Hungerford 1 Bargain Hunt

Hungerford is the antiques capital of Berkshire.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and tranquil waterways.

Still, we haven't got time for all that lark today.

Let's go Bargain Hunting, yeah!

This place is packed with potential purchases,

permeating from positively every portal.

But the big question is, will our cunning contestants

carry away the cash

or court controversy and crash?

Let's find out, shall we?

On today's programme, the Reds are all over the shop.

What are those scales at the back?

-I wonder if these figures are any good.

-That propeller up at the top.

No, stop, it's not practical!

Whilst the Blues are all over their shop.

-I was thinking about £40 for the pair.

-We were thinking about £40.

That's much nearer what we were looking for.

How much of a profit do you think we could make on that?

Before all that, let's meet the teams, eh?

Well, today, we've got two teams who love a bit of action and adventure.

For the Reds, we've got a married team - Christopher and Sarah.

And for the Blues, we've got best friends, Hattie and Kara.

-Hello, everyone!

-Hello!

-All right!

Hello...Now tell me about your wedding cos it was unusual, wasn't it?

-Yes.

-Sci-fi, murder mystery...

-It was indeed. In a Jacobean Castle.

Yes, it was lovely and it was in a haunted castle, notoriously haunted.

-Really?

-Yes, it was amazing, actually. A really good atmosphere.

We had a murderer running around with a Venetian mask on,

-it was all very dramatic. It was very good.

-Cloak and dagger type of thing.

-I'm liking the sound of all of this.

-Yeah, it was good.

Now you're a busy mother but you also do a bit of writing.

I do, yes. I write some fairly silly science fiction stories.

I'm just in the process of thinking about putting one forward for publication.

It's in the family, my father's a writer, so...

These are things that you hone skills for, aren't they?

Yes, you spend your life learning how to write, I think.

-And Chris, you run your own business?

-I do, for the last ten years

I've been running my own property maintenance business.

Now tell us about the Hawkins' Regiment of Foote.

It's part of the Sealed Knot Society, something that we've done for quite a while.

-But this is historic revival, re-enactment type stuff, is it?

-Yes.

Re-enactments of...English Civil War and helping people understand

the ins and outs and how it happened, the uniform, the weapons and all that sort of thing.

I mean, you get back to some reality with that, though, don't you?

Oh, yes, we're talking full-on sword fighting, you're firing musket guns,

obviously, no real shot, but it's pretty dramatic.

It's not without its dangers, when you're on the battlefield.

-And what are your tactics going to be?

-Oh, spend...

-Spend.

-Try and spend.

-Have fun spending some money that doesn't belong to us, it'll be great.

-Well, we got spend, spend, spend out of that. So that's pretty good.

-Yes!

-That's what we hope you do. Anyway, very good luck.

-Thank you.

Lovely to talk to you. Now girls. How did you two meet?

-We met at college, actually.

-Yep.

We've just sort of been inseparable ever since, really.

Yeah, we did the same subjects at college, so we kind of hit it off.

-What were your subjects?

-We did History and English together.

So, Hattie, tell us about your qualifications. What are you up to?

-I'm at Oxford Brookes.

-Yes.

-In my third year. I'm not sure what I want to do next but I want to travel

so, hopefully, see a bit of the world and in that time decide.

-But you love a bit of running, horse riding?

-Yep.

Would you describe yourself as an outdoorsy girl?

-Yes, I think so. I've always been a bit of a country bumpkin.

-Really?

-Yeah, definitely.

And Kara, you do the badminton?

Yes, I used to go to a badminton club in a local village I used to live in.

-You had an interesting childhood, Kara?

-I did, yeah.

I was born in Africa, in Botswana. I grew up, kind of,

going to game reserves for picnics and things like that.

What is going to happen today? Will you be able to tell the difference

between a game reserve and an antique shop?

Both are filled with interesting things to look at.

Nothing's going to bite you in an antiques shop.

-Nothing's going to come out and scare us, hopefully!

-That's the safe thing, isn't it?

-Fingers crossed!

-You also went off for your 21st?

We went to Zambia and Zimbabwe and South Africa at the same time.

-We kind of did a round trip.

-A big tour.

-Very nice, so you took your best mate Hattie with you?

-Yes, I did.

Yeah. And what was the highlight of the trip, apart from your birthday-day-day?

I did a bungee jump off Victoria Falls, which was really good!

You've been the same since?

Yeah, I did a skydive at Christmas, actually.

-What's it with you...?

-Trying to throw myself off high places!

-Flinging yourself about like that.

-Basically, yeah.

And what will you be looking out for, Hattie?

We are looking out for, sort of, anything Art Deco, maybe.

-Maybe a vase. I think we're just going to see what comes up.

-Yeah.

-You're not going out there with a ploy to blow it all?

-We haven't planned it too much.

-Just be cool, right?

-Yeah.

-OK, well how cool is this?

I mean, it's seriously cool.

In fact, it's so cool, I'm about to give you £300 apiece. How's that?

-Oh, thank you.

-Thank you very much.

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

And very, very, very good luck! I quite fancy a bit of that wildlife action.

So that's our teams.

Now who are their experts?

Ready to toast success with the Red Team,

it's the bubbly Kate Bateman.

And hoping to tame those Blues, it's the cracking Nick Hall.

-Chris and Sarah, what's the plan?

-Buy, buy, buy.

-Buy?

-So are we excited, girls?

-Very much so.

-Pumped up full of energy?

-Definitely.

-Great stuff.

-Are you excited?

-I am, I'm very excited. I think we're going to find some really good bargains today.

-What are we looking for?

-Not really sure, kind of, ceramics, maybe vases, type thing.

-Who knows where we're going?

-...We are generous.

-Let's go.

-Let's go.

-We've got a vague idea.

-Vague idea.

-Not too specific though.

-No?

-Keep our minds open, I think.

-Let's go and have a look.

So both teams are primed and raring to go. We could be in for a treat today.

-How're you getting on?

-We've potentially found something we like.

-Gosh, that was quick!

-We're thinking about the silver pig pincushion.

-A pig pincushion?

-Yeah.

-Very collectable. Well spotted.

-It's £29 as well.

-Oh, it can't be.

-It is.

-Unless I completely misread it.

-Yeah, I don't know if we did misread it.

-We might have completely.

-I think it's adorable.

-This one here? This one that's £290?

-Oh!

-Not £29!

That little zero at the end is quite important for today's game.

-That explains a lot.

-Yeah.

They've got some nice things here, haven't they?

-I really like that. I like organic things.

-We have £300, we can afford

-that top inch!

-Oh, right, I see.

Let's move on.

That's right teams, remember that budget.

-Very nice.

-It's very old, though, isn't it?

In the battle of bargains, will the Blues taste victory with this icon?

-They're quite beautiful, aren't they?

-Anything related to Churchill's always going to be collectable

-because he's such an iconic leader of the 20th century.

-Exactly.

The only trouble is, because he was so iconic,

-every factory produced memorabilia.

-Oh, I see.

-What you need to find is something a little bit scarce, rarer.

-OK.

-A slightly lesser-known person that a collector would struggle to find one of.

-OK.

Things like these Martell collectors' jugs.

Again, it's similar in as much as it's a collectors' jug, but this is

-advertising for cognac and this would have sat on a bar top.

-Yeah.

-It would have had water to mix with your spirit.

-Yeah.

Because it's not an iconic individual, like Churchill,

-there'd be less made.

-OK.

-Harder to find, slightly rarer.

-Easier for us to sell.

-Mm.

Made by Sandland Ltd in Hanley.

-A fairly well-known pottery.

-Mm-hmm.

£43. That's not a bad thing.

-What are your thoughts?

-I think it could be something a bit different.

I reckon if we could get a little bit of money off it,

-it would be very collectable.

-Collectable is the phrase, really, isn't it?

-Well, maybe if you take that to the stand...

-Yeah, see what the...

-Yep.

see if you can get it down to about £30 or £30-something.

-Yeah, I reckon that would be a really good buy then.

-I reckon, start at £25, see if we can get it to £30.

-Start low.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

-Thanks.

-Come on, then.

-Are you the gentleman we're talking to about the jug?

-Yes, you can do.

-How can I help you with that?

-Well, we were kind of wondering what price

-you would go down to on it? We do really, really like it.

-We're potentially interested.

Right. I can do that for £39.

-£39.

-We were kind of thinking a little bit lower than that.

-We are quite interested, if you can.

-About £30-35, maybe.

Well, I can give the dealer a call and see what he says.

-Brilliant.

-He's a nice dealer, so hopefully we'll be able to do something.

-Sounds great. Thanks very much.

-OK.

It seems the Blues aren't the only ones raising a toast.

-This is all to do with the King's shilling, isn't it?

-Yes, well,

what they used to do is put the King's shilling in the bottom

of a glass, quietly, so then you couldn't see it, or see somebody put in it.

Then once you'd drunken from it and you then find the shilling

-in your mouth, you'd then realise that you'd been signed up to the Army.

-You'd been conscripted?

-It was a trick.

-And then you would be dragged out,

-stuck on the cot and off you go.

-Press-ganged!

That's why sometimes you find these pewter mugs with a glass bottom.

They were made so that if someone had put a shilling in, you'd lift your glass up and look at the bottom

and see that there was a shilling in there, so you could check.

Now is there good news back with the Blues?

-Hiya.

-Hi.

-Hi, I just spoke to Bob and he said he can do it for £30 for you.

-Oh, fantastic.

-£30 would be brilliant.

-Going to go for it?

-Yep.

-All good?

-Thank you so much.

-Great. I'll just go and wrap it for you.

-Thank you very much. Let's go and find Nick, shall we? Let's go tell him.

-Yep.

Hattie and Kara are living up to their adventurous nature,

going solo to bag their first buy. Nick will be pleased.

-Buy one...

-Good work, hey?

-..job done.

-Some of the best things I've ever found have been in cellars.

-OK.

Wine, mainly.

Ha-ha. Sarah and Chris are the only cheeky little Reds

you're likely to find in THIS cellar, Kate.

-There's a...

-Teapot in a box?

-..a set. I know you might think that's really ugly, but is that...?

-You'd be right. Isn't that awful?

-It is.

-Oh, actually, no, no.

-THEY LAUGH

-It's not as hideous as that.

-No, that really is hideous.

-But people do like those.

-But then they're twee.

That's £5. I've seen things like that go for quite a lot of money.

-It's made in England so it can't be that bad.

-Do you know what,

it's so awful it's almost good and it's only a fiver.

-I'm really back-pedalling wildly here.

-Hornsea? Is that a good name?

Hornsea is, actually. Hornsea and Wade and Sylvac make these kinds of things.

It's not broken, it's not been repaired. It looks quite old.

It is awful though, it's horrible.

-Shall we buy it just because it's awful?

-No!

Well, it's a tactic of sorts. But the Blues have better ideas.

What I was thinking was because this is post-war costume jewellery,

not expensive, we can maybe buy a couple of bits,

-two or three bits, and put them together as a group a lot.

-OK.

It's a really good idea.

It just gives the buyer's more incentive to bid it up,

because there are a few little things they can play with, put together.

-Things like, you see that long strand of pearls there?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

You can double it up with one of these designer clutch bags.

This one here is from Saks Fifth Avenue in New York.

Not a lot of money, it's £38 for that, £25 for that.

So things like that,

-if we can get the price down and put a group together.

-That sounds good.

-You stay there and have a look, I'll go and get the key.

-Fantastic.

What about books?

What about those scales at the back, the bronze ones?

-I did notice one thing...

-Yeah?

Is that anything or is it just tat?

-It's a bit modern.

-Don't you think that's my sort of thing?

-Oh, perfect for the jungle... Of Hungerford. No, put it back!

-OK.

How about that green vase at the top for £25?

Nothing's bought yet,

but the Reds are being industrious with their hour.

The Blues, meanwhile, are getting on with the business of bargaining.

This is quite stylish, what do you think about this?

I do, I really quite like that.

-I like the detail.

-Yeah.

It's got a smart, contemporary look to it.

-It's got that retro feel about it.

-Yeah, I like it.

Let's have a look at the pearls.

So here it goes. I think this is potentially a real style setter.

Definitely.

I do like the fact it's got little bits on the end as well.

-Yeah, sweet little tassels.

-Very sweet tassels, yeah.

It's got a nice look about it. It looks to be quite well made as well.

It's got some quality to it.

We're looking at something that's priced up at £25.

For my eyes that's a lot of style for 25 quid, isn't it?

Now, what can be done?

I can do that for 22.

And I can do that for 34, if that's any good?

But I can try and phone her and see if we can get a better price.

So we're looking at £56. Could we put in an offer, what do we think?

-I was thinking about 40.

-40, yeah.

-40 to 45, say?

-Definitely.

-You are the master hagglers, you two.

-I can try.

-If you can give it a go we would be really grateful.

-OK.

Listen, we have 25 minutes already gone

and we haven't bought a single thing. This is getting bad.

-It's rubbish.

-Focus the mind. Any ideas?

I have seen some things that I thought looked rather nice.

All in the same cabinet, actually. I'd like your opinion.

Let's go and have a look.

But I've also just noticed that propeller that's up the top there.

-By the Second World War Spitfire.

-Propeller?! Stop! It's not practical.

You want small stuff that fits in somebody's house. Come on.

-I don't know.

-Come on. Show me these things.

What are these exactly?

-Ah, Barbara. Good news, I hope.

-It is.

£45 for the two.

-Right, that doesn't sound a bad deal.

-That sounds pretty good.

You two happy with that?

If we think about it for a bit,

but it's definitely much, much nearer what we were looking for.

That's a possible maybe at 45.

If you could put that to one side for us, we'll have a quick whizz

-round here and then come back to you with an answer.

-That sounds great.

Thank you so much.

Well, that's a potential buy in the old bag!

But I fear they may have caught the Red Team's bout

of "can't decide-itis!"

There were a few things in this cabinet

-that I thought were very interesting.

-OK.

This Charlotte Rhead jug.

If we could get that down to about £40.

It's priced at 65 at the moment.

So long as it's perfect that would be a really good buy.

Keith Murray as well.

That's a really good thing but it's a bit pricey, 175.

But if it's the same person, you could try and do a deal on the two.

-Yeah. I was thinking 150, 140.

-That would be amazing.

Should I try 140 and see if we can perhaps do it for 150?

Try. It's a big ask.

That's a lot more than a 10% drop but try it. Ask Rita.

-Hello, Rita.

-Hello.

What are the odds on calling the person who owns these

and seeing if they would take 140 for the two?

-I'll ask.

-It's always worth asking.

-Go on. Ask, please.

-You don't know until you ask.

I think I have an idea what the answer is going to be!

Charlotte Rhead worked out of Stoke-on-Trent at a similar time

to the more famous Clarice Cliff and Susie Cooper.

Looks like it's time for the Blues to move on.

-Not good news, I'm afraid.

-Oh, no.

-Really?

-Yes. Unfortunately he's on holiday.

-Oh.

So the very, very best we could do without his permission would be 280.

-What's the best on just the Charlotte Rhead then?

-That's 65.

Could you do 40?

-Of course I will.

-Yes!

-Thank you.

-He's in Thailand.

-So long as it's not got any cracks in.

-It won't have any cracks.

-Is it perfect?

-It hasn't got AF on it.

Is that your first buy?

-I think so, yeah.

-It's a good maker and it's got a chance at least.

I know the other pot was very nice, too,

but I think that's more eye-catching out of the two of them,

though the other is slightly better quality.

The Charlotte Rhead's really cool. Let's go for the Charlotte Rhead.

The Charlotte Rhead, yes.

Phew! That's our first buy!

We've broken our duck. Let's go spend.

-We have two more things to buy. Come on.

-Yes, let's go.

Well, get a move on then, Reds.

That's almost 35 minutes gone!

That's quite cool.

What have we found?

Russian stuff, which I love, and Russian stuff is hot.

I didn't think we'd find anything but, look.

Russian stuff is really cool at the moment.

I really like that, and that's not a bad price even at 190.

If you could get that for 100, 120, you've got a really good chance.

There is one item in here that actually I think you can't help

but be drawn to, which is the really tasteful crab on a plate.

-No! You're joking!

-No, I think that's great.

It is quite literally called the grotesque style, and for good reason!

Say £50 and see what happens.

For £50 it actually probably is worth a go.

-I think 100 is a bit steep.

-I think we should have a go.

Perhaps for the both of them and see... Yeah?

-It might be worth a haggle for the two.

-Yeah?

-Go on, then, go and ask Rita.

-Let's go and see what we can do.

Right, best haggling face on.

There's a Russian bronze in there

and also a Palissy ware plate with a crab.

Could you ask the vendor if they'd do 150 for the two?

-What is their best price?

-Right.

-OK, I'll pop off and do that now for you.

-Thank you.

-Hello.

-Well, it's not good news again, I'm afraid.

What did they say?

We could do 230 for the two.

That's 20% off.

That's the most we can do.

I think that's risky.

What about just the bronze, what's the best on the bronze?

-Just on the bronze, we would do that for 160.

-Can we have a look?

-Of course.

-I think that's a nice thing. It's a quality item.

-Just make sure it's the real thing.

-It is really nice.

And there is that hidden potential if we can do some research and find out.

-Aha!

-Here's the little Russian man.

Here he is. Let's see.

-I think that's really nice.

-Is it heavy?

-If you look underneath...

-It is pretty heavy.

Look, age-wise, you've got some screws, some rust,

it's not brand-new.

What would be really nice, if it were pre-1918,

which would be the revolution, that would be really good.

It's very nicely made, really nice details on here.

I think 160, is worth a go.

Yeah, go for it? 160, yeah.

Shake the woman's hand. Thank you.

We'll have that for 160. Thank you very much.

Right, that's number two, we need one more thing.

-I think we need to run, we need to get a motor on now.

-Time to dash.

Let's go, come on!

So nothing for 35 minutes and then 2 buys in 8.

Cor, when pushed you sure can make decisions!

-Look at her.

-Oh!

She is Art Deco.

See that style of enamel work on there,

-that's very specific to the Longuy factory.

-OK.

They are quite collectable in Art Deco worlds.

OK, how much of a profit do you think we can make on that?

Well, it's a very collectable object.

Again on the internet, Longuy collectors on that, I think

they'll pay 80, 100, £120 for it.

-OK.

-It's priced up at...

-90.

If we can get it down to about £70-£80.

I'd say do that as our sort of risk, it's up to you.

-Do you like it?

-I like it.

-Very stylish, isn't it?

-She is.

Guys, go and have a chat.

I can feel a phone conversation coming on.

In the meanwhile, have the Reds figured out their final buy?

I was wondering if these figures are any good,

but they've been restored.

I mean, you can see there's quite a lot of...

-They are great quality, but restoration is a no-no.

-OK.

-It's a bit of a disaster.

-OK, we've got about six minutes!

Panic stations!

I've got a couple of lovely people here

looking at your French pottery bust.

She's got a slight crack in the bottom of the base.

Now, is it possible for you to accept a £60 for her?

Oh, thank you very much.

They're really pleased, they're going to say thank you.

-Hiya, thank you so much.

-Thank you so much!

-This sounds like deal's done.

-It does, yeah!

-What's happened?

-We've just got it for 60.

-£60? Fantastic.

-We've still got that one last decision to make.

-Yes.

-Over the road.

-Better get running.

Be careful of the traffic

and remember your Green Cross Code, team.

No, the lady just said, I was just talking to her,

she said she's got some Troika,

which normally I hate Troika cos it does look like a breeze block,

but it sells.

And look.

-Oh!

-Ooh!

We like this a lot.

It's really ugly. Sorry!

It is! But beauty's in the eye of the beholder.

I can do a special deal for you on that.

-What's your best price on that?

-Well, what's on the ticket?

-95 - I could do it for £40.

-£40 is amazing.

I think absolutely, with a minute to go.

We'd have to be daft not to go for that.

-I'd say deal done.

-OK, shake the woman's hand!

Thank you so much, that's brilliant.

-Thank you very much.

-OK, bye-bye.

Wow! We have done it!

Three items in all of one hour less one-minute.

That deal was as short-lived as the Troika factory itself.

Derived from the Russian meaning "a team of three",

Troika produced wares for just 21 years.

I think we've got a chance, we've got some unusual bits.

The jury's out.

But we're done.

So, is it a done deal across the road with the Blues then?

-Who's got the money?

-I've got some money. There we go.

-Smashing, thank you very much.

-Thank you very much.

-Well done. Well shopped.

-Just in time!

By the nick of time.

That's it! Time's up, let's check out what the Red team bought, eh?

After much deliberation, they picked up the Charlotte Rhead jug for £40.

Next, they reigned in the bronze sleigh for a weighty £160.

Their third item was the Troika square vase for £40. How fitting.

-Well, team, was that fun or not?

-Brilliant.

Was it? Good. Which is your favourite piece?

I think it'd have to be the Russian piece, think,

for the excitement of looking into it and finding out all about it.

Fine. What about you, Sam?

I actually agree with that, I think the bronze.

There was a lot of discussion about it

and it could either be a disaster or very good.

And which piece is going to bring the biggest profit?

Hopefully that one.

The vase was quite nice, too.

The small square one might do quite well.

No, not the potato pot, that was awful!

Anyway, you spent how much?

-240.

-Who's got the 60 quid?

I've got it here.

£60, thank you very much. That goes straight to KB.

Do you know what you're going to spend it on?

-No idea.

-OK. Well, very good luck with that.

Meanwhile, why don't we checked out what the Blue team bought, eh?

First up, they downed the novelty cognac water jug for a spirited £30.

They bought for £60 the French Art Deco-style pottery bust

that didn't break the bank.

And, finally, they bought the necklace and clutch bag for £45.

Right then, you horrible lot.

Thanks(!)

Not at all!

Tell me, which is your favourite, favourite piece?

I liked the first jug that we bought.

-Do you agree with that?

-I agree.

Is your little jug going to bring the biggest profit?

Er, probably not.

Potentially we think the Art Deco bust might bring more.

It's all boom or bust with you two, isn't it?

How much did you spend?

We spent 135.

135. I'd like £165 of leftover lolly, please.

I have that right here for you.

It's right there in your hot little mitt, which is marvellous.

-Straight over to Nicholas.

-Come on, hand it over.

Have you got any idea what you're going to spend it on?

Well, I think maybe something glitz and glam,

something in keeping with the girls here.

-Oh, thanks!

-And something, hopefully,

that's going to bring a whopping great big profit?

-That would be a nice bonus.

-Wouldn't it just?

Well, you know your way around these things,

-so good luck with that, Nick.

-Thank you.

Meanwhile, I'm feeling a little bit peckish,

and in fact I could do with something toasted.

Most antique centres these days have facilities,

a cafe or restaurant for you to enjoy some delicious fodder,

and of course most British meals aren't complete

without a slice or two of this, particularly toasted.

But what did they do in the old days before you had the electric toaster?

Well, you probably had a toasting fork a bit like this.

Except that this toasting fork's got some special features.

For example, it has a double articulation on the end.

See that?

This means that the fork bit can move in at least two directions

on the same plane, which is pretty unusual.

So unusual, in fact, that the maker thought about applying for a patent,

and that's why it says "Prov Pat" -

provisional patent applied for.

Except he probably didn't bother,

because this is undoubtedly the prototype.

Why? Well, it's rather roughly made, to be frank.

What this maker did was to produce this

in his forge or workshop or garage.

He's taken four little strips of iron, which he's hammered out

and then secured in a flange, and once it's tight in the flange

he's then hammered the ends to make them slightly triangular

so that they will grip the piece of bread...

like that.

So, here we are, in 1880.

There's the fire over there, very, very hot,

and if I stretch forward with the piece of toast

and suspend it like that in front of the fire,

and I'd hang about there for about five minutes

and it would be toasted.

The problem is, I would also be toasted,

so this clever maker with his prototype

included an articulated extension arm,

so that, at a stroke, I can stick this into the fire

and not get toasted myself.

How clever's that?

Well, it's interesting, and, actually,

this is a piece of kitchenalia that will appeal to the collectors.

What would it cost you today here in Hungerford?

Well, the asking price is £33.

But the dealer would let you have it,

if you're nice to him, for 22.

So, what's it to be?

Once slice or two?

Well, what fun is this?

Special Auction Services Newbury, with Thomas Plant.

-Tom.

-Tim.

-A rare treat.

-Welcome!

So, for the Reds, for a kick-off we've got the Charlotte Rhead jug.

Well, these jugs, Art Deco in style,

vintage looking know, good colours -

I think we should get it away at 40-60.

Do you? £40 paid, so that's OK.

The team are going to be frightfully pleased with you.

Now, the object which could be embarrassing for the Reds

is, of course, the Russian bronze,

because, like all these bronzes, they're incredibly difficult

to date and be absolutely certain of, aren't they?

Absolutely, and they are being copied.

We've gone with this as 20th-century.

If it is Grachev, Vasili,

and an original, it's four figures.

-Oh!

-It's not.

-No.

I admire the team for spending, you know,

-three figures on something...

-£160, indeed.

Well, we've estimated 120-180.

So, that's rather diplomatically right in the middle then, isn't it?

Diplomatically, as we like to be, but it's a bronze.

You know, find me another bronze for that money.

Onto the Troika pottery. Do you like it?

Um...

-You know, not really.

-Do you not?

The whole thing about Troika is it's very easy to learn about,

just pick up a book, read the book and it's done.

Well, all you have to do is pick it up and it says "Troika Pottery"

on the bottom and usually has the initials of the maker.

-It does, it does.

-What's your estimate on the Troika?

-50-80.

-Is it?

-Yeah.

-£40 paid.

So, you see, potentially, Thomas,

your estimates are absolutely spot on.

On the other hand, if we get it wrong they're going to need

their bonus buy, so let's go and have a look at it.

-Well, team, this is fun, isn't it?

-Yes.

Kate Bateman had £60 of leftover lolly.

What did you invest in, Kate?

Well, I got...these.

Quite fun, novelty items, golfing.

I didn't spend all the money, it was £24 for the 2.

-I think they're rather kooky.

-That looks like a hand grenade!

One's a table lighter, one is a corkscrew,

and there's lots of collectors there.

I mean, it's not going to make a huge profit,

but there's a chance of profit cos it's quite quirky and fun.

And there's a practical purpose, right?

You could take a cork out with that, couldn't you?

-I suppose so, yes.

-Or a nice cigar.

-£12 each?

-Think about it.

-Yeah. Not too bad, actually.

I like this one more, I have to say.

I bought the other one just to make a lot.

That's more unusual, but as a lot, yes, it's good.

I have many customers that play golf,

so it fits with those, really.

A bit late to e-mail them, but nevertheless...!

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

-Not a lot.

I mean, I would put £30-£40 on them.

Maybe if we can get sort of £20 each.

We'll certainly have to think about that.

Have a think, you don't have to choose now,

but we will find out right now from the auctioneer

what he thinks about Kate's little balls.

Now, Tom, you're an expert on all things spherical.

-I quite like these.

-Do you?

I quite like the table lighter as a golf ball,

-yeah, they're very popular.

-It's fun, isn't it?

What do you think? '30s, '50s?

We said '50s. That's just a 1960s, '70s bit of fun.

-But the lighter is fabulous.

-OK.

So, what's your estimate on the lighter and the corkscrew together?

-30 to 50.

-Is it?

-Mmm.

-OK.

-Kate paid £24.

-She's done well.

Hasn't she done well?

Now, moving on to the Blues, we've got the bar-top water jug.

The thing is, Tom, that these trade breweriana related items

do have a collecting following.

-Breweriana does have a following.

-But that's modern, though.

-It's not that old, no. We've estimated it £20-£30.

-Have you?

-Well, £30 was paid. Now, what about the pottery bust?

-I like that.

-Do you?

-I do. I do, because again,

it's Art Nouveau, she looks quite demure.

Love the pinafore dress with this pretty whiplash Art Nouveau design.

-You know, bit of effort's gone into that.

-Yeah.

-How old is that thing, though, Tom?

-I do think it's period.

-Do you?

-I think it's '30s, yeah.

-OK.

-Well, it's quite desirable, then, isn't it?

-I think it is.

-OK, how much?

-We've put 60 to 80 on it.

OK, £60 paid, so that's on the button.

-Not bad, is it?

-And what about the cocktail bag?

-I think the bag's really pedestrian.

-Do you?

-I do.

-Oh, right.

I don't mind the pearls.

So, how much for the old bag and the string of pearls?

Really, it's £20-£30.

£45 paid. I tell you, this team have been a bit chancy.

I think they'll need their bonus buy,

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

Now, H and K, this is the moment.

You spent £135, you gave the man £165, and apparently,

-he's bought something blue.

-And something big!

-I have. Something from the Orient.

-Ohhh, lovely!

And what about that little duo?

I like that. So, how much did you pay for both of them?

-I paid £85.

-This is Chinese hardwood, yes?

-Chinese hardwood.

Yes, I mean, they are in an 18th century shape and style,

but they are a 20th century copy.

I mean, originally, there should be four. They should be a quartetto.

But we've got two out of the four.

But for £85, I mean the market is so hot,

I thought it was a good shout at profit in that.

-They're very pretty.

-How much can we make?

Well, that's the big question, how much.

Hopefully, they'll make over £100.

I'd like to see them make a couple of hundred pounds

-if the right buyers are at the room.

-Yeah.

So, £85 paid.

Might make 100, might make 120, difficult to predict,

but that's up to maybe £40 profit in it,

if you follow your leader, yeah.

On the other hand, you may have done so well at that point, girls,

that you don't need to bother with the bonus buy anyway.

That's what we hope!

In which case, you'll have some choices, which is lovely.

Anyway, thanks for that, Nick. Meanwhile, for the audience at home,

let's find out what Thomas Plant thinks about the Chinese tables.

OK, Tom. Two Chinese hardwood tables, not very old, I would say.

No, not very old. They might be missing a few friends.

What, you think there were more tables?

Yeah, I think it's been split up.

So, traditionally, a nest of tables would have three, a trio,

or four, a quartetto, wouldn't they?

Absolutely. And the Chinese have four.

They're great for the side of the sofa. They're good for modern living.

So, how much, Tom?

-Well, I put them in at £70-£100.

-Quite right.

-£85 was paid by the cunning monkey Hall.

-Oh, well, that's not bad.

Good stuff. The big thing is, Tom, are you taking the sale today?

Of course!

That's a relief.

28. 30. Five.

At 35, I have for the hopper. At 35, all done.

-OK, well, team, this is fun, isn't it?

-It is.

When was the last auction you were at, Sarah?

I've never been to an auction. This is the first time, actually.

-Thinking about it.

-That's an admission! Ooh-ar.

-Have you ever been to an auction?

-No.

-Oh, my Lordy!

This is marvellous, isn't it?

Anyway, we're building up to the critique moment, I have to tell you.

First up, then, the Charlotte Rhead jug, and here it comes.

There we are. Ribbed vase with a single handle.

Golden leaves, very attractive, this one here. Start me here at £20.

Start me here at 20. £20 for the Charlotte Rhead.

At £20, £20, is there any advance on 20?

At £20. Surely it's worth 20?

Oh, dear. Ten, I've got. I'll take a bid of £10.

I'll take a £10 bid. Do I have 12?

12, I've got. 15?

18. 20?

Go on, you shake your head and your card. 22.

-Good. At 22 it is, 22 I have.

-Look out.

At 22 in the room. Is there any advance on 22?

I thought this would be worth more.

-At £22. All done, then. 22.

-£22.

They're not partial to their jugs around here. Minus £18.

OK, now, this is the high risk.

Modelled after Grachev, Grachev here,

this is the very attractive horse and sleigh.

And start me here at £100.

Any advance on £100? At £100.

100, 100, 100.

110 we have online now.

110, it is online. Is there any advance at 110?

We have an online bid of 110.

Surely somebody here wants to contest the online bid of 110?

110 once.

-The maiden bid's going to get it online.

-Uh-oh.

I don't believe it. 110 twice.

110. Oh, dear. £110. That's minus £50.

-I thought that was going to do really well.

-Uh-oh, minus 68.

-It's not a winning combination, is it?

-No.

-Minus 68.

-68.

-Come on.

-Oh, dear. OK.

Decorated by Penny Black,

bid's here with me, straight in at £50.

-Ooh!

-Straight in at 55. 65, and I'm out.

Online at 65 it is.

-Online at 65.

-Oh, good.

-Is there any advance?

At £65, we have.

Selling at 65. Once, twice at 65...

Yes! Well done, team, that's perfect. That's plus £25.

Just like that. Isn't that marvellous?

25 and 68 is 43, -43, which is not so bad, is it?

-No.

-It might be a winning score, -43.

-Could be.

So what are you going to do about the bonus buy, then?

Are you going to go with these two golf jobs?

We might as well. We've got nothing to lose, really.

That's it. The decision's made.

We're going with the bonus buy, and here it comes.

36, a novelty Art Deco table lighter, modelled as a golf ball.

And the very smart chrome corkscrew.

Start the bidding with me here, £15.

At 15.

15, 18 we have online. At 18 now.

-Go on.

-Do I have £20 in the room?

At £18, all done. £18, selling then...

-20 it is, at 20.

-Yes!

At 20, coming in at £20. At £20, all done.

Internet coming back in, it's gone yellow, means they want to bid.

No, they're not. At £20.

Oh, dear. £20. We've compounded the error.

-£4.

So, overall, you're minus £47, which could be a winning score.

-So we perhaps shouldn't give up our day jobs, then!

-It's not too bad.

LAUGHTER

Anyway, all will be revealed later.

I think you've been frightfully brave. Well done.

-OK, team, do you know how the Reds got on?

-No.

-We don't want you to know how they got on.

-No, I know.

First up is going to be the brandy advertising water jug,

and here it comes.

Lot number 47 is the Martell Cognac novelty water jug.

Very nice thing, this one here. Start me at £10.

£10 for the water jug. 10, 12, 15, sir.

15, and I'm out at 15.

-Any advance at 15? 18 now.

-Go on!

-18 it is, at 18 online.

Looking for one more at 18.

All done, then, at 18, and 20, I have. 20, it's in the room at £20.

-More than that!

-Any advance at 20? 20, 20, 20?

At 20, is there any advance?

-22 now.

-Yes!

-Go on, one more.

-Yes!

-You started it!

22. 22, I have. I'll have five if you want.

Five, he says.

-Go on!

-Yes! Usually 25.

-He nods his head at 25.

At 25, I have.

£25 once.

25 twice. If you're going to bid,

bid now or for ever hold your peace.

At 25.

-25, it's in the room.

-£25.

Bad luck, girls, it's only minus £5,

-but I think that's really cool.

-Could have been worse.

Could have been a lot worse. OK, now your bust.

An Art Deco continental pottery bust, in the style of Longhi,

very nice, this one. Start me here, £40.

40 for this one. 45, 50. Five. 60?

Do we have 60? At 60, we have, at £60 online.

65 it is, online at 65.

-At 65, and 70 now.

-You're in profit, girls.

Any advance at £70?

At 75, it bids again.

It's all right, you can join in.

This is an auction.

-80 now.

-80!

-Yes!

-All on the internet!

At 80, at 80, at 80.

All done, then, at 80.

-And 5 now.

-85! It's going on.

At 85, 85, and 90?

At 90 it is.

£90 online.

-One more online?

-Go on!

-90 once, 90 twice. Done.

-Oh!

You've done it. £90. That's £30 profit just like that.

£30, just up. £30 plus.

So cool. That is +25 overall. OK, girls. Here we go.

Vintage Saks New York clutch bag,

together with the simulated pearl and diamante knotted necklace.

Start me here, £20.

£20. Any advance at 20?

I have 20 here, online at 20.

Looking for 2 if you want it.

Looking for 2 if you want it.

At 20 once, 20 twice. That's the maiden bid. We're all quiet.

-That means we've broken even.

-You just lost £25 on that.

You had £25 before, which, after all this lot,

means you are absolutely nowhere.

-LAUGHTER

-You have nothing. No profit,

no loss, no shame, no gain.

-All right? Isn't that ridiculous?

-Yes! It is.

-The helter-skelter of this business.

-It is.

-You were right up there, weren't you?

-We tried.

And you're right down in the gutter again, darling.

What about the bonus buy? Are you going with it?

Yeah, we said we'd probably go for it.

-We're going to go for it.

-Go with the Chinese tables?

-Yes, definitely.

-That's it, then. The decision's made.

We're going with the bonus buy, and here come the Chinese tables.

A nest of two Chinese hardwood occasional tables.

Bids starting with me here, straight in at 50.

On my book, bid here at £50.

Is there any advance at 50? 50 I have.

Looking for five if you want it.

50, 50, 50.

Two people interested online. Are you going to bid?

At £50 once. £50 twice.

Last chance, online bidders.

£50, and I'm selling on my book. £50.

-Oh, no! £50? That's a disappointment.

-That's a steal!

-Minus £35. Oh, God.

-That is disappointing.

-It is.

That is really disappointing.

-Oh, girls, you're not going to cry?

-Sad now, yeah.

-I'm sad!

-That's not right, is it? Two Chinese tables in hardwood for £50?

-Yeah.

Oh, dear, girls. Never mind. Minus £35 might be a winning score.

Don't say a word to the Reds, and all will be revealed

-in a moment, all right?

-Fantastic.

You've been so brave. Aren't they brave?

Well, well, well, teams. This is the result, isn't it?

-Have you been chatting to one another?

-ALL: No.

Well, I can reveal that nobody's going home with any cash today.

And there's only £12 of losses between our teams today.

So, it's close enough, isn't it?

And the runners-up today, by £12,

are the Reds.

VARIOUS: Awww!

-Which is bad luck.

-Yes!

-Well done.

-Not a massive shock, to be honest!

It's not a massive shock.

You made £25 profits rather brilliantly

on your troika pot, didn't you?

Which was your sole shaft of glory, really.

I still don't really understand why the Russian bronze didn't do better,

cos you stood every chance of having a bit of a tickle with that.

But anyway, there it is. I hope you've had a lovely time,

-Sarah, have you?

-Yes, and I really enjoyed myself.

-Very much so.

-Well, we've loved it.

-Christophe, good for you?

-Very good for me.

Only £12 in it, so there's no shame.

But the winners today, who managed to win by only losing £35...

LAUGHTER

-Are Hattie and Kara. Well done, girls.

-Yes!

Which is brilliant, isn't it?

And you made a lovely profit on your Longhi bust.

That was a good number.

And actually, you had a wiped face

at the moment that you went with the bonus buy,

-which sadly did not perform so well.

-Not as well.

Anyway, it made no difference to the end tally.

You are definitely victors today, and I congratulate you.

In fact, it's been such fun,

why do you join us soon for some more bargain-hunting?

-Yes?

-ALL: Yes!