Lincoln 5 Bargain Hunt

The Lincolnshire Antiques and Homes Show

is the largest of its type in the UK

and anywhere else in Europe.

So Bonjour! Guten Tag! Ciao! Ola!

Let's go Bargain Hunting! Oh, yeah.

Lincoln is a town so steeped in history

and rich with culture

that others are literally Lincoln green with envy!

What better place, then,

to let two teams of bargain hunters loose, each with £300.

Here's a quick sniff as to what's coming up.

The reds are having a testing time.

-That is Japanese.

-Satsuma?

-It's not Satsuma!

-Do you know any other Japanese style of porcelain?

-No.

-No.

While the blues feel the pressure.

We've got three minutes. We need to buy something really affordable.

It's a bit of a damage limitation exercise!

Let's meet the teams.

Today, we've got a rum old group.

For the reds we've got an uncle and niece,

and for the blues, we've got partners.

Partners for the last seven years.

-Hello, everybody!

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Lovely to see you.

Now, Gary and Lynne. Gary, you're a bit of a lifeline for a lot of people, right?

Right. I work part-time in the Lifeline organisation

which deals with the elderly or disabled or people with special needs.

They call through. Sometimes, they just want a chat.

Sometimes they want a doctor, sometimes they want an ambulance.

-It's a marvellous job that you do.

-It's absolutely fantastic.

-How long have you been doing that?

-Not a year, yet.

I took early retirement and I just do this part-time.

What's this I hear about a fear of bidding at auctions?

-Absolutely terrified.

-Are you?

But you'll be all right on Bargain Hunt? All right on buying?

-Yes.

-Lynne, you're a full-time carer?

-I am.

-Tell us about that.

My daughter is severely disabled.

Do you ever get any time to go away, some time to yourself?

No, don't be silly. No. But I don't mind. It's life.

-Yes.

-And I'm blessed. I've got two gorgeous kids and I'm blessed.

-You've also got an incredible knowledge of antiques?

-Oh, God, yes!

-That's what it says here. Tell us about it.

-Nothing.

-You don't know anything?

-No, nothing!

-So you're here to support the big man.

-I am.

Because it's his favourite programme.

-If you know absolutely nothing about antiques, I predict you'll do rather well today on Bargain Hunt!

-Good.

-How's that?

-Good!

-We're waiting for your performance!

-We've got to win!

-Very good luck.

-Thank you.

Now for the blues. John and Sharrie.

John, you met Sharon professionally, I believe, to start off with.

Yes. I was a lone parent. I needed advice on starting a business.

Sharon was a lone parent advisor.

-She asked, "What are your circumstances?" I replied, "Tragic."

-Oh, yes?

So that melted her icy cold civil service heart.

So she asked you out?

-She did.

-Did she ask you out?

-To a Paul Weller concert.

-I didn't realise I was being hunted.

-Right.

That's something, isn't it? That's taking the civil service to another level!

-How good's that?

-Not bad at all!

-Pretty civil!

Sharon, it says here you're a bit arty.

I've always loved artists such as William Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement.

-I did a degree in textile design.

-Did you?

-I did.

-Then what happened?

I worked as a textile designer, printed textiles, for quite a few years.

I went to a cafe once and my wallpaper was on the wall. That was nice!

Did you go to the owner and say, "That's my wallpaper! It's mine! I designed it!"

-I tried to be really cool!

-Blase about it.

I think you'll do rather well today on Bargain Hunt. I predict.

-Now the money moment. £300 apiece. There's your £300.

-Thank you.

You know the rules. Your experts await and off you go!

Very, very, very good luck.

Our experts today are pretty cool themselves.

Attempting to race in front for the reds will be David Harper.

And for the blues, a woman who is no stranger for getting ahead, Kate Bliss!

Gary, surely it's not true that all your antiques knowledge comes from Bargain Hunt?

-But I'm an expert.

-Purely from watching Bargain Hunt, you know everything about antiques?

-Expert.

-Is there anything you want to find today?

-Pretty and sparkly.

-OK. Sounds good to me. What about you, John? Is that you? Sparkly?

-Yeah, of course!

-I like writing boxes, I like snuff boxes.

-You just like boxes.

-I like boxes.

-He likes boxes.

You like silver and jewellery, and Sharon likes jewellery and silver.

So I can see where this is going to go today!

Think you might be outnumbered?

Possibly. I'm getting it in stereo here!

Gary's straight in with some of his Bargain Hunt expertise!

Is that Doulton, there, David?

-Which one?

-This.

-The red one?

-Yes.

It's very interesting you say that.

-Because you are the...

-Expert.

-..expert.

-And you've learned everything you know from...

-Bargain Hunt.

-Exactly.

-And you.

-And me. Oh, and me?

-Lynne, is he right? Is that Royal Doulton?

-I don't know.

-Shall we test him?

-Test him. I hope you're wrong!

-Are you ready?

-Ready. Just tell me.

-You are correct.

-There you go.

-Is he?

-I'll show you. Absolutely.

-Flambe ware.

-Look at that.

-Royal Doulton. Tell you what...

-You've been reading books as well.

I've seen it before. It's not very old, is it?

It's circa 1920.

-But it's just not making...

-Money.

-Right.

-OK, then.

-Right.

-Leave it. Come on.

-Come on, then.

Well, with two experts on the team,

I expect big things from the reds.

The red team's Gary likes boxes, apparently.

And it looks like John's a drawers man!

Nothing the matter with that, though!

'30s, I would say. Maybe '40s.

I think we could do better than that.

The top one's filled with £50 notes, though!

And pigs might fly!

Just look at the selection of things, Gary.

-Is this a cheese dish?

-No, I think it's more of a pie.

-Oh. Interesting.

-There's a box there I wouldn't mind a look at.

-OK.

That didn't take him long.

Circa 1900.

I don't know. Tell me, is it?

No, you're the one who's learned everything from Bargain Hunt.

-Is it a writing...

-It will be.

What sort of use? It's got carrying handles.

-Portable...

-(Campaign.)

-Campaign. A campaign one.

-You're good. He's good.

-Definitely a campaign one.

Something tells me he's still learning from Bargain Hunt!

-A campaign one.

-Yeah. Early Victorian.

They used to be much more expensive.

But like all markets, things change, that's all.

-It's mahogany bound and protected in brass.

-Lovely, in't it?

With flushed sides so it can be packed easily

on a carriage, a train, a boat, it's easy to be packed.

-Do you like it?

-Protected by brass.

It's a cute little thing.

You've got a maker's mark on the lock, which is a good sign.

It needs restoration, which isn't a bad thing for when you're putting something into auction.

What would you be talking about at auction for this?

It falls into that kind of 80 to 120 mark.

-What's it up for?

-I don't know.

-Shall we get a...

-Then we'll send Rottweiler in! She's going to be nice.

Hi, there. What kind of money have we got on the box?

-VENDOR:

-125.

-What about ten?

-115?

-Go on. We need this. We need to win!

-Have you done the deal?

-We've done the deal.

-Done the deal.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

So, the reds' first buy. It's a box. What a shock that was!

Meanwhile, the blues are looking at something girly and silver. Never mind, John!

-It's really pretty. I like that.

-It is pretty.

-Would that be for perfume?

-Yes, that would be for perfume.

-How much is that going for?

-Well, they've got 35 on there.

I'd like to see it a little more affordable.

It's unusual. It's a lovely shape.

The quality of the cut glass is quite good for something like that.

It hasn't got what I would call a star-cut base,

which you often see on Victorian pieces.

It has got a silver mark, John. Are you all right with that?

You said that as if I have a choice!

-No, I'm fine with silver, yeah.

-Yeah? You're happy?

-Shall we see what sort of price we can get?

-Yeah.

Excuse me. We quite like your scent bottle. Anything you can do for us on that?

We've got to go to auction with it.

20 and that's it.

-20?

-I like it. What do you think?

We have got a bit of a chip, there,

but I think that could easily be polished out or ground down

so you wouldn't notice the chip.

If you could get that for £20, I'd grind that down with my teeth!

So, £20. What do you think?

-We should go for it.

-I like it.

-We should stand a chance at £20.

-It is silver, you know, John.

-It's what I'd have on my dressing table!

-I think he quite likes this, you know.

-I think he does!

-Going to do it?

-Yeah. Go for it.

-You've got a deal. Great. First item.

Well done, blues. And you're wise to go with the flow, John.

That's one item apiece.

What kind of things sell in auction?

Clocks, watches, boxes.

-Boxes.

-I've bought a box.

-You've bought the box.

-Yeah.

So, you've been paying attention, Gary. I'm pleased about that.

-There's some drawers there.

-I've just noticed those. I like those.

They look a bit reproduction.

Let's have a closer look.

What's the price on there?

-VENDOR:

-650.

-650, guys.

-Just a wee bit over our budget today.

-A little bit!

-Just a little!

That's a top-drawer price, and all!

Show us what you like, Lynne.

-I just like the trinket thing.

-OK.

What style do you think it is?

I just like it. That's all I can tell you about this.

That's a good enough reason to buy anything.

What date do you think it is? I love testing.

-No idea.

-You're coming on soon. Come on, then.

-I'd say about 1900.

-I would say.

-What about you, Gary?

-1920.

-1920. I think its style, it's Arts & Crafts, isn't it?

-Yeah.

So that would be late 19th, circa 1900.

-Lynne, you're a superstar.

-Thank you!

So it's copper with that lovely bark effect.

That colouration is something that was there the day it was made.

Tin-lined, so probably to hold something hot.

Maybe coffee or chocolate.

It probably would have been part of a much bigger set.

-At the right money, it's a good auction piece, that.

-Is it?

Yeah. Let's get a price. What sort of money on the pot?

-VENDOR:

-£90.

What is the absolute death? I know you're trying.

Another fiver. I am trying. What is on there?

There's £150 on that.

But I am trying to give you a chance.

I think, Lynne, I've got to say,

the writing slope's good, but it has a fixed market price on those things.

You can go to any sale room, any shop in the world, and buy something like that.

You will never in your life see this again. I don't think.

Mind, we'll go to auction and there'll be another four!

That's happened to me before!

Yes, occasionally this auction lark is like waiting for a bus.

It has dents, but it's got the look.

-Let's go for it.

-Lynne, it's a risk. Do you take risks?

-Let's take it.

-OK, do it.

-Thank you.

-Big spenders. Lovely.

Thank you. Stop gloating!

-That, Lynne, is my favourite thing so far.

-Thank you.

-Not my box?

-No, sorry, Gary.

-Not your box!

Sorry, Gary. You're coming second.

Good on you, Lynne. Take the plunge.

That's two for you reds.

Sharon, this is your kind of thing, isn't it?

-I love this. It's lovely. I love the blue.

-They are lovely, actually.

-Probably not the best buy for a sale room.

-No, I don't think so!

Yes. We're not looking to reupholster the auction room!

Try again, blues.

The red team are going all Mastermind on us!

-Are you going to test me?

-I am.

-I love being tested!

-And that's year circa?

-That there? The little dish?

-Yes.

-OK.

-Am I allowed to handle it?

-Yeah. Touch it.

-OK.

-Very interesting.

-There's no, er...

-I'm going to tell you that that is Japanese.

-Satsuma.

It's not Satsuma!

-Do you know any other Japanese style of porcelain?

-No.

-No.

It is circa 1900.

Probably more on the side of 1880.

I love being tested. But hang on, Gary.

Was I right?

Within about five or six years, I think.

Excellent. Lynne, are you impressed with Gary and I?

-Yeah.

-You're impressed with me, aren't you?

No!

Don't spend all day testing each other! I make that circa half an hour gone, teams!

-I really like that.

-I do. That's gorgeous.

-Is that the kind of thing you'd have in your living room?

-Yes, it is!

It's really stylish, actually, isn't it?

-This sort of thing is really in at the moment.

-It's lovely.

-Do you want to have a look at the smaller ones inside?

-Love to.

I think that's probably out of our price range.

Big light at the front.

-1,250.

-Bit out of our budget, guys.

-£1,250.

-Let's look at a smaller one.

It's something I think people would use, wouldn't they?

I like that one. How much is that one?

-VENDOR:

-180.

-180.

-SHARON:

-It is a light, isn't it?

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

-Yeah.

-Look at that.

That's what I was thinking, if you could actually use it.

-It's silver-looking, John, again!

-Lovely.

-I like that.

-John, what do you think?

I really like it, I must admit. I do like it. I like it.

Did you say 118, did you say?

-180!

-Oh, sorry!

Good try, John!

I like the look of that one. It looks like something off an old car.

There's more going on.

It's probably more suitable for somebody to use in their home

as a reading lamp in the corner.

-You wouldn't want your whole sitting room floodlit, necessarily.

-No.

-I think we should probably go for it.

-I think we should.

-I'd rather buy that...

-I'll take a chance on it.

-I would.

You're agreeing, so I think we'll do the deal. Yes, please.

-Thanks very much.

-Who shall I shake hands with?

Thank you!

Well, that's a shiny, silvery second buy for you blues.

You're neck and neck. Meanwhile, David is leading the reds into battle.

-Lynne, you look completely confused.

-Yes.

It's something with a wooden spoon on!

I think it's a bit more than a wooden spoon, Lynne. I do!

All right. It's a wooden spoon.

I think he's lost it, Lynne!

No, it's brilliant. It is an old medieval siege weapon.

I cannot for the life of me remember the name of this siege weapon.

-I'm sure it's a mangle.

-A mangle. Do you love it or what?

-No.

-Hate it!

I think you'll need to fight your corner, here, David.

-I won't have it.

-No.

-Obviously, no.

-I couldn't even imagine where to put that.

-It's lovely made. I can tell that.

-Do you want to buy it?

-I don't. Do you?

-Yeah, I do.

-Do you think somebody would buy that in auction?

-Probably me!

-Buy it, then!

-Buy it. Go and get it.

-I think it's quirky. Can we shoot it?

-Yeah.

OK. We'll load it.

Pull it back. Fix it tight.

I'll put the unpaid bill in there.

Hang on, Lynne. I'm going to get you some super power. This thing here...

CREAKING

Isn't that a lovely sound?

-Pull it.

-Right.

-Move out of the way.

-He'll have your eye out!

-Ready! Wa-hey!

-Wow!

-Now, look at that!

-That were fabulous.

You see? If you play with it, it becomes more attractive.

Can we come back to it if we get a good price on it?

Tell you what. If I could pay £40 for it, I'd have it.

£40? Yeah, absolutely definitely.

-40?

-Yeah, I'll do 40 for you.

-Do you want to have a quick look around first?

-Ten minutes.

-Can you hold it for ten minutes?

-Ten minutes, 40 quid.

-Fine.

-Thanks a lot.

-Thank you.

-So that will be my choice.

Yes, David. I think we got that!

You can shoot off and have a hunt, reds. But don't leave it too long, eh?

That's 160, I think.

We haven't got that much money left!

Well, it's not silver.

-How much have we spent?

-We've spent £200, Kate.

Oh, dear. This is a really nice example. It's rosewood,

typically Regency in date, 1820s.

These lovely wooden ring handles.

Little bun feet. Inlaid brass escutcheon.

But 130. Sorry about that. I'll give it back to you.

-Thank you!

-Thank you.

Uh-oh. Gary's got another request.

With only circa ten minutes left!

-So you want to see a bit of tribal art?

-Tribal art.

-Tribal art.

-Circa 1840, 1850.

OK. Circa 1840, 1850. Lynne?

-Yeah.

-Circa?

-Yeah.

I actually quite like those.

-What are they?

-These are little Vestas. For matches.

I quite like those, yeah.

That one's nicely engraved. You've got some clear hallmarks here.

That one's a little bit plainer.

So that might be the better buy. Slightly better condition.

I wonder what price would be on these?

How much for your Vestas?

Sorry, sir, is it your stall?

-MAN:

-40 each.

-40 each? Hmm.

Think we ought to haggle?

Could you take anything off the 40?

Cos our budget's right down.

I know that. 35 would be the best.

Really. £35 is probably the top end of an auction estimate, I'd say.

It's not the most unusual item in the world. There's quite a lot of them around.

-But we've literally got five minutes left.

-Yes.

So shall we put it back in the cabinet, have a quick look over there,

-then we can always come back.

-Yes.

-OK. I'll follow you.

-Tribal art.

-Let me show you a bit of tribal art.

-I met somebody who looks like that.

-I've been out with somebody who looks like that!

-This one.

-Yes.

-All right, Gary.

You've seen the programmes.

Talk to me about that. What's it made from, first of all?

-Bone.

-Yes.

-Which continent?

-It's African.

-Yes.

-Circa?

-Circa not very old, that one!

-Is it you? Do you like it?

-No, no, no.

-After all that skill...

-You don't like it, do you?

-No.

-No.

I bet you're glad you bothered, David!

-I like these little numbers. Are they old?

-They are nice,

but I think, again, they are not as old as they look.

-Exactly what I thought. It was more Sharon than me, that one.

-Ooh!

Now, that's hardly fair, John.

Listen, you've seen some tribal art.

Well, I...

-Yeah. I'd sooner... What about that wooden thing?

-Yeah, go for that wooden...

-I think so.

-It's grown on me.

-Has it?

-Cos I fired it.

-Yeah.

Well, now you're fired up, you'd better get it bought

because that clock's a-ticking!

We've got three minutes. We need to buy something really affordable.

It's a bit of a damage limitation exercise!

Oh, gosh. We're down to the wire.

Oh, two minutes to go! We'll have to run back to the Vestas.

-Shall we do the Vesta?

-The Vestas?

-We're going to have to!

Why not, John? You were so keen on silver, after all.

This is it. Look at the dream machine. Isn't she just delicious?

-Are we definitely going to have her?

-Yeah, go for it.

-Shake the man's hand. It's £40.

-Right.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Thank you.

-Cheers.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

First stage completed, reds. But how is the enemy doing?

I think that's probably the best bet.

It's got to be 30, Kate, just for cash?

MAN: 32.

Right. 32. What do you think? We've got seconds left. Shall we go for it?

-I think we're going to have to!

-We'll take it.

Thank you!

-Three items. Well done.

-That's it.

Fantastic! Well done!

-Well done, you.

-Phew! Let's go and have a cup of tea.

-Oh, yes!

Three silver items for the blue team.

Who knew?

Don't let it be said our reds and blues are tinny.

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

They kicked off with no surprises

when Gary bought a writing box for £110.

Lynne chose an Arts & Crafts copper jug for £85.

Finally, they launched their last bit of cash

at this siege engine for £40.

Lynne, which is your favourite piece?

-The jug.

-The jug.

-Are you sure?

-Yes!

-Oh.

-OK.

-What about you, Gary?

-I love the box.

-Is that going to bring the biggest profit, Gary?

-No.

-What will bring the biggest profit?

-Lynne's jug, I think.

-Yes.

-It has the potential to do it.

Yes. Stick with the relations. Keep it in the family.

What's the total spend?

-£235.

-235. Then I would like £65 of leftover lolly, please.

-There you are.

-65.

-Just count it.

-I trust you. Millions wouldn't!

-Thank you(!)

-Straight over to the Harper.

-Thank you.

-What are you going to spend it on?

-I've got my eye on something, Tim.

-Have you?

-I may have to blow the lot.

It's something that will put a smile on... Cos we've had some good fun.

-I want to introduce something that will make them laugh again.

-Yeah.

I think I've seen him. I'm going to go and nab him.

Good luck, David. Good luck, team. Let's check out what the blue team bought.

The blues started off with a silver and cut glass scent bottle for £20.

They bought a 1950s Strand theatre light for £180.

Finally, they snapped up a silver Vesta case for £32.

-What did you spend all round?

-All round, we spent £232.

That is a marvellous amount of money.

That's a mature, grown-up spend.

Good on you. I'd like 68, please, in the way of leftover lolly.

-There we go.

-Thank you. That's 65 and three little smackers there.

How did you get on with Kate?

-Oh!

-Fantastic.

-She's a great girl, isn't she?

-Amazing.

She's particularly good at buying bonus buys, aren't you, Kate?

I'm going to waste no time at all.

See you later.

Going off like greased lightning. How lovely.

Anyway, we're heading off now somewhere really rather marvellous.

Located between Leeds and York,

Lotherton Hall is the former home of the Gascoigne family.

Established in west Yorkshire since the 13th century,

the family grew rich from farming and coal mining.

By passing their possessions down through many generations,

the Gascoignes achieved a considerable group of family heirlooms.

These heirlooms weighed heavily on the shoulders of one Colonel Gascoigne

who inherited Lotherton Hall in 1893.

The colonel was notoriously concerned about security.

When not in residence at Lotherton,

he insisted that all the family silver

was taken to a bank vault in Leeds,

despite the house having a safe with a steel door several inches thick.

The old colonel went to great lengths

to protect his family's assets.

Including fitting these massive folding iron gates

at various places throughout the house.

What I think is so extraordinary

is the ugliness of those gates contrasts so starkly

with the beauty of the Cuban mahogany polished doors.

But all that security worked.

And, at the risk of the old colonel turning in his grave,

I've had a quick pilfer through his silver safe

and come up with these treasures. Aren't they spectacular?

Each of them are a trophy presented to the Gascoigne family

and in the 18th and 19th century, anybody who was anybody was involved in the process of racing.

The one on the end is the Doncaster Cup, which was made in 1776.

And you can immediately tell that it's a racing trophy

because the cast silver plaque on the front

is cast with two racehorses galloping towards the finishing post.

The next one is called the Beverley Cup,

which rather intriguingly on the back is inscribed by the winning horse

which was called Bumtrap!

Rather a fun name!

And the largest of the lot commemorates four wins

of the St Leger in the 18th century.

A magnificent piece of neo-classical silver,

all the elements that Robert Adam might have incorporated

into a neo-classical building are here on this silver trophy.

Cast with a figure of Bacchus on either side,

Bacchus being the god of wine and therefore hospitality,

with sections underneath appropriately cast with vines.

How divine!

Sir Thomas Gascoigne, in the 18th century,

was a collector of snuff boxes.

Here's a selection from his collection.

This one was particularly prized by Sir Thomas

because he had himself painted by Bertoni -

and the picture still exists in the house -

holding this snuff box.

This is French. It dates from the 1770s.

But the really nice thing about it is this oval miniature.

A miniature on ivory displaying a portrait of none other personage than Marie Antoinette.

It's no wonder he wanted to hold it

when he was having his portrait done.

Perhaps the most beautifully crafted of all the snuff boxes, though, is this little fellow.

Made in Italy, again in the 1770s,

but constructed out of a stone carcass called porphyry.

It, too, is mounted with gold bands

but most importantly, the top is decorated in micro-mosaic.

Little chips of different-coloured stones

arranged to form a picture.

In this instance, some doves about a bowl.

The original scene for this was a mosaic floor

unearthed at Hadrian's villa in Rome

in the 18th century.

All in all, these snuff boxes are just enchanting.

The big question today is, for our teams over at the auction,

are their chances about to be snuffed out before they make a profit?

£40, anyone? 40?

How exciting is this? We've trotted to Lincoln, to Golding, Young and Mawer,

-to be with Colin Young. Colin.

-Morning, Tim.

-Good to see you in Lincoln.

I do travel north every now and again.

-Cracking to be here. What a lovely busy-looking saleroom you've got here in Lincoln.

-Thank you.

Super-duper. Anyway, Gary and Lynne,

their first item is this old box.

-A bit clapped out, isn't it?

-It's a bit shabby chic around the edges,

but it's been on campaign and obviously quite a long campaign.

Yes. It doesn't do it for me, to be perfectly honest. Does it do it for you?

It does as far as boxes go.

This one is better than the average.

For that reason we've put an estimate of 80 to 120 on it.

£110 they paid.

You're being very generous with your estimate, Colin. That's very nice.

We'll have to cross everything, won't we?

Yes!

Moving on, their second item is this rather disappointingly thin and weedy

but very stylish continental coffee pot or whatever it is.

Yes, I quite like it. Again, style-wise it's an interesting thing.

It's nice that it's got that two-tone almost verdigris on it.

-It sort of works stylistically.

-How do you estimate that, Colin?

We've put 50 to 80 on it.

Let's hope it catches somebody's eye

because they paid £85.

-OK.

-It's a big old number.

-Yep.

The same can be said for the siege engine.

This looks to me like it came out of a lower-fifth history lecture room!

That, or an adapted part of somebody's spoon collection!

I'm not quite sure which!

If you want a model siege engine, it's a pretty cool thing, isn't it?

It's actually reasonably well built.

But 25 to £40, I think.

That's a first-rate guess. £40 was paid, actually.

Anyway, whatever happens, they're likely to need their bonus buy

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

Now, Gary, Lynne.

You spent a magnificent £235. I'm so proud of you.

£65 go across to the Harper.

-What did you buy, David?

-Get ready!

-Say hello!

-Oh, God!

-Oh, my God!

Is that a voodoo doll?

Don't frighten her, David!

He's wonderful. He's a voodoo puppet doll.

-How much did that cost you?

-I blew the lot.

No!

-Lynne, I saw him and I thought...

-You thought of us! Yeah(!)

-I thought of you, Gary.

-Yeah.

-I thought, "I have to have him.

-"I've got to have him."

-Is that bad luck?

-No, he's not bad luck.

-I don't get any bad feelings.

-Do you want to touch him?

-No!

Have a hold of him. Is he worth ten quid or 200 quid?

-You can't value it.

-A pound.

-Tuppence!

-And it's got holes in it, and all.

-He's old. That's his original clothing.

-How old is he?

-I think late 19th, early 20th century.

-Right.

-Tim, you don't look impressed.

-Where would you put that, then?

I think it is a most interesting thing, David, I have to say.

The suiting does have a few repair issues,

but it's got something, David, I'll give you that.

OK. Back to base. Are you impressed?

-No.

-No.

OK. Brilliant. That's a reaction from your team.

However, if things are going really badly,

you might need to choose him.

But on the other hand, for the audience at home,

let's see what the auctioneer thinks about David's little dolly!

Hello, Colin!

How much is this one worth, then?

-Hold it.

-Hold it?

-I don't want to hold it much longer in case it gives off any unlucky vibes!

-Indeed.

-Pretty repulsive looking thing.

I'm not sure whether that's a tooth or whether he's gripping a die in his mouth.

-It's got a couple of spots on it.

-Yes.

I suppose this is going to be 25 to £40

and that estimate is based on nothing other than total guesswork

because I haven't seen another one like that.

I don't know that David Harper had, either,

-cos he paid £65, which is pushing the boat out a bit!

-Hmm.

I'll put it down quick.

Let's hope none of those nasty vibes rub off on your or I.

I think that could be a problem.

OK. That's it for the reds. Now for the blues.

Rather more traditional look. A scent bottle.

It is what it is. Nice cut crystal.

Silver band on it. A little bit worn, a bit tired.

On the top of the spire, there is a bit of a chip on the top.

It's seen some service.

Nice item, but fairly bland.

25 to £40.

They paid a regular price, only £20.

-So that was cheap enough to buy that retail.

-Yep.

Next is the Strand theatre light.

It's an item which is increasingly popular.

Will it go well at auction?

Yes. There are plenty of historical reports of sales of these things.

We've put an estimate on it of 50 to 80

which reflects the auction prices that have been achieved.

£180 was paid for this!

Ooh. If we're going to get a profit, this will have to be a record price!

-There we go. It's dodgy.

-Afraid so.

OK. Last for them is the titchy Vesta case.

Bit bashed, a bit bruised, but another very standard piece.

Indeed. You see plenty of late Victorian and Edwardian pieces

and for many years, they always made £20.

-On a good day, they'd make 22.

-Yes.

The good news is silver is doing a bit better these days

but the bad news, there ain't a lot of silver on it.

But nevertheless, we've put an estimate on of 25 to 40

-and I'd expect it to land within that margin.

-OK. £32 paid.

They're well in the frame there and if Colin's right, they'll definitely need their bonus buy.

Now, John, Sharon.

£68 you gave the Kate Bliss.

She's got it under her rag there. Are you going to show us?

I had to shoot off really quickly because I'd seen something I hoped you lovely people would like.

-Because I know you like functional items.

-Yes.

-Thank you.

This is a barometer

and it's what I'd call a desk barometer.

It's got a weighted base to sit quite nicely on a desk.

It's got a lovely brass bezel which turns with a little pointer there.

So you can set what the weather is doing.

An enamel dial in lovely condition.

And of course it's silver-mounted here.

With a lovely clear hallmark

-which dates it exactly to 1911.

-Right.

So it's George V period.

-And I think quite a nice little thing.

-Yeah, I quite like it.

-I like it.

Have a handle, Sharon. Get your mitts on that, darling.

-See how heavy it is.

-Over to you.

-Feel the quality.

-It's quite heavy, Tim.

How much did you pay for it, Kate?

She's straight in there, isn't she? I paid £60.

-Right.

-£60?!

-Yes.

Do you think we could make a profit on that?

Bearing in mind it's silver mounted,

it's in pretty good order, I would hope so.

-Anyway, £60 spent, yes?

-Yes.

-Was it well spent or not? Have a think about it.

But for the audience at home, let's see what the auctioneer thinks about Kate's barometer.

I'm glad to say that's set fair for you, Colin!

That's a really nice little thing.

Unusual combination with the base metal bezel on there

and then a silver base.

It's something I put an estimate of 50 to £80 on because I do rate it,

but my colleagues in the office looked at it and rated it a fair bit higher.

They wouldn't be surprised if it made over £100.

-We never know.

-Kate Bliss is pretty optimistic about it.

But she's always optimistic about her bonus buys!

Anyway, your estimate is 50 to 80.

50 to 80, but my colleagues think it could do a bit better.

Fine. She paid 60. Depends on whether the team go with it or not.

And that we will find out very shortly.

Thank you, Colin!

So, Gary, Lynne. How are you feeling?

-Nervous.

-Are you? What about?

-I want to win!

-Of course you want to win!

We all want to win, don't we?

But you've got great lots, haven't you?

You paid £110 for that campaign writing box.

He's estimated 80 to £120, so that's all right. In the frame with that.

-Here it comes.

-A 19th-century brass bound campaign writing slope.

Good patina. Ought to be over £100. Start me at 80 for it. 80.

50 to go, then, surely? 50? It will be sold. 50?

£50 I'm bid. And five. Five anywhere else?

Five do I see? At £50 I'm bid. Five anywhere else? 55. 60 on the book.

60. 65. 70. 70 bid. Five.

Somebody going to bid? 75 now?

75 bid. 80 bid. Five now do I see?

£80. Five. 85 bid. 90.

-£90 I'm bid. 90 bid...

-He's a good auctioneer!

He's very good at it.

Selling a really good example of this model.

Done and finished. Selling then at £90.

£90, so that's minus 20.

That's not as bad as it might have been.

OK. Fine. Now, your Arts & Crafts jug.

The Arts & Crafts copper jug there.

Again, a lot of pre-sale interest in it.

We'll start this at £20.

-£20.

-Oh, my goodness. Don't look. Don't look.

£20, anybody? 20?

It does encourage. 20 bid. Five do I see?

£20 I'm bid. Five now. 25. 30.

And five now? No. At £30 I'm bid.

Five anywhere else. I'll take two now, do I see?

-At £30...

-Come on! Come on!

Five on the net. Five. 38. 38 bid. 40.

£40 I'm bid now. Very nice verdigris on this one.

At £38. You're all out in the room.

Online bidder. Selling then, at £38.

That's two off 40. That's 45.

That's minus 47.

Minus 47, lads.

OK. Look out. Here comes the catapult.

This is a medieval siege engine. The siege engine there.

Who's going to start me at £20, anyone? 20?

-£20.

-Please! Please!

This is not good, is it?

Ten to go, then, surely?

-Ten bid there. 12, may I say?

-Go on!

-12 I'm bid. 15 bid.

18 bid. 20 bid.

22. 25 now? At £22 are we all done?

I'm not liking the look of this.

No. Sells at £22. Your bid, sir.

At £22.

That's minus 18.

-Oh, Lordy.

-That's it now!

-Oh, no.

-77. 84. It's minus 85, that.

What happens if we go with old voodoo face?

-£65.

-No.

-No. Say no. No.

Right. We have a decision. You don't need to phone anybody, do you?

-Yeah!

-You can't phone anybody.

The decision's made. We're not going with it, but we're going to sell it anyway. Here it comes.

This is the 19th-century painted voodoo puppet.

Interesting lot. Who's going to start me at £50 for it? £50?

Got to be worth a gamble at that. £50, anybody?

30 to go, then, surely? £30, anyone?

30? 20?

£20, anybody? £20.

It can't be.

20 on the net. 20 on the net.

Two, now, do I see? At 20, we're away.

At 20 bid. Two anywhere else?

At £20. It looks like it's the maiden bid is where we'll be.

-No!

-All done and finished. Selling on the internet at £20.

-£20! Minus £45.

-I can't believe this!

-I can!

-You can?

-Did you make the right decision or not?

-Yes, I did!

-Did you make the right decision?

-Definitely right.

-I told you. I felt it.

-They've got no taste in Lincoln.

I felt it in my waterworks. I knew that voodoo was not up for much.

Right. We've ring-fenced our losses today.

You're minus £85. That could be a winning score.

Don't breathe a word to those blues, all right?

-No.

-Zip it. Well done, Gary. You got the message.

-Now, Sharon, John, how are you feeling?

-Confident.

-Are you?

Did you see those reds go out?

-Yes, we did.

-Did they look happy or sad?

-I didn't see.

-Did you not?

-Did you think they looked happy or sad?

-Couldn't really tell.

No? Enigmatic, eh?

Enigmatic to the end.

We've got a crowded saleroom. I'm full of confidence for you.

-Your scent bottle. £20 you paid for that.

-Yes.

-25 to £40 is his estimate.

-Right. Not bad.

-Amazing.

-Here it comes.

-George V silver tapered scent bottle.

Birmingham 1926. Who's going to start me at £50 for it? 50?

£30, anybody? 30?

20 to go, then, surely. £20. Who's going to be first in at £20?

20. Look at what we're selling here.

20? Ten if you like. Ten? £10 I'm bid. At 12. 15. 18. 20.

20 bid. Two bid. Five...

You're in profit.

£30. The bid's down here. At £30 bid. Two again, surely.

-At £30 on my right there.

-Wicked!

-Are you all done?

-I can't hear!

-Selling this time, then, at £30.

-Yes!

-That's very good. Plus £10.

-Good start.

-That was the one I picked!

-Was it?

The 1950s Strand theatre spotlight.

Who's going to start me at £100 for it? 100?

100? 100 to go, surely. 100.

50 if you like. £50, anyone. 50? 50?

50 I'm bid. 50. 60. 60 I'm bid.

70 bid. At £70.

80 now. At 70 bid. 80, do I see?

75 on the net. At 80. Five do I see now? 85?

85. 85 bid. 90. 90 bid. 95.

100. 100 bid. 100. 110.

120. I need 130 on the net.

120's here. Bidder from Germany.

Go up to 130. 130 I'm bid.

140. 150 now. There's another bidder in. At 150 now do I see?

At 140 bid. You're both out on the net.

-Gentleman's bid down here.

-Oh, no.

-Selling at £140.

That is such bad luck. I felt Germany had it there. Then they conked out!

Wretches! Anyway, minus £40 on that. Overall, you are minus £30.

A Vesta case. Looks in good order.

Nice foliate decoration.

30 to go, then, surely. £30. Who's first in at 30?

20 if you like. 20. £20, anybody.

£20 I'm bid. At 20 bid. Two do I see now?

£20 I'm bid. Two bid. Five on the book.

At 25. 28 now. At 25 I'm bid. 28 now, surely?

-At £25 I'm bid. Surely a bit more than this?

-Surely a bit more!

Are we all done? 28 on the net. 28. 30. Gentleman's bid at 30. 32 now?

At £30 bid. 32 do I see?

32 bid. 35 bid.

33, then?

33.

-He's going on.

-33!

-33!

34 bid. At 33 now. We're in the room at 33.

All done and finished? Selling then at £33.

Good man, Colin. Well done. Plus one pound.

So you're actually overall minus £29.

-Which is but a spit.

-A lot better than I got!

Now, what are we going to do about the barometer?

You can stick, guys. You can stick.

I think we should go for it.

You need more self confidence. I think we should go for it.

Hey, this is the man telling the girl! Right?

You want it, don't you? Come hell or high water.

-Yes.

-I love it. OK, fine. That's the spirit.

You can't deny it. We're going with the bonus buy. Here it is.

An interesting lot, this. Early 20th-century barometer.

White enamel dial, adjustable bezel.

Who's going to start me at £100 for it? 100.

50 to go then, surely? £50.

-Uh-oh.

-50 bid. Five anywhere else?

50 I'm bid. Five anywhere else? 55. 60. Five. 70.

Well done, Kate. You're in profit.

80. Five. Bid 90.

90. Five.

-Ooh, yes!

-100 now, surely.

£100 bid.

At 95 bid. A seated bid down here.

You're out in the middle. Back in at £100 bid.

At 100. 105. 110 now?

-No? At 105. Any more now?

-Phenomenal.

Are we all done, then? Are you sure?

Selling, then, at £105.

You have made, via Kate, £45 profit just like that.

That is quite something.

£45. You were minus 29. That's one off 30.

You are now plus 16. 16 whole pounds you're going to take home.

The whole job is transformed.

Thanks very much, Kate Bliss!

-What you need is a bit more self confidence!

-Hopefully!

Whatever you do, don't say a word to the reds.

Well, teams, have we been chatting to one another about the score?

No.

Well, one team's done appallingly badly and one team's done rather well.

The team that's done rather badly, I'm afraid, is the reds.

No!

That's a shock!

Minus £85, actually.

And if you'd been with the bonus buy, it could have been considerably worse!

-But you never did.

-No.

-No.

You dug in there. But have you had a lovely time?

-Wonderful.

-Fantastic.

-Loved having you on the show.

You've been such good sports.

-Seriously.

-Thank you.

-And you needed to be, I tell you, the way things worked out!

-We had a lovely time.

-Yes.

-We so enjoyed having you on the show.

But the victors today are going home with money.

Ha-ha! They're going home with £16, which is pretty cool, isn't it?

-Thank you!

-There you go, Sharon. You can take that.

Here's another smacker. Marvellous.

-£16 overall.

-Fantastic.

And that's half a curry evening, isn't it?

We'll carry on working!

Yes. Don't give up the day job! Plumbers are very well off.

I'll snuggle in here. We've had a great time.

Join us soon for some more Bargain Hunting, yes?

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'll be splendid to see you!

Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd