Norfolk 30 Bargain Hunt

Today, we're in Norfolk, home to Sandringham,

the Queen's favourite hangout.

But we're not here for a spot of royal watching. Heck, no, Ma'am!

We're off bargain-hunting.

Norfolk is one of the few counties in Britain

not to have a single mile of motorway.

That interesting fact hasn't detailed a right royal crowd

from pitching up today, though, at the Norfolk Showground.

Oh, no! Beep, beep!

On today's show, the Reds go from complacent...

We could be done in 15 minutes.

..to complaining.

I thought this might happen, actually.

What, that we've done so well to begin with that it's just all gone horribly wrong?

While the Blues act up.

Hark, I see a bargain!

That ain't no scope, it's a trumpet! SHE LAUGHS

So, do the locals stallholders know their onions

when it comes to the Bargain Hunt rulebook? Of course they do!

And the teams have one hour and £300 just to find three items.

And the winner is the team that makes the biggest profit or the smallest loss.

-There you are, that wasn't difficult, was it?

-No.

Is this thing medical?

-No, it's a cake stand.

-Oh!

-SHE LAUGHS

Well, there's a bit of an academic feel on our programme today,

because for the Reds, Melody and David are both teachers.

And for the Blues, Karen and Hayden are both at school.

-Well, university, actually. Hello, everybody.

-Hello.

-Hi.

-Now, Melody, you're also David's mother-in-law...

-I am.

-..and you work in a high school.

-Yes.

-Tell us about it.

Well, I'm a pastoral support manager at a high school in Ipswich,

which means I look after the welfare of the students rather than

their academic attainment, that sort of thing.

So just make sure that they are happy and sort of deal with their problems.

-Yes. Now, David, you also work in a school.

-I do.

-What do you do?

I'm a learning support assistant, so I look after the kids with learning disabilities.

And how long have you done that for?

A few years now, actually. I work in a high school now.

I used to work in a college, so it's been three years now.

And what do you like to collect, you two? Melody, what do you collect?

Well, I'm not a big collector.

I've got a fairly large collection of teddy bears

and I collect old postcards, and I would like to collect first editions, but I haven't got very many.

-What about you, David?

-I have a modest collection of glass bottles.

I found a couple. One on a beach in Scotland on the Isle of Mull

and the other I found when I was diving in the bottom of a loch,

-which is apparently an old whisky bottle.

-And it was empty?

It was empty, unfortunately. Didn't have a cork on.

How do you think you're going to get on between you today?

All right, I think. We're quite different, but...

-Totally different, yeah, but we don't argue, do we, yet?

-No.

-Not yet!

-It's not the mother-in-law, son-in-law syndrome quite yet.

-No.

-How long have you been married to Melody's daughter?

-For two years.

-Have you? Ah, lovely.

-Almost two years.

-He says that with real feeling, doesn't he?

-And long may it continue! I hope you enjoy yourselves today.

-Thank you.

-Well, team, are you nervous at all?

-No, not at all.

-No.

-No?

-So, you'll not only mates, you're also housemate?

-Of course.

-Very good. And you're training to be a PE teacher?

-I am indeed, yeah.

Tell us about that.

Well, we get to have fun all day doing some sports,

messing around with whistles, that sort of thing.

And you also have a great love of shooting?

Yeah, I am currently team captain for the GB junior squad.

This is target shooting?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-And you're captain?

-Yeah.

-You must be pretty good!

-Yeah.

-Hayden, is she a sharp shot?

-Absolutely, yes. Yeah!

Hayden, you're studying theatre. Are you a budding actor yourself?

Well, one aspires to be a successful actor.

You also do a bit of comedy.

Yeah, I do prefer comedy than tragedy,

because normally you can tell if you're doing a good job with comedy,

because the audience laugh and they go along with you.

To be honest with you, you can make a lot of mistakes with comedy

and they'll forgive you, the audience, whilst if it's serious...

Yes, it's a big deal, isn't it, messing up with a tragedy.

-Absolutely.

-Today, we don't want any tragedy on Bargain Hunt.

-No!

We only want happiness and joy and comedy and frivolity and lots of double entendres.

Absolutely.

Now, when you're not auditioning and not at university, you're keen on auctions?

Yes, yes. Me and Karen go every Saturday to our local auction,

and, well, we've bought some interesting items,

including a piano for £2.

-Working?

-Yeah!

-Yeah, working.

Fully working, yeah. And we've had a few offers.

So you think you're going to make money today by buying pianos?

-Well, I hope so.

-Don't tell our transport people, I can tell you!

They won't like that, out of a field to the auction room.

-No, but that's good, though, isn't it?

-Yes, yes.

-It just shows it can be done.

-Absolutely.

So what do you both like to collect?

I've got a thing about leather chairs. Got a lovely Chesterfield.

-But it has to be leather...

-Yes.

-..as far as you're concerned?

-Yeah.

-Karen, what do you like to collect?

-I have a few old collections,

but one of them is little wooden voodoo masks.

-Do you stick pins in them or anything like that?

-No, no.

-No, no.

No nasty smells... spells?

BOTH LAUGH

-No.

-OK. Well, talking of spells, I'm about to cast one.

-Two £300 spells.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

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

And very, very good luck. Dear, oh, dear, oh, dear!

And it's all smiles from today's experts.

For the Reds, a girl who never lingers in the shade. It's Catherine Southon.

And for the blues it's the worldly-wise Jonathan Pratt.

Melody and David, now you're both in education,

so have you been swotting up on your antiques?

Well, I've certainly been swotting up, I've done my revision on the way up with my antiques guide,

but I'm not sure about David.

-I was up late last night doing my revision, so...

-Typical student.

Typical, last minute. Well, we have serious work to do now.

Let's go bargain hunting.

-Oi! That's my line Catherine.

-OK, we've got a nice sunny day.

I'm here with a sharp Karen

and the soon-to-be Oscar-nominated Hayden.

-What are we going to do, guys?

-Shoot off into the distance and get some bargains.

-Show us those stalls!

-Come on, then, let's go.

Once more into the breach, dear friends.

Once a thespian always a thespian.

It would have been an ashtray, I would have thought,

-once upon a time.

-It's horrible.

-It's not very nice.

-It's a bit dirty as well, isn't it?

-Oh, I wouldn't worry about dirt, dirt is good.

-Is it? Looks old.

-If it's in the right place.

Yes, I'm not sure where you're going with that, Catherine,

but we'll leave it there. Moving on.

-Oh, no. That's not terrible old.

-My feeling is that that's reproduction.

-Yeah.

-Reproduction.

While the Reds look at repro, the blues seem to have gone into rep.

-Hark! I see a bargain!

-That ain't no scope, that's a trumpet! (LAUGHS)

(LAUGHS) Yes, I think it's time to act as if you're bargain hunting, Blues, thanks.

-What about the baby walker?

-Getting broody, Catherine?

-Chad Valley is a good name.

-For a child.

-Looks like it's seen better days.

-It has seen better days.

-Well, the box certainly has.

-OK, no problem.

Look at that. Absolutely... That's what?

-That's about 300 years old.

-Really?

It's oak, it's bullet-proof, it lasts.

And there are hundreds of thousands of pieces.

There's a tin over there which I thought might be quite interesting.

-That one? This one here?

-Since its Norwich, it's a local firm.

-Oh, Coleman's mustard! The factories in Norwich, isn't it?

-Yeah.

So how old would you say that was? Is there any sort of indication?

-It might be '70s, '80s. But it's lovely cos we've got Coleman's of Norwich, which is wonderful.

-Yep.

It's in lovely condition, there's no real scratches or anything.

And when you're looking at tins, once they start getting scratches

and the colour comes off, that's when the value goes down.

-But that's pretty much perfect.

-So that would sell in auction?

I'd like to think it would sell for about 10 or £15.

That would look very nice in someone's kitchen.

I think so. I think it's wonderful.

-It's iconic.

-I really like it.

-You could put anything in there.

-And we wanted something that was local.

-Yes.

We wanted something that was attached to the area, so I think that's fantastic.

Think about the amount of mustard powder in there.

-What do you think?

-I like it a lot.

-Do you think we should give it a go?

Well, how much is it?

-Eight pounds.

-It is quite a lot for eight pounds would you be prepared to take three for it?

-Yeah. We can do it for three pounds.

-Really?!

-Yeah.

-Three pounds, perfect.

-Thank you very much, sir.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Yes, thank you.

-Well done!

Well done indeed, Reds. It's hardly broken the bank, but you're as keen as mustard and I love that.

Meanwhile, the blues still haven't quite focused.

How about this as a student property?

-ALL LAUGH

-Fancy moving into the property market?

Look... lovely porch.

-Good pebble-dash finish.

-It's too posh for a house.

-Yeah.

-A nice bit of fitted carpet. Is that too posh?

-It is too posh.

Beautiful furniture as well. Yes, beautiful furniture.

It's got a bit of charm too, you know, with the age.

-I mean, it's an idea. Do you like the idea of a dolls house?

-It's 1940s.

-It's nice, I like it.

-OK, let's talk a little about money.

-Yes.

-OK. Can we do 75?

-And that gives me a little bit of profit.

-Yeah, OK. So, 75 is the starting point.

That gives me a little profit.

Is that a "think about it" or do get one under the belt?

-Yeah, a think about it.

-Yeah?

We'll walk down, look at a few more stalls

-and we will buy it or not buy it and we'll tell you on our way past.

-That is the question.

-OK.

Careful, Hayden. Many more Shakespeare quotes and you'll be bard!

OK, thanks. That's very kind and we will see you in the shake of a lamb's tail.

-Come on, guys.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Here's your walking canes. David's very keen to find a pug.

-It's a sort of eagle on the top.

-What's that? Is that ebony?

-No, that's metal.

-We did say we weren't going to buy a walking cane.

-Oh, did you?

-We did.

-You're very specific, aren't you?

-Yeah.

-I quite like that.

-Do you like that?

-I quite like that.

-Now, that is a bronzed eagle's head.

-Is it bronze?

-It's all bronze.

-And it's a lovely cane.

-I think it's really nice.

More often than not, the canes are added to the heads or vice versa.

-Exactly.

-But that one was made for that cane. The bronze head makes it.

-Yes.

-And how much is that?

-That is £65.

-But not to us.

That's it, Catherine, flirtation will get you everywhere.

-Give him a squeeze.

-I like that. How's the size on it?

It's good to see the size.

-What can you do on it?

-Make me an offer.

-I will.

-30?

-No.

-That's on offer.

- That was an offer. I must admit, that was on offer.

If you can do 45, I will do the deal at 45.

-Hmm. I like it.

-I like it.

-Would you take 42?

-No.

I couldn't do 42. If you want to do it at 43, I'll do the deal now.

-I think we should do that.

-- Let's do it.

-Yes, we'll do that. Brilliant. Thank you so much.

-Thank you. That's great.

That's after we said we wouldn't buy a walking cane.

-And here we are with a walking cane.

-You two are on fire!

-I know, but we've got a slowdown haven't we.

-10 minutes! No, please don't slow down.

-We could be done in 15 minutes and I can have a coffee.

-I like it. I like it.

Well, Reds, you're steaming ahead - two items down in less than 15 minutes.

Wow! Will this be a Bargain Hunt record?

Or will you now faff around for the rest of the hour

and buy your third item at the last minute? I wonder!

Look, guys. When you walk around, it's things that catch your eye.

The image there strikes us as a sort of English Arts and Crafts, OK?

And it's an original drawing, so that sort of struck me as being quite a nice object.

And I look at things as if they would be things that I would sell in my saleroom.

So that jumps out to me as being something that is quite unusual and speculative again.

-Yeah, what do you think?

-Do you know, I felt it was quite theatrical.

-I quite like the set next to it.

-OK, so that's a no, then!

HE LAUGHS

Polite way of saying!

-You quite like the mail set?

-Yes.

-Get it out and have a look at it if it's something you're interested in.

Is it OK to have a look at the...? OK, thank you.

I mean it's faux tortoiseshell, OK?

This was made in the thirties, and tortoiseshell was actually

seen as being quite an exotic product...material.

And so people would replicate it in plastics that were available at the time.

But this is still quite a smart thing, and it's complete, and you can buff your fingers up,

and look at yourself whilst doing it. Perfect when you're ready to go on stage!

-Yeah, yeah!

-You could powder your nose in there!

THEY LAUGH

Yeah, the...box is a bit worn.

-But what's inside is nice.

-I mean, it's not a lot of money.

This is a safe thing to buy as your first thing.

Will it make any money? Well, it's not the kind of thing that auctioneers sell as individual lots

-but it's useful.

-Yeah.

-And with a little negotiation, they may be a little profit.

-Yeah. OK.

-What do you reckon?

-Have a think.

-Yeah, but you think?

-It's a nice little piece. Would you take ten?

-15, I think.

-12?

-12?

-Excellent, yeah, we'll take it, then.

-OK, We'll take it.

-Lovely, thanks very much.

-Thank you.

-Thanks a lot.

-Yes!

-First buy!

-One down, two to go. That's very, very good.

Well done, blues. You're off the mark, too. But time is ticking on.

We're now nearly halfway through the shop.

-It's not solid. It's not solid.

-Will that make a lot of difference? I suppose it would.

If it was a nice, solid bronze piece, then I would say it was worth a few hundred pounds.

-Do whatever you say.

-Think I'm barking mad?

I think you might be.

Despite two items under their belt in super-quick time,

the Reds are now beginning to struggle...

-Right, come on. Let's focus.

-And that includes you, David. Come on, boy.

..while the blues are retracing their steps.

-What about this doll's house?

-I think it's a possible gamble.

OK, we're standing in front of the stall that has the doll's house.

Is it a thumbs-up or thumbs-down?

Because we don't have...we've got half an hour and two other items to get then.

Yeah. I'd say no, it's up to you.

-Unless we can get it done a bit more.

-You can try.

We're here to enquire about your wonderful doll's house again.

Oh, right.

Well, I must apologise,

but my husband says I can't let it go for 75. It's too low,

-for what we paid for it.

-That just goes to show you should have shaken her hand at the very start.

-Yes.

-You know, deal done. Snooze, you lose.

-Come on, guys. Let's move on.

-What about the lady?

-A bit risque, isn't it?

-Would you do anything on this one?

-I can do a bit on that one, yes.

-It would have to be 50.

-50.

-What do you think, Karen?

-Is 50 the best you could do on that?

-It is, my darling, yes.

-Have you ever seen something like this before in auction, or...

-I wouldn't want to admit it.

-You're blushing, Jonathan!

-It has been known. I mean, it's a novelty.

People would buy mannequins, not necessarily of this nature,

that they might buy a mannequin like a tailor's manikin, the tailor's shop dummy,

for the dressing room at home so they can hang a jacket on it at night.

This is slightly harder to dress.

It's a bit of fun - you know, it's retro.

-I think we should...

-We'll just think about it.

-Look at his eyes! Oh, man!

-OK.

-What do you think?

-Go on.

-I'm not sure.

-It's a bit...

-You wouldn't go 45?

-Go on, then.

-Shall we go for 45?

-Yes.

-Shall we do it? Let's just go for it.

-Get in there!

-Thank you.

-Thank you very much. Your hands are freezing!

-I know.

-Thank you.

-That's what I like to see. A bit of naked ambition.

And a knockdown price!

Hah! That's two apiece.

-I want my friend Dave to find something, because I think...

-Yes, me too...

-Because I think we've...

-Come on, Dave.

-We've sort of taken over a bit, haven't we?

-Now, these look quite new, didn't they?

-Oh!

-You'll love these, very...

-Seven pounds!

We seem to have lost momentum here, teams. Time for a Bargain Hunt buck-up!

Come on!

There's just some...some interesting stuff round the corner there. Ah!

-Right. OK, is that two done?

-Yes. Two down, one to go.

Karen wouldn't mind a bit of silver now.

Yes, something shiny and pretty.

-OK, shiny and pretty silver needs to be indoors, really.

-Indoors?

I thought this might happen, actually.

-What, that we've done so well to begin with?

-Yes, and then we've stopped.

-And then it's just all gone so horribly wrong.

-I had that feeling, too. But peckers up, Reds.

Keep hunting.

-What about these little cases?

-Well, I mean, the enamel's quite unusual.

I mean, I don't often see little enamel boxes like that.

But if you're a collector of these sorts of things,

it's not a bad example.

Asking 100 for it. You know.

-And that's your little stamp case.

-That's quite pretty. I like that.

Have a look at it.

-Circa 1900, 1910, presumably?

-It's quite nice.

-Yeah.

-What's the price on that?

-48.

-48. Have you seen these before?

-Yes.

Novelty and metamorphic. Things that have unusual ways of opening are always most popular.

So that's quite a nice touch, to have that slide.

If you imagine that it's been done a lot,

-that engine-turning is still rather crisp.

-I really like that.

-What do you think?

-Yes, I like it as well.

Let's wander down to that far end and come back again,

-because we've still got about 15 minutes.

-Yeah.

-I'll give it to you.

-So that will keep your expenditure to rather a neat £100-ish.

-Yeah.

-OK.

-You know, in total.

-Keep that in mind.

Or you could just buy it and be done, Blues!

-Don't get too blase - only ten minutes to go.

-That's nice.

-Nadal?

-It's got his name on the back, he's written it on.

Oh, it's a shame it's written on the back.

I like it printed on the front, I think that's quite nice.

Why do you like that?

It's quite vintagey and I quite like the look of it.

-How much does he want for it?

-I think it said 85.

I don't think I'll make a profit on 85. I like it a lot...

-I tell you what I do love - that.

-Oh, yeah.

-Don't you?

-No!

It's a propeller blade and it's been made into an umbrella stand

or a cane stand. She's not impressed. Do you like it?

-I really like it.

-I think it's fab. Do you want to ask him what he can do on that? His very best price.

Will be price propel a change of heart in Melody?

-Time is running out.

-If we don't see anything that really jumps out...

-Good morning, how are you?

-Fine, thanks. You?

..Then, er, we leg it back to that chap and...job's a good 'un, really.

-What's the news?

-I spoke to him.

He had some interesting things to say about it

-and he can go down to 200.

-OK.

-No less.

He said Avro is the company that made the Lancaster bombers

in the First and Second World War.

He said it predates that, so it could be 1920s or 1930s.

The only thing is that, I think it might be a bit chancy

-and I think it might need a specialist sale.

-Do you think?

-It's interesting.

-If you want it, we'll go with it.

It's got social history, that you wanted...

-If you want to get it, you get it.

-We have...

less than a couple of minutes left.

What I might do on your behalf, I could have a word with

the stallholder, see if I can just pinch it down a little bit more.

-You want me to do that?

-Yes, please.

-Yes, that would be great.

Quickly does it, Catherine -

and Blues, have you decided on bargain number three?

There's some more... What about this...piece?

Yeah.

This piece? A conductor's baton.

Dates, the hallmark is for 1898, Birmingham,

but I'm not convinced that's original.

But the silver casings are all intact. It's got a proper date mark.

-OK, two minutes to go!

-- Shall we have a look at the little cases?

It's about a 30-second run down the road there.

- There's some little cases over there.

That's 165 quid, that's a no-no. Too much money. Thank you very much.

-Go, go, go! The sooner we get there, the sooner we are able to...

-Right.

-Let's give it a little jog.

-Come on, Blues.

Conduct yourselves to your third item now, please!

Have you come up with something?

OK, I've had a word with the gentleman, with the stallholder.

Very reluctantly, he is willing to go down an extra £10.

-We've got it down to 190. So what do you think?

-Yes, go for it.

-OK.

-Let's do it.

-Are you happy?

-Yep. Very happy.

-Put it there.

-I think it's fan...

-I like it.

-..tastic.

-Do you think so?

-I do.

And you can buy something pretty for your Bonus Buy.

She's telling me what to buy as my Bonus Buy! Unbelievable!

-Something pretty.

-Well, I haven't got much left, have I?

-Not now!

-You tell her, Melody.

Now, Blue Team, get a wiggle on. One minute left.

-We're here for your stamp case, if you've still got it?

-Nearly sold it!

Nearly sold it?!

-OK - what's the best you could do on that?

-40 is the very best.

-I'm looking at my watch now.

-38? Any less? Shall we just go for it?

-Let's just go for it.

-OK, cool. Shake hands!

-Thank you!

In the nick of time. Well done, guys. That's three bought.

-I'm happy.

-Yeah? Happy.

-Three good objects.

-Cool as a cucumber!

Yeah, the fitness fanatic. Got to be cool, haven't you?

Thank you very much, sir - that's brilliant.

Crikey, I'm not one to say, "I told you so", but both our lovely teams,

YET AGAIN, left item number three until the last possible moment.

Talk about the nick of time. OK, that's it.

3,600 seconds have ticked by, bargain-hunters, and time is up.

Let's have a look at what the Red Team bought, eh?

They got off to a sizzling start with a Colman's mustard tin

for £3.

Followed this quickly with an eagle-headed walking cane for £43.

Finally, they found a place to stick it - in this stand.

Made of an Avro propeller which cost £190.

-So, happy with everything?

-I think so.

-Really happy.

-Yes?

You don't sound so positive though, Dave.

Are you a bit shifty about anything?

A bit worried about the propeller - we spent a lot of money on it.

I really like it, but it's quite expensive.

Yes, well, you need to speculate to accumulate, old fruit.

-How much did you spend all round?

-236, wasn't it?

-236.

-236.

Does that give me 64? Yes, £64. Thank you very much.

Perfect. Catherine - this is your favourite moment, darling.

Go and spend, spend, spend and find something

that will make a lot of profit for them.

-I know exactly what I'm going to buy.

-Do you?

It's round and beautifully formed.

Now, I think bearing in mind it's lunchtime,

we'd better park that there.

Thank you very much, team, and move on very,

very swiftly and find out what the Blue Team bought, eh?

They started off with this faux tortoiseshell ladies'

necessaire kit for £12.

Then, they blew £45 on this window dummy.

And with seconds to spare,

they bought the silver postage stamp case for £40. First-class!

Well, this is a happy little team, I'd say.

-Had a good time, have you, Karen?

-Yes, it's been amazing.

-And how much did you spend?

-We spent £97!

-You're having me on, aren't you?

-We're students!

-£97?!

-On all three items?

-Yeah.

-OK.

Could I have the £203 of leftover lolly?

Thank you very much, that's lovely. Now, JP - that's a lot of money.

You like taking a big wodge like that, don't you?

I do and I'll be quite happy to spend it all.

It's all about profit with you though, isn't it?

-Well, I've got to make money.

-Course you do. OK, we understand that.

Now, relax up, all right? Your time has come to relax.

JP is going shopping and we're heading off somewhere

drop-dead gorgeous and it's called Ham house.

Yum, yum.

I'm at Ham house,

one of those palatial mansions flanking the River Thames.

It was built in 1610 and in 1626,

was presented by King Charles I to his chum, William Murray.

Nice gift!

From 1637, Murray remodelled much of the interior of the house.

He adopted the new classical style then gaining

dominance in English architecture

and secured the services of Franz Cleyn, the chief designer

at the Mortlake tapestry factories to see the project through.

This is the Long Gallery - a place of great splendour and size.

But this space I'm going to look at today is

nothing like as large as this.

In fact, it's so small, I can only get into it sideways.

Here it is - bit of a narrow squeeze.

But the journey is worth it,

to take you into this exquisite little gem of a room.

Murray had Franz Cleyn raise the ceiling here,

so that it becomes more of a grand, coved room

and Cleyn then decorated it with these tempera-type paintings.

But what's unusual about the Green Closet here at Ham House

is that it still houses an arrangement of pictures

and works of art which it was designed to accommodate.

Of the pictures themselves running along that wall,

my eye is drawn to these two elaborately-carved picture frames.

This one encloses an oval head of an old boy by Gerard Dou, but

the frame itself follows the work of the master carver,

Grinling Gibbons.

Here we've got a solid lump of lime wood that's been so expertly

and exquisitely carved - every detail of every flower head

and piece of foliage is shown...

Allowing this "alto rilievo" effect to be created is extraordinary.

Up above it, we have one of a group of Dutch genre

pictures by Adrian Brewer, showing lowlife carousing in a tavern.

In the 17th century, the consumption of alcohol

and tobacco in Holland was looked down upon and in this scene,

you can see the effects of the moral decline that alcohol

and tobacco bring to the human condition.

The fellow on the right is lighting his clay pipe using a glowing

faggot, but is that hat on his head actually a hat, or is it

a salad bowl? The characters behind look absolutely hideous.

The chap leaning against the table is about to fall asleep

and the chap with the red hat, well -

he's looking at the chamberpot on the floor with...

a degree of longing.

Given the intimacy and scale of the room, not surprisingly,

it's an ideal space for the display of portrait miniatures

and also myths and legends.

In this panel, we've got a reclining figure of the gorgeous Danae.

It records the moment when Zeus,

who's passionate about her feminine charms, disguises himself

as a shower of gold to fall from heaven in order to impregnate her.

The big question today of course for our teams over at the auction

is, are they about to be showered with gold?

We're not moving from the County of Norfolk,

but we have moved to Diss,

to TW Gaze's saleroom to be with

-Elizabeth Talbot, our auctioneer of the moment. Elizabeth.

-Hello, Tim.

We've got a mixture here for this Red Team,

starting with the Colman's mustard, which is Norfolk.

Well, this I'm afraid is kind of taking Col's to Newcastle,

because we're tripping over certainly late 20th-century Colman's mustard.

Had it been 1920s, 1900, 1890s, we'd have been a bit more excited,

but we have to be a bit choosy, I'm afraid.

It's not that unusual, so £10-£15 on that one.

We only paid £3. Should make a profit.

Should make a profit, yes.

Which may not be the case with this walking stick,

-because I don't think this has got any age at all.

-It hasn't, sadly.

It's almost like a tourist piece, but nothing of age to it.

-So what's your estimate?

-We put 25 to 40 on it.

-OK, quite generously.

£43 they paid. We shall see. That could be their dark hole.

But patriotically speaking,

that stick or umbrella stand is pretty special, isn't it?

Well, it's a novelty.

We see the hubs of propellers and things turned into clock and barometer cases and so on,

but that's quite an unusual use of a propeller fin

and it's practical, it's patriotic. I can see that doing quite well.

I would hope so, anyway.

We have hopes that that would make between £200 and £300.

-Is that your estimate, then?

-Yes, £2-£300.

-Well, they paid 190

and they really loved it.

Well, hopefully between us, we know a good thing!

In case it comes unstuck, let's have a look at the Bonus Buy.

Right then, Melody. David? Here we go. £64 of leftover lolly.

Catherine, you said what were you going to find?

-I said round and perfectly formed.

-Show us your wares, Catherine.

-Oh, that's quite nice!

-Oh, that is gorgeous! So is it African, or...?

-Maybe Thai, Eastern.

-I really love that.

-It's lovely.

-But it's all oak - it's just wonderful.

-How much was it?

-It was a mere £43.

-How much do you reckon it's going to make?

I think that's got quite a bit of mileage in there.

-Well, I'd buy it, wouldn't you?

-It's heavy, yes.

-How much would you pay for it?

-43!

-Yes, probably about £50, so I think you've done really well.

-Me too.

-Are you happy with that?

-Very happy.

-Well, that's great, then.

If you need to pick it, you may be at that point

so flush with profits that you don't need to bother, right?

-Yeah...

-Or we may not!

-We'll have to see!

-I think it's great.

-Good. Well, for the audience at home,

let's find out what the auctioneer thinks about Catherine's bowl.

Well, there you are, Elizabeth.

Well, you may well smile at this,

but last time we sold one of these - I think Bargain Hunt brought a very

similar item in and we all thought "ha-ha" - but it did very well.

-Did it?

-On the strength of that,

because I think it's got very similar origins,

we've actually put £70-£90 on it.

Because last time, we got it wrong the other way.

Well, hopefully you've got it right now. £43, Catherine paid.

Well, fingers crossed that that will do OK.

She will be absolutely chuffed. Anyway, there we go.

That's it for the Reds.

Now for the Blues, and what a mixture they've got.

The necessaire, your 1920s/'30s dressing table accessory.

What can I say about this?

It's a slightly larger box of artefacts than one would get,

so that's rather nice. In its original, very deco-shaped case.

Looks fairly comprehensive. We've put £15-£20 on it.

They pay £12, it's neither here nor there.

OK, I think they'll make a small profit out of that.

Now, we've got the shop mannequin. It's definitely female.

How do you rate her?

Well, the point is with this little lady that the vintage

clothing market is booming.

With that is the need for either people in the trade or

collectors to display their lovely collectable pieces on a mannequin.

The mannequin itself may be period,

although early 20th-century ones are so scarce,

that mannequins of any age are selling reasonably well

at the moment and strangely enough,

female ones are harder to get hold of than broad-torsoed male ones.

-It's always been the same!

-So, I think she's going to do OK.

-What's your estimate, then?

-Well, it's only £20-£30.

-Is that a tease?

-Yes!

-£45.

-Yes, I think they may yet do that.

-Now, lastly is this silver stamp case.

-That is beautiful.

It's got engine-turned decoration on it,

a little cabochon button at the top where you can slide

the opening there to reveal its two little compartments

and it's just perfect for slipping in a pocket. I like that very much.

-Me too.

-We've put £40-£60 on it. Can't go wrong at that.

-I would think not.

-That's lovely.

Anyway, famous last words, as they say.

Just in case, let's go and have a look at the Bonus Buy.

Now, Karen, Hayden.

How you could only spend £97 and give

so much cash to JP, I do not know.

Anyway, you did. £203 you had, JP.

-What did you spend it on?

-Well, I chose to buy a bit of porcelain, OK?

Chinese porcelain. It's late 18th century.

Your first observation is that

the handle probably isn't the original handle.

But the reason that's the case is that the handle had broken off!

Actually, these things were prized,

so they went to the trouble of making a handle and fixing it.

It was an expensive object to have, they'd have inherited it and it's nicely decorated in enamels.

Colourful too, like Karen, really, what with the pink hairdo.

-Very colourful!

-What I call famille-rose palette!

-I spent only £40.

-How much?

-40?!

-So how much do you think it would...?

I would say there's definitely a profit in it.

It might be five or ten, it might be 20 or 30.

£40 and you think there's going to be £10-£20 profit out of it?

-That's what you really need to grip, isn't it, guys?

-Yes.

Happy with that? Think it through. For the audience at home,

let's find out what the auctioneer thinks about JP's mug.

-Well, that's handsome, isn't it?

-I like that.

I like that!

That's a late 1830, 19th-century Chinese export porcelain

tankard, beautifully hand-painted. A scene of figures in a garden...

-All done by hand.

-Yes, beautiful. I like that very much.

-I think Jonathan perhaps being clever there. He paid £40, what's your estimate?

-We put £40-£60 on it.

-I think he will do fine on that.

-Exciting stuff, Elizabeth!

Anyway, we'll look forward to seeing you on the rostrum.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you, Tim.

Now, Melody, David. What are your expectations today?

Do you think things are going to go well? What is your feeling?

-Could go either way, couldn't it?

-I think it all hinges on the propeller.

-Yes, it does.

-It's a gamble.

Well, that's your big investment, the £190 you spent.

Well, I'm delighted to tell you that the auctioneer loved it.

She put £200-£300 on. She thinks it's a very, very desirable object.

-Really?

-Which is good, because that's 190 of your cash went into that.

The other two things are just for fun really, aren't they?

-The tin certainly is.

-She said there's lots of those. £10-£15.

She was apologetic about that, I said, "Don't you worry about that,

"£3 only was paid!" That was a cool price.

And here comes the old tin.

We have the 1970s Colman's of Norwich mustard tin,

flying the flag for a local firm.

Where am I saying? Start me at £10.

Mustard tin for £10, surely? Thank you, sir - ten I have.

£7 profit.

-At £10, maiden bid here at £10. Gentleman has bid 10.

-£10.

-Are you all done?

-£10 is +7 pounds. Nothing the matter with that.

That cuts the mustard! Now, here comes the bronze-headed stick.

The ebonised and bronze walking cane.

The head in the form of an eagle, there we go.

Where am I saying for the walking cane? Start me at 20.

Good, practical cane this one. £20. Ten I'll take.

-Ten by the door, thank you. Ten in the hat, I'll take 12.

-Ooh.

Looking for 12. It's £10 by the door. Surely worth more?

Any advance on the ten? All done?

-Oh, dear.

-I don't think it's as old as we thought.

-Minus 33 for that.

The novelty Second World War period walking cane or umbrella stand,

it's constructed from a propeller blade, made by Avro, a fine example.

Where am I saying for this? Start me at 200.

Good, historical piece, will stand well in the hall at £200. £100.

It's worrying that it doesn't look as if she's got commission bids.

Are you bidding? £100 in the gallery, at £100 I have.

It's surely worth more than 100.

It's a good example and a rarity at 100. Unique in fact, at £100.

Where are you at ten? This isn't going to fly very high!

-Come on, £100, where are you at 10?

-She was optimistic!

Surely worth more? Any advance on £100?

-Oh...

-£100. Minus 90.

-Oh, dear!

-Oh, dear.

-Never mind.

-So, what about the bowl?

-We'll have to do it, won't we?

-Oh, we love the bowl. Yes.

-£116.

You're going with the Bonus Buy,

going with the old washing-up bowl and here it comes.

19th-century large oak bowl. Good furnishing piece. Start me at £50.

30 I'll take to start. Good country piece this, at £30 on the bowl.

Thank you, sir. £30, central bid at 30. I'll take two.

It's only £30, it should be worth more at £30.

-Come on, ladies and gentlemen...

-Dear oh dear.

-She rates this, as well.

-Yes. She thinks it's worth £70-£90.

Where are you at two? It's the maiden bid. Are you all done at £30?

Minus 13. 160, 126, minus 129.

Now...!

The way things are going, that could be a winning score!

-It could well be!

-Could be!

-Oh, dear. Don't say a word to the Blues.

-Course not.

-Not a word. Thank you very much.

OK, guys. This is the end of the long wait.

-You feeling confident, Karen?

-Yeah. I'm... Yeah. Confident.

That's confident confident(!) Now we move to the thespian.

-Are you confident?

-Er... N... Slightly.

-No, seriously.

It's a difficult one to predict.

-Have you been talking to the Reds?

-No.

-Good.

We don't want you to. Now, the little necessaire case. £12 only.

-That was so cheap, wasn't it?

-Yeah.

-She's put 15 to 20 on it, anyway.

She likes it. Here it comes.

Now, the 1930s ladies' necessaire,

the good case set of accessories for you.

Interest on the sheet shown and I start here at £10.

£10 bid for the set at 10, I'll take 12. At £10 bid now, where at 12?

15, 18, 20...

Back with me at 20. Lost you left. 20 I have, I'll take two.

-You're in profit.

-I'm looking for two elsewhere.

It's 20 on commission. It will sell.

It will. At a profit. Plus £8.

-I like to see the plus sign. Now the mannequin.

-On a glass space there.

Interest on this one here, and I start at just £18. £18 bid.

Now at 20, gallery. 22. 25,

-28, 30, two...

-Keep going, keep going...

-Go on.

-..38, 40 now is the gallery.

In the gallery now, looking for two elsewhere.

It's 40 in the gallery, surely worth more?

Any advance on £40 in the gallery?

-Bad luck, minus five. You're still plus 3, though.

-That's all right.

Now, the stamp case. This should be exciting.

Silver postage stamp case, Birmingham, 1911. This is lovely.

Unusual design, I have interest on the sheet shown here.

I'll start at £12. £12 bid at 12, where's 15?

15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 28,

30, 32... With me at 32.

Lady's out, surely worth more? 35, new bidder, 38.

40, 42, 45, 48, 50,

55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, I'm out.

-80!

-80 is in the room, I'm looking for five.

It's £80 to my left now, a good collector's item at 80. Any advance?

-Thank goodness! £80!

-Yes!

Now, the porcelain tankard I'm making a presumption here...

-No, no, no.

-We'll sell it anyway, just to see what might have been.

18th-century Chinese porcelain tankard with later wicker-bound

handle. As you find it, there it is.

But it's a super tankard,

beautiful decoration to that one, where am I saying? Start me at 50.

Come on, it's good value. 40 I'll take.

Lady has bid at 40 now, where are you at two?

I have a bid at 40 now, where are you at two?

-It should be worth more than this.

-It SHOULD be worth more than this.

-Hey, JP! Well done!

-Any advance?

It's a maiden bid, it will sell at £40...

-That's all right!

-No profit, no loss. No pain, no shame!

-Wiped its face. Well done, JP.

-Well...

And you were both wrong there, won't you?

Still, there we go - it's a difficult game to predict.

But who cares? The big thing now is don't say a word to the Reds.

-Well done, though. Congratulations.

-Thanks!

Well, it's a day of distinct contrasts today, isn't it?

-Have you been comparing notes... about the profits or losses?

-No.

-I'm afraid the runners-up today substantially are the Reds.

-No!

-You are. How could this be, Davido?

-I don't know!

And I'm not sure it was right, this result, either,

because that propeller jobbie should've done better.

I think you've just had a bit of bad luck. But has it been fun, Melody?

Oh, it's been brilliant. Had a great time.

Loved having you on the show, David.

Very good luck with everything. Thank you, Catherine.

Meanwhile, the victors today,

and that's why I say it's a day of contrasts, because it's

perfectly possible to make a chunking profit and congratulations.

-Did you enjoy it?

-Of course, yes.

-Nice experience, Hayden?

-Fantastic.

Well done, JP, for all your support and hard work.

-In fact, join us soon for some more bargain-hunting, yes?

-ALL: Yes!

I know you're sitting there thinking,

"I could have done better than that!"

Well, what's stopping you?

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

It will be splendid to see you!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd