Peterborough 24 Bargain Hunt

Back in the time of the English Civil War,

the good folk of Peterborough were much divided between supporting Charles I

and Oliver Cromwell.

So, today it's not so much a question of a battle between the Roundheads and the Cavaliers,

more between the reds and the blues.

So, let's go Bargain Hunting!

The Royalists took a bit of a pasting and were sent packing by the Parliamentarians.

but that was all in the past.

Today, we're at the East of England Showground,

where we've got our own right royal contest.

Let's take a peek at what's coming up.

This is a game for the genteel of spirit.

See how moral codes fly out of the window

when a good deal is required.

If I throw in my daughter?

We lift the lid on how best to buy a bargain.

As you pull down the handle, the lid lifts up.

Just in case your mind isn't on the subject, a quick reminder of the rules.

Each team gets £300 and an hour to shop for three items.

The team wins that makes the most profit or the least loss at auction later.

Got it?

So, let's steam into action!

On today's teams, we have, for the reds, Victoria and John.

And for the blues, the father and daughter combo, David and Emma. Hi, everybody.

Lovely to see you. Victoria, how did you two meet?

I work for a motorcycle manufacturer and part of my job is to loan press bikes out.

And John turned up one day in his leathers

and I couldn't resist!

-Are you a biker yourself?

-Sort of. I've got my licence, but I haven't ridden for quite a while.

I mainly go pillion with John when he's out and about.

-John, you're a freelance motorbicycle journalist?

-Yes.

-Tell us about that.

I write for magazines all around the world.

-Borrowing free, glorious machines wherever you can!

-Ideally, yes!

Meeting nice people like Victoria who provide you with the machines!

-It's a bonus!

-Sounds like a jolly good job to me!

-And I get to dress in leather.

-Yes.

-What's your favourite machine to drive? The old ones?

-No, I prefer modern sports.

-They go faster, it's more fun.

-Tell me about your tactics today.

-I don't think we've got any have we?

-We haven't thought it through, but...

-Yes.

-Best to approach it with a blank canvas.

-Exactly.

-Is that the plan?

-Yes.

-Lovely.

We'll see how the sketching comes out. Anyway, good luck!

-Now for the blues. Hello, you two.

-Hello.

-Hi.

-Hello. David,

-you used to restore pianos?

-Oh, yes.

How many did you have at that point?

-On the go at one time, six.

-Did you?

Four in the house, two in the workshop.

-Lovely!

-Nearly got divorced!

-That's tremendous. And you play, do you?

-Very much so, yes.

Emma, you're also incredibly musical? You teach music.

I used to. Yes, I taught music for nine years. The flute.

-And I play the piano as well.

-But you've changed direction?

Yes, just a bit!

I'm a foster carer with my husband.

And a holistic therapist as well.

-Tell us about the fostering.

-We've got two boys of our own

and we've fostered various children for eight years.

We've had 12 children over that time.

-It's a lovely thing to be able to do.

-It is. It's great, really rewarding.

What's this holistic business? Tell us about that.

I have people come round for crystal healing. I've brought you a crystal.

-Have you?

-Yes.

-Is that my very own crystal?

-Yes.

-You are kind.

-Hold it to the light.

-It reflects. It's beautiful. It's labradorite.

-Yes.

And it's the destiny stone.

It takes away any negative energies.

Do you think I've got negative energies?

Not at all, Tim! But it will take away any negative energies. It's a lovely stone.

Do I have it about my person or do I just touch it? How does it work?

You can hold it in your hand, put it by your bed, put it under your pillow.

-Whatever feels comfortable for you. Or just have it in your pocket to play with!

-What a nice thing!

-Thank you very much.

-You're welcome.

-I'm touched!

-What's your tactics?

-It's going to be beautiful, it's going to be quality,

-but basically cheap!

-Oh, really?

-Those are your three principles.

-I'm nothing if not cheap!

OK, David, I believe you! Good-o!

You must be quaking in your boots, the bikers!

Anyway, here we go. £300. You know the rules.

Your experts await and off you go!

And very, very, very, very good luck,

Now, how's me chakra doing?

Now, let me enlighten you about our experts today.

On the fiddle, for the reds, is Thomas Plant.

While Charlie Ross will attempt to balance the blues!

Look out!

-Are you going to tune me up?

-I'll try!

-And you're going to heal me?

-Absolutely!

-I hear you're bikers.

-Yes.

-How are we going to play today?

We're going full throttle, on the slot, from the word go.

-Flat out.

-Flat out?

-I'm into healing.

-Into healing. But are you into Bargain Hunt dealing?

Let's go find out!

Hold on tight. Let's go!

So, the reds are planning the live fast, die young approach,

whilst the blues tend to harness their energy for... What's this?

Anyone for croquet?

-It's the right time of year for a game of croquet.

-And we're in the right place.

-It's not very old. It's really pretty modern.

-Yes.

-But it is a portable one.

-Yes.

And they're quite saleable objects.

It's got the hoops. The best makers of these were Jaques.

If you find an Edwardian or Victorian one,

they're worth hundreds of pounds.

They come in lovely big decorated pine boxes.

What do you think of it, darling?

A game of croquet, this time of year? Let's do it!

There's a hint of sarcasm in your voice, there!

-Not keen?

-I wouldn't call it an antique, but...

-No, it's not an antique, no.

But I like it. I like a game of croquet.

-We've been going about 35 seconds!

-We could ask the question.

-Where's the...

-Come on!

-VENDOR:

-15.

-15?!

Would you take a tenner?

Yeah, he would.

If I throw in my daughter?

Oh, David!

-That's free!

-That's a bit harsh, isn't it?

-Take a tenner, sir.

-Go on, then!

-Yes! Hooray!

-Job done!

-We'll play at lunch time!

Flirting as usual, Charles?

-If you get the next two things bought quickly, we'll have a game of croquet later.

-Excellent!

Well at least then you'll notice that there are two missing balls, eh, Charles?

Reds, I thought you were the ones going hell for leather?

-Why do you like that?

-Tea and cake is all the rage!

-Tea and cake. Are you a cake eater?

-I am, indeed.

-Are you?

-Are you a baker?

-Yes.

-Champion baker?

-I enter the village show and everything.

-My Victoria sponge won a prize.

-Did it?

-I won about 25p for it, yes.

Right. A Victoria sponge and a cup of tea.

This is what you'd like to serve tea in?

I just think it's quite kitsch.

Right. OK.

-It's only £28.

-It looks vintage to me, and that's all the rage.

-Vintage is all the rage.

-Yes.

But whether you buy it or not, I think it's something you should consider.

-OK.

-Is there any money in it?

-No. If you got it for 15, probably yes.

Let's walk on up. Is that OK?

Oh, Victoria, surely you could hunt for something foxier than that?

I thought you bikers were the bonkers ones?

But it's the blues who are being reckless today.

-Do you like that?

-No, I nearly knocked it over!

Come on! Concentrate!

Quite right. Push on. We haven't got all day, you know!

This is quite a sweet thing.

-It's cute.

-It is sweet, isn't it? It's Deco.

It's a little desk set to put on your desk.

Obviously you get the month. The 31st doesn't work for September.

Put the 30th there.

Then you just roll it forward as the days go on, really.

It's a good little desk calendar

with a pretty little Scottie dog there, in chrome.

It's on... I would suggest this is walnut.

It's got those geometric lines.

The Scottie dog, I don't know why he was such an emblem of that period.

It's just a fun thing. The price tag being £35 is a small risk.

But if you think about that tea set you've seen,

-I think this is a bit more interesting.

-I think it's lovely.

I like your idea of tea and cake.

I like the idea of tea and cake, but this has got a lot more charm involved.

-We're looking to connect with the buyers at the auction.

-Yes.

People might think, "That's sweet." See if we can get it for £25

-or a bit less.

-25, 20, is that realistic?

-It is a realistic buy.

-Definitely. What do you think, guys? Shall I talk to the stallholder?

-Yes.

-Do you want to do that?

-Yep, perfect.

-I'll go for it, then.

-Thank you.

Not quite rock'n'roll, but a saleable item at the right price.

-I've got a bit of a result.

-OK.

-£25.

-Perfect.

-Fantastic.

-Happy with that?

-Yeah, it's good.

-It's charm personified. Shall we go for it?

-Yes.

-Let's go!

Well done. Ten minutes in and you're off the mark.

Nice to see you're not blotting out the experts, though!

You can have anything you like, my darling. I always say that to my ladies!

Charlie, steady!

It's French. Typically French in style. I'll look at the bottom.

There's the bottom. Now...

EMMA LAUGHS Ah, you may well giggle, darling, as I show you the bottom!

-But look at all that glue. I think this has been made up.

-Yes.

-Lots of separate bits.

-I don't think it's 19th century.

I don't think it's all that it should be. I don't think you should buy it.

-No. I'll go with your advice.

-Marvellous!

Not many women do!

Why does that not surprise me, Carlos?

Meanwhile, John's gone barking!

What about a dog?

It's got wheels!

"It's got wheels"! Honestly!

Come on, teams. Less looking and more buying.

He's looking at the most ghastly clock. Oh, no!

That's what I thought!

-I'm glad you're here.

-Emma, shall we just nip off and leave him?

-Yes!

-We've got the money!

-Let's do a runner, then!

Charlie, come back. You can't steal Emma. Whatever next?

I think it would be fantastic if we could find something to reflect

your sort of biker image.

-Two-wheeled paraphernalia.

-Some two-wheeled paraphernalia.

Absolutely. I think that would be really interesting.

Yes, reds. Where's your throttle?

-What's that all about?

-I have no idea.

-Do you think it might be a dead end?

-Yes.

-Dead end at the auction.

-Do you want to have a try on this?

-No, I don't, thank you very much.

With the best will in the world.

It's definitely time you reds got on your bike.

We've passed the half-way mark, you know.

Meanwhile, the blues are learning that even these candle sticks can have a silver lining.

They are continental silver.

830, they've got. That's 830 parts silver to the thousand.

I thought that was the price!

Thought that was the price! 830 quid!

Come on. Move on. Focus!

At least John and Victoria are back on track.

On stalls like this, there's plenty of badges, and you never know,

we might find something to do with two-wheeled paraphernalia.

-People wear badges to say what club they were involved in.

-Yeah.

Events. Isle of Man badges are popular because people go there every year.

-The TT.

-Yeah, the TT. There's a lot of motorcycle ones here.

-Something like that. It's from a Grand Prix in 1988.

-Really?

-That's a specific date.

-Donington Park, 1988.

That's 20-something years ago.

Interestingly, the last bike I crashed was one I borrowed from Victoria

-and I crashed it at Donington Park.

-How much trouble were you in, or was he in?

-I don't...

-I was a bit involved.

-Yeah.

I didn't want her getting worried so I said it was a low-speed crash.

-Was hit high speed?

-About 80 or 90.

-Really.

So £12 does seem rather a lot for a pin badge. It's not a great deal of money,

but it is related to you.

I quite like the idea of that.

One badge, to auction,

I think might get lost.

It's a small item on its own.

There are plenty of badges here. Why don't we collect five or six

as a little lot.

-That Yamaha one. The yellow and red one.

-Yeah.

-Is that a nice one?

Lovely colour. Put that on my hand there. Great.

I saw one here. This is HRC.

That's Honda Racing Corporation, which would be quite liked.

And I want to go for an older motorcycle as well.

Velocette is a British bike.

That should be quite liked. Velocette is a name that's strong.

-Lovely, isn't it?

-It's nice.

And maybe one more?

There's one here.

-Which do you like? A round one, or do you want...

-I think the black one is sort of current.

-This one?

-Yeah.

-Norton is making a revival at the moment.

They've just come back. They're built at Donington Park, where that one is.

Well, we have a nice little marriage there, don't we?

-Yes.

-Are you happy for me to try and make an offer on these?

-Yes.

-I think it's really good. It reflects your...

-Do people like badges?

-They love badges.

-Really?

-Look at this.

-That's true.

-Full of badges.

Obviously there's a market.

Sir, can I just borrow you for a second?

-I've totted these up. They come to £58.

-Right.

-What's the very best on those?

-50.

50. 45?

-48, I'd want.

-48 for the lot? I think we've got a deal.

-Yep? Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

With reds back in pole position, the blues take the spiritual high ground.

-Charlie?

-Yes?

-I've found something.

-You've found something?

-Yes.

-Let me look at it. Let me look at it.

-This pin.

-Isn't that pretty?

It's got an amethyst in it and it's ten carat gold.

-Oh, look!

-Hang on. Sherlock Holmes is going to do his bit now!

If I may so, sir, this is somewhat removed from a £10 croquet set!

Emma, as I look at this, what am I getting from amethyst?

Amethyst is a lovely, really supportive stone.

It can get rid of any negative energies you might have.

It fills you with positive energies. Helps you sleep.

And it was known to help with anybody that used to like a drink.

-Really?

-Helps sober them up.

-Wonderful! So it'll make me a teetotaller and stop me buying croquet sets!

-Yes!

-You haven't told me how much it is.

-75.

-75.

-It's getting better, isn't it?

-What about 55?

-That would be even better.

-It's worth more than £40 at auction.

-You can't argue with quality. It's well worth asking.

-I'll give you 50 on it.

You can do 50. Could you do 40? We would pay £40 for it now.

-45.

-45.

I'll tell you what.

I don't think we should knock the man any more. I'll stick my neck on the block. 45 is a jolly good buy.

-Yeah, I really like it.

-Very kind of you. Thank you. It's a beautiful lot.

-Thank you, sir. Shake me hand.

-Thank you very much.

-Well done.

-I could happily take that home.

-You're not supposed to take it home! We're supposed to sell it.

-But I want it.

Emma obviously can't get enough of all that positive energy.

While the reds try to move into top gear.

-Keep the revs going.

-Let's go!

The blues stay put, keeping their eye on the ball.

-Charlie.

-Yes, sir.

-Come here a minute.

What are you looking at?

-What do you think of this silver rugby ball?

-Balls!

Haven't you bought enough balls? I know you're two balls short of a croquet set!

-You can't put a rugby ball in your croquet set!

-But I like it.

It's absolutely wonderful.

I'm not sure I've seen anything like it. What's it made of?

-Silver plate?

-It says it's solid silver.

-Solid silver?

Well, get it out of the box, man! Don't just stand there looking at it!

Now. Tell me what sort of silver it is, David.

Is it hallmarked English silver?

-We'd better have a look.

-Here we go. Sherlock Holmes is at it again!

-It's got a lion on it.

-Has it?

-It's got a lion on it.

-Is that exciting?

-English silver, Charles.

-Hand it over here.

What a wonderful thing!

-Do you know...

-He's excited!

-I'm beginning to get my faith back in you!

Frankly, I'd lost it.

I think it's pretty modern.

"The...Woodford...Guru".

He must have played for Woodford Rugby Club.

It is a paperweight. I think that will make at auction...

..about 70 quid.

-Right.

-But you never know. The gentleman, he's such a nice man,

and we have introduced him to a substantial profit on his stick pin, I've never seen a man smile so much!

It might be that we can buy this worth the money.

If I beg with you and plead. As a rugby player, what can you do?

-I can do 80 on that.

-You can do 80.

-You have a go, David.

-Can't you do 70?

-I'll meet you half-way. 75.

-I'm not sure we've got that. We've got to leave him some money!

You can leave him a fiver.

-Go on, do it for 70.

-Go on, then.

-Yeah!

-What a star you are. Thank you very much.

I need another kiss.

I'm here, Charlie!

I'm not kissing you!

Dad, I'd watch old Charlie if I were you!

Well, that's the final item for the blues.

With 20 minutes to go, there's time for a leisurely game of croquet.

Hooray!

The reds, on the other hand, are still hoping to get jammy.

I've just seen something which might be of interest to you.

Is that a jam pot?

Are you a purveyor of fine jams?

We do make our own.

We've won a competition for jam making.

John, I thought you were a biker!

This has another little added bonus.

That's sweet.

-As you pull down the handle...

-Yeah.

-..the lid lifts up.

-I like that.

-Yeah.

-What do you think?

-It's nice.

-It's really sweet, actually.

It's silver plate, by a firm called Hukin and Heath.

It would have been made in about the 1900s.

The glass is OK, the silver plate is OK.

-I think what would benefit...

-A spoon.

-..would be a spoon.

Can I pick out a preserve spoon from here?

-Yes.

-It sets it off.

So that goes in there. Your preserve, there it is.

Now. Best price?

I'll do you the two of them for a tenner.

-A tenner?

-A tenner?

A bargain!

-Nine.

-Nine?!

-Nine pounds!

-Oh, yeah, go on!

-Want to go for it? Third and final item?

-Yep.

Nine pounds. That's a deal.

-Brilliant. Your third and final item.

-We've left you with a lot of money.

-That's fine by me.

-You'll have real fun!

All the time in the world.

-Yes.

-That's really nice.

-It's a good find. You are a preserve maker. Let's have a cup of tea. I'm exhausted.

-Yeah.

You never know, they may whip you up one of their winning cakes

with home-made jam.

It's for you, isn't it?

Right. Let's stop this monkeying about, shall we?

Time's up. Let's check out what the red team bought, eh?

Victoria and John rolled back the years

with this 1920s Art Deco desk calendar,

paying just £25.

Then they tuned in to what they know,

with this collection of motorcycle badges,

£48 paid.

Finally, they decided to put this Edwardian silver-plated jug and spoon in the mix.

They paid a meagre nine pounds.

It is miserable!

I've got a horrible feeling we've got an awful lot of leftover lolly!

-Is that right?

-Yes, it's a bit dismal!

-How much did you spend?

-82.

-£82.

-Miserable!

-Dear, oh, dear!

-It's pathetic, £82.

-Well,

I wouldn't say pathetic. That's not a word I'd use.

I'd just use "horrifying"!

Seriously, £82. That's your picks.

-Good. So who has got the £218?

-There you go.

OK. 218. That's a whole load. Straight over to Thomas Plant.

-Grab that lot.

-Thank you very much. A lot of money there.

What plan have you got? Have you got a plan, or will you scratch around?

-I'm going to scratch around for something very shiny.

-Are you?

-Mm.

That sounds like a bit of a hint.

Very nice, too. Meanwhile, let's check out what the blues bought, eh?

David made a bee-line for this croquet set

and got it for half price, paying £10.

They were drawn to the positive vibes of this ten-carat gold stick pin

with an amethyst stone. £45 paid.

The blues' final item was this silver paperweight

in the shape of a rugby ball.

Tackling low, the price fell to £70.

-The old man's done well.

-He has.

-Came through at the end!

Age is experience, you know!

That's what they say! Dave, what did you spend?

-A whole £125.

-Is that all?

-Is that all?!

-We give you 300, you know!

-Em, which is your favourite piece?

-The amethyst pin. The stick pin.

-That's your favourite. Do you agree, Dave?

-No.

-No.

We found this superb croquet set.

Absolutely superb.

Only surpassed at the end by my choice of a beautiful rugby ball.

-It's not all, "me, me, me" with you, is it?

-Could be!

-Did you get that?

-I got that. I got that in only two paragraphs!

Guess who's got the money!

Now, I'd like £175, please, Davido.

Which is a nice little wodge. And that goes straight to Carlos.

-What are you going to do with it?

-Quality, quality, quality,

to make up with something we bought earlier!

Very good luck with that.

Meanwhile, we're heading off somewhere drop dead gorgeous!

The Cathedral Close has been at the heart of Exeter

ever since the time of the Romans,

when they built their basilica and bath house here

in the first and second centuries.

What do you do, though, when a city evolves

and you want to preserve its history for others to enjoy?

It's simple. You build a museum!

The new building was to be a memorial to Prince Albert,

who died in 1861.

He had embraced the idea of access to knowledge and education for all.

And this promised to house not only a museum and art gallery

but also a free public library and art college.

The Albert Memorial Museum took two years to build

and was finished in 1868.

But in 1887,

to celebrate the Queen's jubilee,

it was decided to build on a completely new wing

which was opened in 1899 by the Duke and Duchess of York.

And it was at that moment that it was decided

that the institution should be allowed to add the word "Royal" to its title.

One of the crafts which are particularly treasured here in Devonshire

is the craft of lace-making.

There's a representative collection of lace here in the museum

as a result of Charlotte Elizabeth Treadwin's bequest.

She was a lace maker and sold lace in the Cathedral Close.

Here's an example of a book she wrote on the subject of lace-making.

Inside, we've got a little sprig of lace

made by Treadwin.

Sprigs like this would have been applied to wedding veils and dresses

and the weaving process is so complicated

because each of these lines are entwined and laid over one another

in a pre-determined way to create the exquisite gossamer effect

of the finished lace which you can see there.

You've got the top end of 50 or 60 filaments all attached to a bobbin.

The bobbins themselves are interesting.

This one, for example, is early, and dated 1776.

It's been turned on a lathe and then inscribed and engraved with designs.

This one is dated 1851.

Very often, bobbins were also inscribed with other devices

that were relevant to the lace maker and sometimes personal.

In the production of complicated lace,

the time taken up is incredible.

For example, in this lace flounce,

each square centimetre could take up to five hours to create

by an experienced lace maker.

In a town, two or three hundred people

could be involved in the lace making process.

They would each make their lace according to the pre-arranged pattern

and then those sections of lace would be joined together

to make up a whole piece. Fascinating, isn't it?

The big question today is, are our teams all about to get stitched up?

I feel as if I've come to the Orient, but actually I've come to Stansted Mountfitchet, Sworders,

to be with John Black, auctioneer.

First up for the reds is the Art Deco little calendar set

-with the Scottie dog.

-Really good lot. Good saleable item. 20 to £30 we put on.

£25 they paid. I suppose it came in a bigger set, with an ink well and blotter and all that business.

-It probably would have done.

-Originally.

-Uh-huh.

Next, the motorcycling badges,

which are appropriate for Victoria and John because they're obsessed with two wheels.

OK. Hence the BSA and Norton items. Ten to £20 is all we put on, I'm afraid.

-Is that a bit of a tease?

-I don't think so.

-It's an accurate estimate.

-Probably fairly accurate.

-Oh, dear. Cos they paid £48.

-Next is the jam pot.

-Yes, 20 to £30 again.

It's quite a nice jam pot.

In fact it has the patent opening device there.

Clever, isn't it? You could put marmalade in it, I suppose?

-You could.

-Or honey.

-That's right.

-Anything.

-But you have the jam spoon, which is matched as well.

-Is it?

-Matched means it wasn't made for it.

-That's right.

-That's the important thing.

-Cos our team only paid £9.

-OK.

Which is wonderful.

We may get a spectacular profit on that

because goodness knows, they need it if the motorcycling badges do badly.

On the other hand, they could always go with the bonus buy. Let's have a look at it.

John, Victoria, you naughties. You only spent £82!

£212 went to Thomas Plant.

Thomas, what did you blow it on?

Ooh!

A very attractive 14-carat gold brooch.

These are definitely rubies,

probably from Sri Lanka or somewhere like that,

and the brooch is continental, definitely.

How much did you pay for it?

You wanted something glitzy. Really glitzy, shiny, gorgeous, jewel-like.

-And it is all of those things.

-You're building us up!

-These things cost money!

-Yes.

It was marked up at 330.

I said to the man, "I've got 218. Would you take it?" He said no.

I said, "Go on!" He said yes.

-So 218.

-The whole lot?

-Everything went!

-Fantastic.

Is there money in it?

No.

This is Tom's favourite technique.

First he builds you right up there.

He gets you to that precipice

where you really, really want it.

Then he tells you you can't have it.

If you want to take some of that passion which is pouring out of Thomas Plant,

you can have a jugful and have a go.

For the audience at home, let's check out how passionate our auctioneer is today!

Right, John. A bit of bling for you.

Look at that! We've only estimated this at 80 to £120.

Oh!

-Why's that?

-Thomas Plant paid £218 for it.

The problem with this is, it's a brooch, right?

And pins, as they call them in America, or brooches,

are about the least most sought-after pieces of ladies' jewellery.

So there could be a problem here.

-We'll see what we can do.

-That's it for the reds. Now for the blues,

who kick on with an incomplete croquet set!

Rather disappointing. Yes, only two balls.

15 to £20 for this very modern croquet set.

-And two of our balls are missing.

-Mm-hm.

Never a good thing, that!

-15 to £20.

-I think that's incredibly generous of you!

I wouldn't give it a five pound note.

Anyway, they paid £10.

And good luck if you get more than £10.

Next is the little stick pin.

How do you rate that? Desirable? Collectable?

I think at 15 to £25 it should do.

15 to 25?

£45 they paid. Why don't we try and kick the last lot into touch, shall we?

-Let's do that.

-How do you rate it?

I think it's a good lot.

It's rather modern. 1983.

But only 20 to £30 estimated.

That's a bit mean, isn't it?

It's fairly modern, Tim.

£70 paid. We're predicting some pretty spectacular losses here.

So let's check out the bonus buy.

Charles Ross had a fortune. £175. Charles, what did you spend it on?

I spent it on a large...pin...

-..cushion!

-Beautiful!

-Ooh!

-I like that!

-You like it!

-It's hallmarked.

-It's silver.

It's Chester made. It's not quite Victorian.

I'd like to think it was Victorian, but I'm afraid it misses by a couple of years.

You see so many miserable pin cushions that you can only get a couple of pins in.

This is a chunky pin cushion and I think a collector might well buy it.

-How much did it set us back?

-What did it set you back?

MUFFLED REPLY

ALL: How much?

-£75.

-£75.

-Yeah.

Feel it. Feel it. Love it.

-The lid is hinged is it?

-It is indeed.

So you keep your little jewels in there.

-Yeah.

-I actually love the fact that it's really used.

-Do you?

I like that because I can imagine someone sticking their...

Passionate girl for antiques.

Never mind the fancy stuff. What's it going to fetch, Charlie?

-Are we going to make a profit on it?

-I'd say that's a real 50/50.

Who's in the sale room today, in the market for a dirty great pin cushion?

He's taking it to bits now!

Let's find out what the auctioneer thinks about Charlie's pin cushion.

-OK, John. There's something for you to stick it in.

-Thank you, Tim!

-We've estimated this at 20 to £30.

-Is that all?

-It is.

-Chester silver, you know. Not making it any more up there.

It might do a little bit better. We've put it in fairly cheaply.

-I think we'll have to cross our legs.

-Absolutely.

-Absolutely.

-I don't think you've got anything to worry about.

-No. Hopefully.

The big test, though, comes with the bonus buy.

Big brave Tom's bonus buy.

# Big brave Tom! #

Blowing the lot is brave.

-Very.

-We shall see when we get to it.

First up is old Scottie dog. Here it comes.

I can start the bidding here straight in at £20.

-£20 is bid.

-Wow!

Any advance on £20? 22.

25. 28.

At £28. Commission's out.

£28 in the room. 30. £30.

-I'll fall over!

-£30. Gentleman's bid seated. At £30.

32 if you wish, sir.

-Go on!

-32.

-Good auctioneer. Good auctioneer.

38?

38 to bid, sir, if you wish.

Yes? No? 35. It's your bid now, sir.

£35 and I'll sell.

That's a profit. Very good. Plus £10.

You're on your way, kids.

Now, your badges.

The six enamel motorcycle badges.

183. There we are.

Who'd like to start the bidding?

£30? 20?

20 is bid. Any advance? I'll take two sir, again.

No?

At £20.

Any further interest for these six enamel badges?

-Come on!

-£20.

22. 25.

-Go on!

-28. This gentleman did. At £28.

All done? It's your last chance, madam.

£30?

-£28. There we are.

-She's going to miss out.

£28. I'm selling to you, sir.

£28 is minus 20. You had ten profit, now you're minus £10.

-That's OK.

-Hukin and Heath could save your bacon. Here we go.

Hukin and Heath patent silver-plated self-opening preserve jar and cover.

There we are. With a matched spoon. Always useful.

184. Stops your fingers getting sticky. Who'd like to start at £30?

20, then?

£10 is bid. 12, sir? 12.

14. 16.

18. 20.

22. 25. 28.

Lady's bid at £28. 30.

-32 now? No?

-Don't you love it?

-32, thank you, sir.

-32.

-New bidder.

-35? No?

£32. It's in front of the counter now.

At £32. All done. Sell at £32.

So that has just made you £23 profit, which is brilliant.

£10 loss before, which means overall you're plus 13.

-We've made money!

-Congratulations. You've made money!

-What are you going to do now?

-Thomas, not a word, thank you! I'll say nothing!

-I think stick.

-You don't want to spoil it by going with the bonus buy.

-No.

But we're going to see what it makes anyway.

We'll start the bidding here at £50.

Any advance? 55. 60. Five. 70.

Five. At £75. The gentleman's bid at £75.

80 anywhere else now?

-At £75. I'm going to sell.

-Very cheap.

-To the room.

At £75.

Ooh!

I bet you're glad that you stuck

with your profit of £13.

-Which you ring-fenced as is yours to take away.

-Really pleased.

And, for all we know, could be a winning score today.

Congratulations. Well done.

What does your crystal tell you about what's going to happen today?

I'm feeling lucky. I've given Charlie a crystal as well.

So he's got a lucky crystal there to hold on to.

-That's a tiger's eye, isn't it?

-He is a bit of a tiger!

Rarrghh!

Great. I've been rubbing mine and I'm feeling a lot better for it!

Here we go. First up is the croquet set. Here it is.

Lot 284. Who would like to start the bidding here at £20?

You could play in your front room. At 20.

-20 is bid, thank you.

-20 is bid!

-Any advance?

-Crikey Moses!

You are such a jammy what's-it!

22 is bid. 24.

26. At £26.

Are we all done now?

At £26.

I'm going to sell, make no mistake.

26.

-Yes!

-David, you're a genius.

-Can we go home now?

-No, you can't!

That is plus 16.

You clever old fruit.

I wish we had some more of them!

Are you going to be as clever with your stick pin?

Marked 10K, in the case there.

Who'd like to start the bidding here at £20?

-Come on. Come on!

-15 to bid, if you wish, sir.

No? Ten, if you want.

-Ten is bid here, on commission, though. At £10.

-It's gold!

-Any advance on £10?

-Get excited.

-12. 15.

-Get excited.

At £15. Still on commission now.

At £15 for the American stick pin.

Would you like to bid, madam? 18? No?

-£15.

-He's picking people out of the audience!

-He is trying.

-15.

-Oh, no!

That's minus 30. That's not good, is it?

Which means you're minus 14 overall, sweets.

OK? Now, here comes the rugby ball.

There we are. Local to here, aren't we?

So, lot 206. We can start the bidding straight in at £20.

20 I'm bid. 22. 25.

-Come on!

-28 I'm looking for now.

28. 30. On commission now.

Against you in the room. At £30.

32 in the room now. 35.

38.

It's coming on.

Are you sure? At £38 it's your last chance

for this rugby ball paperweight. £40, surely?

-Yes.

-Go on!

-I'm not going to stop.

-It's not just any paperweight.

-£40. Would you like to bid?

No? Goes to the gentleman here in the room now.

-At £38.

-38.

-Front of the counter.

That's two off 40, which is minus 32.

Minus 32, minus 42, minus 46.

I think we're doing great, Tim. How do you think we're doing?

Minus 46 is a disappointing response, I have to say!

-I'm sorry.

-Awful.

-Gutted.

-What about the pin cushion? Are you going to go with it?

-I want to.

-There is no way.

-Not going to do it?

I love it. Look how far down we are.

-Minus 46.

-She feels good vibes about it.

-Do you?

-The energy felt really good.

-Do you?

-Yes.

-I'm going to do what all good dads do.

-What's that?

-Let her have her own way.

-Yes.

-That is so sensible. We're going with the bonus buy.

-It's on your head!

-Don't you dare!

Lot 210. We can start the bidding here, a low start at £20.

Any advance on 20? And advance? 22.

-Is this it?

-This is it.

-28. 30.

32.

32 the lady's bid. At £32 seated.

35.

-I can't bear this!

-38.

-I'm not getting a good feeling.

-40.

-This is torture!

-£40 the gentleman has bid.

In the doorway there at £40.

Are you sure, madam? 42? No?

£40 there.

You promised we'd make a profit!

£40.

£40 is minus £35.

-Added to the £46.

-Nothing to do with me!

-Minus 81.

The one thing we told him off for buying made a profit!

Stick with me, guys. I'll put you right!

It could be a winning score.

Don't say a word to the reds. All will be revealed in a moment.

It's not going to buy dinner tonight, is it!

-Been chatting?

-No.

-No.

Not about the score, anyway.

Just as well, really. Cos how can two teams,

who have got similarly intelligent and well-qualified experts who shop in the same place,

go to the same auction room, yet have such a different result?

I cannot explain this.

It's weird!

Because the team which are running up have a thumping loss. They are, of course, the blues.

-Don't know how you've done it!

-I'm shocked!

Your sole ray of sunshine was the croquet set!

-Yes.

-With only two balls!

Then it all went downhill very rapidly!

-Sad?

-No, not at all.

-Not sad?

-No.

-Definitely not.

-Absolutely.

All I can say, darling, is keep rubbing the crystals.

Everything will be all right!

Great team. Thank you very much.

But the victors today who walk home with cash

-are John and Victoria. There you go, darling.

-Thank you.

-You get £13.

-Ooh!

-Fantastic.

Lucky for some, hey?

You were just unlucky a tad with one or two, weren't you?

Particularly the motorcycle badges.

-Yep.

-Which is inexplicable. And you didn't go with the bonus buy.

Had you gone with the bonus buy, you would have added £143 of loss

to your score!

So, we don't talk about that, do we, Tom?

-No, we don't!

-No, we never discuss anything like that!

-Anyway, congrats.

-Thank you.

-Had a good time?

-Absolutely brilliant.

Brilliant. Thank you.

Thank you, John. It's been super.

Join us soon for some more Bargain Hunting, yes?

Yes!

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