Stafford 15 Bargain Hunt

Today we're in Stafford, once the home to a thriving shoe industry.

The big question today is will our teams be putting their best foot forward? Let's go bargain hunting!

Our contestants will be running round the Prestwood Centre at the Staffordshire County Showground.

First, a quick reminder of the rules. Each team gets £300 and an hour to shop for three items.

The team wins that brings the biggest profit.

So what are we waiting for? Let's get on with it.

Coming up: our Red team doesn't always see eye to eye.

-I quite like...

-The vase? Horrible.

-I'd like to have a look at it. We always do what you want to do.

-No, I think it's hideous.

You two are terrible! Come on!

And the Blues find themselves well and truly under the thumb.

-We should go for that.

-You like it?

-And then it's your decision next.

-I will let you have it.

Did you hear that? Goodbye!

OK, quick march. Let's get on with the show.

On today's teams we have two couples. For the Reds, we've got Richard and Gary.

-And for the Blues, Ian and Sarah. Welcome.

-Hello!

-Lovely to see you. Richard, you're in retail.

-At the moment, yes.

But that's not all you've ever done.

I used to work on the cruise ships in my younger, thinner days as lead singer/dancer.

The people on the cruises are very appreciative of live entertainment.

They are extremely. We now go on cruises regularly and I was a bit wary when I first went, not working,

-but I absolutely love it. All we do is go cruising.

-On boats.

-On boats!

-Good. Let's get this quite clear.

-Totally different meaning.

-Yeah.

Talking of the other half, what do you get up to?

-I work as a carnival artist.

-What does that mean?

It's a bit weird. I use recycled supermarket shopping trolleys

-and make big, 3D, push-along sculptures.

-As a job of work?!

-It's a job.

-You get paid to do this?

-I do, yeah.

-That's amazing!

-These structures people wheel along at carnivals?

-They do.

-Hence you're a carnival artist.

-Has anybody else cribbed it?

-A few people, but they're nowhere as good as I am!

-That's modesty for you!

-Well, it's true.

-Thank you very much for joining us. Now you two lovebirds.

-Hello!

-How are you?

-Good, thank you.

-What do you do, Sarah?

-I'm a teacher of children with profound learning difficulties.

-That's the difficult end of teaching.

-It's challenging, but very rewarding.

Tell me about this roller derby.

Roller derby is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK.

It's a women's full contact sport. There's two teams and you have five skaters on each team.

One player is allocated as a scoring player

and you score points by passing players on the other side.

-You need to stop the opposing score player.

-You tackle them?

-Yeah.

It sounds pretty kind of hairy. Ever damaged yourself?

-Just bruises.

-Just bruises.

-Ian, you're a support engineer.

-I am, yeah.

-But you'd rather do something else?

-I've always wanted to be a radio or TV presenter.

-Fancy Bargain Hunt?

-Why not?

-You'd better have a bit of a go today!

-So where's the broadcasting ambition taking you now?

-At the moment we film roller derby!

-Do you?

-Is that where you met?

-Yes.

-How sweet.

We broadcast all the teams all over the UK all over the world and get quite a large audience.

How many people are doing this?

It's quite a lot. It's mainly large in America, but is getting quite big in the UK now.

-There's loads of leagues in the UK.

-Gosh. We're going to have fun!

Here's £300 apiece, which is our money, not yours. It's there to spend. Your experts await!

Off you go. And very, very, very good luck. Roller derby, eh?

This could be something for me.

# You've gotta roll with it... #

Taking the Red team for a spin today we have David Harper.

And sounding a call to arms for the Blues, it's Jonathan Pratt.

We've got lots to choose from. What are you after?

-Something a bit quirky.

-Quirky.

What are we looking for, guys?

-Possibly something Art Deco.

-Right.

We're looking for something where if we like it, everyone will like it.

Look! It just gets bigger! Can you see? It's such an amazing amount of stuff.

-Let's get our skates on!

-Indeed.

One hour.

-I quite like... Is that an army jacket?

-A safari coat.

A safari coat! You need the hat, though.

You need a pith helmet, don't you?

Then you can take the pith. No, let's not get that one.

-Let's have a look over here, guys. It's so busy, we have to find a stall where we can get in.

-OK.

-Now then, have we got anything on here?

-I quite like that box.

-OK. Let's have a look at this box. Do we like it because it's Art Deco?

-No, it's not.

-Well done.

You said it was and you collect Art Deco!

That looks earlier than Art Deco.

What sort of date would you say? Don't look at the ticket. You can't cheat.

-That's mother of pearl in there.

-Yes, but how old is it?

-Late-Victorian, I would say.

-Well, eventually he commits. Is he right, though?

I will go yes with that.

-You are right. You are right.

-How much is it?

220.

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

-It's nearly everything!

-No, no.

-Definitely not.

-Maybe we should look at the price in future

before we waste all of our time talking about something. Well spotted, though!

Well, those Reds have certainly got expensive taste. Meanwhile, the Blues have found this cabinet

-which has just been reduced. Bargain! Maybe.

-I do like that.

-Do you like this cabinet?

-A late-Victorian smoker's cabinet.

-Every smoker had one to put his pipes in and keep his tobacco in.

-We're very interested in that.

-Are you?

-The reason I think is because it can be useful for so many different things.

-It would look nice in a bedroom.

-It would be great for jewellery.

-Definitely.

It's well-made, it's small, functional,

but because this is the Edwardian period, you've got turned finials like a neo-Classical style.

This is sort of Baroque, Renaissance carving. Sort of medieval style.

And it's oak, which again is the medieval wood people used.

It sort of ties in with your feeling of Olde Worlde medieval.

-It's a good little buy.

-Could you do it less than 65?

65. That's my cost.

-What do you think?

-It's sweet.

-Shall we go for it?

-Yes.

-You may have to take up smoking a pipe.

-I'd look good with a pipe!

-Let's go for it.

-I think so.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Good work, Blues. You're smokin'!

But those Reds need to spark up a bit.

-What's the little writing desk there?

-It's 75.

Now that's decoration, its shape, the wood that it's made of

and the metal material should tell you exactly how old it is.

-Richard? Go for it.

-I haven't got a clue!

-Go for it!

Gary?

Victorian again. No, it's later than that, isn't it?

-He's not very confident.

-No.

-Yet he gets it right.

-It's Edwardian, then?

-It could fall into that. It's Arts and Crafts.

It's got an Art Nouveau look, but it's Arts and Crafts. Copper.

A real good, solid oak box.

-It's in not bad nick.

-It's still got the key.

-Has it?

-It says "With key".

-OK. Who's the best negotiator?

-Him!

-Really?

-He's the one...

-I'm awful at negotiation! I just smile.

-I'm sure it works.

-A kiss or a cuddle.

-Yeah, you know.

-He's coming to kiss or cuddle you!

-To what?!

-I'll do the cuddles, he can do the kisses.

-Right, we're interested in this.

-What would be your best price on that for us?

- Where do you want to be on it? - Say about 40 quid?

45. I've got to make something.

-I think that sounds right.

-45. It's a deal. Can we shake on it?

-Thank you very much.

-I'll give you a manly handshake!

- What's with the manly handshake?! - All the way here and I was robbed!

-Thank you.

-At least you weren't kissed!

No kisses, but 45 smackers. Well done, Reds.

We've found our secret weapon. We've got to give the threat of a kiss or a cuddle!

-I'm not sure what it'll do for our reputation, but who cares?

-Marvellous. Come on then, you two.

Meanwhile, the Blues have got their skates on and are swooping on their next item.

Perhaps they've heard the Reds are dealing out kisses?

Oh, what's this?

-Oh!

-It's a projector, isn't it?

-It's kind of fun looking.

-I like that.

-It has an ornamental feel.

This isn't my field. Do you know much about this? Or is it just a nice-looking object?

It interested me and was something I'd never seen before.

I think it would interest people who are getting into photography.

With the digital age, people don't see the older stuff anymore.

-Absolutely, yeah. I'd guess it's from...

-And it comes with a box camera.

-..the Forties.

-It comes with a box camera.

-This is right up your street. You should chat with the man

and see what we can do on it. Excuse me, this gentleman here,

-being a budding filmmaker...

-Yes?

-..is interested in the little camera.

-I'm interested in the projector and these cameras.

-And you want me to lower the price.

-If you could!

-I'll do you that for £50. That's taking 15 off.

-Is that with...?

-Everything.

-Excellent. Three items for one. We should go for that.

-Would you like it?

-Then it's you for the next one.

-I will let you have it.

-Did you hear that?!

-I told you she'd take control.

-I'm quiet, but I'm steering the ship.

-So £50 for that?

-Yeah.

-We'll go for a deal.

-Thank you.

-Second item out the way.

-Good buy. Good buy.

-Goodbye!

-Goodbye!

Yeah, good buy, Blues. I think you may have snapped up a flash lot there.

Meanwhile, the Reds are still looking for their Holy Grail,

that tantalising piece of genuine Art Deco.

-I quite like the...

-That vase? No, it's horrible.

-It's Art Deco.

-Yes.

-I don't like it.

-But it's what's going to sell.

-It looks reproduction to me, from here.

-Does it really?

-Yeah.

-I'd like to have a look at it. We always do what you want.

-Is that right?

-Yeah.

-Is he a bit of a nightmare?

-No...

-Is he, Richard? Spill the beans.

-Honestly.

-I'm going to disagree, but I'll be wrong then, so...

-I'll just...

-He's getting a bit shirty.

-He is! I'd like to have a look, please.

-Would you?

Then why don't we have a look at it? Shall we? Yeah.

Do you mind if we have a look at that vase? Over to you, Richard.

-Why?

-Why do I like it? It's nice.

-It's fruity.

You know I like...I like Art Deco.

And just because it's something you wouldn't necessarily want, somebody else might do.

-Looking at the price...

-Yeah, it's cheap!

-I don't think it's mass produced. Can I have a look?

-Go on. Tell me all about it.

-Made in England.

-That's reproduction, isn't it?

-He's right.

-OK.

-You're both right. It's Art Deco, but you're right - not in period.

-But for goodness' sake, it's £18. What do you want?

-I don't want that.

-You don't want it for £18.

-I don't want it for £10. It's hideous.

We're wasting loads of time with you two bickering,

so what are we going to do?

-No, we're going to leave it.

-Madam, thank you very much indeed.

-You've got the patience of a saint.

-Good call, guys.

That perfect piece of Art Deco must be somewhere.

'And speaking of stashed treasures, I've found something rather special myself.'

All things oriental are incredibly hot at the moment.

And my find today is this little fellow.

What we've got here are two lions. There's mummy lion and there's baby lion,

snuggling at her feet.

Overall, a nice piece.

But what's it worth? The difficult thing about valuing jade is determining exactly how old it is.

There are modern jade carvings and ancient jade carvings.

If you were able to persuade yourself that this carving was 300 years old,

this little lump of stone would be worth perhaps

£200,000-£300,000.

If you were to persuade yourself that actually this stone is, as I think it is,

carved around about 1900, 1910, something like that,

then potentially it's worth between £3,000 and £5,000, maybe even a little more.

Because going round the sales, which is what I do all the time,

I've noticed that actually nobody is really capable of valuing these things.

They go into the auction, the mainland Chinese get excited, they bid online, from afar,

and the most extraordinary results can take place.

And what might it cost you today here in Staffordshire?

£280.

ROAR

With half an hour left, the Reds are still doing the rounds

looking for that elusive piece of Art Deco. Let's hope they don't come to blows!

-I quite like the brown vase.

-Ah, OK. Hang on a minute.

-Richard, you like the brown vase.

-He spotted it from over there!

You mean you both like something?! Seriously?

-Are you talking about the same object?

-I liked it from a distance.

I'm glad we're all still getting along nicely, but it's not very Art Deco, boys, is it?

I reckon we need to get Gary to tell us all about it.

-Well, it's Denby ware. I only know that because I've just read it on the bottom.

-The old trick!

-It's not that old, I don't think.

-To me it screams '70s.

-'70s, yeah.

I could see this in contemporary apartments and on coffee tables.

Absolutely. The colours, the browns and the golds, it is popular. It's a good shape.

-I like it.

-Great. You two love it.

-I'm happy we're agreeing!

-Right.

I think, as we agree on this, we should see if we can get this for a better price.

-OK. Richard, are you going to do the negotiating?

-He can negotiate with a kiss.

-Who is it this time?

-Shall I just pre-warn her?

-Possibly, yeah.

Madam, this gentleman here is going to negotiate with you and he's going to throw in a kiss or a cuddle

-depending on what you'd prefer.

-Right.

-You don't look very excited.

-No, not really.

-Do your best, go on.

-OK. What was the best deal you could do on this?

- Thirty. - OK. Twenty-five?

No.

- Even with a kiss and a smile? - No, I'm afraid not.

- And a wink? - No.

-28?

-What do you think, David?

-No kiss, no cuddle?

-We're not doing very well here.

-We'll just shake on it, shall we?

-Is that a deal?

-That's a deal.

-Thank you.

-Our kisses and cuddles are not going down very well.

-I'm not feeling very sexy today.

-Right, OK. Are you happy?

-BOTH: Very.

-Brilliant.

-Both at the same time as well!

-First time. Item number two. Well done.

-Fabulous.

Nice to see you fellows finally on the same page.

Perhaps you can channel your energy into finally finding that Art Deco dream.

-Have you found any Art Deco yet?

-No. There's a figure there.

-Before I pick it up, is it real?

-No.

-All right. Come on, then.

-Come on now! Time to focus!

-There's still one item left to find.

-Oh, you two are terrible. Come on.

-Cor!

It's like trying to herd cats, this.

-You're interested in the medieval, aren't you?

-Yeah.

-Castles.

-Is that something you'd like to find?

-That would be quite good.

-There's a lot of medieval style.

The Victorian period's all about it.

-Found any yet, Gary?

-Still looking.

A set of five Spice Girls! Wouldn't that be a laugh?

-I thought he'd have found some by now.

-Come on! Don't be mean, David. Time's running out.

I think you should take charge.

-Now then, we've got seven minutes.

-OK.

-Right.

It's my job to show you a piece of real Deco. I know where a piece of real Deco is.

I never did! So why wait all day?

-Follow me, then.

-Lead the way.

-That's quite fun.

-Ha! JP's off. What have you spotted, old fruit?

Walking along, I saw that. It's an unusual thing.

Then it says here it's from the Wedgwood factory. Stoke on Trent.

Yeah. The Etrurian factory. He used to be in charge of the decorating department.

-This chap Sheldon...

-He worked there. And he salvaged it.

-I'm asking 250 for it.

-OK, we haven't got that.

That's us out then, I suppose, isn't it?

I'm wasting time, but I'm determined to show you a bit of real Deco.

-Another minute gone.

-It's worth it.

-You'll be pleased when you see it, I hope.

-So do I.

-I mean, we've got...

-185.

-..£185.

Would you take £184? Which leaves me a pound for my expert buy.

-Yes, go on.

-I'll spend it on your stall!

-Yes.

-All right. OK.

It's a cool thing.

-Is it a deal?

-Yeah.

-It is.

-Thank you very much.

-Cheers.

Money for old rope if you ask me!

So that's it, we're done. And we've blown everything.

-We've left you £1.

-That's very funny.

-You won't say that when you need something for £1.

Now where are those Reds?

# Hallelujah! #

Finally! The Reds have dug up some Art Deco.

My job is complete.

-Feast your eyes...

-Oh, wow.

-..on period Art Deco.

-Two garniture sets. The real McCoy.

-They are great.

-Yeah, I like them.

-But it says 275 on there.

-How much have we got left?

-£227.

-She's not going to give us that for that.

-She would.

She's lovely, this lady. What would be the best on the Deco clock here?

-225.

-Can you go down to two?

-I can't, love. I really can't go that low on that one.

We're just going to be risking a little bit there, guys. We've got four minutes left. Three.

Right, OK. We'll have a quick look round here.

What about this teapot? This is Art Deco.

-A racing driver.

-That's Deco in style. I like that.

Sadler, Made in England. They do make copies of these. Do you think that's a period one?

-It's got the right mark underneath.

-What's the absolute best on that?

-Come on, be nice. Be lovely.

-It's 75. 50 would be the best.

-It couldn't be 30? Would that be terrible?

-45.

-40.

-Go on, then.

-Do we give her a kiss or not?

-Yes, you get a kiss.

-Come here.

-No, the price will go up!

-Thank you.

-You can have it for 40.

-Do you want it wrapped?

-Yes, please.

-Thank you. I don't care.

Thank you very much.

The music has stopped. Time's up. Let's check out what the Red team bought.

This Arts and Crafts writing box had profit written all over it

when our flirty Reds bought it. £45 paid.

And there was no argument about this 1970s vase. They paid £28.

-Very!

-And at the same time as well!

Finally, a cup of tea was definitely in order when they found their last item,

this Art Deco novelty tea pot. And a kiss!

You've finished, which is great. Which is your favourite piece?

I'm quite intrigued by the last one.

-Would you agree with that, Gary?

-I think so, yeah. If it's a genuine piece, yes.

-Doesn't make much difference at that money.

-No, not really.

-How much leftover lolly is there?

-I believe we've got £187.

-OK, 187 just like that.

-You've done very well, squire. That's a lot of money.

-A lot.

-I might even try to buy a proper bit of Art Deco.

-I hope so!

-I'll try.

Good luck, chaps. Good luck. Now check out that the Blues bought.

The Blues hope they won't get their fingers burnt with this smoker's cabinet, an investment of £65.

Ian is in the frame with this find, the 20th century projector, which they paid £50 for.

And, finally, the Blues went potty over a cast-iron pulley from Wedgwood. How odd is that?

-We've bought a piece of porcelain history.

-Have you?

-Look.

Oh, yes(!) OK, well, moving on...

-Have you had a nice experience?

-Indeed, thank you.

-Good.

-So what is the grand total of your spend?

-£299.

-Never!

-Yeah.

-This is a joke, isn't it? Who's got the £1 left over?

Which is your favourite piece?

-I think it's going to be this one. The history behind it.

-Lovely.

-What's going to bring the biggest profit? Surely not that!

-That's from the Wedgwood Etruria factory!

-Sorry!

Looks like a pulley to me. No, which will bring the biggest profit? Do you think the pulley?

-We got a good deal on that, so we hope for a good return.

-Because of the history.

There's a pound. Whatever you buy, you'll almost certainly make a profit on it! Double or quits?

Anyway, good luck, JP. Good luck, team. Meanwhile, we're heading off to somewhere stately.

This is Royal Crescent, that was built between 1767 and 1775.

And it's been described

as the highest pinnacle of Palladian achievement in the city of Bath.

It was built by John Wood the Younger,

who was the son of John Wood the Elder, who presumably was once just John Wood,

until he had a son.

Nevertheless, John Wood the Younger went on to build some of the most significant buildings

in the city.

And I rather agree, don't you?

When guests entered a grand house like this, the householder wanted to make an enviable impression

and show off his good taste and finery.

And so visitors were ushered in to the most splendid and imposing room in the house -

the withdrawing room. Just look at that.

And here, on the first floor of Number One Royal Crescent, Bath,

is the drawing room to die for.

The principal reception space in the principal house in the Crescent

with dual-aspect windows.

Gosh, these Georgians did get it right when they got it right.

I love the way you can look through these sash windows and get a lovely view of Royal Crescent

and those sash windows to see the now city of Bath.

Now the focal point of any principal room like this is the fireplace.

And there we have a particularly nice Palladian example

in Breccia marble. That's the yellow-brown styrated bits,

contrasting perfectly with the Carrara pure white marble.

But what is the feature of the fireplace that grabs you?

It is, of course, the pilasters, those columns on either side.

Look through the window. The first floor of the entire crescent is divided by split columns.

that almost match the columns in this drawing room.

So a visitor to Number One Royal Crescent would be in no doubt

that they were visiting the household of one of the grandest, wealthiest

and most respectable hosts in Bath.

Now one of the things that you would have done in an 18th-century room like this

is to take tea.

And on this side of the room it's perfectly set up for that purpose.

Tea in the 18th century was typically taken from a table like this.

A beautiful mahogany oval Pembroke table

with folding flaps and, on the top,

we've got some 18th-century Caughley porcelain

for the tea set,

dating from the 1780s and with no handles, look.

Simply the fluted body of the tea bowl with matching saucers, plates,

tea pots et cetera. Plus, of course, some rather delicious-looking little biscuits.

And the delicious tea itself would have been kept

in a delicious little caddy like this. Oval and interestingly inlaid with geometric lines,

vertical on the sides and then into a parquetry pattern on the top.

You'd ladle the precious tea out into the tea pot

and all the while, bubbling away beside you, would be this hot water kettle.

How glorious is that?

A magnificent piece of Rococo silver,

dating from 1747,

but therefore a little old-fashioned for the style of this room,

but nevertheless extremely impressive.

Of course, for our teams over at the auction it will be just a question of one lump or two.

# What a beautiful day I'm the king of all time

# And nothing is impossible in my all-powerful mind... #

We're very, very happy to be in Lichfield at Richard Winterton's saleroom, called Winterton's!

-It is. Delighted to have you.

-Now Richard and Gary have gone for a wacky look.

First up, the so-called Arts and Crafts oak writing box.

-It's a period thing, but Arts and Crafts is stretching it.

-It is. Bit of an insult to the movement.

It's an oak and copper box. Just a bog standard writing slope.

-Well, what's your estimate?

-£30-£40.

-£45 paid, so that could be a bit of a bummer.

Next is this rather depressing brown pot. 1970s Denby.

-Some would say the very worst of the 1970s.

-It is, but we're not far from Denby.

We're only 25 miles away. There's a bit of a following for it, but it's a bit boring. £30 on it.

-£28 paid.

-Oh, right.

-That's in with a shout, which is perfect.

-And lastly we've got this lime green Sadler's tea pot.

-OK.

-Which I think is fun.

-It is. They can make quite good money. £20-£30. They might make a touch more.

-Might they pay £40?

-They could do. It's got a look to it.

-It'll sell.

-If they put their foot down!

-They could accelerate into £40.

-I'm quite happy.

-Our lot paid £40, so that's the target price.

-Yeah.

But with the box and brown pot, this may not be a good outing

and they'll need their Bonus Buy so let's have a look at it.

-Richard and Gary, how are you?

-Very good, thank you.

-Excited?

-We are.

-Oh, yes. You gave David Harper £187.

A small fortune by anybody's standards. Did he blow all 187?

What do you think? What kind of style is under here?

As long as it's not that vase!

-Art Deco.

-Come on.

-Is that Art Deco or not?

-It is.

-I'm actually quite impressed.

Don't sound so surprised! What do you think? It's oak, quality.

It's got a home-made feel to me, although one piece does have a maker's mark.

It's French.

It sort of has a cottage industry feel to it, don't you think?

-Absolutely.

-But it's bang-on Art Deco. You couldn't say it wasn't.

-No, brilliant.

-How much did you pay?

-What would YOU pay for it?

-Mr Expert.

-You will put me on the spot!

-I think £30 or £40.

-Bang on. £45 I paid.

You don't have to take it. It all depends on how well you're doing.

For the audience at home, let's find out what the auctioneer thinks.

Here we go, then. This is David Harper at his best.

He's gone mad for the 1930s.

-It's got a nice little look about it.

-Do you think that's biscuits? Big butter, isn't it?

-What's it worth?

-We've put £20 on it.

-Have you?

-£45 Harper paid.

-It could get there, but I wouldn't want to rest my whole career on it.

-No.

-Or competition money. But it's got half a chance.

That's the Reds. Now the Blues, Ian and Sarah, who have got a strange group here.

What about the smoker's cabinet? That at least is a traditional-looking collectable.

It's £40-£50 to us. We see them quite regularly in that range.

And our team paid £65. Fair enough.

The next item, the Pathescope Princess film projector,

which looks like an object of torture rather than a film projector.

It's one of those that grows on you.

When we first catalogued it, we only put £20 on it, but the more we've looked,

I think we've probably underdone it and should have put £50-£70. It's got a look.

-If it gets picked up, it could make hundreds.

-It could.

-Excellent.

Now, talking about picking up things, how do you rate this pulley?

-To me it is just a pulley on a block of wood and it really is absolutely nothing.

-Is it?

-To me.

If I was to say to you that it came from the great Josiah Wedgwood's workshop at Etruria,

-the pottery from heaven, would that make a big difference?

-If you could prove it to me,

it would make a slight difference.

Well, the team, in fairness had a bit of provenance written on the back of a packet of fags

that sad it came from an auction in Cheshire

and it had come from a clearance sale or some sale somewhere.

There's lots of ifs and buts. So it's...

-We've put £30 on it.

-How much?

-£30.

£184 they paid for that. I mean the dealer was asking I think sort of £250-ish.

They thought they'd done a keen deal to get it to 184 and if you estimate £30-£40,

perhaps we'd better go and have a look at their Bonus Buy.

-Hi, Ian. What happened to Sarah?

-School wouldn't let her out.

Wouldn't they? Really? What brutes these educationalists are!

Don't they realise it's Bargain Hunt?! Poor kid. Anyway, we've got you, Ian,

-which is absolutely brilliant.

-Definitely.

-But what we want to find out right now is

what did you invest your pound in? It's a very difficult sum to spend.

-What did you buy?

-A letter. Well, it's like an advertisement.

It's not in great condition, but it's only £1. And it's from the early 19th century, 1807.

It's a letter from the East India Company talking about their quarterly prices for tea.

And so it lists on here... I've never heard of half of these.

-Boh tea?

-Well, I bet you're a bit of a connoisseur, Tim.

I don't know about that, but early teas are described in inventories

and sometimes in the tea caddies you get green tea, Boh tea, all these different types of tea,

which were clearly packed. I don't know what they are!

But in terms of the 18th and 19th century when all this luxury product, tea, was so expensive...

Tea caddies were locked and made of silver or tortoiseshell veneer.

There was so much tax on tea it was a luxury for the super rich.

-So you're not telling me you bought this for a pound?

-Yes.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-Brilliant.

-Gosh.

-And I didn't have to haggle, either!

To do it with a pound.

-Any idea what it might bring?

-I'd be surprised if it didn't double its money!

-What, do you mean to £2?

-I don't know. I've never sold one.

-Maybe it's worth £20.

-Let's check out what the auctioneer thinks of the list of teas.

-Do you like a cup of tea?

-I love things like this.

The East India Company. It's just a fab piece of memorabilia.

It won't make a lot of money! But I'm enthusiastic over it.

Jonathan Pratt was given a £1 note to go off into a retail environment and invest in something for profit.

-What's that going to make?

-£15, £20.

-£15-£20, really? That's marvellous, isn't it?

-Love it.

-Lovely. Very good luck on the rostrum.

-Very kind. Thank you.

-So, boys, are you on a roll?

-We are.

-A bacon roll?

-We actually did have a bacon roll.

-A sausage roll.

-Lovely, lovely.

Moving on, though. Your writing box is the first item. £45 paid. And here it comes.

We move to the writing box. Lot 429. £5.

10. 15. 20. 5.

30. 5. 35 I'm bid. 35.

-35. 35.

-Come on.

-Go.

-40. 45.

-Yes!

-The lady at 45.

-One more.

-£45. Everyone else out?

-50, sir?

-One more.

-Go on.

They're not listening to him. No? 45. Sold, then, at 45.

Wiped its face. No shame in that. That's good.

We go now this time to 430. The Denby pot.

£5 to start me? £5?

£5, £5, £5? The Denby pot at £5. 5.

£8. £10.

At £10 I'm bid on my left. £12.

£15. £18.

-£20.

-Yes!

-22? 22.

-Oh, Lordy.

No? £22. £22.

22. All finished, then? 24.

Yes!

-Oh...

-Come on!

-25.

LAUGHTER

25. We don't do this for everyone.

26!

-26.

-One more.

Don't take advantage later on.

-26. 27.

-Yeah!

-27.

-Yes!

-She's all finished.

£27. It's yours.

£27. Bad luck. Good auctioneering. That's minus £1.

That confirms my worst fears about Denby. Now...

-the teapot.

-£30 I'm bid.

The book comes in at 35. 35.

-Madam, you're out. Here at 35.

-Come on!

All finished then? £35.

-Commission at 35.

-That is bad luck. Minus £5.

Overall, you're minus £6, which is not a shameful score at all.

-What are you going to do?

-We can win on minus £6.

-Yeah, you might do.

You're more likely to win on minus 6 than on minus 51.

-Yeah.

-Thanks, Tim(!)

-Go for it.

-No, we're not going for it.

We're not going with the Bonus Buy. I can now reveal the auctioneer's estimate was £20-£35 on that.

And he really liked it.

-He did? Why am I looking so surprised?

-I think it was the French shed that did it.

5. 10. 15. 20.

-5. 30. With me at 30.

-Come on.

5. 35, madam. I have you at 35.

-35. 35.

-Come on.

-£35. To you at 35, madam.

-One more!

Sold at 35.

-Yours at 35.

-Here we go. £35 is minus £10.

-You have preserved your losses at minus £6, yes?

-Good decision.

-Well, Ian, all on your own.

-It's all on me.

-Have you talked to Sarah?

-About the Bonus Buy.

-The £1 excellent early-19th century...

-It might be the only one we make money on!

-You've got her instructions.

-Yeah.

-First up is the smoker's cabinet.

-Here it comes.

-£20 bid. Commission bids are with me. 25. 30.

5. 40. 5.

With me on the book at 45. The room is out. All done? Selling then at 45.

£45, I'm sorry, is minus 20. That's disappointing.

We go now this time to 452. A bit of interest.

We go to the film projector there. I have got commission bids all over it. £40.

I am 45. I am 50.

£50 I am bid. At 50. £60. 70. 80. 90.

£90 with me, then. All done? Selling, then, at £90.

-Result.

-You are now plus 20. Now what is going to happen to the pulley?

-Bye-bye.

The pulley. There is interest.

Starting at 40. 50. 60. 70. 80.

-At £80.

-I say!

-90. I have 100. Do you want 110, sir?

-110. I have 120.

-Yes!

-I have 130.

130 in the room. At 130.

Room bid. Sold...at 130.

-£130. Well done.

-That wasn't so bad.

-Not so bad.

That is minus 54, so you are minus £34. No shame in that. It could be a winning score.

-Are you going to go with the Bonus Buy? Yes?

-Yes.

You and Sarah are going with the Bonus Buy. Here it comes.

Interesting document. East India Company, tea sale announcements.

I have £2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

7. £7 I am bid. £8. 9.

10. 12.

-12. 14. 16. 18.

-Well done, JP.

£20 at the very back. At £20.

-£20. Back at £20. All sold?

-Go on.

-£20.

-Well done.

-Well done.

-That's not a bad profit.

For a pound. Plus £19. It's fantastic.

That's one shy of 20. You are minus £15 at the end of the day.

Now listen, Ian, you and Sarah might easily have a winning score at minus £15.

-Ohh!

-So don't talk to the Reds.

-I won't.

-All right.

It's no secret between the teams and the audience that, sadly, we're not going home with any winnings.

There's no folding money changing hands. It's just a question of the scale of the losses.

-There's only £9 between you.

-Oh!

-That's interesting.

-So it's pretty needle-close.

But the running-up team today are the Blues.

REDS CHEER

Think about it. You got that lovely £40 profit on the projector,

which ought to have saved a lot of bacon, but it wasn't enough to stem the flow,

created largely by the Wedgwood pulley. But there we go. We all learn something as we go along.

The victors today are the Reds. You managed one wiped face and two insignificant losses,

-so you're minus £6.

-Not too bad.

-Have you enjoyed it?

-Brilliant.

We've loved having you. We've had so much fun, join us soon for some more bargain hunting! Yes!

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