Detling 13 Bargain Hunt

Today, we are at the Detling Fair near Maidstone.

The big question is, can our teams cut it in Kent?

Let's find out. Let's go bargain-hunting. Yes!

The people of Kent have long been known as long-tails -

the theory being that in the medieval period, all those

folk over there in Europe believed that everyone in Britain had a tail.

I don't know about that. Sounds like a bit of a tall TALE to me.

But what is the tale going to be of our two teams today?

Let's have a quick squint at what's coming up.

The Reds take a rather relaxed approach.

Hold on a minute. I just need to get a feel for it. That's lovely.

And the Blues play it cool, too.

There is no hurrying these girls.

Even though the expert is having a heart attack!

But it all hots up at the auction.

ALL: Yes!

First, let's meet the teams.

We are keeping it in the family today, strictly, with teams of relatives.

For the Reds we have brother and sister-in-law, Marek and Andrea.

And for the Blues, we have auntie and niece, Marian and Roo.

-Hello, everyone.

-ALL: Hello.

-Nice to see you.

We don't very often, Andrea, have brother and sister-in-law teams.

But you kind of hit it off when you joined the family? Or he joined the family?

When he joined the family, yes.

Me and him just get on because we are quite similar.

He isn't really a brother-in-law any more. He is like my older brother.

Isn't that nice? Andrea, tell me about dealing with the old nails.

Yes. I did that as work experience

and then got myself a job in a salon and still do it now.

And can we just have a bird's eye? Wow! Look at that!

So if I was to come into your place and want to have my nails done,

blue and red to show no favouritism, how much would it cost me?

-Around £30.

-Do you negotiate? If I offered you 20...

-My friends get mate's rates.

-Do they? That's very interesting to know.

Now, I would say, Marek, from your voice, that you are not from around these parts in Kent.

-I'm not. I'm from Perth in Scotland.

-What dragged you down here?

University to start off with.

I did my teaching postgraduate and then stayed down here,

got a job at the school I had a placement with, met my wife, and the rest is history.

And do you collect anything?

I've got a coin collection and a note collection that was handed down by my granddad.

-Are you going to be relying on your expert today?

-Yes.

-Totally.

-Absolutely.

-We'll stand by for that and very good luck. Now, girls.

Marian, bargain-hunting and you started a few years ago, didn't it?

Yes, quite a few years ago.

My mum used to do a little bit of antiques-dealing,

so she went to the local auction in Maidstone and I went along with

her as a toddler and put my hand up, and she ended up having to buy

the lot because I was the last little hand to go up.

-And he enforced the sale, did he?

-Yes.

-Did he really?

Yes, much to everyone else's amusement and my mum's embarrassment. She's never taken me again.

-So you are a bit of an equestrian buff ordinarily.

-Yes. I love horses.

I have three of my own that I do a little bit of everything with,

but particularly dressage is my passion.

So what is it that is so incredibly elegant about dressage?

It is not always elegant. When it goes right it is fantastic.

You get the horse working in partnership with the rider

and it looks effortless and beautiful.

Roo, that is an unusual name. Where does Roo come from?

It's a family name.

We are not really sure where it originates from.

-It is nothing to do with kanga, is it?!

-No, nothing to do with kanga!

-It is just easier to say than Rhiannon.

-Oh, Rhiannon is the proper name? OK.

I couldn't spell Rhiannon when I was three, so Roo was a lot easier.

I couldn't spell it now! But you are very keen on the four-legged friends too.

Yes, I spend most of my time with my auntie and the horses down the yard.

You are thinking about dabbling in a bit of crime. Not personally.

Not personally, but I am planning on going to

-university in September to study criminal psychology.

-Are you?

-Yes.

Do you think you're going to be any good at taking on these dealers? Because they are a pretty tough lot.

-We'll see.

-Psychologically, you're going to need to nibble away,

-you and your aunt.

-Definitely.

Well, the first step is for me to give you £300 apiece.

There is your £300. You know the rules.

Your experts await, and off you go, and very, very, very good luck.

Gosh, what great teams today.

And of course, they will need some help from our experts.

He's no shady character but a man of character.

The impeccable Jonathan Pratt for the Reds.

And snapping at his heels for the Blues,

we have the delightful Kate Bliss. She's a picture!

What are you for looking today, you two?

A bargain! Simple as that, really.

I think we've got to think about where we're going to sell it on.

-Absolutely.

-Rather than just go for stuff that we like.

We have got to keep in mind the bigger picture.

-Pretty things.

-Pretty things, OK. Pretty things and the bargain.

There is lots here. It is a massive place, this.

-We have got lots to look at, so let's go bargain-hunting.

-Definitely.

So, really, you want something that's going to make money.

It doesn't matter what it is but you are after profit.

-Something that sells, definitely.

-We don't necessarily have to like it. It's got to be a bargain.

-Sounds good to me. I think we are going to gallop around this fair.

-Excellent.

We have barely left the starting gate

and already Andrea has galloped on ahead to get her first find.

What has drawn you to rocking horses?

-Because they are still popular now.

-Yes.

-And it looks really old.

-It's got some age. It's made of plastic.

-Oh.

I don't know how much they are asking for it

but if it were under... It would have to be under £30, really.

-I think Andrea should get on it to try it out.

-I think I'd break it!

No, you're all right. My daughter is only a little bit shorter than you.

-Go on, hop on.

-I don't want to break it.

-Give it a shot.

Yee-ha!

Crikey, rein in that brother-in-law of yours, Andrea.

-Does it work? You've gone off it now, have you?

-It does work.

-I don't know. I don't like the plastic head.

-No.

Isn't that gangnam style? How does it go?

Yes, I think we should lasso these two.

Never mind gangnam, how are the other gang of horsey lovers trotting along on the Blue team?

Looks like they have sniffed something out.

-That's cute.

-Spirit bottle there. It's got a silver-plated top.

But it's got its leather...

-It's quite nice that it's got its leather case.

-Exactly.

-Its leather case, which is rather nice.

-That goes with it as well.

This goes with it? Look at that. So that fits. Oh, that's nice.

-Thank you for that.

-Is that silver plate as well?

-Yes, it is.

Age-wise, I would say it is probably, with that plated top,

maybe '20s or '30s.

-How much is it?

-Now, let's get down to business. It's 85.

-I do really like it.

-Shall we ask the lady what she can do for us?

-Yes, please.

-50.

-50? Would you do it for any less? 45?

-It's got a squeak on it.

-48. 48, that would be the best.

48? Is that good?

Hold your horses, Marian.

You've got to really rely on the right person being there at the auction.

-Can we come back to it?

-We certainly can.

-We can have a little think.

-Is that all right?

-Something to bear in mind, though.

You don't want to back the wrong horse, Blues.

Now, the Reds are talking carpets.

Are they about to fly away with something?

This rug is about 80 or 90 years old.

It's from West Persia and you've got this leaf and flower border,

which is very typical of that area.

They ends have gone a little bit,

but it's kind of absolutely right for a rug of that sort of age.

-About £50?

-I would buy it for £50, happily,

because it would be a good deal just to go straight into the home.

If it were at auction, I'd still think it's fair enough.

The buyer has to pay a buyer's premium,

so then £50 at auction is £65.

Even though down there there's a slight bit of damage?

Can I crawl across your carpet, please?

-There is a tiny little hole there, actually.

-Hold on a minute. I just need to get a feel for it.

No lying down on the job, Marek.

Does that matter? I reckon that is at least a fiver off for that.

If the chap took 40, I would say it was a good deal, to be honest.

-He wouldn't take 40.

-35?!

Wrong direction, Marek.

-I quite like it, Andrea.

-Would you put it on the floor at home?

-No.

-No.

There we are. Let's keep walking, then!

So the rug didn't work its magic on you, Reds,

but the Blues seem charmed by something.

That is the snuffer.

So you take it off and to snuff out your tiny little chamber stick,

your candle, you pop that on the top there.

Would that actually be for a kid? It's for a very small person.

-It's dainty.

-It's a tiny candle.

Yes, I would say it is more of a cabinet piece rather than

a functional piece. As you can see, it is incredibly ornate.

This is what is known as embossed decoration, or repousse,

and you've got acanthus leaves here and lovely scrolls.

Very elaborate scrolls that make up the base.

But that is all reflected in the price, which is £115.

-Hi, sir. What could you do for us on this?

-Let's have a look for you.

Thanks very much.

It would have to be 100.

-Shall we put it back and bear it in mind again?

-Is that your absolute...

-It really is, I'm sorry.

-Another one on the list.

I do really like it but we might find something similar

-that we've got a little bit more leeway with...

-Maybe. Let's think about it.

-We might well come back. Thank you for your help.

-Thank you very much.

Yes. You don't want to snuff out your chances this early on, girls.

-What are they?

-I don't know.

-Old tobacco tins.

-People collect tins.

-Are you looking at buying the whole lot?

-You would do, wouldn't you?

How much are you saying for the whole lot? The whole boxful.

The box I have got a fiver on, but the tins themselves,

I am asking a pound each, so probably 15 quid for the lot.

-So just the contents.

-Without the box.

-15 quid without the box.

-Let's say £10 without the box.

-You could do £15 with the box.

-15 quid with the box.

-I wouldn't take the box.

Go ten with the box, because people will find their own box

-and the value would be entirely for collectors.

-I like it.

For £10, it is a nice little buy. It's interesting.

It is also a collector's lot. You might make yourself a few pounds.

If we do, can we not have the little camel things in it?

Don't start taking stuff out!

Look, we don't want that but we'll still pay ten quid!

-No, we're taking it. It's great. It's all there.

-Do you have a bag?

-Let's take the box now.

-So just the contents, not the box, £10, yes?

-£10, yes.

-10 quid. Can you do it nine quid and we are sold?

It's yours, I've gone, nine quid. We are sorted.

Marek thinks he's in Marrakech!

-Go on, then.

-Nine pounds.

-Nine pounds.

-Andrea, nine pounds, get in there! Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Nine pounds. Bargain-hunting at its best!

-I can't believe it.

-Let's just go home!

-Let's bag it up before you change your mind.

Yes, quickly. Let's go.

Yes, your first bargain buy, Reds, at only 12 minutes in.

But has something stolen the Blues' hearts?

So, quite plain.

A little heart-shaped trinket box and velvet lined, which is rather nice.

If we turn it over you can see it's got quite a clear English hallmark on the bottom.

So I think it's probably George V period

and would be for your earrings or your rings.

It would sit on a little dressing table.

I rather like it for its plainness, actually.

It's in nice condition, on what's called little cabriole legs.

-The legs are cute.

-I like the legs.

What are we talking, price-wise, for that?

Think cheap. Think very small numbers.

Nice try, Marian.

-Believe it or not, I'm not the boss.

-Fantastic!

-I think I saw the boss earlier.

You have free rein to do what you like, then!

Marion is playing mind games. I thought you were the psychologist, Roo.

-70 any good?

-I'd have to do 80 on it, really.

You say 70, you say 80, so logically we need to go 71!

No, I will stay on 80! As I say, it's quite a drop.

What do you think?

Yes, 70 would be great if we are going to stand a chance of making any profit, I have to say.

I will do it for 75.

72.

-Please?

-All right, I will do it for 72.

-You're brilliant.

Thank you very much. Fantastic. First purchase, girls.

-I think that's really girly. It is not like us at all.

-It's not. It's weird.

Well, Blues, it is girly and it's your first buy.

Better trot along, though, as it seems the Reds could have nailed their next.

-Look at that. This manicure set.

-Is it?

-Yes.

It's very Victorian in style.

In fact, the case itself has got some age.

-The old buffer, look, for your nails.

-I like it, Andrea.

-There's a connection there, isn't there?

-Is there?

-Yes.

-Andrea is a nail technician.

-Are you?

-Yes. Look at her nails.

When it gets hot later on, they're going to turn pink.

-Will they really?

-Yes. It changes colour in the heat.

I'm going to be walking around like this, looking at your fingernails.

-Is this definitely not worth anything?

-I didn't say that. What did I say?

-I don't know.

It is silver-plated, not silver. It is silver-plated, not silver.

-£68.

-You can see it's been kept in the box.

You can see the sun has faded the tops and not the bottom

so it's been sitting in there so it has got some age to it.

-The case suggests probably the '20s.

-Yes.

The sort of shell bit on the top here gives it away little bit

-and it is the original case for it.

-I like it.

-Well, it's got a connection to you.

-I like it.

It's complete, which is important.

-It has some age, that's important too.

-Yes, but how much?

I reckon you should get...

Hi.

-£45?

-20 quid.

-No, I can't.

-You have to start low. Work your way up.

Watch out, it's Marek-kech again!

You heard that! Would you take 45?

-55.

-Could we shake on 50?

-No. It's too low, is 50 for me.

-53.

-Go on.

-Hooray! 53.

-High-five.

-High-five.

-High-five.

Nice haggling, Andrea,

and nice timing with your second buy as it's just over halfway.

So, Marian and Roo, you'd better canter along to catch up.

What kind of breed would you say?

-He looks quite like Bernard, who is a thoroughbred.

-So this is your horse?

Yes. Roo looks after him and has loaned him from me

for the last few years, and that is him on a bad day, definitely.

-Definitely.

-He looks quite grumpy.

-Really, really grumpy.

-He's got his ears back too.

-It looks like he's been spooked.

-How much is it?

-It's marked at 190.

-That's £10 less than what we paid for the actual horse!

-Is it?

Yes. We could swap. We could do swapsies.

Not sure a full-sized Bernard would go down well inside the fair room!

That's bronze but it's quite a lacquered finish, actually,

which isn't great.

If it had a nice age to it, it would have a nice worn patina there.

You can tell this is actually quite a modern one

but it is a good subject. A commercial subject.

-It's quite a nice size as well, isn't it?

-Yes. £190 though.

-It's a lot of money.

-It is a lot of money.

So, you don't fancy a flutter on Bernard, Blues. Wisely left.

With two buys under their belts, the Reds are obviously relaxing.

Give it a dry.

And could Marian and Roo be taking it just too easy?

I think we've got 12 minutes. We've only actually bought one item.

I don't think that hip flask is looking so bad after all.

No, I quite like it.

And we could head back there and see if there is anything else on the stall you might like.

-OK. That was in the other building, wasn't it?

-That is this way.

Let's go back that way.

Yes, giddyup now.

-What is it?

-It's a little vase.

-What's that at the bottom?

-That is the mark.

The way it's made and the way it is finished at the bottom suggests

to me it is probably a couple of hundred years old. It's continental.

Probably Italian. It's quite interesting.

There are a few little niggles on the glaze because it is an overglaze decoration

and it is a very soft body.

But the reason why I picked that up is, I don't actually know what it is entirely,

but it is the sort of thing that at an auction...

It is more speculative because you don't see that sort of thing that often.

-But it is beautifully painted.

-It could make some money.

-It might do.

-I don't know. It might do.

-I reckon at our last minute...

-Definitely.

But, teams, you are into your final minute.

-It's gone.

-Has it gone?

-Oh, no.

-Oh, no, it's sold. Too late, girls.

-What are we going to do?

-The Red team didn't buy it, did they?

-No, they didn't.

That is what you get, girls, when you are a bit too leisurely.

That hip flask has spirited itself away but don't lose your bottle.

There are plenty of others here up for grabs.

-So you like this one, Marian?

-Yes. I do quite like it.

It just feels nice and chunky and solid

and it looks as if it's in quite good condition.

The leather case is in lovely condition, isn't it?

Then we've got the two glass pair of bottles inside.

It almost looks Art Deco in design, with this ribbing to the glass,

but I would say, looking at the case, they are quite a bit later.

They were probably '50s. We've got a name there on the case.

Oh, it's French. Rue St Honore, Paris, which is rather nice.

-It is just in super nick, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Really nice condition.

Excuse me.

You've got 90 on this. What's the best you can do?

-75.

-We are very tight for time so I'm going to go straight in there.

-Could you do 50?

-No.

-What's your absolute rock bottom?

-70.

-65?

-70.

-What are you going to do, ladies?

-Let's do it.

-Yes, go for it.

-Happy?

-Yes.

-OK, brilliant. Yes, please.

-Thank you.

Well done, girls. Your second buy.

But time is running away from both of the teams to get their last buys.

We have seven minutes left. Seven minutes is not very long.

-We could waste five minutes looking at stuff and then panic.

-Yes.

Let's do that!

-Is that silver?

-Yes, it is. In fact, it's very Art Nouveau in style.

-Would it be popular?

-A little photograph frame? Yes.

Frames do sell well. They are commercial and people do like silver frames.

This one, obviously, is miniature though.

So you've only got room for two tiny little pictures.

But it is hallmarked clearly. It's 1908. It's very Art Nouveau.

-It is a little wooden easel support.

-It's got a stand as well.

-That's nice.

That is marked at 49.

-Shall we ask what he can do on that?

-Yes.

-Why don't we?

-Excuse me, sir.

How much would you do that one for, please?

I think we can do that for 40. I'll take the nine off.

-OK, that's not bad.

-No. 30?

-I can't, I'm afraid. I'm sorry.

-35?

35, then.

Is there anything else that we like before we say definitely yes to this?

So calm and measured, you are, Marian.

These two dressage riders can perform under pressure.

But can the Reds handle the heat?

-A minute to go.

-Four minutes, guys.

-Let's go.

There is no hurrying these girls.

They take their time, use every second.

Even though the expert is having a heart attack!

-How much are you asking for it?

-I'll do it for 60 for you.

-60?

-Yes.

It's a bit of a punt.

-I think if you could do it for 50, that's a definite buy.

-Go on, 50.

-50, Andrea?

-I don't know.

Talk about pressure.

How fit are you? Otherwise, you've got to run to the other side of the fair, and he may change his mind.

-Let's go for 50. It's a pure punt.

-All right.

-50.

-It's there.

-Bang! Done.

At last. The final deal is done so you Reds can relax.

But if Marian and Roo don't snap up this picture frame, they could rue the day.

Shall we go for that, then?

-Yes, I think we should.

-Happy?

-Yes.

-Great.

You've got less than a minute left so I think we better say yes.

-Before you change your mind. Thank you very much.

-Thanks very much.

-Brilliant.

-Good luck with everything.

-Thanks a lot.

-Well done, girls.

-Excellent. No need to panic.

We've got a whole minute left! We could go again.

We could buy another three items in that time! Easy!

Time's up.

Let's check out what the Red team bought and see if they are on track.

First, the Reds leapt in, buying this collection of tins

and model camels for just £9.

Then they scrubbed up nicely

with this 1920s German manicure set for £53.

And finally, they went for the late-19th-century majolica vase

for £50.

Now, Andrea, what I want to know is, which is your favourite piece?

I liked the manicure box.

-Well, you would do, wouldn't you, in your trade.

-Yes.

-Why can't you use it for pedicure? You could, couldn't you?

-Yes.

OK. Lovely.

-That's got that sorted out. It's all to do with nails anyway.

-Yes, it is.

Very nice too. Which is your favourite piece, Marek?

It's tricky one. I think the cheeky little vase at the end

because it is an unknown quantity for us, really.

-That's exciting, then, isn't it?

-Totally.

And do you think the unknown quantity is going to bring the biggest quantity of cash?

Probably not. It's probably going to fall flat on its face.

So what's your prediction for the biggest profit?

-The cheeky little vase at the end.

-No, mine.

-Andrea's manicure and pedicure thing. Why not?

-OK, fine.

-So how much did you spend altogether?

-£112.

-You spent 112.

-Is that all?

-Yes.

-Please may I have £188 of leftover lolly.

-Yes.

OK, that's good. Thank you. And I've got my three coming. There.

Excellent. Straight across to JP.

What are you going to spend all that money on?

I've seen something and it's very appropriate for the Red team.

-Is it pretty and sparkly?

-No. It'll get you in a spin, though.

Food for thought. We'll find out shortly but right now,

why don't we check out what the Blue team bought?

The Blues fell in love with the heart-shaped trinket box at £72.

Then they bagged these gent's toilette travel bottles

from gay Paris for £70.

And finally, they snapped up a silver-mounted oak picture frame

for £35.

-You are happy with what you bought?

-Yes, very happy.

-Definitely.

-That's great.

-I would say this is a very happy team.

-Yes, we are.

-Which is your favourite piece?

I think the last item we bought, the little picture frame, silver picture frame, was really cute.

OK, that is your personal favourite. What about you, Roo?

I think it had to be the little silver heart-shaped trinket box that we got. Our first buy.

-Is that going to bring the biggest profit?

-I don't know. Not as much as the silver...

-Hopefully the picture frame will be the biggest profit.

-You reckon?

-Possibly.

-What did you spend all told?

-£177.

-177.

I'd like £123, please.

-Which is very kind. Thank you. That is quite a lot, Kate, isn't it?

-It is.

And rather fun for you to go off on your own and maybe blow the lot?

Yes, possibly blow the lot.

These guys are animal lovers, obviously, both of them.

-So I'm going to go on that note, I think.

-OK, well, there's a tease.

Thank you very much for that. Have a nice cup of tea, girls.

Meanwhile, I'm going off to have a fry-up.

I'm now about to perform a surgical operation.

This piece of equipment looks as if I might be.

The operation that you'd perform with this bit of kit, though,

was restricted entirely to the dining room.

What we've got here is an extremely sophisticated spirit-burner.

The elevated part here has got a little knob

into which you put some methylated spirit.

The methylated spirit then goes down a concealed tube

and appears at the burner.

The other end of the burner is controlled by a nicely turned

wooden knob, in ebony, and if I give that a bit of a twirl

and unscrew it, you can see that it is tapering.

That's because it precisely fits a tube on the other side,

allowing a precise amount of meths into the burner

from which you can adjust the height and heat, therefore, of the flame.

Which is clever, isn't it?

I mean, it's low tech but it's very well engineered.

And that's the whole point.

There are lots of these so-called primus, which is a pumped-up,

paraffin-based burning devices

and methylated-spirit-type heaters about on the market place,

but I've never seen one in a fancy silver-plated frame like this.

If you look at the top, it says Manning Bowman & Co.

Turn it upside down and that signature is repeated again

and it was made in Meriden, Connecticut.

Indeed, there is a patent number on it for September 22 1908,

which enables us to date the thing precisely. So what's it worth?

Well, here in Kent it would cost you £40.

What might it be worth in America? Well, that's the big speculation.

Is this a known maker in the USA?

Do people in America still dine in a style that requires

this sort of methylated spirit burner?

Because if they do, surely this thing, to an Americano,

has to be worth £200 to £300.

Yes?

Yes. Yes.

£45, madam.

What bliss to be back in Canterbury at the Canterbury Auction Galleries

-to be with Michael Roberts. Good morning.

-Good morning, Tim.

We've got a mixture here. Think tins.

Think 21 tins like this selection.

Of course, there is a good market for advertising ware,

the social history aspect,

-but these are ordinary and not in the best of shape.

-How much, though?

-I think somewhere between £5 and £10.

-Our lot paid £9.

I bet they make a pound or two's profit on it, because that is the way things will be,

but it isn't going to be a fortune.

OK, fine, that's the answer to that. Now, what about this manicure set?

-Is that wacky or what?

-I don't know, really. It's in a traditional style.

18th-century Rococo design.

They are chrome fittings, or white metal, but the finish to them

isn't silver, which normally you would see.

-Have you ever seen as good a chrome set?

-No, in fairness.

-They look brilliant, don't they?

-They do.

-They look like silver, they feel like silver, but they're not.

-Indeed.

-So how much for a chrome set, the like of which we have not seen before?

-I would say £20 to £30.

£53 paid. Which is fairly rich, really.

And their last item is the piece of majolica

that they fondly think might be perhaps 16th century.

-How do you see it?

-I see it as late 19th century.

It is an attractive thing. If it were the period it is purporting to be, it'd be worth a lot of money.

-It certainly would. Like several thousand pounds.

-Indeed.

-But it ain't.

It's still an attractive thing and it's still 100 years old.

-I see it as being £40 to £60.

-Do you?

-Yes.

-That's not too bad.

-That's encouraging. £50 paid.

-OK.

I think, overall, this team are going to need their bonus buy

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

Andrea, Marek, this is your moment.

You spent 112 and gave all that dosh to JP. Jonathan, what did you buy?

Here it is. Look at that.

-It's a chair.

-A red chair for the Red team.

-Do you know what? I'm loving it already.

-Really?

-Yes.

-Because it's your colour or what?

-It's a bit retro, isn't it?

The thing is about modern design, you see,

antiques auctions shouldn't all be about mahogany, walnut or silver.

Why not buy a bit of 20th-century design? The style of it is the '70s.

Beautifully made and hand-stitched on this lovely swivel chrome base.

I really like it.

You could sit in front of a Georgian bureau on this or you could sit in front of a modern desk.

-Can I try it out?

-Yes, try it out. Go on. Get in there, girl.

My children like to do this. Put your feet up. There we go. Look.

Not too fast. We have a health and safety issue on this programme!

-No, seriously, though, feeling dizzy?

-No, I'm fine.

-Lovely.

You say it's a good one. You don't know what I paid for it yet.

-How much was it?

-It wasn't cheap but I thought quality comes at a price.

-It cost me £125.

-125, Andrea.

-I like it. It's modern.

-It's not old and boring.

-Nice one.

-OK, fine. We got the message there.

I think they like it, JP. Well done.

Why don't we, for the audience at home, find out whether the auctioneer likes it?

-How about that?

-It's got the look. It's got that '70s look about it.

I think it's difficult to date it precisely.

And indeed, I think they are still being made now.

You can buy them online for a considerable amount of money.

Really? Is that a sum of money with lots of noughts on?

-A couple of noughts.

-Really?

-Indeed.

-OK.

But we find at auction that designer or reproduction designer pieces

are difficult to sell.

So we have been relatively conservative, or I have been quite conservative in my estimate,

thinking between about £60 or £80.

But I think it should make a bit more than that.

-Is that a bit of a "come on and buy me" estimate?

-Probably.

Let's hope it is successful because JP paid £125 and he rates it.

And who knows?

If online it costs you a big price with a lot of noughts on,

£125 is perhaps not that expensive. That is it for the Reds.

Now for the Blues. Much more traditional over here.

The heart-shaped trinket box.

-Every dressing table in 1910 had one on it.

-Absolutely. Yes.

An attractive little thing. It's reasonable quality.

Slight denting to the legs,

as you might expect after 100 years of plonking on a table,

but it's OK and I would see it somewhere in the range of £30 or £50.

£72 paid, which could be the first big mistake.

What about the leather-enclosed double scent bottle job?

It is of good quality and it's good to have the bottles with it.

They often go astray or get dropped or damaged or chipped.

-And it is Parisian after all.

-Absolutely.

-It has the look and the name, doesn't it?

-It certainly does.

-It also has the sniff.

-Good quality thing. £40 to £60.

-£70 paid.

That's the second big mistake.

Moving on to the double miniature frame.

That, I think, is rather cute.

It is rather cute and it does appear to be broadly original.

Often, the backs do get replaced.

There is a bit of repair or replacement to the strut just on the back.

But of course, it is pretty titchy

so your beloved portraits are going to be fairly small.

Nonetheless, it is a decent thing and somewhere around £20 to £30.

Marian paid £35 and she really rates it.

If anything is going to get them out of trouble and mean they don't have to go with the bonus buy,

that picture frame will do it.

That's got the hope value, as far as I am concerned.

In case we are seeing this the wrong way round and they need the bonus buy, let's go and have a look at it.

-This is exciting, isn't it?

-Yes.

What do you suppose Kate Bliss spent your £123 on?

I just happened upon, for two animal lovers,

something which I thought might fit the bill.

This obviously is a little miniature model.

-It's a bulldog.

-It is a bulldog.

But there is something a little bit more unusual about this chap

because he's made of silver.

Fairly weighty. And he's marked on the bottom for Dublin.

-So he is in fact Irish silver.

-He's an Irish bulldog.

He's an Irish bulldog. So he's a little bit more interesting with that Irish mark.

-How old is he?

-He is not antique.

He is 1980 or thereabouts, so he is a 20th-century model, but he's got

quite a bit of silver in there and I thought he was quite nicely cast.

-You can certainly see it's a bulldog.

-He is weighty. He's kind of cute ugly.

He looks quite aggressive, doesn't he?

I do actually know quite a few dogs that look like that!

-How much was he?

-I knew you were going to say that! He was £70.

-OK.

-And you think there is a profit in him?

-I do.

I think there is a small profit. If the right person is there, I don't see why there shouldn't be.

He is not antique but he is a lovely little Irish silver model.

If there is one thing that gets the collectors excited, it is dogs.

Dogs and cats, really. Domestic pets.

Silver, Irish, ugly dogs!

OK, Marian. That's enough of that!

Anyway, right now for the audience at home, let's find out

whether the auctioneer likes the Irish bulldog.

There we are, look. One little snapper.

-It's a good thing, isn't it?

-Nicely cast.

-Nicely cast thing. It's Irish.

We've got a hallmark here for 1980 so it's not terribly old.

But nonetheless, dogs are obviously a popular theme

and I'm sure there will be a market for it.

-Estimate wise, we see £40 to £60.

-£70 was paid by Kate Bliss.

So that sounds a bit tight to me.

Maybe, but I wouldn't be surprised if it made £60 or £70, in fairness.

As usual, Michael, you are very nice and positive about all this.

And we'll find out what the truth of the matter is in just a moment. Thank you.

77 on commission.

Marek and Andrea, you are about to stand on the precipice of Bargain Hunt.

-How do you feel?

-Nervous.

-Yes. Pretty nervous.

-Do you feel nervous?

-Yes.

-Anything you are worried about?

-Pretty much everything.

-The tins.

How can you be worried about a £9 group of tins?

-It's probably only going to make £5.

-Don't worry about it.

You've got a range of objects to sell

and we just happened to start out with these ridiculous tins!

Lot number 182 is the collection of 21 tobacco and advertising tins.

Who's going to start me at the princely sum of £5?

£5, then, bid on commission, straight in. £10?

All the tins, advertising tins, £10. OK, we'll go a different way.

Who's £6? 6 on the internet.

£7 on commission. Who's 8? You know you want some tins.

£8. Think of all the stuff you can put in them.

-He's trying hard.

-At £7. At 7 and selling.

That is minus £2, but that is not so bad. Good auctioneering.

-Here comes your manicure set.

-Rococo design. 183, good set this.

Who's going to start me at £10? £10, thank you, straight in. 15? 15. 20.

25. 30. 35. 40. 45. 50.

Yes. You are in profit.

70. Back in at 75.

80, sir, at the back? 85. 90? No. £85 and selling, then. 85.

Yes!

Just magic, isn't it?

-53, 63, 73, 83.

-Drinks on us! That's a joke!

That is £32. Plus 32. You had minus 2 before - you're plus 30.

184 is the Italian majolica vase.

Late 19th century with the stylised Medici arms to the front.

Who's going to start me, then, at £30? £30? A good-looking thing.

£20 to start, then. It must be worth 20 quid. Thank you, 20.

25 by the door. It must be worth £30. Right in front, 30, thank you.

-35?

-I can't bear it.

-I will sell at £30.

You are plus £10.

Now this is a difficult one because you've got £10

and that is £5 each.

What are you going to do with that swivel?

-Let's just go for it, Andrea.

-OK.

It's £125 of risk but do you believe in it? Do you love it as an object?

Would you buy it for £125 or more?

-No. Let's just go for it.

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

-Let's just go for it.

-Are you going for it?

-Let's go.

-You've made your decision?

-Yes.

-We are going with this bonus buy.

Come hell or high water.

You'll find it's available to buy

for anywhere between £1,000 and £1,500.

That is good to mention that.

Who's going to start me off, then? £100? On commission, 100. 110?

Straight in. 120. 130. 140. No. 140.

150. 160. 170.

-Look at this.

-Andrea!

190. 200. 210, someone? Standing, 210. 220? No. 210.

With you, sir, in the check shirt. Any further offers?

Back in at 220. 230.

240. 250. 260. Back in, 270. Thank you.

280? No. 270 in the check.

You've got yourself a very good buy at 270.

ALL: Yes!

That's the business! Dear, oh dear, oh dear! Look at that.

I tell you what, they've got themselves a bargain.

-My heart was beating.

-How much is that?

That is 125, that's 145, plus 145, plus the 10 is 155.

Yes! Now give him a kiss.

He deserves a kiss.

-Give me a kiss!

-He deserves a kiss.

That is a marvellous result. So exciting.

Well, what a result!

-So, now, Marian, Roo, do you know how the Reds got on?

-Not a clue.

-We don't want you to know.

-They looked quite glum.

-They looked glum?

-That may be an act.

-It could be, couldn't it? You never really know.

Anyway, here comes your first item, the heart-shaped trinket box, and it's looking good.

Who's going to start me at £30 on commission?

Who's 35? A silver box, heart shaped. 40 on the internet.

45. 40 on the internet. Even better. Who's 45? 45, madam, thank you.

Who's 50? £50? Any more bids? Are we all done? Are we sure?

It must be worth 50 quid. If not, I will sell at £45.

Dear, oh dear, that is blood out of a stone.

Now, the leather two division.

205 is the leather covered toilet box by the Paris maker here

with the original cut-glass bottles with the chrome fittings.

Lot number 205. Start at £25 on commission, and I'm looking for 30.

£30 I'm bid. And five? No, with you at 30. 35, thank you. 40. 45.

-No?

-Go on!

-I'll buy you a cup of tea!

45, 50, 55. No? Any more bids at all? At 50 and selling.

50 is minus 20, you are minus 47.

Now, this is going to make it all back, this picture frame.

-You watch this picture frame.

-We admire your optimism.

You watch this go.

Lot number 206. A pretty frame. Who is starting me at £20?

Pretty frame here. Right at the back, 20. Thank you. Straight in.

Internet, 25. 30 in the room. 35, internet.

Thank you. 40? No. Any further bids?

I can't bear this.

-Any more? Thank you.

-40.

-40 with you in the room, sir. 45, anybody else?

I think I am going to weep.

No? At 40, then. I will sell at £40.

£40 is plus £5. There is no denying that.

Which means you are minus 42. Minus 42, it's not too bad.

But it should have done so much better, shouldn't it?

Particularly that frame. God, how frustrating!

What are we going to do about the bulldog?

Is that going to drag you out of trouble? £70.

-I think we're going to go for it.

-Yes.

-OK.

That's it, then, we are going with the bonus buy and very, very good luck, girls.

Lot 210 is the Irish silver model of a bulldog.

Who's going to start me than at £20? 20 I am bid, thank you.

25? £25 the bulldog model here.

-I'm not liking the look of this.

-£30.

Who's 35? Any more bids internet or elsewhere? I will sell at 30.

That's a loss of £40, on top of the 42 is minus 82.

-Doesn't sound too bad if you say it quickly.

-Doesn't, does it?

Anyway, the big thing to do is not to say a word to the Reds.

All will be revealed in a moment. Like I say, you have been brave.

Haven't they been brave?

Well, teams, this is a turn-up for the old books, isn't it?

-You been chatting, you lot?

-No.

-No? Not about...

Not about it, which is kind of money or anything like that.

-Well, the runners-up today by a big old chalk are the Blues.

-Hey!

Bad luck, team.

Minus £82, like I said, is not too bad if you say it quickly

and you had a few torpedoes in there, minus £27, minus £20.

-Let's not go into it, but did you have a nice time?

-Yes.

-You did.

-It's the taking part that counts, Tim.

-Exactly, it's the taking part.

That's what I tell myself every day.

You have been great, we've loved having you on the show.

Thank you very much, but the victors are going home with £155 in cash!

There. That is a bankable amount.

And everything was going really rather badly at one point

until up came Jonathan Pratt with his modernist chair,

which made £145 of profit and saved your bacon.

Which is incredible, isn't it?

-Have you had a good time?

-Brilliant, thank you, Tim.

-Been good for you?

It really should have been, Andrea,

cos that is a result to go home with all that cash.

Thank you very much, JP, for your contribution. It's been fun.

-Join us soon for some more bargain-hunting, yes?

-ALL:

-Yes!