0:00:03 > 0:00:09Today we've come for a quick ski at the East of England "Snowground" - sledging is not compulsory.
0:00:09 > 0:00:16But I'm assured there are all sorts of bargains to be had inside these sheds for our teams.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20So let's go bargain hunting! Mush, mush!
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife,
0:00:50 > 0:00:54spent her final days here in Peterborough,
0:00:54 > 0:00:56having been cast aside by the King.
0:00:56 > 0:01:01But it's not just places that can tell us a bit of history.
0:01:01 > 0:01:08Objects can, too. So let's have a look at the tales that are about to be revealed right now.
0:01:09 > 0:01:13Watch out, watch out, there's a head teacher about.
0:01:13 > 0:01:16There's no fooling this one. Scary.
0:01:16 > 0:01:21- Shiny!- Shiny is always good, but all that glistens is not gold.
0:01:21 > 0:01:26But this is a game with surprises and it can bring out a new you.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31- Oh!- Oh?- I like this new Andrew. - Is this the new Andrew?- Yeah, yeah!
0:01:31 > 0:01:35That's coming up, but first let's meet the teams.
0:01:35 > 0:01:43Today we have two boy/girl teams. For the Reds, we've got Russell and Maggie, old chums.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- And for the Blues, Laura and Andrew, who've been married for yonks. How long?- Just three years.
0:01:48 > 0:01:55- Hello, everyone!- Hello.- Russell, I have to be on my best behaviour. You're the Deputy Headmaster?
0:01:55 > 0:02:00- Absolutely so.- Which school do you teach at and what do you do?
0:02:00 > 0:02:06I teach at two schools in Cambridge - the International School and Sancton Wood School. Latin and Spanish.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- How do you say, "Let's go bargain hunting" in Latin?- Venatio is hunt.
0:02:10 > 0:02:15Bargain would be something that is not expensive - non carus.
0:02:15 > 0:02:21- HE FORMS SENTENCE - Lovely. We'll leave that with you, thanks very much.
0:02:21 > 0:02:27- Maggie, you work in the same school. - I do, yes.- Are you a teacher? - No, I'm on the admin side.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- Hidden away.- Are you?- Yes.
0:02:29 > 0:02:35- You met each other at the school. - Yes, though Russell's wife Harriet, owner of the school,
0:02:35 > 0:02:39didn't want to introduce me to Russell and I can't think why.
0:02:39 > 0:02:47- She might have thought I'd lead him astray.- But how? You were brought up by nuns!- Indeed, yes.
0:02:47 > 0:02:54- That's why there's no longer an order!- Even your silent order has broken up?- Yes, I'm afraid so!
0:02:54 > 0:02:58How are you going to structure your lessons today?
0:02:58 > 0:03:02We're going to be buying memorable bits of silver, we're hoping.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05I bet you'll do jolly well.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09Now, Laura, you've been married for three years. How did you meet?
0:03:09 > 0:03:14I returned to my home village in 2006 after living in West Yorkshire.
0:03:14 > 0:03:20I bought a little cottage on a courtyard and the day I moved in I saw the neighbour over the way.
0:03:20 > 0:03:27He was sweeping up some leaves. I thought, "I think I recognise him from school." Then he swept nearer.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- Mm-hm.- And eventually he introduced himself and we never looked back.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37- And I bet your yard is very clean to this day.- Always, yes, always!
0:03:37 > 0:03:43- What a wonderful way to fall in love.- Swept me off my feet! - Oh, how sweet. Good.
0:03:43 > 0:03:50- What do you currently do? - Like Maggie, I work in a school, back of house. Very important.
0:03:50 > 0:03:56I started off in reception and then I went on maternity leave. I've gone back part-time now.
0:03:56 > 0:04:02- Brilliant. Andrew, you work for a charity. Tell us about that. - That's right. A national charity
0:04:02 > 0:04:06helping people with sickness and disability back into work.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11I recently moved away from the client-based side of things to the dreaded audit team.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14Contract compliance. Fancy name.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- Checking up on everybody else. - Not always everyone's favourite.
0:04:18 > 0:04:26We do try to sell our services as a positive thing, but a lot of people do shy away when we walk in.
0:04:26 > 0:04:33- You have a hobby business together. - We make miniature ornamental rocking horses.- That's a very nice idea.
0:04:33 > 0:04:39- If you don't want the full-size job, just get a model.- They take up far less room and look good
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- for christenings and weddings. - They don't eat anything.- Exactly.
0:04:44 > 0:04:49So what's your business plan today? What will you be buying?
0:04:49 > 0:04:56We're after some quality items. Perhaps something unusual that we haven't seen before.
0:04:56 > 0:05:00In these fairs, it's all out there lurking. Now the money moment.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03£300 apiece. Your experts await.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07Off you go! And very, very, very good luck.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10And who are our experts today?
0:05:10 > 0:05:16Picture perfect and representing the Reds, we have the charismatic Catherine Southon.
0:05:16 > 0:05:23And ready to hammer out some profits for the Blues, it's the audacious Thomas Plant.
0:05:26 > 0:05:29So what's our plan of action today?
0:05:29 > 0:05:35We'd love to find something beautiful, something silver, something memorable.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38- Memorable. What do you think?- I agree!
0:05:38 > 0:05:43So the Reds are wrapped up warm, but the Blues are out in the cold. Brrr!
0:05:43 > 0:05:47- It shows we brave all weathers! - Absolutely.
0:05:47 > 0:05:51Come rain, shine or snow, this show toughs it out.
0:05:51 > 0:05:58- There are no little weeds on Bargain Hunt.- So you're looking for something classy?- I think so.
0:05:58 > 0:06:05- But watch out. Expensive items can lead to any profits going up in a cloud of smoke.- The pipes?
0:06:05 > 0:06:11- The pipes are fascinating, but they will be quite expensive. - I've got ideas above my station!
0:06:11 > 0:06:16What's good is you've got a good eye, focusing on good items.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21Yes, Andrew. When you spot something you like, no point keeping it under your hat.
0:06:21 > 0:06:26- Found anything, guys?- I was wondering about the golf hat pin.
0:06:26 > 0:06:32- Do you want to see how much that can be?- No.- No? OK, all right. - Thank you very much.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37Don't hold back, Russell! Now Tom's brain is working like a well-oiled machine.
0:06:37 > 0:06:45- What's that?- This is an oil lamp. The oil would have gone in here and you'd have wicks coming out.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49I don't know if it's Indian. I think it probably is.
0:06:49 > 0:06:54- What's it made of? Just brass? - It is. It's got a bit of age.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58I've never seen one with all the accoutrements, which is lovely.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- You can imagine that in a souk. - Yes!- The lights coming up...
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- I'm painting a picture. - How much is that?- It's 69.
0:07:07 > 0:07:12- How much do you think it would sell for?- You want to get it for 40. That's my opinion.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15- Whose stall is this?- I do like that.
0:07:15 > 0:07:19- It's worth asking.- Definitely, yeah. - What do you know about this?
0:07:19 > 0:07:27- I know it's called a Lucerne. - What is the very best?- 55.- OK. I was thinking maybe 45.- Oh, no.
0:07:27 > 0:07:31- They're so rare.- What could we do from 45?- How about 52?
0:07:31 > 0:07:3348.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38We know where we're going now, don't we? 50.
0:07:38 > 0:07:44- What do you think? Want to go with it? Happy?- Yes.- Very happy.
0:07:44 > 0:07:50- Thank you very much.- Thank you. - That's the first item bought. Well done.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53You painted such a lovely picture, Thomas.
0:07:53 > 0:07:57That's one bargain bagged by the Blues. Well done, team.
0:07:57 > 0:08:01Now time's cracking on and these Reds need a chivvy up.
0:08:01 > 0:08:08- Cloisonne enamel there and a jade handle. I know it's not your sort of thing.- No.- How much?
0:08:08 > 0:08:13- The way the enamel's been done... - It is pretty.- Quite striking.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17What do you think? Indecisive? It's not a man's thing, is it?
0:08:17 > 0:08:22- How do you know it's not a man's thing? Ask a man.- Indeed.
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- First of all, how old is it? - We just don't know.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30Well, good luck! You've spent 20 minutes and haven't bought anything!
0:08:30 > 0:08:33I think we should move on.
0:08:33 > 0:08:40- OK.- OK.- And then come back if need be.- Yes, Catherine, you may need to take charge here.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46- Now what have the Blues spotted? - Napkin rings at the back there.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51Cased napkin rings are extraordinarily popular. I have no idea why.
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- Shall we have a look?- Yes. - Andrew, you spotted these.
0:08:55 > 0:09:00- I just thought they looked quite interesting. Original case?- Yeah.
0:09:00 > 0:09:06And what they are is engraved. She's dated them to 1917. The hallmark's on the top there.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10- And on the top. They're well cased. - You say they're quite collectable?
0:09:10 > 0:09:13They are extraordinarily popular.
0:09:13 > 0:09:19They've got a good gauge of silver, the gauge is the thickness of it.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24British-cut. Birmingham, bright-cut napkin rings with beaded borders.
0:09:24 > 0:09:28- They're attractive. Very Edwardian. - What would you expect those to fetch?
0:09:28 > 0:09:35- I've sometimes had these make £100. You really need to work on that price.- Yes.
0:09:35 > 0:09:42You should go and talk to the lady. Charm her. I want a five in front of it, if not a four.
0:09:42 > 0:09:46- If you do that, I'll be amazed. - Thank you. There's a challenge.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48We'll just carry on looking.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51Go on, Andrew. This is your time to shine.
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- Shiny!- Shiny is always good. - But watch out because...
0:09:55 > 0:09:58All that glistens is not gold.
0:09:58 > 0:10:03- A little scent bottle.- Oh, is it? - I'm not loving it, to be honest.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09- A bit of class?- It is a name. - People aren't going to see that.
0:10:09 > 0:10:11- He's a hard man to please.- Very.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17And if you don't hurry up, the Blues are going to run rings round you.
0:10:17 > 0:10:22- Well?- You wanted a four or a five. - Have we got that?- No!
0:10:22 > 0:10:25She will do them for £60. The absolute death.
0:10:25 > 0:10:29- What do you say? - I like them, yeah.
0:10:29 > 0:10:35- Are we on unknown territory? - They're not the most exciting thing, but they're commercial.
0:10:35 > 0:10:41- I've certainly seen them in the past do better than expected. - Shall we try for 55?- Oh!- Oh!
0:10:41 > 0:10:47- I like this new Andrew!- Is this a new Andrew?- You do it.- No, no, no.
0:10:47 > 0:10:52Ah, Laura, it looks like you're going home with a new man today.
0:10:52 > 0:10:59- OK, guys.- What have you done? - The lady said she will do them for 55 for us. Got you your five.
0:10:59 > 0:11:06- Shall we go for it?- I think so. - He's brilliant.- Better than he thinks he is!- Well done.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10- That's two items down. Let's go and get our next item.- Great.- Thank you.
0:11:11 > 0:11:15OK, we've reached the halfway mark. The Reds have yet to buy anything.
0:11:15 > 0:11:21Come on, you two. Focus is needed if you want to earn some more house points.
0:11:21 > 0:11:26- That's nice. What do you think of the magnifying?- I like that.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28Have a look at that.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33That is classic Deco, isn't it? Even the colour is Deco.
0:11:33 > 0:11:38And all this enamel is beautifully engine-turned. Lovely colour.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40Immaculate, isn't it?
0:11:40 > 0:11:46- Do you like that?- I do. - A Birmingham maker, Horton and Allday. 1923. What do you think?
0:11:46 > 0:11:51- It's a pretty piece.- What could you do on that, sir?- £80.- £80.
0:11:51 > 0:11:56- We're smiling.- 85! - He doesn't like your smile!
0:11:57 > 0:12:03- I think you've got a chance with it. - Really?- And the condition is mint. - Yeah, it is good condition.
0:12:03 > 0:12:09- Beautiful condition. - I think we should.- You do?- Yes. - He's so hard to please!- I know.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12- But you're going to agree. - Absolutely.- Is he?- Yes.
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- You like it? Are you sure? - I'm not overwhelmingly sure.
0:12:16 > 0:12:24- But I am difficult to please. How much time is left?- We're halfway. So first buy? Yes? No?
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- Yes.- Absolutely.- Yes? Yes.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29£80. Sold.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33At last! One bargain under the belt with two items still to find.
0:12:33 > 0:12:40- Maybe you should choose the next one. No pressure.- We'll see what we can find.- We need an expert!
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Thomas?
0:12:42 > 0:12:46You can't take your eye off these experts for a moment.
0:12:46 > 0:12:48Which way? Which way?
0:12:48 > 0:12:50Oh!
0:12:50 > 0:12:55- Surely - a rocking horse. - Is this one of yours?- No!- No, no.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00Now, Russell, what's ruffled your feathers?
0:13:00 > 0:13:05- Are you concerned we might not make much on it?- Yeah, I think so.
0:13:05 > 0:13:10- But it is a lovely piece. - I think we've got a good chance.
0:13:10 > 0:13:17- Maggie, Catherine, can you tell him? - What are you thinking? - Let's see what takes our fancy.
0:13:18 > 0:13:24- Is this calling you down here? - I don't know what the options are. Where would you recommend?
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Come on, you Blues were doing so well.
0:13:27 > 0:13:33As for you, Russell, go on, have a go. Take a stab at something you like.
0:13:33 > 0:13:37- Catherine?- Yeah?- Could you give your opinion on this?
0:13:37 > 0:13:44- It's listed as a mechanical bread fork. It telescopes out, I imagine. - It's a bit of fun.- Ever seen one?
0:13:44 > 0:13:51Not so much a bread fork, but I've seen it like a pickle fork. You think it all comes out?
0:13:51 > 0:13:57- That's my thinking.- Otherwise, it's a very short fork. Shall we look? - Yes, please.
0:13:57 > 0:14:02Would you mind if we open the cabinet? This lovely chap likes your bread fork.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06- What would its function be? - Spear the bread.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Or, better yet, for moving about your crumpet. Yeah!
0:14:10 > 0:14:16- Are you posh enough to move your bread around?- I could probably manage with my fingers.
0:14:16 > 0:14:23- What's the price on this? - - It's priced at £24. - We could do it for 18 for you.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- 1909?- 1909. - Oh, I thought you said '20s.
0:14:26 > 0:14:2815?
0:14:28 > 0:14:30Oh...16 would be better for me.
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- It's just one of those ridiculous things.- Ridiculous, quirky.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37£15.50.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40- Go ahead. - So what are we doing? Buying this?
0:14:40 > 0:14:45- I think so. We nodded. - £15.50! OK!
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- Ker-ching.- The second item! - Mmm! Buttery crumpets.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53Lovely. Well done, Reds. That's your second item bought,
0:14:53 > 0:14:59- but with only 15 minutes to go, there's no time to waste. - Not for you?- Not for me, no.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05- At least he knows what he doesn't want!- I feel like I'm going to be told off.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- I feel like I'll have detention! - Do I give the wrong vibes out?
0:15:09 > 0:15:13I imagine our Catherine's been in detention before.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- He's quite controlling, isn't he? - He is very controlling.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20It's the teacher. Yes, I can see that.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24You're outnumbered here, Russell. Best keep schtum!
0:15:24 > 0:15:29Now it looks like Thomas has got his beady eye on something.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33- These are rough-cut rubies.- Oh, wow.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37One way you can tell if this is glass or a gem stone.
0:15:37 > 0:15:44They're still very cold to your lip. If they were glass, they would be warmed up, even in these conditions.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49They're definitely gem stone. Once we've established that, what stone?
0:15:49 > 0:15:54It's a process of you working out - they're red, they have a certain weight to them
0:15:54 > 0:15:59and also this play of colour. That's a diagnostic way of telling
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- that they are rubies. They are quite attractive.- They are.
0:16:03 > 0:16:09- What age would they be?- Rubies are... It's as old as the hills! - Yeah!
0:16:09 > 0:16:14These were quite popular in the 1920s.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Do you like them? - I think they're pretty.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- What can these be?- The very best is 50.- 50.- 47 at a pinch.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- 47 at a pinch. - So that's 45 then, really.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27No, no, not 45.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- I like them.- Is there any profit in them?- I sell a lot of jewellery.
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I sell beads so well at the moment.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37- I'll do 46, but that's... - Almost there.
0:16:37 > 0:16:45- If you like those, let's do it. - If Thomas thinks there can be a bit of profit in it, give it a go.
0:16:45 > 0:16:50- In my auctions, I'm selling these for £60-£80.- OK, let's do it.- Yes?
0:16:50 > 0:16:56- Thank you.- Thank you. - That's you Blues done. We're now entering the final 15 minutes.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59I hoped those Reds have spotted something.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03We're still looking for that something to wow.
0:17:03 > 0:17:05That's a no, then.
0:17:05 > 0:17:08OK, we've got four minutes.
0:17:08 > 0:17:14Do you know, there's a lesson to be learned today and it may require a classroom essential.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- Is that a pencil?- It's a little propelling pencil, I think.
0:17:19 > 0:17:23- That's not bad for 14. - Let's have a look at it.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Is it actually marked? We need to make sure it's marked silver.
0:17:27 > 0:17:33- These are not uncommon. Do you like this?- Well, we haven't got much time!- No, we haven't.- To be honest.
0:17:33 > 0:17:40- Might it bomb without a hallmark? - I think it's important to check that it has a mark on.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- Shall I have a look? - Would you mind having a look?
0:17:44 > 0:17:49Yeah, it does appear to... Yes, it does. Sterling.
0:17:49 > 0:17:55So it's likely to be American silver. Thinks stamped Sterling are quite often American silver.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00This is quite nice. It's got added information here.
0:18:00 > 0:18:06"Telephone Central. Telegrams, Filbert, Liverpool." It's probably '40s or '50s.
0:18:06 > 0:18:11I think there's a possibility that you are in the US of A,
0:18:11 > 0:18:17you run into the office to make your telegram, this would have been chained to the cashier's desk.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21You'd have picked that up and written the telegrams out.
0:18:21 > 0:18:27- So the person who was going to have their message sent...- Exactly. - ..would have gone along
0:18:27 > 0:18:32- and written down their little message.- And then it was typed.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36I like your rationale. And, who knows, you could be right!
0:18:36 > 0:18:42- That's why you have the little loop on. Chained to the desk.- Yes. - And the price tag is 14.
0:18:42 > 0:18:48- We'd want to get that down. - We've probably got two minutes. - It can be £10 if that helps at all.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54- Russell? Would you be willing to do it for eight?- All right. - Thank you very much.
0:18:54 > 0:18:59- Are we happy with that?- Yes. - Final purchase?- Indeed.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01£8! Well done.
0:19:01 > 0:19:07- But it's not too fussy.- It's simple. - And ever sharp. Made in the good old US of A.
0:19:07 > 0:19:09I think it's marvellous.
0:19:09 > 0:19:14Maggie, you cool negotiator and in the nick of time.
0:19:14 > 0:19:20There's "snow" time left! Why don't we check out how those Red arctic harriers got on?
0:19:20 > 0:19:27Russell and Maggie finally zoomed in on this enamel-handled magnifying glass.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Was it the right decision at £80, though?
0:19:31 > 0:19:36Then they took a fancy to this Edwardian silver-plated fork,
0:19:36 > 0:19:40which made a puncture in their purse at £15.50.
0:19:40 > 0:19:43And, finally, they signed off
0:19:43 > 0:19:47with a sterling silver pencil, paying a meagre £8 for it.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50I was a bit worried about you.
0:19:50 > 0:19:56- You're not the only one! - He's so difficult!- Not that difficult. Great bear of a man.
0:19:56 > 0:20:00- Now how much did you spend all round?- We spent £103.50.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05- Please may I have £196.50? - You may, sir.
0:20:05 > 0:20:11- Gosh, that's not much, is it? Is that all you managed to spend? - We were trying to be thrifty.- Yes.
0:20:11 > 0:20:18I suppose it's all connected with your schoolmasterly and administrative background. Right?
0:20:18 > 0:20:22- Being thrifty.- Well, no, I wanted to be terribly extravagant.- Did you?
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- But it was just too much, wasn't it? - OK, fine. Exciting to find out.
0:20:27 > 0:20:32Catherine, that is a lot of cash for you to be out with on your own.
0:20:32 > 0:20:38A lot of cash. I've got something in mind that I'm going to buy. Maggie will be pleased.
0:20:38 > 0:20:43- Will I?- I don't think he will be. - I wouldn't worry about it! Good fun!
0:20:43 > 0:20:46Meanwhile, why don't we check out what the Blue team bought?
0:20:46 > 0:20:53Laura and Andrew felt they'd struck oil with this Lucerne lamp and paid a fulsome £50 for it.
0:20:56 > 0:21:03On Thomas's advice, they went for these silver napkin rings, knocking the price down to £55.
0:21:06 > 0:21:12Finally, it was the ruby bead necklace, but will it prove a gem at £46?
0:21:13 > 0:21:18How can you have fun in the snow? Oh, it's parky, isn't it?
0:21:18 > 0:21:25- Very!- Laura, which is your favourite piece?- I love the ruby necklace. I think it's absolutely beautiful.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- Andrew, what's your favourite piece? - My favourite is the lamp because it's so unusual.
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- How much did you spend all round? - Er, 151.- OK.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37I'd like £149 of leftover lolly,
0:21:37 > 0:21:41which you've got there, beautifully prepared. Good luck, Tom.
0:21:41 > 0:21:48Meanwhile, I'm going to show you something that's going to leave you positively wide-eyed.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55What have we got here?
0:21:55 > 0:22:01Well, on the face of it, it is not a particularly awe-inspiring pot.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06It's a lovely colour of green and a pleasant baluster shape,
0:22:06 > 0:22:12but it looks like so many other pieces of late-Victorian pottery in this style?
0:22:12 > 0:22:15It's also got one or two problems.
0:22:15 > 0:22:18A socking great chip in the bottom foot ring
0:22:18 > 0:22:25and some nibbling around this top edge. Never a good thing to go for with Victorian ceramics like that
0:22:25 > 0:22:32unless there's something exceptional about it, apart from its size, of course.
0:22:32 > 0:22:39If you look inside - take a squint - the base colour of the pottery is terracotta red.
0:22:39 > 0:22:47And then you can see a dribbling white glaze - a white slip that's gone over the pottery.
0:22:47 > 0:22:53And then you can see some dribbles of the green itself that's then been covered in a lead glaze.
0:22:53 > 0:22:59There are four different decorative techniques that have already been applied to this pot
0:22:59 > 0:23:03to get us to this gorgeous green colour scheme. As I say,
0:23:03 > 0:23:08on the face of it, nothing exceptional about this pot...
0:23:09 > 0:23:11until you come to this!
0:23:11 > 0:23:18Isn't that marvellous? When did you ever see such a handsome baluster stickstand,
0:23:18 > 0:23:21modelled with an owl's mask?
0:23:21 > 0:23:28The owl is the trademark of an obscure Arts and Crafts Surrey pottery in Farnham.
0:23:28 > 0:23:33For some peculiar reason they specialised in making these oddball owls
0:23:33 > 0:23:40which were extremely popular late in the 19th century. Absalom Harris started the pottery
0:23:40 > 0:23:47in 1872 and ultimately Liberty and Co, the great retailers in Regent Street,
0:23:47 > 0:23:51used to sell 'em in their shop. I absolutely adore these things.
0:23:51 > 0:23:59I've got a collection myself. A group of owls in various colours, some in green, some brown and blue.
0:23:59 > 0:24:06And imagine my thrill today when I found here, out there in the snow, this fellow on a stall.
0:24:06 > 0:24:12The biggest and by far the best of the Farnham pottery production.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17What's so good about it is that it exemplifies good Arts and Crafts pottery.
0:24:17 > 0:24:24Each one is thrown and decorated by hand, so in forming the eye sockets like this,
0:24:24 > 0:24:26the potter simply used his eye.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30He formed a little beak and then he got a scraping tool
0:24:30 > 0:24:36and in the wet slip and clay he scraped a comb to give you the impression
0:24:36 > 0:24:42of the shape of some wings on the front of our wise old fellow here.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46And, frankly, I just had to have it despite the condition issues.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50And what did it cost? Well, a cool £400, actually.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53So, am I a too-wit or what?
0:24:53 > 0:24:57I hope not. Once this thing has been tickled up a bit,
0:24:57 > 0:25:02I think as the largest and most important piece of Farnham pottery,
0:25:02 > 0:25:05it's going to have to be worth... £1,500?
0:25:05 > 0:25:07Too-woo, eh?
0:25:10 > 0:25:16So the snow has melted and a few weeks have passed and we're here in Stamford, Lincolnshire,
0:25:16 > 0:25:19in the hope of making some money.
0:25:19 > 0:25:25- Well, it's lovely to be at Bateman's saleroom with David Palmer, our man of the moment.- Good morning.
0:25:25 > 0:25:33Good morning! On this side for the Reds we've the magnifying glass with silver and yellow enamel handle.
0:25:33 > 0:25:39- The colour is gorgeous. Yellow and silver works really well. - It's a good quality thing.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44- The handle is good quality.- Yes. - I suspect it's from a really nice dressing table set.
0:25:44 > 0:25:51- Everything's that got a nice handle is turned into a magnifying glass these days.- It's cobbled together.
0:25:51 > 0:25:54- What's its estimate?- It's still a nice thing to have. 30-50.
0:25:54 > 0:26:00- Our lot paid £80.- Oh! - That's a bit of an uphill climb, but not to worry.
0:26:00 > 0:26:05It'll soon be tea-time and you can have a crumpet and when you have that irritating, rubbery
0:26:05 > 0:26:12- piece of carbohydrate full of holes, it's a maddening thing to handle. - This could be a muffin poker.
0:26:12 > 0:26:18Could be. But much better for crumpet because of this nice trident form on the end
0:26:18 > 0:26:24with its barbed bits to get a greasy, delicious, buttery crumpet and elevate it safely.
0:26:24 > 0:26:30- And you don't get your fingers mucky.- It's a mechanical tool. - Marvellous.- Fun.- What's it worth?
0:26:30 > 0:26:36- £10-£20.- Fair enough. £15.50 paid. I think it's an intriguing and lovely object.- It is.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41Finally, and most intriguingly is the little silver propelling pencil.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43American silver, marked sterling,
0:26:43 > 0:26:50- but with a very intriguing logo to the side.- This business about Filbert and telegrams.- Yes.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54- Liverpool and telephones. - There's a lot of research to do.
0:26:54 > 0:27:01- This is for someone who's got time on their hands to check it out. It could be important.- It could be.
0:27:01 > 0:27:07The connection between an American silver pencil and a Liverpool telephone number is interesting.
0:27:07 > 0:27:12And then the fact that you've got this American-made pencil
0:27:12 > 0:27:16which apparently is promoting some sort of business.
0:27:16 > 0:27:24- One feels with that inscription I've presented it to you as a supplier or customer.- Limited.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28- With all that potential, what's it worth?- £20-£40.- Is that all?
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- It might make more.- Our Maggie only paid £8.- Well, there we are.
0:27:32 > 0:27:37I'm just regretful that Maggie got there before me. There we are. Bravo.
0:27:37 > 0:27:42Maybe they won't need the bonus buy, but let's look at it anyway.
0:27:42 > 0:27:47Now Russell, Mags, you spent the most pathetic £103.50.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51You gave Catherine £196.50. Catherine, what did you do?
0:27:51 > 0:27:54Well, this is what I bought. Slightly girlie.
0:27:54 > 0:27:59- That would suit you, Russell. - Well, well, well. Lookie, lookie.
0:27:59 > 0:28:05Hang this round your neck. I think it's a little perfume casket. Or a little smelling salts.
0:28:05 > 0:28:10- It's all mother of pearl. - Rather pretty.- It's very Russell. - Lovely, isn't it?
0:28:10 > 0:28:13There are lots of collectors.
0:28:13 > 0:28:19- We'll call it white metal? - Yes, definitely not silver. - Russell, you're brilliant.
0:28:19 > 0:28:26- You've been watching too many of these programmes.- And the children help, giving me lots of guidelines.
0:28:26 > 0:28:32- I like that. - You'll be pleased I didn't spend all the money. A very mere £40.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- I think that's not bad.- I don't think it's bad.- What sort of profit?
0:28:36 > 0:28:41You should make £10 on it. Not big money, but I think you'll make £10.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- £10?- Lovely. Thank you.
0:28:43 > 0:28:50Well, have a good think. For the audience at home, we'll find out what the auctioneer thinks.
0:28:50 > 0:28:56- There you go. A little something for your handbag.- Thank you. - Not very old, I'd say.- Brand new.
0:28:56 > 0:29:02If you were flying out to Australia, your plane would stop in the Middle East
0:29:02 > 0:29:09- and as you walked round the terminal you would buy this.- OK, not very old, a kind of tourist market thing.
0:29:09 > 0:29:16- People do like stuff made of shells, though.- They do. And we've got white metal mounts.- How much?
0:29:16 > 0:29:20- A generous £20-£40.- OK. £40 Catherine paid for that.
0:29:20 > 0:29:25She thinks it's going to make a profit. Who knows? She may be right.
0:29:25 > 0:29:31- That's it for the Reds. Now for the Blues. First up, the Middle Eastern oil lamp.- Yes.
0:29:31 > 0:29:36In the form of a student's lamp. It's a very European form
0:29:36 > 0:29:42- with that handle at the top.- It is, but I rather feel the European form was based on this form,
0:29:42 > 0:29:47- which came first.- Could easily be. A perfectly nice example.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- Not terribly practical.- It's just for looking at.- And loving.
0:29:51 > 0:29:57- How much do you love it? - Commercially, we feel sort of £40-£50.- That's fine.
0:29:57 > 0:30:01We paid £50. That's on the money. No tears.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- What about the napkin rings? - Two isn't the best number to have,
0:30:05 > 0:30:11but these are in their own box and they're so crisp in the carving,
0:30:11 > 0:30:16- I don't think they've ever been used. - No. So never used, typical, stuck in the sideboard,
0:30:16 > 0:30:21- given as a wedding present in 1917. - And still could be given today.
0:30:21 > 0:30:27- How much would that present be likely to cost?- The current market value would be £30-£50.- £55 paid.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32- We're there or thereabouts. - Near enough.- Let's hope so.
0:30:32 > 0:30:39- Now the necklace. How do you rate that?- We've called this a ruby necklace. Ruby being the colour,
0:30:39 > 0:30:44- rather than the stone, I feel. - So these are ruby-coloured stones - They're definitely that.
0:30:44 > 0:30:49- So we're not talking precious stones...- My feeling is they're not.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53As such then, what are they worth, just as lovely polished stones?
0:30:53 > 0:30:58- £50-£80.- £46 paid. So fear not. They are what they are.
0:30:58 > 0:31:04- Your estimate would show us a profit. Brilliant.- Good.
0:31:04 > 0:31:08This is a difficult one to shout, but let's look at the bonus buy.
0:31:08 > 0:31:16Laura and Andrew, here we go with your bonus buy. You spent £151. £149 went to Thomas. What is it?
0:31:16 > 0:31:20Well, I bought a stereo viewer and cards!
0:31:20 > 0:31:24Go on, take the stereo viewer and take the cards.
0:31:24 > 0:31:31- You get a 3D image. You slot it in there and then you look down it and you'll see that it's 3D.- Yes.
0:31:32 > 0:31:39The viewer's worth not a great deal. £15. But the cards are interesting and there's a lot of collectors.
0:31:39 > 0:31:47- How much did that set you back? - It was £65.- You've got a lot of cards.- Each worth a couple of quid.
0:31:47 > 0:31:52- As much as that?- Well, a pound. - We counted. You've got 93 cards.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- All right, 50p to a pound. - Let's be optimistic!
0:31:57 > 0:32:02- Some cards are very rare. I don't think we've got any very rare ones. - Is this an original box for it?
0:32:02 > 0:32:07- They fit rather well.- Mm, they do. - How much do you think it'll bring?
0:32:07 > 0:32:12- A small profit of probably about £5. Maybe £70-£90.- OK.- OK.
0:32:12 > 0:32:19Right. Thank you very much, Thomas. Let's find out what the auctioneer thinks about Tom's cards.
0:32:19 > 0:32:24Here's a nice little challenge for you. Stereoscopic viewing arrangements.
0:32:24 > 0:32:30We've got the viewer and a load of cards. I think 90-odd cards in all.
0:32:30 > 0:32:36It's the cheap and cheerful end of the market. All the cards here, some interesting ones. Like that one.
0:32:36 > 0:32:43- Shooting the rapids. Niagara. - We've got two images that through the viewer merge stereoscopically
0:32:43 > 0:32:47so that you see it as one image and there's some action going on.
0:32:47 > 0:32:55- This is pre-dating the 3D films that everyone goes to now. - Anyway, we've got 93 of these cards.
0:32:55 > 0:33:00- They're worth on average 50p a card? - I would think that's a good estimate.
0:33:00 > 0:33:06It's not the right box for them. These cards come in a different packaging in the original.
0:33:06 > 0:33:10- So you've got the viewer, the wrong box. What's it worth?- 40-60.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14OK. £65 paid. Who knows, somebody will take them up.
0:33:14 > 0:33:20- And you can play with it.- Do you play much on the rostrum?- As often as I can!- We're about to find out.
0:33:22 > 0:33:2432. 35. 38.
0:33:26 > 0:33:32- Russell, Mags, what's your expectations? Great expectations? - Yes! Yes, hopefully.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36- How much profit do you think you will go away with?- Well...
0:33:36 > 0:33:42- It'll probably be about £10, but I'm very grateful for anything. - Really?- Mmm.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46First item is the magnifying glass and here it comes.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50Silver and yellow enamel magnifying glass. Birmingham, 1923.
0:33:50 > 0:33:55Let's start at £30 for it. £30? Here at 30. In front at 30. 32?
0:33:55 > 0:33:5832. 35. 38. 40.
0:33:58 > 0:34:0145? 45.
0:34:01 > 0:34:0450. 55? 55. 60.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- Keep going.- 65. 70.
0:34:07 > 0:34:1075. 80. Here at 80. Selling in the room at 80.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Net, are you bidding? At 80.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18Net, you'll have to go 85. I'll sell at 80. Is that it?
0:34:18 > 0:34:23Nobody else? All done at 80. I sell in the room at £80.
0:34:23 > 0:34:26Room at 80.
0:34:26 > 0:34:31It wiped its face. How lovely. No profit, no loss, no pain, no gain.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35The Edwardian silver-plated crumpet fork.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38£20 for it. £20? The crumpet poker. 10, then.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42- Aww!- Come on, you lot! - A fiver? Six I've got here!
0:34:42 > 0:34:46That's half a crumpet!
0:34:46 > 0:34:49Is that it? At £6. The internet at six.
0:34:49 > 0:34:55- I can't believe it.- I love this! - It must be worth more than this. I sell, though, at six.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Seven! At seven now.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00Net, you're out. Eight. At eight.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Taking nine now. Are you bidding, sir? Go nine.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06The bid on the net at £8.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10All done at £8?
0:35:10 > 0:35:16- I can't bear it. £8. There we go. - Well, maybe crumpets are not as popular as they used to be.
0:35:16 > 0:35:20Minus £7.50. OK, now the ever sharp.
0:35:20 > 0:35:27Sterling silver pencil. An American pencil stamped "Telegrams, Filbert, Liverpool."
0:35:27 > 0:35:32An interesting little piece. £20 for it? 20 quid. A tenner?
0:35:32 > 0:35:3610 I'm bid on the net. 12. 15.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- You only paid eight.- 20. 22.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43- Internet at 22. 25. - Well done, Mags. You found this.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46In the very last minute.
0:35:46 > 0:35:50At £25. 28. Internet at 28. It goes on the net at £28.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- Keep going. - Anybody else? At 28.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Sell then at £28. The net has it at 28.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04£28 is plus 20. You were £7.50 down.
0:36:04 > 0:36:09So that means you are...£12.50. OK, £12.50 ahead.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13- How beautiful is that? - I'm so excited. I told you £10!
0:36:13 > 0:36:19- That is folding money! It's enough to go to the tuck shop for a spread. - Absolutely!
0:36:19 > 0:36:26- Now what about Catherine's bonus buy? Hang on to your £12.50 or gamble it?- Although it's lovely,
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- I'm not going to gamble. Are you, Russell?- I will back Maggie.
0:36:30 > 0:36:34£12.50 is a lot of money to teachers!
0:36:34 > 0:36:38And it's nice to have something to take home, isn't it?
0:36:38 > 0:36:45- So you're not going to go with the perfume bottle?- I'm sorry.- That's your decision. I respect that.
0:36:45 > 0:36:50£40 was paid. The auctioneer put £20-£40 on it, so he's a bit iffy.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55- Here it comes.- Mother of pearl pendant perfume bottle holder.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59A very pretty little piece. £20 for that?
0:36:59 > 0:37:0220 quid? Anyone? 20 I'm bid.
0:37:02 > 0:37:04I'll sell at 20. Take a two.
0:37:04 > 0:37:0722 in the room. The lady at 22.
0:37:07 > 0:37:1025, net. 28, madam? 28.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13- In the room at 28.- Watch it make 200!
0:37:13 > 0:37:1630 on the net. 32? Oh, 32.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Stamford stinks! 32. At 32. In the room at 32.
0:37:20 > 0:37:2235 on the net. At 35.
0:37:22 > 0:37:25- The net at 35.- This is good.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29At 35, I sell then. At £35. The net has it at 35. Anyone else?
0:37:29 > 0:37:32- Sell on the bet at £35. - Good decision.
0:37:32 > 0:37:35Goes then at 35. All done at 35?
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Yes. How brilliant is that? Minus £5.
0:37:40 > 0:37:45It was a whisker, really. Barely a sheet of bronco in that.
0:37:45 > 0:37:52You didn't go with it, it didn't make a profit. Right decision. You are at £12.50 profit.
0:37:52 > 0:37:59- Don't say a word to the Blues. Look a bit gloomy.- I can look gloomy. - Can you? I don't believe that, Mags.
0:37:59 > 0:38:06Anyway, don't say a word. All will be revealed in a moment. That could be a winning score. Well done.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- Do you know how the Reds got on? - No idea.- No.
0:38:18 > 0:38:24- Did they look happy when they came out or sad?- Poker-faced. - Poker-faced, definitely.
0:38:24 > 0:38:32Right. OK, now your oil lamp. The auctioneer loved it. £40-£50. You paid £50. That's about right.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Fingers crossed.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38A Middle Eastern brass oil lamp. A very attractive piece.
0:38:38 > 0:38:4130 quid, the lamp? Brass oil lamp?
0:38:41 > 0:38:43- Go on!- 20? Tenner?
0:38:45 > 0:38:49£5 for the brass oil lamp? Anybody? Yes, it's that, madam!
0:38:49 > 0:38:52Five I'm bid. Six. At six only now.
0:38:52 > 0:38:54Goes then at six.
0:38:54 > 0:38:59At six. Net's come back - seven! Eight! In the room at eight.
0:38:59 > 0:39:01No, no, no.
0:39:01 > 0:39:06Take a nine. Nine. Ten in the room. In the room at £10.
0:39:06 > 0:39:10You're out, net. Is that it? Nobody else?
0:39:10 > 0:39:13£10 he sold it for. That's minus 40.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16Here come the napkin rings.
0:39:16 > 0:39:23These are absolutely brand-new. The carving is so crisp on them, I don't think they've ever been used.
0:39:23 > 0:39:25£30 for those? 30 I'm bid. 32. 35.
0:39:25 > 0:39:2838. 40. 45.
0:39:28 > 0:39:3050. 55. 60. 65.
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- At 65 now. - Come on, keep going.
0:39:34 > 0:39:40- I sell them at 65. Out at the back. Net, coming through? 70.- 70 now!
0:39:40 > 0:39:44I sell them on the net at 70. You're out in the room at 70.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Plus £15. That takes you down to minus 25. This is nothing.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51Let's get going with these beads.
0:39:51 > 0:39:57The ruby beads with a gold clasp. Ruby is the colour of this season's accessories.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01£50? £50 for the ruby beads? 50?
0:40:01 > 0:40:04- £20 for the ruby beads?- Come on.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- Tenner? Fiver? Anyone got five?- Ridiculous!
0:40:07 > 0:40:1210 I'm bid on the net. I'll sell on the net at £10.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17Take two if you like. Goes at £10. 12. The net at 12.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- Go on!- 15. At £15. Down then at 15.
0:40:21 > 0:40:24- I'll sell on the net at 15. - Proper gems.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27All done at £15? No one else here?
0:40:27 > 0:40:32- Oh, surely! - Sell on the net at £15.
0:40:33 > 0:40:39That is minus £31. I mean, his estimate was £50-£80 and he sold them for 15.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44You are minus 56, in total. Are we going to go with this viewer?
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- We'd better go with it.- Yeah. - They're great, aren't they?
0:40:48 > 0:40:56And they're nice images, cleverly found. Quite frankly, if a £50-£80 estimate is selling for £15,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58anything could happen.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02Victorian stereoscopic viewer with 93 cards.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06Various bids on these. £20? 20. Two. 25. 28. 30.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- 32. 35. 38. 40. 45. 50. - Oh, good!
0:41:10 > 0:41:13At £50. At 50. Is that it?
0:41:13 > 0:41:20- Goes at 50. And five? All done at 50? Finished at £50? - Failing at the last fence.
0:41:20 > 0:41:23Sell at £50.
0:41:23 > 0:41:27Minus £15. 56...66...71.
0:41:27 > 0:41:32- Minus 71.- Cancel the holiday. - Yeah, cancel the holiday!
0:41:32 > 0:41:38- Cancel the supper out tonight. - They'll be stopping at home for weeks! That's just bad luck.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42He got to £50 pretty quickly, Tom. Could have gone on. There we are.
0:41:42 > 0:41:50Minus £71. Could be a winning score. Just don't say a word to the Reds. You've been good sports. Thank you.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55Anyone else in the room now?
0:42:00 > 0:42:02All right?
0:42:02 > 0:42:09You can't tell from the cheeky grins really who thinks they're the winner and who thinks they're runners-up.
0:42:09 > 0:42:13There's been a needle match here. There's a big gap between you.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17The runners-up by a long, long chalk are the Blues.
0:42:17 > 0:42:22- Minus £71.- Sorry! - So somebody's got a bargain.
0:42:22 > 0:42:29Think about it that way. Feel good about that. Otherwise, you've been absolutely lovely.
0:42:29 > 0:42:36- But the victors today are going home with cash - £12.50.- Goodness gracious! Yes, thank you!
0:42:36 > 0:42:39- Thank you. - The school tuck shop awaits.
0:42:39 > 0:42:46It would have been embarrassing for all the kids to watch you, all 500 of them, and see Sir not do well.
0:42:46 > 0:42:53- I'm very pleased with the outcome. - The Classics department will now zoom forward.- Absolutely.
0:42:53 > 0:42:58- Had a nice time?- Superb.- Fantastic. Loved it.- Thank you, Catherine.
0:42:58 > 0:43:02- Join us soon for some more bargain hunting. Yes?- ALL: Yes!
0:43:02 > 0:43:08I know you're sitting there thinking, "I could have done better than that!" What's stopping you?
0:43:08 > 0:43:13If you think you can spot a bargain, go to our BBC website and apply.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15It'll be splendid to see you.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd