Norfolk 25 Bargain Hunt

Today we've come to the east of England, to Norfolk.

Not so much as to look at the man-made wonders like the Broads

but to find some man-made wonders of our own.

Let's go bargain hunting, yeah!

It may surprise you to know that pool frogs, here in Norfolk,

have their very own local accent.

And let's hope that none of our contestants croak either.

The Reds need to make a panic phone-call.

Could you ring him really quickly? Please!

-I will ring him really quickly.

-Really quickly!

And the Blues are lining up for an identity parade.

-There is, isn't there?

-There is, there is, I can see it.

I see the smile and the skin tone...yeah!

Let's meet today's teams.

On the show today, we have two teams of married couples who also

know each other and co-incidentally are also friends, which is lovely.

So, for the Reds we have Alwyn and Rita

and for the Blues it's Claire and Richard.

-Hello, everyone.

-TOGETHER: Hello, Tim!

Very nice to see you.

Now, Alwyn, you have been married for more than 30 years,

how did it all start?

When they rationed petrol, which was back in '73 and I worked as

a BT engineer at the time. So, I cut off the phone of the local garage

up at the telephone exchange and then I went down to repair it.

So, when I got there I walked in and said,

"I've come to repair the phone."

So I said, "I'll just sort it out for you."

Made a pretence of going under the table to look at the wiring...

-As you do.

-Well, as you do.

And there was this pair of legs with these very, very short,

red hot pants, you see, facing me.

So I thought, "Mmmm, this is interesting."

So what did you do, reverse her charges?

LAUGHTER

Now, listen, you've put down your BT engineer's tool box now

-and you've picked up a spade.

-I do landscape gardening now.

We used to run a garden centre - my daughter runs it now for us.

-I mean, you say "we", so, Rita, you do this too, do you?

-Oh, yes, yeah.

And would you say you're the creative part of the partnership?

Definitely!

-Al's got more, sort of, brunt.

-Muscle? Yes.

And I'm more, well...you do a bit of creating a bit as well, don't you?

-Yes, if I let him.

-Yeah, be careful.

I could tell from that glance, he wasn't quite so keen on that one.

LAUGHTER

And you were once in a 1960s pop-group?

Yeah, called The Termites.

My sister and myself, we've always sang, ever

since we were about three or four, and when we were 13

and 14, we were working in a club and there was a talent scout there

and he heard us singing Tell Me with our group, and he said,

"I want you, girls, to record that for me."

-As The Termites?

-As The Termites.

-I hope you've got a few vinyl copies of this, have you?

-Yeah.

You have, tucked away somewhere.

Well, I think there's only one.

Anyway, very good luck.

Lovely to meet you.

OK, Blues, you're not going to stand for any funny business

from that lot, cos you are or were both in the police force, right?

-That's right, we were.

-That's right.

Wearing the correct colour, then.

We are the team in blue.

And did you meet when you were working on the police force?

-Yeah, we met in the police bar.

-Did you?

Yeah, one evening I went in and Richard was there and I was like,

-"Oooh, I rather like him!"

-Yes.

-And it was caramba!

-It was.

Now, you've given up the police and gone in for the fluffy creatures.

Yes, that's right.

Four years ago, we opened an animal boarding

-business for guinea pigs and rabbits.

-No!

Yeah...looking after little ones

while people go off on their holidays.

-I don't believe it!

-It's been really popular.

Are there enough guinea pigs and rabbits to make the thing thrive?

-Surprisingly enough, there is, Tim.

-Really?

-There's plenty.

Now, Richard, tell me,

do you miss anything, not being in the police force any more?

No. I had a great time for 30 years in the police, and I worked in

investigations and intelligence and finished up as detective inspector.

-Did you?

-So I had a good career.

-But there's a bit of a buzz about you, isn't there?

-Well, yeah.

One of my passions is bee keeping.

I started that a couple of years ago, erm, and it's developing nicely.

So do you have several hives in different locations?

I've got a couple of hives in different locations. In fact,

one of the hives we've got is in Al and Rita's old garden centre.

-Oh, I see.

-Down near the polytunnels.

This really is a close friendship.

We are.

We are going to be in trouble today!

Whoever wins is going to be very pleased.

There'll only be one winner! LAUGHTER

Anyway, very good luck. Now, here comes your £300, there we go.

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

Very, very, very good luck! Gosh, what fun!

Now, let's meet our experts spreading the Bargain Hunt

gospel today!

Helping out the Reds, Caroline Hawley believes it could be

worth more than you think!

And championing the question, "What's your very, very best?"

is Thomas Plant, who'll be assisting the Blues.

So, Rit, you used to be a rock star?

Yes, I did, in the '60s.

Wow! So, we're going to be looking for some rock memorabilia.

That would be great!

-So, are we all instep like real bobbies?

-Absolutely!

Yeah, definitely.

-So are we going to be instep with buying?

-We are.

Yup, we're going to be up there with it.

What about you, Al, what are you into?

Well, I'm kind of into naked women, really.

Ah, indeed...right, there probably won't be too many around today.

Of the bronze variety, I think.

Yeah, we're going to rely heavily on our expert to make us

a whopping profit.

-Well, good luck!

-LAUGHTER

Right, so where do we need to be?

Right, get on with it, teams.

Your 60 minutes starts now.

Where's your wife? Oh, there she is, she's gone.

-Oh, look.

-Rita's pretty quick off the mark. You go, girl!

-Look at that.

-Now, that's nice.

How old would you think that one is, Caroline?

It's an old fire engine, isn't it?

Yeah.

It probably had a string on it at one time, Caroline,

and the bell would go...

Oh, yes... Yes, has it got its dingler in?

'80s, did you say?

-Yeah.

-Yeah. OK.

It's quite nice, isn't it?

-£80 is quite a lot of the money, isn't it?

-I know, it's quite a lot.

What's the best price you could do on the car for us, please?

Best price for that would be 70 quid.

It's still quite a lot, isn't it?

-I think it needs to be a little bit lower.

-Thank you.

Yeah, that would have been nice if it was cheaper.

OK, something to think about, maybe.

Meanwhile, what's Thomas' beady eye spotted?

-I don't like doing this but I've spotted something I quite like.

-OK.

It's just up my street.

-OK.

-Erm, it's the kettle on stand. Erm, very Art Nouveau.

So, Art Nouveau, do you know what Art Nouveau is?

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

-A period.

This is by someone called WMF. This is a German manufacture.

You see, you've got these stylised flowers.

Yeah, I can see that's very Art Nouveau, isn't it?

Very Art Nouveau, with the copper and the brass,

with the spirit burner here.

Look at these stylised...

-Yeah, it is pretty.

-It's very, very stylish.

-If you want one of these, it's the best one to buy.

-OK.

All the bits are there.

The interesting thing is...Manning-Bowman,

1904 is the date...8th of November.

Oh, so it's got an exact date!

It's got an exact date, 1904, that's wonderful.

-Is it a different manufacturer at the bottom?

-All fits in, all fits in.

-I love it!

-Would it be a good seller?

Cos there's a different screw either side there.

-There's a screw missing there.

-There's a different screw, yeah.

That's something, that's not great, that.

So, that's a good spot. Well done for that, Richard.

It's your policeman's detective mind coming out.

Watch it, Thomas, he'll be taking down your particulars.

So, what's the very best on this?

-Well, we'll start at 100, is the best.

-I know, but...a little bit less.

-Two figures.

-85 is the death on it.

-Are you sure?

-Absolutely positive.

Cos you've got that screw there

and you've got that little bit of damage there.

-Nice subject matter, 85.

-It's lovely.

-85 is the best on it.

-OK.

-I like it.

-I like it.

-We've only been shopping for ten minutes.

-Yeah.

-I really don't like to buy within the first, you know, 20 minutes.

-OK.

I just think that that's good...

It's good but, you know, let's move on.

-OK.

-Can we do that?

-We can, yeah.

Plenty of time to think about it, Blues,

but back now to the Reds, who are discussing furniture.

G Plan sells very well and I'll tell you another good make, Ercol.

-Yeah.

-Yes.

-That is worth looking out for.

I wouldn't have thought they are but...

I don't...I mean, they're a nice shape

but I don't think they've got the quality of...

-There's a G Plan set in there.

-Is there?

-In the tent?

-Yeah.

-Oooh, can we have a look?

-By all means.

The G Plan brand was launched in the 1950s,

the brainchild of David Gomme,

the designer at British family firm E Gomme,

who decided to produce a range of furniture which could be

purchased piece-by-piece according to budget.

Consequently, his idea allowed people to buy a simple coffee table

and furnish a whole house with a complete look.

I think these G Plan items are really popular today.

And with the young ones that are buying flats and their first

homes now, this classic, clean, contemporary look is what they want.

What do you think, Caroline?

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

-It's a bit mucky on that one, isn't it?

That does say G Plan underneath, though.

-You've got the name that's in fashion.

-Yeah.

I think they're a nice look but they

need to be a little bit better, sir.

-What can you do?

-That's been glued as well, look...ten?

HE LAUGHS

-No, what can you do?

-Gracious me!

I'll do you 25 and that is as low as I'm going.

I think they need to be 20, really, with that.

This is the only one that needs... Cos it's gone all sticky.

That needs stripping off, don't it?

20 and we'll buy them.

I'll tell you what I'll do, I'll toss you 20 or 25.

-OK.

-Yeah?

-Yeah, we'll go with that.

-Why not.

You going to call?

-Heads.

-It's tails.

Oh!

You're rubbish, Rit, I'll divorce you.

-That is fair.

-Thank you very much.

-That's OK.

-Cheers.

Thank you.

Well, that's a different way to haggle.

That means the Reds have made their first purchase.

On the call of tails, they shelled out

£25 for a nest of tables, well done!

The Blues haven't moved far - they are still on the kettle stall

and are showing interest in something else.

Now then, let's be having you!

-What do we think?

-Yeah.

-London 'Bobby'.

-No.

-No, you don't want to go for The London 'Bobby'?

-I think it's lovely.

By Royal Doulton.

Do you think... I mean, I don't know how much it is

but do you think that would be very saleable?

Yes, it is, weirdly enough.

The reason why it's saleable is

because policemen collect police items.

-Police memorabilia.

-They do.

-Yeah.

-All the time.

I don't believe it.

SHE LAUGHS

There is a resemblance! The nose is slightly different.

-There's not much in it.

-I see the smile and the skin tone...yeah!

No, I think we can't not have that.

It's not got any damage on it, has it?

-No, it's not got any damage.

-What sort of price is it?

Well, I don't know.

-Where's he gone?

-Lost the stall-holder.

-There he is.

Shall I go and speak... Just have a look along here.

-We'll have a look here.

-You go and discuss.

-That sounds like a good idea.

-You go and do your thing, Thomas.

Here's an unusual little character.

Do you like things like that?

-No.

-No, not at all.

-Right.

-OK.

Erm, I've had a chat with the dealer.

He says it's a rare colourway

cos of the silver on the whistle

and the helmet as well...and the buttons.

I would tend to probably believe him.

There are different colourways with Doulton character jugs.

Erm, he had it at 150 and it could be ours at 90.

-Oh...

-So, you know, you've got two options, really.

You can either go for the kettle and stand...

So if we went for both, would he come up to a bit of an agreement?

He might do if you went for both.

-Yeah. Just a little bit of a deal if we buy both?

-160.

That's 80 each. That's actually not too bad, is it?

-Two items down in the first shop.

-Profit in that?

You know, it could be a rare colourway, I just don't know.

I don't think that's too much of bad deal.

-Let's go for it.

-Do you want to do those? Do you want to do it?

-I think we should.

-Yeah, let's do it.

-Do you want to take the risk?

-Yeah, let's take the risk!

-Boosh!

-Two in 20 minutes.

-We've got plenty of time now to find something really cracking.

-Yeah!

Congratulations, Blues.

As you say, two items down and 40 minutes left

to find your third purchase.

Back to Caroline and the Reds.

And they've spotted a coffee set.

So, it's J&G Meakin, England.

Now, England always tells us it's after 1891,

but it's quite considerably after 1891. This is 1970s, I would say.

Absolutely typical, stylistically,

-of the '70s, and it's good colours.

-Yes.

-It's very contemporary.

-It would go nowadays, wouldn't it?

It would, absolutely and, you know, the long, tall coffee pot here,

-and we've got lots of it. There's six of everything.

-Yeah.

-The '70s style is coming back now.

-Absolutely.

People are decorating their houses, aren't they, in the '70s style.

It's a timeless style, it's nice quality.

Caroline, that would go with our G Plan coffee table.

It would, absolutely brilliant idea! Yeah, it would.

This is fantastic - it's in great condition and when you

consider it's lasted intact from the '70s...what do you think, Al?

How much is it?

-30 for those.

-30, right, OK.

It seems like a lot of stuff for 30 quid.

-Can you do any...?

-Well, it does, but...

-20?

-I can't go to 20...25.

22, yes, please. Because, you know, we've got to try and make

a little bit of... We've got to beat our Blue team.

We do need to beat the Blues, definitely. Go on, then.

-22, thank you! Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Thank you, my love.

-I hope you make a profit.

-So do we!

That's a good buy and that's going to look great on our tables, Rit!

Yes!

And that's the second purchase for the Reds. Well done!

There's definitely a '70s vibe going on here. So, it's two-all.

Now, how are those Blues getting on?

I quite like that carved trunk.

-Yeah, it is quite nice.

-I quite like that.

Wow!

That's really unusual.

-It's an African woodcarving, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-What have you seen there?

-I like this.

-The trunk.

-The trunk?

-Is there any age to it?

-Let's have a look, let's open it up.

-I think it's...

-You don't think it's got much age to it?

-No, I think it's more touristy than anything.

-Yeah, I think so.

-Oh, OK.

Made in Africa and probably carved in the '50s.

-It's got a bit of age but not too much.

-How much is it?

-Erm, 120.

-Is it?

Hmmm, I don't think we'd sell it for much more than that, to be honest.

No, I don't think you would.

-You've got to think about making a profit.

-Thank you.

Absolutely right, Thomas. Profit is the name of the game.

Keep on looking.

Oh, what have you seen, Rit?

There's an old Esso petrol can that reminds me

of when we first met at the garage!

Everybody was filling up their petrol cans, weren't they?

Yeah, they were and very similar to them as well.

Brings back loads of memories.

-Ah, that's lovely.

-You see those old bottles there as well, Rit.

Yeah, I saw those. Bye.

-You romantic pair!

-We are, aren't we?

-Oh...

-Oh, take a rose.

THEY LAUGH

Ahhh, how sweet.

In search of more bargains, the Blues head inside.

-Look.

-What have you found?

A pair of Breton man-and-wife fishermen in a mother of pearl.

-OK, well, we said mother of pearl.

-It's sweet, isn't it?

They're pretty.

Look at the light shimmering on those.

They are lovely, I really like those.

-Nice to hang on the wall, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-I love mother of pearl.

-What's the best on these?

-35.

35, OK.

I wouldn't spend more than £30 on them

if I was to buy them at auction, I wouldn't.

-OK, well, thank you for that.

-OK.

I wonder if something like a walking stick...an ornamental stick or

something like that.

Literally, we've got minutes, minutes.

Eight minutes to be precise, Thomas. So you need to get a move on!

With the pressure mounting,

the Reds also decide to look for their final item inside.

-Do you like it?

-Yeah, I do, actually.

Do you like the silver frame?

-It's not very heavy.

-Yeah, it's silver.

-It's very light.

-Is it?

Well, it'll be...it's wooden-back, the original wooden back.

-That's the original?

-Yeah, absolutely original.

-Yeah.

-Is it hallmarked?

It will be hallmarked here. The date...it's Walker & Hall,

a very good Sheffield maker, and 1910.

-1910.

-So it's an antique.

-Yes.

It looks Edwardian shape, doesn't it?

-Yeah, yeah.

-And it's silver.

-Nice quality.

-Is that it there?

What's the price?

Oooh, 245! What is your very best price on it?

-200.

-Could we squeeze you any lower, cos this is our last item now?

-Erm, 190.

-180 and we'll do a deal now.

I don't think I can do that.

Please try...ask your lovely daughter and she'll say yes!

-Can we do 180?

-I'll need to ring my husband.

Could you ring him really quickly?

-Please!

-I will ring him really quickly.

Really, really quickly!

Whilst the Reds wait anxiously on a phone call,

something is about to catch the eyes of the Blues.

Thomas, as you are the expert in jewellery... Oh, I like that!

-Card case, calling card case.

-That's nice.

-You like that, do you?

-Yeah, I do like that.

-So this is a calling card case.

When you turn up to somebody's house, you knock on the door.

Ding-dong.

Or ding-dong, the butler comes in,

you take out your calling card case, you pull out your card,

you present it to the butler and he puts it on a tray

and he shows it to the lady or the gentleman of the house.

-And they decide whether they let you in.

-Would like to let you in or not.

I think that's really nice.

-It's very, very pretty.

-It is pretty...again, it's mother of pearl, I love mother of pearl.

-Yeah.

-Mother of pearl and abalone.

-Where do you think they've been made?

It would have been made, probably... It's a difficult one.

Could have been made in this country or could have been made in India.

-Yes, it's a very nice thing.

-Is it possible to age that?

Erm, yes, it's... I would say late Victorian.

-Yeah.

-Late Victorian, early Edwardian.

-So, looking at 1890...

-Can I have a feel?

-Yeah, have a feel.

You've got £45 on it, sorry, dragging you around.

-35.

-£35?

-OK.

-See, I think that's nicer than those shells.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, I do. I think that's nicer than the shells.

-Yeah.

-Do you want that to be your last item?

-I think I'd go for that.

Would you do it for 30?

I'd go to 32.

-OK.

-Yes.

-32 would be great.

-32 seems very fair.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Lovely.

-Last item, well done.

-Thank you, yeah.

-Are you going to do your thing?

-Boosh!

-Third item.

-Bound to make a profit.

-Thank you.

-Hope so.

-Thank you very much.

-Excellent, I'm pleased with that.

-Well, that's it.

Thank you very much, lovely.

Boosh, indeed, guys!

Well done, that's your last item bought, congratulations!

Meanwhile, the Reds are really up against time.

180.

-180.

-180, Rit.

-Rit, 180.

-180.

-What do you think?

-Time's nearly gone. Why don't we go for it?

-It's a nice classic piece.

-It is classic.

There's no dents in it, it's in good condition. 180?

-Let's go for it. Thank you.

-I can see me in there as well.

Thank you very much.

In the nick of time the Reds make their final purchase, so well done.

The 60 minutes are up. Let's check out what the Red team bought.

The nest of G Plan teak tables cost them £25.

A Meakin coffee set was served up at a hot and steamy £22.

And finally, they spent £180

on this early-20th-century silver photo frame.

-Was that fun?

-That was great.

-That was absolutely brilliant.

Had a great day. It's been amazing.

Which is your favourite piece?

I think I like the silver Edwardian photo frame.

-That's your favourite?

-Yes.

-Do you agree?

-I have to agree.

I like that the best as well.

It's no wonder you have been together for 30 years.

I have to agree. She's got my arm up me.

Is that going to bring the biggest profits?

We think the G Plan tables.

That is your prediction, good.

-How much did you spend?

-227 smackers.

-227, that is three short. So I want 73.

-You do.

-That's what I've got in my pocket.

-I'll take it from you.

That's very good. Lovely. And that goes straight to Caroline.

Well done, darling. That's not so much, but for a girl of your calibre it should be no problem.

-I can do damage with 73.

-Good for you. Thanks, team.

Go and have a nice cup of tea.

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

This Edwardian Art Nouveau kettle and stand

set them back a piping £80.

Evening all!

A Royal Doulton character jug of a London 'Bobby' also cost them £80.

And they spent £32 on this Edwardian mother-of-pearl calling card case.

Well, I do think you're marvellous, you two. I mean, such control.

-Well, we did do our best.

-What was the total spend again?

-£192.

That is such a mature amount of money.

I mean, these are the forces at its best.

Anyway, I'd like £108 of your leftover lolly, please.

Thank you, darling. You've got the shrapnel. Super.

Which is your favourite piece?

My favourite piece was the Royal Doulton policeman's mug

-because it looked like Richard.

-How sweet.

-A mug-shot!

-A mug-shot!

-It's his identikit.

-The nose was different.

Do you know what? They can put another one on. OK, fine.

Your prediction of favourite piece.

I think the favourite piece was the copper kettle.

-It is all coppers with you lot!

-We like coppers.

-What's going to bring the biggest profit?

-I think the copper kettle.

-No, I think the mug. We're going to disagree on that.

-All right, fine.

We like a bit of disagreement. There you go, £108, my friend.

Nobody better qualified to go off and spend £108.

-No, I'll enjoy spending 108.

-I bet you'll blow the lot too.

Anyway, very, very, very, very good luck.

Meanwhile, I'm going to take you on a trip.

A trip back to the 1960s.

Are you one of those young people who are on-trend

and understand about what is retro and what is about hot to trot?

If you are, you will love this object.

What is it?

It is a bit of 1950s, '60s Italian modernism.

What we have here is a hat and coat rack

that is a violent reaction against the previous generation's

desirable hat and coat rack.

The design is completely novel and what I like about this

particular rack is the mixture of materials.

You have got ceramic and some rather thin and miserable

and slightly rusty black wire.

The ceramic is special because these dark black areas are unglazed

and have been scratched with a very sharp tool,

giving you the detail,

like her absolutely fabulous Barbie doll hairdo.

What we have is a series of images of this trendy young girl in 1960.

Here she is wearing one of those froufrou skirts

and clutching a bunch of flowers.

She's going to a ballet course next door, wearing her ballet gear.

The next one shows her in the winter with a trendy duffle coat on.

Then she's playing tennis, gripping her tennis racket.

She's then going skipping, look.

And later on it's a windy, wet day with an umbrella.

Then, the inevitable consequence, perhaps, of all this activity,

you see her in the last plaque pushing along a little pram.

The desirable thing about the black wire are the design

of the pegs themselves.

These are kind of Sputnik-shaped ovals

which are taken together - one in a vertical plane

and one in a horizontal plane.

Ideal for putting the trendy duffle coat down below

and maybe a beret on the upper hook.

What would such an icon of Italian design cost you?

It could be yours today here in Norwich for £45.

Not a lot of lira, that.

Well, we've come 25 miles south from Norwich

to the delightful town of Diss to be with Elizabeth Talbot,

our auctioneer of the moment, from the Diss Auction Rooms.

-Hello, Tim. How are you?

-Very good, thank you.

Very, very nice to be here.

-Now, first up for the Reds is this nest of G Plan tables.

-Yes.

-Do you like these?

-They are OK.

We see a lot of G Plan and I have to say

it's beautiful, quality furniture which they made

and is ongoing with its appreciation within the market

but they're a fairly straightforward nest of tables.

How much are you going to have to pay at auction today to buy these, Elizabeth?

We think £15-£25.

So there you have it. £25 paid by the team.

And then, continuing the theme in our 20th century lot,

we've got a coffee service.

We've got six cups, six saucers, the coffee pot,

-the stylish milk or cream jug. It's marvellous, isn't it?

-Yes.

It is very evocative of an era which is now very popular

and the high street are recreating that look in their potteries.

And a bargain to buy at fairs, retail or at auction. How much?

-£20-£30.

-I rest my case.

Six cups, all perfect, ready to go.

They were a wedding present in 1972. Nobody's used them.

It's like going down the high street and buying it brand-Harry-spankers.

£22, our team paid. You are estimating £20-£30.

I think it's just bonkers.

Next is the silver strut photo frame,

-or it would make a perfectly nice dressing table mirror.

-It would.

It's a good size for that, actually. It would sensibly switch

to either usage. It's not too fussy.

The simplicity of that design, although it's from 1916,

can look quite modern if you interpret

it as being in a modern setting.

-How much would we get for it at auction?

-We hope for £100-£150.

OK, not too bad. £180 they paid.

£100-£150 is a bit of a tease, Elizabeth.

-I like teasing people.

-You certainly do!

Anyway, depending on whether you've over-teased or under-teased

will determine whether they make a profit out of the frame

and if they don't, they'll need the bonus buy.

Let's go and have a look at it.

You are very good, you two. 227, you spent.

You gave Caroline £73. What did you spend on?

I spent...

..on these American 1950s original record cases.

-Do you like them?

-What's inside? Are they just cases?

They're just cases.

I think this one's been filled in

so they've had records in at one time but no more.

The others have never been used.

They were asking £25 each for them which I think's too much.

So, I got them for £40 for three of them.

-£40 for three.

-How much do you reckon they're going to make?

Probably £40 for three of them!

No, I don't know. I think they are interesting.

There's a lot of musical items here for sale.

So we could take... I took a punt.

You can choose to do so or not.

I think they're different, they're very interesting,

-they're very evocative of that Twist And Shout era.

-Yeah, definitely.

I hasten to add that Rita is well after this era, thank you very much.

Thank you very much, Rita. I clocked that.

But nevertheless, they are fun, aren't they?

And in good nick, basically.

And if you've got a collection of 45s,

what nicer way of storing them and everything else?

-Thank you, Caroline.

-But right now, let's find out

whether the auctioneer finds them groovy.

There we go, Elizabeth. Do you like to do the Twist?

I have done that, actually, and come a-cropper for doing it

-so I'm not doing it again.

-You're not?

-They're definitely doing the Twist here, aren't they?

-I know.

But this is lovely artwork, actually. It's great fun.

-To have three of them is superb.

-It is, isn't it?

I like to think that a collector of 45s,

who could be from any generation, really,

would go for something like this because it is such a cute way

of keeping your precious 45s together.

I think so. If you're that avid a collector of records,

anything that reflects that and emphasises the collection is good.

-What is your estimate on these?

-Only £10-£20.

-Really?

£40 paid by Caroline.

Anyway, it'll depend on who's here, won't it?

OK, super, that's it for the Reds. Now for the Blues.

And a weird old mix they've got.

Now, first up is the copper and brass, very stylish spirit kettle.

-Look at that.

-I think that's a handsome piece.

We see spirit kettles quite often but that,

it's got all the elements which really make that quite special.

I don't think I've seen a more stylish

or more complete one, actually.

-Mmm-hmm.

-What do you think it's worth?

-£100-£150.

-That's brilliant, £80 paid.

So I think Thomas Plant has done well in guiding them towards that.

Next up is 'allo, 'allo, 'allo.

My least favourite object, really, but how do you rate these things?

Is it difficult or easy in the market with Doulton character jugs?

-At the moment, it's quite difficult.

-Is it?

The prices have dropped,

tumbled quite significantly over the last two years or so.

-How low?

-£30-50.

-That's quite low.

-Hmm.

£80 paid,

so that could be a bit of a problem for PC Plod.

-Last is the classic mother of pearl veneered card case.

-Yes.

I mean, if we had a pound for every one of these we'd seen,

-we'd be quite well off, wouldn't we?

-Absolutely.

They're fairly typical, bit of a cliche,

but the condition of it is nice and it's decorative

and they are always collectors starting out somewhere

wanting to purchase something like that

who can't afford the more expensive ones,

so we've put £30-50 on it, hoping that that will just...

It's called "entry-level".

-Yes.

-OK, £32 paid, so that's OK.

I think, basically, depending on Plod,

they're going to be all right, but on the other hand,

they might need the bonus buy, so we better go and have a look at it.

Right, then, Claire, Ricardo, how are you feeling?

-Excited.

-Good.

-Are you?

It's very important, this leftover lolly moment,

because you gave T Plant £108.

Thomas, reveal all.

-I bought you, as you requested, a piece of jewellery.

-OK.

-But it didn't cost the whole £108. Bit of a game.

-Good.

-It's nice.

-It's very pretty.

It's shakudo ware, Japanese shakudo ware.

It's inlaid onto the silver

and on the reverse is also a design as well.

-You can wear it the other way round?

-You can wear it both ways.

-That's my kind of necklace.

-It is, isn't it?

-Two for the price of one.

-Two for the price of one.

I always like to get a BOGOF deal.

-Yes.

-And I got one with this!

-Have a look.

-Is that solid silver?

-Yes, it is solid.

-What's the chain?

It's silver as well.

It's not that old but it is lovely.

-OK, so how much did you pay for this?

-How much do you think?

Erm, I would say

-£90.

-No! 40, yes!

-ALL: 40?!

-£40.

-40?!

-40!

-£40.

That's a naughty 40, I'd say.

-I'm quite impressed with that, Thomas.

-That's nice.

I'm liking that a lot.

-I don't think I'd be wearing it, but...

-Not on a Saturday night.

CLAIRE AND RICHARD: Maybe Friday.

Well, we're very, very happy with that.

-Well done, TP, you've had the right response.

-Well done.

Why don't we find out

whether our female auctioneer has a similar vibration.

That's rather beautiful, isn't it?

Oh! Yes, it's beautiful work

and it's very wearable.

-Wouldn't be to everybody's taste.

-Really?

-Yes.

Cos when you look at it,

each of those little goldy bits is gold hammered into the iron,

as is the silvery stuff, and then the back's solid silver, isn't it?

They're borrowing very much from the designs

and techniques of making the bronze vases with the inlay.

The Japanese are very skilful at compromising.

But this is a tourist market piece, isn't it?

-It is, really.

-Well, it's quite girly.

How much is the girly price, then?

The girly price is £30-40.

-That's a very good girly price.

-Thank you.

-£40 paid.

Absolutely charming. Thank you, Elizabeth.

-Almost as charming as you.

-Thank you. You'll say anything, Tim.

AUCTIONEER CALLS OUT

It has taken off, this one, at 270.

Any advance on 270?

Well, kids, this is exciting, isn't it?

-Mmm!

-This is my favourite part.

-Is it?

-Mmm-hmm!

-The G-Plan teak tables are great, aren't they?

-Yeah.

-I really rate these things. She's only put £15-25 on.

You paid £25, so you really ought to get a profit off those.

You should. Then you've got the Meakin coffee service.

-I just can't believe you paid £22 for that.

-Yeah, I know.

She's estimated £20-30.

That, again, should be £50 worth.

I think both of those are going to do really well.

She's estimated 100-150 on the silver frame.

-You paid £180.

-Yeah...

Otherwise, we've got the record cases to fall back on,

which was a £40 investment.

Anyway, super.

First lot up, then, is the G-Plan tables and here they come.

Lot 84, the nest of three G-Plan teak tables,

stylish and solid all at the same time.

Look at those - good interest here, starting at £10.

£10 bid, at 10, I'll take 12.

Come on, £10, where's 12? Now's your chance.

12 bid, 15.

18, 20.

-20 on commission, I have.

-No punning.

It's £20 with me. Come on, surely worth more.

For three of them at £20. Any advance?

Surely!

Oh, £20!

-Minus

-£5. Lot 85, the 1970s Meakin coffee service.

Six place settings and it's in good order

-and I start here at £12.

-Oh, that's a low start!

-Couldn't buy a cup for that.

-At 12, I have.

15, gallery. 18, I have. 20 bid, 22.

Are you sure, at 22...

THEY GROAN

At the £22, the whole set and selling.

£22, you've wiped your face.

You've wiped your face.

Lot 86, the Walker & Hall silver photograph frame. It's circa 1916.

-Good-sized frame, this one.

-It's a whopper.

It is a whopper.

And I'll start here at just £60. £60 bid.

65 and 70.

5 and 80.

-5 and 90.

-Come on.

5, 100.

110, 120.

130, 140.

150, 160.

Oh, come on! Come on.

160 on my commission, the net is out.

It's 160 on commission now. Is the room coming in?

At 160 I do have on commission, any advance on £160?

I can't bear it, Caroline.

-160.

-Oh, it was close.

It's just missing, isn't it?

£20 on that, that's minus £25.

So there you have it, minus 25. It's nothing.

It's nothing.

It's not even a spit.

-No, that's not bad, is it?

-Not even a spit, Ri.

What are you going to do about the record case?

We're going to go for them.

We're going to go for them.

-Definitely, yeah.

-Yes.

-OK, fine.

The decision's made.

We're going to go with the record cases

and try and make a record loss...

I mean, a record profit!

Lot 19.

Oh, these are unusual -

we have three 1950s American record cases and I start at £10.

£10 I have, where's 12?

Look for 12 now, that's good value each.

Come on... 12 bid, 15.

18, 20.

22, 25.

Don't give up now, sir. At 25, where's 8?

Where is the 8?!

Vinyl is all back in fashion. At 25, where's 8? Any advance on 25?

£25, it's minus £15, which equals... Overall, you're minus £40.

Oh, what a lovely score!

-Oh, that's amazing.

-Well, there we are.

Minus £40. It could have been very different, I have to say.

On the other hand...

BOTH: ..it could still be a winning score!

You've watched the programme before!

-So not a word to the Blues.

-No, no, no.

-Thanks very much.

Now, your kettle, your WMF kettle,

has to be one of the fabbest of fab WMF kettles.

-Oh, good.

-The auctioneer's put £100-150 on it. She rates it.

Then you've got your London 'Bobby' Doulton character jug.

She says that the market's really off for these.

She's put £30-50 on - even though it's rare,

£80 you will not stand a chance of making, so she says.

-OK.

-OK? You've got the calling case.

30-50 on that, you paid £32,

so she's predicting a good profit on two and not so hot on the other.

And if all else fails, you've got the necklace to fall back on, right?

We're all dead keen about that for £40.

Anyway, super, very good.

First up, then, is the kettle and stand and here it comes.

Lot 106 now,

the Edwardian WMF copper and brass spirit kettle and stand.

Good, stylish piece in lovely order.

Where am I safe for this? Start me at 100.

-Very stylish.

-Somebody wants it.

Somebody, somebody.

50, if it helps.

50 bid, sir.

50, I have. A middle bid at £50.

How disappointing. Here it is at 50 in the middle. Any advance on £50?

It will sell to my maiden bidder for £50, all done?

-That's terrible, £50.

-It happens.

-Minus 30, it happens, I'm afraid.

-It's the only one we had any hope with.

-Well...

Lot 107, the Royal Doulton rare character jug of The London 'Bobby'.

I have interest on the sheets. I start at just £10.

£10 bid, looking for 12.

A rare Calloway here for £10. 12 bid, 15.

-Come on, come on. Little bit more.

-Come on, come on.

15 is back on my sheets, looking for 18. 18 is on the internet.

On the internet!

At 20 on the internet. 22 is bid.

It's getting there, it's getting there.

Come on, come on.

28, I have. 30 bid. £30. Where's the 2 again now?

-£30.

-She's trying hard for us.

35 is on the internet, the lady's out.

Any advance?

-OK, never mind.

-Did she say 35?

It was 35, which is 5 off 40.

It's minus 45, which means you're minus 75.

Look out, here comes the calling card case.

Lot 108, we have the Edwardian mother of pearl calling card case.

Pretty piece, 20 to start. 20 bid, the front.

At £20, where's 2? 22 is the gallery.

-25, 28, 30...

-Yes!

..2, 35...

-You're in profit.

-..38.

40.

40's downstairs, a gentleman nearer to me at 40.

I'm looking for 2 elsewhere.

At £40 and selling.

Plus £8, well done, kids.

Plus £8, that's very nice.

Minus 67.

Minus 67.

-Pleased about that, Carrie?

-Oh, yeah.

-But minus 67's a bit of a body blow, isn't it?

-It certainly is, yeah.

So what are we going to do about this, then?

-Are we going to go with the necklace?

-I think we'll have to.

We were going to anyway, because we love it.

-We're going to give it a run.

-Definitely going to go for it.

I don't blame you. So that's what you're going to do.

-Here we go.

-Lot 112.

The Japanese shakudo ware necklace.

Interest on the sheet show here. Nice start at just £28.

£28 on the little necklace.

At 28, 30 you've got, 32,

35, 38,

-40,

-2... Yes!

-..45, 48,

at 50, I'm out.

It's the lady, middle at 50. Where's the 5?

55 is bid.

60.

5,

7... Yes, Tom.

70 with the lady. Are you sure, sir?

Missing out. 75 is bid.

-75!

-80.

-She's going again.

80, still with the lady at 80.

Any advance on £80?

-HAMMER BANGS

-The man's a genius.

-Well done, Tom.

Plus £40.

It's so good, isn't it? £40 profit. Doubled your money, good boy.

-That takes the losses down to minus...

-27.

-..£27.

She's quite quick!

She's quick, I tell you, when it comes to the money.

-She is.

-Minus £27.

-Superb. Isn't that so good?

-Brilliant.

Listen, minus £27 could be a winning score,

so say not a word to the Reds.

-No!

-Thank you.

-How exciting! Well done, Tom.

Well, well, well, teams, what an appalling day it's been today.

Nobody's going home with any cash...

THEY GROAN

..but it's just a question of the scale of the losses.

-Have you been chatting, you lot?

-ALL: No.

No, you have not been revealing anything to anybody.

Well, I can tell you that the team

with the worst tally of losses today by a chalk

are the Reds.

I mean, minus £40 is actually not that much to be down the proverbial.

-You had that nice, white face on the coffee set.

-That was the positive.

The G-Plan tables were an acute disappointment all round,

so that wasn't so hot.

And then the record cases didn't perform,

but it's not too bad and I hope you had a nice time.

-We've had an amazing time.

-Great, Tim.

Thank you very much for joining us.

But the team that win today, by only losing £27, are the Blues.

-THEY CHEER

-Which is good, isn't it?

You were helped out considerably by Thomas's £40 profit on the necklace.

-Yes!

-That did it.

-So that is a result, Tom, so well done for that,

but the rest of it was basically a bit of a shambles.

It was terrible. Really bad.

I should stick to the day job, if I were you,

-even though you are successful today and are our winners.

-OK.

-Fantastic.

-To wit, I congratulate you.

Anyway, join us soon for some more bargain hunting.

Yes?

ALL: Yes!