Ardingly 3 Bargain Hunt

Welcome to West Sussex,

officially the United Kingdom's sunniest county

with an annual 1,902 hours of sunshine.

Not that it looks particularly sunny today,

so let's just hope it doesn't rain on our purchasing parade.

Let's go bargain hunting, yeah!

Today, at the Ardingly International Antiques and Collectors Fair,

our teams have just one hour

to pick over this welter of bargains,

all the while hoping, of course, that £300 will be enough.

Here's a taster as to what's coming up. Oh, yes.

'Today, Kate Bliss loses ground with her Reds.'

They've gone. Oi!

Come on, I'll race you!

-Let's go.

-Let's go.

'Whilst the Blue Team struggles to find common ground.'

-I think they're awful.

-You're only saying that cos I said they were...

-He's trying to get his own back.

-I think they're awful.

-Touche!

-110. 120.

-'Will they reunite and find harmony at the auction?'

-One more!

'Let's meet today's contestants.'

And on our teams today, resplendent in Red,

are partners Natasha and Stephen,

and for the Blues, we have a married couple, Chris and Denise. Hello, everyone.

-Hello, Tim.

-Hello.

-Lovely to see you.

Now, Nat... Or can I call you Natty?

It was your love of Canadian rock that brought you together, so are you geologists?

No, not quite. We met at a Bryan Adams concert about 15 years ago

at Wembley Arena in the queue waiting to go in.

Then we met maybe four or five days later again in the queue at the Brighton Centre

when he plucked the courage up to ask me for my phone number.

Oh, how sweet is that!

So Bryan Adams has a special place in your hearts?

-He has a lot to answer for.

-He does. How many times have you seen him perform?

I would say at least 150, maybe more.

-Good Lord!

-In New York, Paris, Switzerland, all over this country.

-No wonder he's such a wealthy man!

-Yeah, yeah.

-Stephen, today should be straightforward for you sorting out the cash flow.

-It should, yeah.

I work for HSBC Invoice Finance based in Worthing.

You're also collecting crazy between you?

-Yes.

-How many pieces of Whitefriars have you got?

-300, 400 pieces maybe?

-Quite a few.

-Lovely.

-What about lava lamps?

-Quite a few.

-Yeah, a hundred or so maybe.

-Quite a few rare ones.

-What about Smurfs?

-There's got to be about 400 of those maybe, all different.

-Lego?

-Yeah, Star Wars Lego is quite a big passion of mine.

-Good fun. And good luck.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Now, the Blues... Chris, you have something in common with Stephen's employment.

Yes, I'm a banker too. A different bank, but a banker nonetheless.

-But you've been all over the world?

-Yeah, we've lived in Belgium, in Singapore.

And we spent more recently four years in Thailand which was a blast.

-You must have picked up a few souvenirs in your travels, Denise, have you?

-Quite a lot.

-Like what?

-We had our third child in Singapore.

Did you? Oh, that little precious!

-And our fourth child from Thailand.

-Did you?

-That's why we've had to return to the UK.

-Too expensive.

What do you collect then, you two?

I do most of the collecting. Denise does the polishing.

So, a bit of vitrail glass

and I've been collecting, since I was a boy, Broons and Oor Wullie annuals.

-They're the equivalent to a Dandy or a Beano kind of thing.

-Yes.

-Every year, they bring one out.

You never know what you're going to find out there. You might even find a lovely annual.

Here comes the money. £300 apiece, there you go.

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

And very, very, very good luck. How lovely to have two lots of bankers!

Well, money-minded they might be, but even they are going to need financial assistance today.

Saddling up for the Reds today is that fine filly Kate Bliss.

And sitting pretty for the Blues is the handsome Charles Hanson.

-Denise and Chris, Chris, Denise...

-Yes.

-I feel really in safe hands with you being a banker.

Not everybody would say that!

-I do, but we've got a lot to spend.

-Yes, we're going to spend it all.

-I'm relying on you to do the maths with your banker head on. Will you keep us in check?

-I'll give it a go.

-This hour could change our life.

-It could.

-I hope so.

-So you've got an open mind?

-Totally.

-Very open.

-That's what I like. Let's go for it.

-Let's go.

It would be good to start over here.

-And the plan is?

-Blow the lot.

-Right?

-Blow the lot.

-Let's do it.

-Let's go.

Now then, bargain hunters, I think we can BANK on a great show today!

-Natasha...

-Oh, I'd love that!

We're in, we're in.

-What have you got?

-A Tube sign.

-A Tube sign.

-A Tube sign.

-Do you like these?

-I absolutely love the Underground.

-Do you? Is it a bit of an obsession?

Yes. It's the shape. It's the roundel shape. To me, that's iconic Underground.

-Oh, he's away.

-250.

-How much?

-250.

Oh!

It's a great size, but I'm not sure how old it is.

-It's more modern.

-'60s, '70s, something like that?

-Rather than early part of the 20th century.

-I'm quite attached to that.

-You are straight out of the blocks.

-We have got about 58 minutes, guys, to have a look around.

-Yeah.

-Why don't we have a word with the guy on the way out and see what we can do?

-OK.

-OK.

The Reds have signalled their intentions.

-# I'm going underground

-Going underground

# The brass bands play and feet start to pound... #

Also straight on the case is our business-like Blue Team who head straight for the silver.

There's nice little bits of silver over here.

You've got a pair of silver grape scissors

which are hallmarked for London in the year 1814.

-So, you're talking a year before the Battle of Waterloo. How much are they?

-450.

-450?

-Indeed.

-Small is beautiful.

-Yeah.

-But they're so rare.

-We'll leave them. Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-The inkwell's quite nice.

-The inkwell's sweet. That's nice. Chris, sell it to me.

-Why?

-It's functional. I think it's quite elegant.

-Yes.

-There's a bit of age to it. 1920?

-It's almost like a miniature sort of capstan inkwell, isn't it?

-The dimpling, quite clearly over the years, it's had some knocks and wear.

-I quite like that.

-It's sweet.

It's Art Deco. Think of a young flapper girl in the '20s.

It's practical. It's something you can still use now.

- Is that price 68 or 88? - It's 68.

-68.

-What do you think?

-It could make 70, but I'd be surprised.

-OK.

-And there might be a small discount?

-There would indeed.

-Good man. Look at his face.

-Yes.

-Look at his face.

-As it's you, I'll do a straight 50 for you.

-That's not bad.

Can you do a little bit better than 50? 40?

I was going to say we had it up at 68. If I take another two off, that's £20 off which I think is...

-What do you think? Has it got a chance?

-You've got to believe. You've got to dream.

-Do you like that?

-Yeah.

-It's probably the money, but you're both taken by it.

-Yeah.

-You're local people down here. A lot more people might want to buy that.

-I think we'll take that.

- Thank you very much. - Thank you.

I like it. We're off and running. Guys, that's conviction!

-Thanks a lot.

-Thank you.

Barely eight minutes gone and the Blues have opened their account.

Meanwhile, let's catch up with negotiations back in the Red camp.

Your sign back there, what's the best?

-250.

-Right, OK.

My concern is that it is later. It's later 20th century, probably '60s, '70s.

And the most commercial ones will be obviously the most well-known Tube station stops,

but having said that, it's a great size.

-It's massive.

-It's a large size.

I want it under 200 quid. I'd pay under 200 quid for it.

How's 199?

That is just under 200 quid!

-I would say... Shake my hand.

-OK, lovely.

-Thank you very much.

-Are you happy with that?

-Very happy.

-Thank you for your help.

-No problem.

-Can we pick it up later?

-Not a problem.

-Thanks very much.

-Cheers.

-Thank you!

-Bye-bye.

Well done. You were straight in there.

Let's hope that £199 won't be going straight down the tube!

I love this. Can I look at your little caddy stand?

-I love this. You're a golfer, aren't you, Chris?

-I am.

Look at this. Isn't that wonderful?

What you've got here is a golf caddy

described as being a "scarce silver pin cushion".

You've also got your hat-pin holder which is the golf bag

and it's 1909.

That is such a novel item and you know how the golfing market is so worldwide.

-How much is it?

-295.

-295.

-You don't like it, do you, Chris?

-No. We're saying "no" on this one.

-Thanks for coming(!) Thanks for coming.

-OK.

It's novelty, you see, Chris. Look at me, Chris. It's novelty.

-It's novelty, but expensive novelty.

-Take a chance.

-Not yet.

-Thank you very much. We'll leave it.

-Thank you.

-Thanks.

-'Nice try, Charles, but the Blues have chipped you into the rough.

'As the Blues go on hunting for bargains without Charles,

'let's see if he can score a hole in one with my mystery item.'

-Charles, here's a test for you.

-OK.

Now, what, my friend, do you make of that?

-Crikey me! You appear to be holding a handle.

-Yes.

And I was going to say it's almost a lantern, like a torch

-which you might place on to a pole.

-Yes.

-Tell me, has it got great pedigree?

-No.

It must be, I suppose, 1920s, a bit early, give or take.

-It could be. It's just thin tin.

-It is thin tin.

-Cheap bit of rubbish.

I thought at first maybe it was a gardening implement.

But I think on a flagpole it would sit and maybe have a beacon of light coming out of the top.

-Absolutely. Like something from the Armada.

-Exactly. Or the Olympics.

-Good. That's a very good stab, Charles, I'd say.

-I think so, Tim.

-I think it sat on something like that.

-Yes. Something like your thumb!

-Exactly.

I don't understand why you bought it.

-To show you, Charles, and to show Kate in a minute. Thank you, Charles.

-Thank you, Tim. Pleasure.

'Whilst Charles rejoins his team, Kate appears to have misplaced hers.'

I've lost them. They've gone.

They've got a bit of pace on them. Oi!

You could say they're BLISTERINGLY fast!

Any luck?

What do you think of that, Kate? A British Rail clock.

There are two of them, actually.

-They're modernish.

-Yeah.

-Modern movement.

-British Rail - good.

-A modern movement? Are you winding me up?

-Age - bad. Not quite old enough for me.

-OK.

-That's another "no" for the Reds then.

But remember, time is ticking on.

I like these book-ends. They're quite novel. They're good. These here.

-No, I don't like those.

-Look at those. Chris, look at me.

-They're awful, honestly.

-Don't you like them?

-They're miniature brown furniture.

-Look at me.

-I'm looking.

-They're awful.

-I think they'll appeal to militaria collectors.

You've got this delightful cast-iron riveting here.

-But you don't like them.

-Either that or Arsenal supporters.

-Charles, what do you think of these?

-What are they?

-Are they little incense burners?

-Yeah, they've got tea lights in them.

-I guess they're pretty modern.

-There's a weight to them if nothing else.

-There is some weight. A lid comes off.

I'm guessing. Or the door opens rather.

-Oh, look, you have a little...

-Tea light.

-Tea light.

-Tea light in there.

-They're quite nice.

-I think they're awful.

-You're only saying that cos I said they were...

-He's just trying to get his own back.

-Chris, I think they're awful.

-Touche! You don't like those?

-No.

'Despite a good, fast start, both our teams seem reluctant to invest in their second item

'with only 15 minutes remaining.

'While her team shops on, I've stolen Kate to tantalise her too with my mystery item.'

-Hello.

-Kate, here's a little point of interest.

-I'm intrigued.

-What do you make...

-Oh, my word!

-..of this offensive weapon?

-Do you like it?

-I do...like it.

It's obviously a holder for something. It's a finial at the same time, so it stands on something.

-It's quite decorative.

-It's very decorative.

It's definitely for outdoors. Perhaps it's the green that's making me think "gardening".

-I'm very fond of green myself.

-I know, it suits you.

-What intrigues me is this angle.

-The angle of dangle?

-It's not straight.

-No.

-You've got an angle there.

Right. Do you know, you're three-quarters of the way there, but not quite.

All will be revealed when we go and find Charles.

-Where do you suppose Charles is?

-He's probably having a cup of tea.

'No time for hot beverages yet, Charles. Maybe we'll stop for tea later, eh?'

Charles, what do you think of that? Piece of Whitefriars.

-I think that's lovely.

-It's in good condition. No signs of any...

-No nibbles on it.

-It must be, what, 1960s?

-No, it's pre-Second World War.

-Really? Even earlier? Wowee!

-1930s, Whitefriars posy vase. I like the colour.

-That's a really fine thing.

-It's elegant. I like that.

I do like it. Do you, Denise?

-Sort of.

-Denise, look at... Give me some love.

-I like this one. I like more colour.

-I think the Whitefriars might do better at auction.

- What would be your best? - What's on it? 70. I'd do that at 55.

It's funny, I just had this ring of £50.

To me, it just sounded almost a done deal. I think it's a great colour.

-- For you, I will do it at £50. - Super.

-Look at that.

-Shake his hand quickly. Shake his hand.

-Thank you very much.

-Thanks very much. Thank you. Shake his hand, Denise, quick.

-Thank you.

-Before I change my mind.

-Two down.

-Two down, guys.

-One to go.

Deal done. That's item number two bagged.

Hang on. Kate's lost those rapid Reds again.

You see, I thought I was quite quick.

And they've gone!

Now I can't even find them. I've got one over there and the other one's in here.

They could do with being a bit speedier with the spending though.

# Keep on running... #

-Come on. I'll race you!

-# Keep on hiding

# One fine day I'm gonna be the one to make you understand

# Oh, yeah, I'm gonna be your man... #

It's the long legs!

That little sun-catcher's fantastic.

Yes.

Yes. Do it.

-Yeah, go for it.

-How commercial though? Swedish?

-Yes.

-Yeah...

-I'm not so sure about it either, Kate.

-Nice, but just the object itself isn't that commercial, I would say. You like 'em?

-I do like them.

Yes, but on reflection of not having any time now...

-So, they're probably what, '60s?

-Yeah.

-Very stylised. You hang them up in your window to catch the sun?

-Yeah.

-Were you thinking of one or the set?

-Just one. We haven't got a lot of time. We have to get something.

What's your best? Can you do it at nine, so if it goes for ten, we make a profit?

-OK.

-Yeah? Nine quid.

-I'd have that.

-Yeah.

-Go for it.

-I can't see it making a huge amount at auction.

-Yeah, I think it's fine.

-Are you happy?

-Yeah.

-Go for it.

-You're not!

It's completely opposite to what you'd normally...

-We've just got no time, so we've just got to...

-Let's do it.

-Nine quid.

-Happy?

-Yes.

-Great.

-Nine quid, done.

-Ten minutes left for the third object. Well done. That's number two in the bag.

-Brilliant.

-Well done.

-I'm not feeling very well. I'm feeling stressed.

-They bought that quicker than you can say "panic buy".

-So, up here!

Still, they do need to motor.

There's precious little time left because...

How much... Out of interest, I'm just admiring over here, in between my luscious pair,

this nice pair of Orrefors Olympic candle-holders. Could they be a good price?

-I think that IS a good price.

-Could they be a really good price?

Because they capture the essence of the Olympic year and they're going to long live in public opinion.

I've got to be honest, because of how I bought them, the best I could make those would be £80.

- What would be the best on those? - The best I could make those would be 95.

-So, it's between these and these.

-What do you think? Denise?

-I like those.

-Denise, you've got to go sometimes with your instincts.

- What was the best on these? - The best I could do would be 95.

Would you take 90 for them?

I'll split the difference - 92.50.

-92.50. Denise?

-What do you think?

-I'd personally go for those down there.

-You just want more money to spend.

-I just think they probably...

-We have to decide. Babe, you pick.

-Denise, go for what you like.

-I'll go for those.

-Go for the blue and white.

-Blue and white.

- Thank you. - Thank you.

-Sometimes luck can be a lady and you never know.

-Maybe not this time.

Not my taste, but they could be the public taste. Good job.

Just to clear that up then, that's £92.50 for the pair

and it's the Blue Team's third and final purchase. Well done.

-Kate, we're really struggling.

-Panicking and struggling.

-Have you found something?

-Yeah.

What do you think of this? It is a biscuit tin, believe it or not.

You've got the "Crawford" name, William Crawford & Sons Ltd on the bottom there,

but it's styled as a Georgian tea caddy, basically,

and the decoration here, which has been transfer-printed on,

is simulating probably satinwood and walnut which is making this very Georgian-style tea caddy.

Open it up inside and you can see it's actually nice and clean.

I think it's a nice object. It's certainly collectable.

But the bad news is...

-It's 25 quid.

-It's £25 which I don't think it would make at auction.

It's shockingly expensive(!)

- As we look to you... - 20 quid if you like.

-Really?

-That's not bad. It's very clean.

£10, £15? No?

-Can you do it for 19 quid, so if it sells for 20...

-You make a whole pound.

-We make a pound profit.

-Yeah, I guess so.

-Yeah?

-What have we done?

-Done. Too late. Sorry, Kate.

-Thank you.

-Too late.

-Well done, guys, three objects.

-Done. Thank you, Kate.

-Happy?

-Yes, thank you.

-For better or for worse, we're done. Well done.

Would you credit it? Time's up. But before we re-cap on today's purchases,

let's finally reveal what my mystery item is.

-Charles, do you want to know what's going on with this?

-Can I have one more guess or not? May I?

-You've been thinking about it.

-Has it something to do with lawn tennis?

-Absolutely nothing.

-OK. Drainage?

-Absolutely nothing.

-I give in.

-That was two guesses.

-Statue of Liberty?

-Statue of Liberty!

It is an oddball thing. I have to say, I've never seen one before.

You approach it so correctly, Kate, at the angle of dangle

because you have a wooden post under here just like you said, Charles,

and what you have to think about is one of these.

-An apple-catcher.

-Because where on your tree you've got your apple,

up you come with your catcher like that

and it catches the apple exactly in that crenellated top.

-You give it a tweak like that. The apple doesn't fall to the ground or bruise.

-No.

-Inside your doo-dah you've got your apple.

-Cheers.

-Isn't that fantastic?

-I should have got that.

-That's genius.

-Both of you were incredibly close(!)

-Fun though, yes?

-Very good, Tim. Very novel.

-Let's go and find these teams, yes?

-Yes.

-Off we go.

So, with the mystery cleared up, let's take stock of what the Red Team bought.

They started off by unearthing this enamel London Underground sign.

This small, glass, Swedish sun-catcher was a ray of sunshine.

Just £9 paid. Finally, hoping to avoid a credit crunch,

they bought this Georgian-style, novelty biscuit tin. Hmm, biscuits!

-No regrets?

-None at all.

-Still happy?

-Yeah.

-Yes.

-God, you motored! I'm shattered.

-Sorry, Kate.

-Sorry.

-You're not the only one, girl. They're fit.

-Cor! I couldn't keep up.

-These bankers keep running.

Can't afford to stop. Good on you.

-You spent well.

-Yeah, we've done 199, 9 and 19 - 227. £73 left?

-I don't even need to do the maths. Quick like that! OK, got it?

-I have indeed.

That's lovely. Thank you very much. Jolly good. Straight over to KB.

-Thank you very much.

-What are you going to go for?

-I might have a few ideas with these two, actually.

-See you later.

-Good luck.

-Good luck, Kate.

Meanwhile, we're going to check out what the Blue Team bought.

The writing may be on the wall with this 1920s, silver capstan inkwell.

Did they pay too much?

Next they chose the Whitefriars glass posy vase,

bought for £50.

Last but not least,

they couldn't resist the pair of blue and white, twin-handled vases.

-How are you on counting, Chris?

-I'm a banker, so I'm pretty good, Tim.

What was your total spend?

190 pounds and 50 pence.

190 pounds and 50p,

so I want 100 pounds and nine pounds

-and 50p.

-Absolutely.

-£109.50.

-Yes.

-Got it?

-I have.

-Got it.

You've had it on deposit, I see.

-No interest.

-No interest. That's typical, isn't it?

-Sorry.

OK, now, this bundle is going to Charles Hanson.

-It's a lot of money.

-Yeah.

It's a worry, but having learnt about Chris and Denise, they've travelled extensively,

they like hot countries, I'll buy something to warm you up.

-A little bit of hot property?

-Exactly.

-OK, that looks like fun.

And good luck with your quest.

Meanwhile, I'm going to show you something that I found on my travels a little earlier.

It could be sweet, it could be tasty. Tea, anyone?

Oh, I do like a cup of tea, don't you?

Of course, it is our national beverage.

The other thing I like is all the accoutrements that go with nice, genteel tea drinking,

the sort of things that you find sometimes, if you're lucky,

in leather-covered boxes like these.

Handsome, aren't they?

They look a bit like scientific instruments.

Actually, the secret is given away in the lid of this box which is printed "Vilcar"

who patented a whole range of sugar tongs.

They're all hallmarked between 1908 and 1911,

so it's one of these miraculous Edwardian inventions.

If I pick this one up, you can see we've got a pair of tongs

which has an unnaturally large plate there.

You'd expect that to shut by squeezing it in the normal tong-type method.

Vilcar didn't like that idea, so they came up with a different engineering solution.

You put your fingers on these plates and squeeze

and what it does is the pressure between your two fingers here

compresses the gap between these two plates

which makes the metal bend exactly there on the fulcrum point

and hey presto, the tong goes down on to the plate.

These two follow the same pattern.

Similarly, you compress the two plates at the end

and that opens the sugar tongs.

Let's have an experiment. Open it up, look, grab a lump of sugar.

It grips it most beautifully.

Extremely clever.

And what would they cost you? £220, which is no price to pay

for all this super-duper intelligence.

In fact, it's what you call a bit of a sweet deal.

Hmm! I don't take sugar either.

So, back to business. Let's see what our auctioneer thinks about the teams' items, eh?

85. All done and selling at 85...

Well, well, how lovely is this to be still in the county of West Sussex, but this time in Wisborough Green

-with Jonathan Pratt, our auctioneer of the moment at Bellmans. What more can I say?

-Carry on.

-I was enjoying that.

-Lovely to be here. First up for the Reds is the London Underground sign - Archway.

We've had a big thing about the London Underground - 150 years of the London Underground.

It's kind of at the fore of everyone's thoughts perhaps.

But this is a trendy, young person's thing to have as a bit of interior decoration.

-Yeah.

-If you're urban.

If you're urban and you live around Archway, then yeah.

-What would be your estimate then?

-It's about £80 to £120-worth.

They paid £199 which is quite a few fares.

Yeah, I was afraid you might say that.

We've never seen one sold on Bargain Hunt ever before,

an enamel Underground sign,

so I think it's quite cool, actually.

They didn't have much money left,

so they went for a bit of Scandinavian glass, this Holmegaard pendant.

-I'm not sure whether you hang it round your neck or what you do.

-It's a sun-catcher.

Yes. Anyway, so how much?

-£15 to £25.

-£9 paid. That's a good profit.

And I must say, I rather like this Crawford's biscuit tin.

I'm a great fan of biscuits.

It'll appeal to you as a biscuit tin. I like it because it looks like a Georgian tea caddy.

-I think it's really clever. How much?

-20 to 40.

-OK, £19 paid.

So, they have two very good buys, in my view, and one dodgy one there.

If the dodgy one doesn't work, they'll need their bonus buy, so let's go and have a look at it.

OK, you two lovebirds, you spent a massive £227.

You invested heavily and you gave Kate Bliss £73 to go off and find you something tasty.

Kate, what did you find, darling?

You bought such an eclectic mix of objects. It was quite tricky. I had a few ideas, but I went for this

because it was so cheap!

-Oh!

-There we go.

We have what I think is a lovely decorative mirror. It's Victorian.

It's gilt and gesso with mouldings. It's very much in the classical style.

Originally, obviously, an over-mantel made to go over a fireplace probably,

but the sort of thing that the interior decorator loves today.

I think it's a great decorative object.

Crikey! It's got the look, hasn't it? My gosh, it's got the look!

-It's not what I was expecting.

-Not at all.

-But I actually quite like it.

How much did you pay for it?

I tried hard not to spend too much,

so this was £63, the "three", of course, being very important.

-£63.

-Yes.

-How much?

-63.

-Is that all?

-Hmm.

-Think about it.

-I'm impressed.

-That's a chunk in good condition.

Yeah, I can see it making... On a good day, it ought to be 100, 150, I would say, but who knows?

-That's a lovely prediction, isn't it?

-It certainly is.

It gives you something to think about while we trot off, for the audience at home,

and find out what the auctioneer thinks about Kate's over-mantel mirror.

Look at that, JP - what they call a landscape over-mantel mirror of the most standard variety.

The ornament's quite nice, a bit of acanthus-moulded baluster round it,

some reeding, very typical as you'd expect for the early part of the 19th century.

-The mirror's not too bad. Ought to be worth a lot of money. How much is it worth?

-£70 to £90.

Is that all? I can remember a time when those things were making £150 to £250. Has the value come down?

-Has this one not been painted a little bit with the brush? It looks very matt.

-That's fair comment.

It's had a bit of a tickle-up and its colour isn't quite original.

That cunning minky Kate, she only paid £63.

-It's the perfect sale for it.

-Good. You would say that.

That's it for the Reds. Now for the Blues...

Silver capstan inkwell.

Miserable little thing.

-Could use it as a candlestick too.

-Yeah.

They say size isn't everything, but I think in capstan inkwell terms, it jolly well is!

-Big man, big desk, big inkwell.

-Yeah.

-That's got that cracked.

-How much is it worth?

-About £30 or £40.

Is it? £48 paid. That's too much, I reckon.

OK, now the Whitefriars posy bowl...

Typical 1930s stuff, isn't it?

Even the colour, the whole thing screams 1930s.

-Do you like that?

-Personally, no.

-Is it worth anything?

-There are collectors for Whitefriars out there,

but they're looking for the big, impressive pieces.

-So, it's too small again?

-Yes!

-What's it worth?

-£20 to £40.

-£50 they paid, so they paid too much.

Now, the pair of vases.

-That's a good shape.

-Yeah, there's an element of the classical about them, like an amphora.

-How much?

-£30 to £50.

-£92.50 paid, which is a shocker.

They paid too much for the inkwell, too much for the Whitefriars and too much for these vases.

-Go, Charlie!

-Go, Charlie!

-Sorry.

-They're going to need their bonus buy.

Denise, Chris, this is exciting because you left Charles Hanson with £109.50.

Charles can be eccentric sometimes when it comes to his bonus buys.

-So, Charles, show us what you bought then.

-We went a bit quirky.

Yes.

What I bought were two weather vanes.

I like them because they're jovial, they're fun, the weather is fine, you know it's a sign,

come to auction with something that's a bit quirky.

Here we've got a washerwoman.

When the wind blows, this will go round and she'll be working hard paddling.

Then furthermore, this huntsman here will run, run, run once the vane goes round.

-Let's hope for a gusty auction.

-Right.

How does it strike you, Denise?

-Different.

-Yeah.

-It doesn't have much to do with the banking industry.

-No, I'm lost for words. I don't know what to say.

Some would say "hideous" and some would say "mechanical and charming", right, Charles?

I just feel they're ingenious as contraptions.

They probably are 1930s and because they're painted wood, I think it's nice they're still here.

Did you pay more than £10, Charles?

Well, with inflation, together with interest,

they cost me, Chris, the grand sum of £50.

-£50.

-Oh, Lord!

-Denise...

-OK.

-How much do you think they might make?

-Who knows?

-It's a bit of a punt because we've never sold anything like these before on Bargain Hunt.

With a wind blowing, Tim, and the auctioneer behind them,

they could fly away literally.

We've got an excellent auctioneer today. Why don't we consult him, for the viewers at home,

as to what he thinks about Charles' wind vanes?

-Nee-oww! Here we go, look, JP.

-Fantastic, look at that.

-Look at that!

-Now, this is what I call "shed art", right?

-Mm-hm. I think it's wonderful.

-Do you?

If it was complete and in its full glory with the wind blowing on it, it's quite a fun thing, isn't it?

I suppose so. I think what offends me is it's so crudely made!

-£40 to £60, Tim.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-OK, £50 paid by the Hanson.

He's clearly of your ilk and let us hope that both of you are right and I'm wrong.

On that happy note, we're off to the auction in a minute. Are you taking the sale?

-I definitely am.

-Thank goodness for that!

I shall sell it for £150.

All done, fair warning, £150...

-Now, Natty, Stephen, how are you feeling?

-Yeah, good.

-Yes.

It's a bit nippy in this room, but let's hope the temperature will rise when we come to your lots.

So, first up is the Archway Underground sign and here it comes.

Lot 2150, a London Underground, large enamel sign for Archway.

-I have bids to start me at 60, 70, 80 on the book.

-Come on!

At £80. I'll take 5. At £80.

Where's 5 now? At £80... 85. 90.

-95. 100.

-Yeah.

-110. 120.

-Yes!

-Against you at £120.

-Go on!

-130. 140. Go one more.

-One more!

-£140 against you.

150 clears my commission now. I shall sell it for £150...

-And he's sold it.

-Better than we thought.

-That's not too bad, is it?

£150 it sold for, which means you're minus £49.

Good. Next up is the glass disc. Here it comes.

2151, a Holmegaard, orange glass sun-catcher.

£10? Where's 10? There's 10, in the hat at the back.

-We're in profit.

-12 seated, madam? 12.

-Yes.

-15.

-Yes.

-On a roll now.

£15 at the back of the room. Any more? Yours, sir, at £15...

-Yes, you've got plus £6.

-Good girl!

-You made a profit.

-Minus 43.

-That's not too bad.

Lot 2152, a William Crawford & Sons novelty biscuit tin.

I rather like this. Start me at £30? Start me at £30?

-Fun lot, this, for £30...

-30?

Let's start at 10 and go up. Where's £10? 10, I'm bid.

Looking for 12 now. I've got 10. Where's 12?

12. 15.

-18. 20.

-Profit.

-£20 on the right. At 20. I shall sell at £20...

-Come on. 20?

I'll sell it then for £20. All done at £20?

-£20. It's £20.

-It's a pound.

-A profit's a profit.

-You're clawing it back.

-Not bad. A tiny bit.

-£42, minus.

-What are you going to do about the mirror?

-Go for it.

-Go for it.

-Are we all agreed with that?

-Yes.

-Yes? OK, brothers, sisters.

-Don't look at me!

We're going with the bonus buy. Let's go and see it sold.

Surely start me at £40 for this? Nice over-mantel at £40?

At £40? 20 to get it off the ground?

20's bid. Thank you. At 20. 25. 30.

35. 40. 45. 50.

-Yeah. Come on.

-£50. Here at £50.

Surely worth another fiver, sir? £50 here. 55. 60.

-Go on.

-£60. It's in front here at 60.

-Go on!

-Where's 5? 65.

70... £70 here.

-Any more?

-Go on!

-At the front at £70. I shall sell it at 70.

-It's your last chance, sir.

-One more!

-In the front at £70... 75.

-Yes!

-80. At £80.

-Again!

£80 at the front here. Fair warning, I shall sell...

-Well done.

-Well done, Kate. Brilliant.

That is plus £17. Well done, Kate Bliss.

-You did well.

-That is absolutely super.

-That's minus £25.

-Not bad. If only the sign went for more...

Bearing in mind the ups and downs of it all, that's very good.

-Are you pleased with that in the circumstances?

-Yes.

-Better than we thought it was going to be.

-You gave them a good shout.

-Yeah.

-You frightened the audience!

-I think you did.

-No, you didn't at all. Thank you very much.

-Just don't say a word to the opposition.

-OK.

-Minus £25. That could be a winning score. Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Do you know how the Reds got on?

-No.

-No idea.

You don't know how the Reds got on. That's a good thing, I'd say,

because we don't want their score to affect your decision to go with the bonus buy.

-That's why we don't tell you what their score is.

-OK.

Let's go with the inkwell. It's your first item and here it comes.

We have a silver capstan inkwell, Birmingham, 1920.

Someone start me at £30 for the capstan inkwell?

Get the ball rolling at 30? Maiden bid of 30.

We've got £30. At 30. Where's 5? £30 dead ahead. Looking for 5 now?

Any further interest? At £30.

Lady's bid. I'm selling. All done at 30...?

-30 to 30.

-We may have lost already!

30 for 30. There we go, that's minus 18, I'm afraid.

Lot 2173.

We have a Whitefriars, yellow-tinted glass rose posy vase.

£30 to start me? Get the ball rolling at £30? At £30 for the Whitefriars?

Always popular, £30. Come on. 30?

20? Whitefriars?

-10?

-Good Lord!

-Hands shoot up.

There's 10. 20 on the net. You can go 5 now. 25 in the room. Thank you.

30. £30 on the net now.

I'm sure you want to go one more, sir.

-35 in the room again.

-Come back in.

-40 bid.

Go on!

£45 is bid. Don't stop there, internet. £45...

-Don't lose it for one bid.

-Go on!

-£45, I shall sell...

45. You're just £5 off. That's ridiculous, isn't it? Minus £5.

-Unlucky.

-Overall, you're minus 23.

-He worked really hard.

-Here's your pots, love.

-Go on.

-Oh, dear!

Lot 2174, a pair of blue, decorated, twin-handled pottery vases.

Very decorative. £30 to start me?

£30? £20 then?

Come on, "Denis, Denis". What's happening?

-£10.

-Oh, no!

-There's a sigh at the back.

£10. Let's move on now.

£10. Where's 12? 12. 15.

18. 20. 25?

25. Standing in the centre at £25. £25, I shall sell, fair warning...

£25.

It was a really hard hour, wasn't it?

Minus 67.50.

Minus 90.50.

-What are you going to do about the bonus buy?

-Might as well go for it.

-We're in a hole. We may as well dig a bit deeper.

-You're going with the wind vanes.

OK, fine. £50 paid. The decision is there.

-Let's get the wind behind it.

-We believe in you.

We need a Force 14 gale to blow us home.

And £20, I'm bid. I've got £20 to start me.

-Straight in at 20.

-They're worth that.

-25. 30. 35. 40.

One more, you're so close. £40, I have.

Who will go one more? Who wants weather vanes?

£40 on the book against you. One more? Last chance.

Is that a bid at the back? 45 clears the commission. I'm out at 45.

At £45, I shall sell... It's your last chance at £45...

-Oh, so near!

-Charles!

£45 is minus £5 which means, overall, team,

you're minus £95.50.

That's not so hairy.

Anyway, there we go. The big thing is, don't say a word to the Reds, all right?

We'll reveal the winners and the runners-up in a moment. Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Good sports you are!

-Thanks, Charles.

Well, teams, isn't this super-duper to be here all together and so happy?

The trials of the bankers, that's what it's been today, the test of the strongest.

On Bargain Hunt, we can't have two teams of winners.

We have a team of winners and a team of runners-up.

-And the runners-up today are the Blues.

-Yes!

SHOUTING AND LAUGHTER

-There we go.

-I can't believe it.

The Blues managed to lose £95.50.

It all went very, very badly from top to bottom.

-Mm-hm.

-I see nothing but minus, minus, minus and I won't dwell on that lot.

-Thank you.

-Good. There's no point in rubbing it in. Not your day.

-Definitely not.

-But we've loved having you on the show.

-Lots of fun.

-Had a good time?

-Wonderful.

-And you've had Charles to support you.

-Lots of fun.

-Thanks so much.

The victors don't go home with any cash although they deserve to

because they made a profit on three items, two of their items and on the bonus buy,

-but their punt on the Underground sign just let you down.

-Yeah.

You deserve to have the money, even though you haven't got it.

-Had a good time, Natasha?

-Great. Fantastic.

-It's been brilliant.

We've loved having you.

-In fact, why don't you join us soon for 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