so, what did you do when you were in work?

I worked for just over 30 years in the police

and then I worked for ten years

in the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand.

What are you into now, though, oh, antiques?

No! Since I've been retired,

I've found that I've had the opportunity to

be able to learn a script again, so I'm in the Smarden Players,

which is in an am-dram group near our village.

-It says here you like silver if you can get hold of it.

-Yes, I do.

-What sort of thing do you like?

-Anything that's got a little bit

of history and you can trace its history,

but it would be even better if I could find out who previously owned it.

Linda, what did you do before you retired?

I was a teacher for 36 years altogether.

What age group did you teach?

Generally it was the infant group,

what they call Key Stage One now, five, six.

All the little toads!

I won't say that, in case there's some parents watching!

Medium-sized toads. Great. But you do a bit of WI work, don't you?

Yes, I enjoy that.

I'm secretary of the local WI, which gives me an outlet,

most of the year, but then once a year,

I come out in competition against David in the panto.

-Oh, do you?

-Yes, I sort of tread the boards

and I try to make him

feel a little bit inferior because I always have a leading role, you see.

Do you? And do you wear those very, very tight trousers

and slap your hips a lot?

-I have done, I have done that.

-There we go. Multitalented!

I think you're going to do rather well on today's show.

Now, the money moment. Here's your £300, £300.

You know the rules, your experts await and off you go!

So there we are, then,

but from whose expertise will they be benefiting today?

On the Red team is that bonny belle, Anita Manning,

and with the Blues is the genial gent, Mark Stacey.

Who will win? I don't know. Let's find out.

David, Linda, I know you're into your amateur dramatics, aren't you?

-Very much so.

-Are we going to have any dramatics today, do you think?

Maybe, but not as dramatic as our next show - Calendar Girls!

Guys, here we are. What are we going to buy today

and what are our tactics going to be?

Well, I need to win the golden gavel.

-He needs to win it?

-He needs to win it.

I need to have a pin there.

-Let's get out there and get some bargains.

-Absolutely.

So, the Red team has high hopes.

Will it be a golden gavel day today?

Only time will tell.

Do let me know if you see anything that grabs your fancy.

And I'll say no.

Don't worry, Blues, he's only joking!

I think!

It's definitely got a bit of je ne sais quoi.

-How much are the bookends?

-200.

-Too rich for us.

We're Scottish, what can you say?

Gosh, isn't that lovely?

You sure you can afford that, Blues?

You put me off now when you said, "Stunning."

I know it's going to be out of our budget. Move on.

Our Blues have got expensive tastes,

whereas Paul on the Red team, fancies anything broken,

damaged or scratched.

Damaged, damaged, but you like damaged things, don't you?

I know, I know, but damaged china and class.

He only likes damaged china and class.

-Health and safety wouldn't allow it.

-Right!

Bashed, cracked, chipped, get drawn to them.

I like older mirrors. You look younger in older mirrors!

If you say so, Anita. Now, have the Blues

found something within budget?

-That's a bit different.

-It's rather fun, isn't it?

-And it looks quite comfy for the bottom.

-And quite solid, as well.

-Want to try it out? Go on.

-Be careful, dear. Take your time.

-Are they insured?

-We might have to lift him up.

Oh, there we are. It is Jake The Peg.

-Tell you what, it's very comfortable.

-Is it?

-It is.

-But will the price be comfortable?

-It's 275.

-Put it down.

Ouch! Within budget, but only just.

Never mind, onward and downward.

-OK.

-Thank you.

Let me handle it.

-Careful, Anita, all breakages must be paid for!

-My hero!

-What do you think?

-What do you think?

-Too modern.

-Well, how about something a bit more old fashioned?

-BOTH: Oh!

How much is that?

I've got 220 on it, but you could have it for 180?

This would have been worn at a ceremonial occasion,

by a police officer, perhaps,

and I think that would have gone on his shoulder.

-How much did you say?

-180.

It's a Birmingham make.

Sort of, mid-Victorian.

I think that's a very nice item.

Do you guys like this?

We came straight to the cabinet and I went, "Wow!"

-I like the fact...

-You were drawn to the cabinet.

-I was drawn!

I like the fact, I've seen this whistle on its own.

180. It's not dear to buy,

but it's a bit dear for us to buy.

-165 is the lowest I can go.

-Is it?

Could you come to 150?

-Could you come to 150?

-Go on. It's cold.

I know! I have to make a living!

Go on then, go on then.

I think, but it's up to you, it's a lot of money

but I think it's a good buy.

-Shall we go for it?

-Yes, I think.

-That's wonderful.

-Thanks very much.

-Well done, team.

£30 off the original price

and the first one in the old bag.

Although, I think Paul would have preferred something a bit more battered.

Are you happy? I mean, I know this isn't broken and I know

you like bits that are a bit chipped and broken.

It's a bit more than I'd like to spend,

but I do...

I've seen them before and I do like them.

I'm convinced, I don't know about you.

I'm very surprised Ian made the first purchase.

Normally very wary and you just wants to look

-and make sure he's happy with everything.

-It's quality.

I'm normally the one who jumps in and says, "I want that, that, that!"

Will the quality item bring a quality price at the auction?

Silver is all the rage.

Now, the Blues have also spotted a chunky lump.

-Oh, it's quite stylish, isn't it?

-It is - rather different, yes.

Oh, well spotted, David.

-It looks nice and...

-Chunky.

Yeah, absolutely.

< Yeah, it's a heavy piece. What do you think, David?

You like it? < How much money have you got left? Ha-ha!

-Ah, well!

-We're going to negotiate if we can!

Yes. We don't want to pay that, do we?

Er, we never want to pay that really, do we?! But...

-No, it is usual to try and get a deal.

-Right.

I mean, what were you thinking of?

-You both like it very much, I can see that.

-Yes.

-Well, about...

-Now...

-Under 100.

-Ask this gentleman.

-No, I can't do that.

-No.

-That - I'm sorry, I can't negotiate that much.

-No?

-125 is about the best on it.

-125, yes...

You see, the trouble is, the bullion value...

Yeah. < ..keeps the price up.

Can we hold on to it? Can we sort of come back to it, or not?

Well, it's up to the dealer, it's not up to me to do that.

-Give us a little bit of time...

-I'll keep it for 45 minutes for you.

-Thank you.

-If that's OK.

Appreciate it, thank you.

How lovely! Well played, Blues.

But don't forget. The clock is ticking.

Woof!

We'll find other things, I'm sure.

You need to, Mark - you've not bought anything yet!

How much is the fish? They were going to be very, very careful,

-but they're doing half of it.

-150 and a portion of chips you get as well!

-Do you get chips?

-And vinegar!

-Salt and vinegar!

Oh, you get the lot!

What's this? More silver?

These brooches are right up Anita's street.

This one's hallmarked.

And it is a Glasgow hallmark.

-Oh!

-Glasgow silver!

-Provincial silver, yeah.

-We'll be fighting over it.

The question is, how much would it be for the two?

Well, they're normally 20 each, but as Bargain Hunt are here,

making me a little bit famous, you can have them at 30 for the two.

< 30 for the two.

Normally I get 20 on each one,

so you're going to get a profit either way you look at it.

Erm... < Could you do them for 20?

Could you do them for 20? I can do 25.

-25.

-25, and you really are stretching me now.

Am I stretching you? Yeah!

What about Paul - is he happier with these?

I want you to tell me what you think about it.

-I-I...

-Because us, we like them!

-I...

-And I think...

I-I... I love it. This is...

I just absolutely just love it.

And if it's Scottish silver as well, it just makes it even better,

-it really, really does.

-Do you both like them?

I just think they're adorable.

I think we'll take them. Thank you.

Ah, well done, guys, well done! Thank you.

Good work, Reds.

Nearly half the shopping hour gone, and two items snapped up.

The Blues, on the other hand,

are still combing the stalls for their first item.

-A silver comb holder.

-Mmm.

-I think it's pretty.

-Ridiculous thing, though.

-Yes, it is!

Why on earth would you want a silver comb holder?!

But people do like little... In a collector's cabinet...

I think it's probably Dutch or something - certainly continental.

If you look undern... Oh, look, it says Denmark there, actually.

-Oh.

-So I was completely right when I said I thought it was Dutch(!)

Not too far off, Mark!

I mean, actually, if you look at the scene,

it's a sort of wine harvest scene or something, isn't it?

-Oh, right.

-It's in good order.

-Good relief, isn't it?

-It is.

I would say, see what we can get it for, and buy it.

-What do you think, Linda?

-Yes, well, it's cheap enough, isn't it?

-It's reasonable.

-Reasonable price.

-I'm just confirming,

-that's what I think!

-Yeah, we have to confirm, don't we?

-If it doesn't make a profit, she'll blame us anyway.

-Yes, I think

it's worth finding out.

< £14.

-Yes!

-Oh!

-He's quick, he's very decisive, isn't he?

Not the best haggle I've ever heard...

-It's a novelty item, isn't it?

-It's good fun.

We'll have that - thank you.

..but nevertheless, the Blues are off the mark,

and we've another piece of silver to add to the collection.

30 minutes, so we're halfway through.

We've got two items, so well done, I'm proud of you!

Er, we've spent how much?

£175.

-So we've got a reasonable amount left.

-Left.

And on both items, I think we've got the chance of

-making a bit of profit.

-Bit of profit, I think so.

-So we might see that golden gavel!

-Yes, hopefully!

Come on, let's go and get another one!

-We can take it easy now, we're on track.

-No, don't take it easy!

No? Right, OK, you're the expert.

Ha-ha! Sometimes!

Quite right, Anita - you're not finished yet,

and the Blues are having a bit of trouble choosing their second item.

-Is that a no, is it?

-No?

-Er, cheers...

Time for a team talk, Mark.

Now, what about this necklace and this bracelet?

I really like that. I really do like the look of that.

-What do you say?

-I like the idea of something

matching, that a lady could wear.

-What was the...?

-I know both your eyes lit up when you held it,

because you felt the quality - but what did he quote, 100 and...?

-125.

-Five.

So, with that, it would be 130.

I mean, if we could get... try and get at least a fiver off,

-what would you like to get it for?

-110, maybe?

-That would be lovely, but I suspect that's pushing him too far.

-Yeah.

-Do you want to go back, so we know we've got it?

-Yeah.

-I think I would.

-Then we've got two items.

-We'll know how much we've got for the third.

-Shall we do that?

-Yes.

-Yes, that's fine.

-Let's do that.

-Fine. Excellent.

It's down to David and Linda to clinch the deal.

-Can I just have another little feel, and...?

-Yep.

What about the bracelet?

-DAVID AND DEALER LAUGH

-Cheeky!

Dirty beast! What's this, Carry On Bargain Hunting?

Erm, would you consider going any lower?

You said 125 to start with.

All right. 125.

-LOW VOICE:

-How about 120?!

Huh-huh(!) The old ones are the best!

-120.

-110...

-No, that's a bit cheeky.

No. I'll take 120, that's fair enough.

Oh, there we are. Take your glove off.

He's going to shake your hand on that, I think!

-Jolly good, OK.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you!

Well done, Blues. We can add that lot

to today's heap of silver.

-It sounds like you've done the deal.

-Oh, yes, he has.

-This gentleman's been very kind...

-Oh, has he?

-..and let us have it for 120.

-Do you think...that's good?

Well, you love it, and I'm pleased you love it.

I think it's good quality,

and we've got every chance with that, I think.

It's unusual, it's heavy -

it's different. And even the little quirky item, the comb, you know...

-But I looked to you for confirmation that I really do like it.

-Well...

-Because you generally tell me what I like.

-I do like them.

I'm hoping that I'll find something maybe...

wooden, or something a bit different, next time.

-Wooden? You've got me, dear!

-Oh, dear.

David's gags may be questionable,

but this couple do seem to know what they're doing.

They're cooking. They really know what they want, you see?

My challenge now is to find something a bit more interesting,

that maybe isn't silver.

Here, here! It's time to break the mould.

No more silver, please!

What are you looking at here?

These tins were given by Princess Mary to the troops

in 1914.

-She got funds together from the public...

-Mm-hmm.

..to send away a present, Christmas present,

to the troops just at the beginning of the war,

and this was one of the things - tell me why you like it.

Just the history of it, you know,

and you know these things went to the trenches -

and they did survive.

And I just...

And anything to do with royalty I really like as well,

-so it's just something...

-He's a monarchist.

It's just... Yes!

So, I just think it's...just adorable,

and I would like to own one as well.

It looks battered enough for Paul all right.

I'm not sure Ian's feeling it, though.

He wants to buy this! He wants to buy this!

But is it...? Is it TOO damaged, though?

-Wait a minute!

-I know, like...

He doesn't mind things that are damaged!

Chipped and cracked - well, there we go!

-He doesn't mind things that have a wee bit of damage there!

-Job done!

Is that right? And you love it?

-Look at his wee face.

-Look at that face, I know.

-How can you say no to that?

-We can't say no to you, can we?

Yeah, I like it!

Well, who can resist a face like that?(!)

If there was no damage on it, it would be,

erm, fine - it's just that there's a tear on it.

-Obviously it's been damaged in the trenches.

-Yes.

-What did she say, ten?

-< Go on, then, ten.

-I do like it.

-Go on, then - pay the woman.

-Er, excuse me...?

-Well, it made him happy!

-< We'll take it - for ten.

-You could tell by his face,

he just...he just loved that.

Are you happy, darling? Aw!

Thank you!

So, a happy Paul and his £10 tin

round off the Reds' shop, well within their one-hour limit.

Congrats.

So, the Reds can take a leisurely wander round the fair.

But it's a different story with the Blues...

So we're looking for something completely different.

-Yes. Something wooden.

-Something wooden...?

20 minutes left, one item to find, and Linda knows

what she wants and doesn't want.

-We don't want those.

-We don't, no.

-I don't want those, Mark.

No! You've been told, David!

Oh, I like a woman who takes control!

-Shall we have a look in here?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

I'm trying to do the maths - I don't know how much we've got left.

-Erm, well, about 160 quid.

-Ooh!

15 minutes left, Blues - but haven't you lost someone?

Where's David? David, come away from there.

Ooh, bossy! But he's good at doing what he's told!

-The top comes off, does it? Good.

-What about this?

It's wooden - well, partly - so that's a good start.

-I'm not sure how old it is...

-No.

-..but it's in a French style...

-Mm-hmm.

-..with these sort of fluted...

columns and the sort of flame.

It's just very decorative as a little lamp table, side table.

-And it's useful.

-Could put a gin and tonic on that, Mark.

I'm liking your thought. I mean, because it's an antique look,

I think it would still go into the type of sale we're going into.

-Sure.

-But I can see maybe a private couple

liking the fact that's it's slightly shabby chic, isn't it?

-Is it worth asking the best price?

-I think, yeah, it would be worth...

Hello, how are you? Nice to see you.

-Erm, we know it's not terribly old but it looks very decorative.

-Yes.

And we quite like it - the team like it here. Erm...

-50 quid.

-50 quid...

-Not even 45?

-Hey?

-45?

-OK, 45, go on.

Shall we give it a whirl, David?

-If you say I like it, dear, I like it.

-It's different.

-45.

-Are you happy with that?

-Thank you very much.

-Promise?

-Yes, yes.

-OK, we'll have it for 45. Thank you.

-Thank you.

Hurrah!

All done, and Linda got her wooden item.

Both teams finished early -

whatever next?!

I'm normally scrambling around

with every second to spare to find something!

-So, the next stop is the auction.

-Yes.

-How confident are we feeling?

-Erm...

-Fairly.

-Really? I don't want "fairly"!

-I want, "Very confident"!

-Very! Very!

Or, "very fairly"!

THEY LAUGH

The Reds are still enjoying the fair.

Let's leave them to it, and remind ourselves what they bought.

First up, they blew half their loot

on this Victorian silver whistle, chain and clasp.

The silver theme continued

with these brooches - a pretty pair at £25.

And the Princess Mary tin cost them £10,

and made Paul a very happy chappy.

Are you happy, darling? Aw!

Right, boys - are you a fan of Anita Manning's now?

-Oh, yes!

-Oh, yes!

-The mighty Manning.

-So you've had a great time?

-It's been fantastic.

-How much did you spend?

-185. 185.

-Did you? 185.

-So, who's got the £115 of leftover lolly?

-I have.

Oh, Paul! You have!

-Which is your favourite piece?

-It's got to be the Princess Mary tin.

Do you agree with that? A bit tinny, wasn't it?

Well, I wasn't as keen as he was, but he fell in love with it,

-so we just had to go with it.

-But is that your favourite piece?

-No.

-Which is your favourite?

The silver ceremonial policeman's whistle.

-Which will bring the biggest profit?

-I think maybe the brooches,

maybe, because they're Glasgow silver, so we've got good luck here.

Listen, you're all over the shop,

you don't know which way you're going!

-Anyway, £115 goes to the lovely Anita.

-Thank you.

What are you going to do with that, darling?

I'm going to try and spend every single penny of it.

Are you? That's what I like to hear. She's my girl!

That's marvellous. Anyway, have a nice cup of tea, boys,

good luck, Anita. Meanwhile,

why don't we find out what the Blues bought, hey?

The Blues also showed a penchant for silver -

they bought the comb-holder for a slicked-back price of £14.

The silver necklace and bracelet were much chunkier,

with a price to match.

Finally, they steered themselves away from silver

to buy a marble-topped table for £45.

Now, which is your favourite piece out of the three that you bought?

I think the silver jewellery is my favourite piece.

-Mmm...

-Do you agree with that, Linda?

No, I'm favouring the table.

-As the favourite favourite.

-Mmm.

-Will that bring the biggest profit?

Ah, well, that I don't know.

-Have a guess.

-Well, it might do.

-What do you think, David?

I think the comb in the silver case is going to make the most profit.

-Do you? And you spent all round...?

-£179.

£179 - I'd like £121, please.

I've got the big money - here we are.

-That's got the folding money, lovely.

-And I've got the £1.

Oh, this is typical, isn't it? That's the male contribution.

-Brilliant, and straight over to Mark.

-Thank you, Tim.

-What are you going to do with that?

-I don't know, but it's a big fair

with lots of dealers, and I want to find something

that they haven't bought already, something to shock them.

-Oh!

-Right! That will be interesting!

-Something shocking, then!

-Don't know if that's easy or not?!

-Good luck with that!

I can't wait to see what it is! Have a lovely cup of tea.

-Thank you.

-Meanwhile, we're heading west!

I'm in the centre of Bristol,

and this little red door,

so unassuming that you might walk past it and never notice,

actually leads somewhere rather special.

This is the Red Lodge, built around 1580

in the grounds of a mansion known as the Great House,

which once stood on the site of Bristol's Colston Hall.

Bristol was a very wealthy city

in the 16th century, with ships going on voyages

trading tea and sugar, spices and glass beads.

The first owner of the estate was a wealthy Bristol merchant,

John Young,

who entertained Queen Elizabeth I here in the Great House.

And she knighted him on that visit -

"Arise, Sir John!"

Ooh, hello!

The Great House was demolished in the 1860s,

and this room, in the Banqueting Lodge,

is all that remains of the Tudor core.

But, cor! Isn't it impressive?!

Amazing wainscot panelling.

which goes all the way around the room, but in this corner,

we've got a seriously oddball Tudor porchway.

But if you look at the detail,

it's quite extraordinary - we start off with two blocks at the bottom,

which are carved with shallow strapwork.

They then support a whole series of elaborate fluted columns,

with this tiny little dwarf's door, which is the oddball thing,

when you think about the space of the room that it comes into.

The feature that is 100% genuine

is the Bath stone fireplace - quite extraordinary.

We've got in the centre the coat of arms of the Young family,

surrounded by alabaster plaques of virtues.

But it's these fellas on the outside I'm interested in,

because these, strictly speaking, are Atalantes.

They're girls.

You could not get a better example

of an elaborate Tudor fireplace.

I just wish the same could be said

for this metamorphic piece of oak furniture.

At first glance, it looks like a high-back armchair.

But give it a tweak, and the metamorphosis takes place

from a chair to a table - isn't that clever?

So, the moral is,

beware!

Don't take anything at face value.

Look into it, satisfy your inquiring mind.

The big question today is, of course,

for those of us with an inquiring mind,

how much profit do you suppose those teams are about to make

over at the auction? Hmm-hmm!

Well, we've crossed the county line -

from Ardingly to Canterbury, what could be nicer? -

to Canterbury Auction Galleries,

to be with proprietor, maestro, senior auctioneer

and general all-round fiend Anthony Pratt.

-Anthony, good morning.

-Morning.

Our first team, Paul and Ian, went with this military whistle

and chain and breastplate - is that any good?

It's a nice quality item. It's Victorian,

it's made by a military manufacturer, Bent & Parker.

Well hallmarked, nice quality item,

It just lacks the leather Sam Browne which it would be fitted onto...

-Mmm.

-..which would set it off a treat,

-but the quality shines out on that one.

-I love that! Shines out!

Very silvery! What do you think it's worth, Tony?

-We've put 100-150 on it.

-Great. Well, they paid 150.

So, next, a typical Anita Manning purchase,

-the Cairngorm set Scottish brooches.

-Yes, the plaid brooches.

She's got a good choice. Not terribly old but good quality,

very decorative, and...appeal to a cross-section of buyers.

What's it worth?

We put £40-£60 - could make a little bit more.

That's brilliant, isn't it? Typical canny Anita,

-because they only paid 25.

-Right. Good buy, then!

So, there's a good chance there, which is brilliant.

And lastly, we've got the First World War

-brass Princess Mary box.

-Yes. I have to say,

there were 3.5 million of them issued.

-Oh, were there?

-Up until the end of the war.

-I guess they make more with the original contents?

-Absolutely, yes.

If you've got the tobacco in the yellow wrappers in them,

-and the cigarettes, they can make £150.

-Oh, can they?

This is empty, it looks a bit bashed to me.

-It's had a hard life, put it that way.

-How do you rate it, how much?

It's about £10-£15.

That's brilliant, because they only paid £10 for it.

-Well, you know, so...

-So they paid the right price.

-Yes.

The thing is, Tony, it's all going to boil down to that silver whistle,

whether it makes its money or not - if it doesn't,

they're going to need the bonus buy, so let's go and have a look at it.

-Paul, Ian - this is exciting, isn't it?

-Yes!

What did Anita Manning spend the £115 on? Go for it, show us!

-Oh!

-Ooh.

-Ha-ha!

There were two things that I wanted to do, guys -

I wanted to spend money, and I also know that you guys love dogs...

-Ah.

-..so when I saw this, I thought, "This is the thing for us."

It's a little cane handle,

and this little dog has a little mouth which opens...

-Aw!

-..and little glass eyes - do you like it?

Yes.

ANITA CHUCKLES

Well, that's reassuring, isn't it?(!)

-Don't go overboard, Ian.

-It's cute.

-So, how much was it, Anita?

-Oh, that's true.

-£110.

-Good for you, Anita, you've had a punt, darling, haven't you?

But that thing, on a walking stick - it's most saleable end place

-is on a walking stick rather than a parasol or umbrella.

-That's right.

-It's a risk, isn't it, Anita? But it's a calculated one...

-Yeah.

..done with a degree of sense and sensibility - got that, boys?

-Got it.

-You hang on to those pearls of wisdom. Meanwhile,

why don't we, the audience at home,

check out what the auctioneer thinks about Anita's old dog?

Well, Tony - is that going to bite your hand off?

I think it's interesting - I like it. It's well-carved,

it's Black Forest, carved of linden wood, which is a...

dense, hard wood, inset with glass eyes, and the moving mouth!

-Which is great fun, isn't it?

-Bit of fun.

-What might it be worth?

-I've been a little bit mean, I think it's £60-£80.

-OK, fine.

-Well, Anita paid 110, and she lives in hope.

-Right.

-We ALL live in hope!

-All live in hope, yes!

Anyway, thanks for that, Tony. That's it for the Reds.

Now for the Blues, and their first item

is this comb case - continental silver,

and I guess

-slightly out-of-date in today's collectors' market?

-Somewhat, yes.

It's Danish, it's silver,

nicely embossed with scenes after, sort of, er, Brueghel.

If the comb was changed, perhaps it would be

more acceptable, but...!

-Yes.

-A good-looking thing, all the same.

At least it's not a nit comb!

Anyway, let's not nit-pick about it.

-How much do you think?

-I've only put £10-£15 on it.

-Well, they only paid £14.

-That's a reasonable buy.

Next up, sticking with the silver

is the necklace and bracelet.

-Now, that's got quite a bulk of metal to it, hasn't it?

-Yes,

there's a bit of silver in there. Not terribly old - 1975 hallmark.

But it's modelled on sort of a watch chain, an Albert,

and they've repeated the pattern on the bracelet as well as the necklace.

-Yes, that kind of bark texturing.

-Yes.

-Somebody's taken some trouble.

-It's a good thing, nice quality.

So, I guess you'll put a figure on it which is tempting to the buyers -

what sort of amount would you estimate?

I've only put £50-£70, which is probably a bit mean.

-You want a tempting estimate still.

-Yes, to get them interested.

Well, £120 they paid, so that could be their killer item,

-or it could be their great victory.

-Mmm.

-It's a fairly retail price that, I must say.

-Yeah.

OK, fine. And what about the French table,

which looks like it might have started off life as a stool to me,

-and then inherited a marble top - it's very low for a table.

-Yes.

I think it's good quality, it's decorative and it's useful.

I like the marble top, that's one of the features of it,

-that nice, Antico-style marble inset.

-Yes.

-If you want to go out and buy a slab of marble, have it cut...

-Exactly.

-..and polished and whatnot.

-You're going to spend 100-plus.

-Definitely.

-What's it worth?

-I've only put £50-£70 on it.

Again, it's probably a bit of a mean estimate, but it's tempting, so...

Very tempting - bearing in mind, they only paid 45.

Oh, a bargain!

-A bargain! We hope!

-We hope!

It's all in the lap of the gods, though, isn't it?

But if the necklace and bracelet don't do well,

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

Now, David, Linda - you spent £179. Magnifique!

-That's it.

-And you gave...

-FRENCH ACCENT:

-..Mark Stacey £121.

-What did you spend it on?

-Well, Tim, with a flounce...

-Oh!

-..I'm going to reveal

a Victorian hall chair. Now, I wanted to get you something

that was different, and something that might shock you a little bit.

But I think this is very Canterbury.

We're surrounded by ecclesiastical and Gothic buildings round here,

and what more would you want

than a nice, Gothic hall chair if you lived in Canterbury?

-That was my thinking.

-It's chunky.

-I love it!

-It certainly is chunky, but not too muscular, is it, Mark?

No, I think it's rather nice, Tim. I mean, it's not...

It needs a little bit of TLC,

-but it didn't cost very much, I don't think.

-Oh, right.

Go on, then, tell us!

-Now she's keen!

-£121, it cost you, did it?

No, no, Tim - 45.

Oh, right. Oh, well, maybe we'll be dining out on that, then.

It's food for thought!

Before we reduce it to any other kind of levels...

-LAUGHTER

-..for the audience at home,

let's find out what the auctioneer thinks about Mark's Gothic chair.

So, Tony - there she blows, look. The bonus buy,

-the Gothic hall chair - how do you rate it?

-It's a good quality item.

Early 19th century, Gothic feel about it,

with some nice features - finial, the panels at the back,

-and these lovely column legs.

-Yes, good.

It's a nicely-made thing - what do you think it's worth?

I don't... It's a single chair,

so I've only put £50-£70 on it.

-Mm-hmm.

-A pair would have been much more desirable.

Mark Stacey, the cunning monkey,

-only paid £45, so that's pretty good.

-He's got a good buy there.

We'll hope so. Now, are you taking the sale today?

-Certainly. I'll be on the rostrum.

-We're in safe hands.

Paul, Ian - how are you feeling?

-Excited.

-Are you?

-The heart's going.

-Is it?

-Yeah.

-Well, it's nice to know you're alive.

Anyway, first up, then, is the whistle - and here it comes.

Lot 50a is a Victorian silver military whistle,

holder, chain and mount.

-£50...

-Yes, please.

-50, I have. 60, where?

60, 70, 80, 90,

100, and ten...

120? Who's 120?

120, where?

120 for someone? Selling at 110...

Don't like the look of this.

Sell at 110, then...

-120, fresh bid. 130..

-Yes.

140... No? 140 for someone?

-Selling at £130...

-I don't believe this, boys.

-Go on.

-At 130, then... >

-Ah!

-£130. Just £20 off.

-Well...

-That's tough, isn't it?

-We were nearly there.

You have to take that on the chin, lads.

Could have done better. Will the brooch make it all back for you?

Lot 50b - two attractive brooches there.

-Who will start me at £30?

-Yes, please.

30 I have, 32 where?

-32?

-32, 24, 36, 38,

40, two, 44, 46,

-48, 50...

-Yes.

55... 55 for someone?

Selling at... 55, 60...

-Er, yep. >

-65,

70, 70 where?

Selling at 65, bids at the back of the room. At £65, then...

-Yes!

-Yes!

LAUGHTER

Would that be plus... Would that be plus 40?!

That's plus 40. Look at these two.

-That's plus 40. Overall you're plus 20 - here we go.

-Come on.

Unusual lot. Good quality item, though. £10...

Ten, I have...

-Yes!

-Yes!

15 where?

Ten I have, 15 anywhere?

Deathly hush out there.

15? Who's 15?

Selling at £10, then - all done...

£10, wiped its face, very good. Overall, then, you're plus 20,

thanks to the Mighty Manning.

Now, what are you going to do?

Are you going to bank your £20, all right...?

-You've got £20 to go home with, which is very nice.

-Yeah.

£20 is very nice to go home with. To make a profit on Bargain Hunt

is an achievement, and you've done it. Now,

are you going to blow it, by going with the old dog...

or trust Anita, and think for yourself,

for £110, is somebody investing in this thing?

Well, I'm sorry, Anita, but

-I think we're not going to go with it.

-No.

-I think it's just...

-I think, yeah.

Well, it's a sensible decision,

-you're into profit.

-Are you sure? This is the big thing.

-Positive, positive. Yeah.

-Yeah.

We're not going with the bonus buy,

but we're going to sell it anyway, and here it comes.

The French mastiff's head, with the opening eyes...

-Two bids to start, £40. >

-We have two bids at £40 on this.

45, 50...

55, 60, 60 where?

60 where?

60 for someone?

Selling at 55, the bid's in the room there - all in at £55 then...

It is yours.

-£55!

-Sorry.

-You made the right decision, lads.

They certainly made the right decision.

If you'd gone with it,

that would have been minus 55. Congratulations,

-right decision - you have £20 profit.

-£20.

-Could be a winning score, so don't say a word to the Blues.

-No.

-No.

Not a word, thank you very much - and congratulations.

-How are you feeling, all right?

-Excited.

-Yes.

-Have you been chatting with the Red boys?

-No, not at all.

-No.

All right. Here we go - first item is the comb case, and here it comes.

This is 70a, the Danish, er,

silvery metal comb-holder, with embossed frontage there.

70a.

£10?

Ten for the comb - delightful little thing?

Ten out on the internet. 20 where?

15, let's take 15, then.

-15 in the room?

-15, 15, oh, gosh...

Ten I have on the internet - 15 in the room?

15, 20 internet...

20 internet. 20... >

25? 25

30 internet.

They've got very good hair in Denmark.

30. 35 for someone?

Selling at £30, the bid's on the internet.

At £30, then...

-Thank you, internet!

-We're happy with that!

-Plus £16, that's good,

-doubled your money there - well done, Mark.

-That's good.

Now, this bracelet and necklace.

Er, bracelet and necklace.

Two items there - good quality necklace and bracelet.

So, £50?

50?

Good weight there as well. £50?

50? 40, then? Who will start the bidding then?

40 I have, 45 where?

I don't like the look of this, Mark.

Selling at £40 - are we all done, then?

This is not looking good at all, is it?

Got to be cheap, this. > It IS cheap.

At 40, then...

£40, that's minus £80,

that could be because it's in the middle of a ceramics sale.

-Doesn't help. >

-Minus £80, that is a blow.

Now, here we go with the little table.

-£50.

-Yes.

-50 I have, 55 where?

-Who's 55?

-55, 60, 65... >

We're in profit.

65, 70, 75,

80, 85... 85 for someone?

85 where? Selling at £80, bid's on commission.

85, fresh bid.

90, 95...

-Go on!

-95 for someone?

That's a good lot.

Selling at 90, bid's still on commission, all done at £90...

-That is so good.

-Yes!

-£90, you've doubled your money,

you've made plus £45 on that, but sadly,

you were minus 64, so that's 45, 15 is...

-minus £19.

-Ooh.

-Ooh.

So, what are you going to do, then? Minus 19 could be a winning score,

or are you going to have a punt, and have a go

at the old oak hall chair?

-Oh, I think we will.

-Oh, absolutely. So confident.

-Yes!

-Absolute confidence.

-Chunky, solid...

Oh, I don't like it when you say that.

OK, the decision's made, we're going to sell the oak hall chair,

and here it comes.

Give me a £50 to start. 50 I have,

55 where? Who's 55?

55, 60,

65, 70...

70? 75, 80,

85, 90, 95,

-100. And ten. WHISPERS:

-Yes!

120, 130...

Who's 130? Selling at 120, bid's at the back of the room.

All done at £120, then...

-£120, look at that, straight up.

-Brilliant.

-Wonderful!

You clever, clever man.

That's 50. £75, plus £75 -

-now that's a pucker profit.

-I'm really thrilled with that.

-That's a very good price.

-55 - that means

you are plus £56 profit you're going to go away with.

That could be a winning score. Don't say a word to the Reds...

-Of course not.

-..and all will be revealed in a moment.

-Well done!

-Thank you.

-Well, well, well, teams - what fun we've had today, haven't we?

-Yes!

-Has it not been great?

-Wonderful.

Is it not just so great when every team makes a profit?

ALL: Oh!

-You've not been chatting to one another, have you?

-No.

-No.

So it's just the scale of the winnings today...

THEY ALL DRAW BREATH

..which will determine the competition.

And the team that's slightly behind in the profit stakes today are...

the Reds.

-Oh!

-Oh!

-You were pretty cocky...

-Yes!

-..with your £20 profit.

Well, I'm afraid you're not going to beat the Blues today,

because they've done particularly well - it's bad luck on you chaps.

Anyway, you're going to walk home, Paul, proud, with £20.

-That's £10 each.

-Thank you, Tim.

-Had a good time?

-Brilliant.

-Fantastic.

-Loved having you on.

-And lucky old you with Anita.

-But the Blues,

-who are going home with £56...

-Oh, that is good!

..which is proper folding money. Here you go, Linda, darling.

-Oh, thank you.

-There's your 55.

And you get another £1.56 -

how good is that? Let me see -

£45 on the Louis XVI-style table top,

-that was pretty good, wasn't it?

-Yeah, very good.

£16 on the comb case - unexpected.

But your bacon was saved by a £75 profit

-on the hall chair from Mark Stacey!

-ANITA: Well done, Mark.

-You had a good time, Linda?

-Fabulous.

-First class.

We've loved having you, David. In fact, join us soon

for some more Bargain Hunting - yes?

ALL: Yes!

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