Kingston 14 Bargain Hunt

Today, the show comes to you from Kingston upon Thames.

And boy, do we have a right royal one too.

So let's go bargain hunting! Yeah!

Historically, Kingston has always had a royal connection.

Indeed, back in 900 AD, no less than seven Saxon kings

had their coronations here.

But in our version of Game of Thrones,

which team will be crowned victorious?

Let's take a peek as to what's coming up.

Both teams are en vogue today. The Blues strike a pose.

-That is so you.

-Yes.

-Absolutely.

There's style tips for the Reds.

-I'm not really into dresses.

-No?

-No.

-You surprise me!

-Ha-ha!

But can the boys fashion a profit at the auction?

£45.

45 is a jolly good price.

Let's meet the teams.

So it's the lads versus the lasses on today's programme.

For the Reds, we have Nate and Johnny.

And for the blues we have Teresa and Buffy. Hello, everyone.

Smashing to see you. Now, Nate, how did you two chaps meet?

Well, Johnny started as a placement student last summer for us

in the lab that I work in.

I was one of his trainers, basically.

We found out that we have loads in common and of course,

we like watching Bargain Hunt at lunchtime together.

Oh, yes! That's the right message. So are you a scientist or something?

Yes, I work as a scientist.

I test food and pharmaceuticals for trace metals.

-It's really interesting.

-Is there a lot of that about in our grub?

There are harmful things, but there are more positive things like calcium and sodium.

They are trace metals. So that's positive things that help with your food.

Good. I'm reassured.

Now, Johnny, your hobby involves some physical contact, doesn't it?

Yes. I play American football. I started at University.

-So you get the old pads on, get the helmet on and go and thump all hell out of somebody or other?

-Yes.

-Is it as violent as it appears?

-Yes, definitely.

-It is.

You come back after the game with a lot of bruises.

So how are you going to get on on Bargain Hunt today?

All those tips that I've given you over the years at lunchtime,

are they going to come into play?

-Let's hope so.

-It's a test, isn't it, Nate?

-Yes.

I don't think we have that big a knowledge, but we have a few things.

Obviously, you've given advice on the show a few times.

But I think we might be looking for some kind of Oriental piece, maybe.

Really? Yes, I think you're going to do very well. You have clearly been frightfully well taught!

Anyway, good luck chaps.

Now, Teresa, you are no strangers to TV, are you?

We actually met in the BBC in the 1980s.

We were both assistant designers in the art department there.

-What sort of programmes were you involved in?

-Jonathan Creek.

-Lovejoy.

-No! Really?

-You picked up some tips there, I bet!

-Absolutely.

-Teresa, you are retired.

-I am.

The great thing about retirement is I can go into my studio every day now and paint like mad.

I just look for something that catches my eye and paint away.

Now, Buffy, since your BBC days, what have you earned a crust at?

Well, I left the BBC in '96

and I did a bit of teaching in secondary school.

Then I went and worked with Teresa on the MA production design for film and television.

We populate the industry with our students. So it's good.

And it's quite a small course and so personal and...

-You get to know the students quite well and you get very attached to them.

-Exactly.

What will you buy, do you think?

I would like to buy some south-east Asian ceramics or something interesting.

I have done wood turning and I would like to buy something in wood,

but whether something else catches our eye, I don't know.

-But we are open to suggestions and we want to spend loads of money.

-Do you?

Oh, good! You are women after my own heart, which is perfect!

Anyway, here is the £300.

All I can tell you is that in the antiques centre today,

there will be a great selection for you to pick from.

You know the rules. Your experts await. Off you go!

Very, very, very good luck. What fun, eh?

Hunting out a bah-gain for the Reds, it's Kate Bliss.

But trying to get ahead of them for the Blues is David Harper.

-What are you going to be looking for?

-Maybe something oriental.

-Something along those lines.

-OK. What about you, Johnny?

I've seen teapots go quite well on this show,

-so I think I'm going to be looking for a teapot maybe.

-A teapot?

An oriental teapot would be perfect, wouldn't it?

We'd better see what we can do.

So our two scientists have a strategy in place,

but have our artists drawn up a game plan?

I think it's going to be an arty feel, what do you think?

Hopefully, Asian pottery.

-A nice bit of Asian pottery would be fantastic.

-Sounds good to me.

And I love antiques centres. Here we are.

We have 60 minutes of fun and laughter and pain, probably! Go on.

-Excellent.

-In you go.

Right, teams, your 60 minutes starts now. OK, dummy?

Now, round here is a cabinet with lots of Oriental stuff.

So have a little look.

Any teapots, Kate?

-Are you Mega Deal Matthew?

-I'm Mega Deal Matthew.

-Fantastic!

I've heard all about you. OK. Upstairs.

Some good groundwork with the staff, Dave.

I see. It's been repaired at the top there. That's a shame, isn't it, because they are quite decorative.

Yes. They are quite nice.

Not very practical for a brew, Kate.

-160 for the pair.

-160.

-It's quite expensive.

It is expensive, especially with the damage on it as well.

-The damage is going to knock them a lot.

-Yes.

Maybe Matthew could... What's the best price on these?

-I will give the dealer a ring and find out.

-All right. Great.

Make that call, Matthew, whilst we check in with the Blues.

The abacus is lovely as well. I love the abacus but not that that price.

-Nobody is going to buy that today, are they, and use it?

-No.

They are going to put it in some great apartment or maybe

-a hallway and it's going to look the business.

-Absolutely.

Is it worth looking at? Are you interested in having a go?

-Shall we have a look round first?

-OK.

-Then we'll come back to it.

-Put the abacus in the back pocket.

That is a good wooden thing for you.

One to add to your list then, girls.

Any news on the vases, Kate?

-You are looking at girlie stuff. Not really your style!

-Not really our thing, I don't think.

I have just bumped into Matthew and he said he can't get hold of the vendor of the Chinese vases,

so I think we might have to discount those.

He can't get a good price for us and they were damaged.

So shall we go through there?

Ah, well, boys, onwards and upwards, eh? Maybe it wasn't meant to be.

-This is rather wonderful.

-Oh, I say! That is a bit of you two, isn't it?

-That's wonderful.

-This is very nice.

It says 'Please do not sit', but it looks very tempting.

One presumes you can sit on it.

What you do in situations like that, is this.

-Let's have a look.

-It's fantastic.

I'm glad you're not the Red team because it would not go!

-I love the way it swivels.

-It is lovely.

Is it worth finding out what deal we could get on that?

Let me try it first.

-And the colours you are wearing look amazing with that.

-Absolutely.

-That is so you.

-And it twizzles!

-It's really nice actually.

So, period? What date is it?

-Erm... It actually says.

-It's 1970s funky pink American.

It's funny though, isn't it, how maybe 15 years ago it wouldn't have

been nearly as sought after or as popular.

It's just how things turn and change.

-I think it's perfect.

-Brilliant.

Let's tip it over.

-The bottoms of anything...

-It looks pretty solid.

So that has been recovered because you have got those fresh staples there.

That is just Velcro.

-And there is your original pillow.

-It is too.

-It is.

Now that's good. I think it's absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.

-Excellent.

-I have to say.

-Do you think we could make a cheeky offer?

-What would be cheeky?

-£190?

-Oh my gosh, that would be cheeky!

Well, look, shall we bring in Marion?

We could. What's the very, very best?

The very bottom price is 120. Which is quite good.

What do you think David?

I think, who can say that is an expensive chair at 120?

-It's a design icon.

-I love it, you love it, you love it. Let's go for it.

We've done a deal. Thank you. The first purchase. Excellent.

All right, leave it there. Continue, my darling.

We had decided we were going to spend as much money as possible.

Oh, right.

That's what I like to hear, Buffy. Well done, Blues.

-It was this one, wasn't it, that you liked?

-Yes.

-Do you want to have a little look?

Oh, a bit of silver, eh, chaps?

It's quite unusual on the inside.

It's nice that it has got its blue glass liner.

It stops the mustard being tainted by the silver

and actually corroding the silver.

It's a lovely sort of classical shape,

if you like, with a little bit of detail around the edge.

So let's just have a look at that. We haven't got a hallmark on the bottom.

-Let's just look at the side.

-Is that something there? By the handle.

-Yes.

Well spotted, Johnny. So we have a little hallmark there.

So it's Sheffield 1925 in date.

But it's £110, which actually, for one mustard, is quite a bit of money.

-Anything else catch your eye?

-The two glass bottles.

-Have a look at that.

This is only 66.

Is it damaged in the middle? Or is it just the join?

That's the join, I think. I think it's just a little bit dirty.

No, I think that's all right, actually.

These are quite popular because people like them for salads dressings or oil.

And then see whether these tops are silver or silver plate.

There is a marking on the side there.

-Is it silver or silver plate?

-I think that's silver. Let's have a little look.

-I like them, actually.

-I do quite like them as well.

-It seems unusual.

£66. Nicely hallmarked. And they are actually just Victorian.

There isn't much of a patina on there

but as an object, I think it's a nice thing.

At auction I can see it making £30 or £40, something like that.

-Because we have got silver mounts.

-Maybe if we can get it down.

-Yes.

-See what the lowest price we can get for it is.

-Hi, there.

-Could you find out the best price for us on that please?

-Yes, OK.

That would be lovely, thank you.

Hopefully, this dealer is at home, eh, boys?

-Look at that. Any thing of interest?

-No.

-The jade.

-Watch out for jade.

It's very easy to have a repro, isn't it?

Jade is millions of years old. How do you know when it was carved?

-Absolutely.

-Ming Dynasty or Monday? It's very difficult.

I take jade to specialist people who live and breathe jade.

-And they still don't know.

-They don't know either.

Some good advice Mr H. Buyers beware.

-Nothing's shouting at me. Anything shouting at you?

-No. Not really.

Well, it would be scary if it was shouting at you, wouldn't it?

That might make it quite special!

A good shout might be to check out the Reds' glass bottle.

Any joy with that price?

-52.

-52 is the rock bottom?

-50, I think he would go to.

What do you think?

I think 50 might be a bit steep for that.

I really like it though. It is an unusual item.

I guess this could be your one then.

-We can get the first one on the board.

-Why not?

Great. Well done. Thank you very much.

Wonderful. First purchase.

OK, teams, two items left to find.

I'm going to nip off now and share with you a little story about a bright spark.

Do you fancy a boys' toy?

Well, the very best boys' toys, I think,

sit around on boys' desks, which is what this thing does.

It's a paperweight.

It's got a nice baize bottom on it

so when it is sitting on your desk it won't scratch the surface.

But every time you look at it,

it has something that intrigues or amuses.

And sure enough, if you look at the face of this thing, it is intriguing.

The secret though is given away by the inscription on the top.

It says AEI Cable Division.

So it's a length of cable that has been cut in section

and then frozen into this aluminium box.

An Italian had invented a method of transmitting high voltages

without the cables overheating and distorting

and he did that in the 1920s.

This particular aluminium case was made by AEI to present to

prestigious customers to display this particular special cable.

It might cost you £40 in an antique shop or antiques fair,

but what's it worth?

In the right place at the right time, I reckon between £100 and £150 at least.

That's pretty sparky, isn't it?

Time for our teams to look sparky now as you are halfway

and still only have one item apiece.

-What do you like about that?

-Just because it's so odd.

I think I would find it odd at £45.

So what is it?

It's a kettle on a stand and it's obviously got a little

reservoir to put I presume oil in to heat it up.

I think it's bizarre.

Teresa, what is it made of? What period does it come from?

Oh, gosh, I have absolutely no idea. Deco-ish?

Deco is kind of '20s onwards, isn't it? This is the art movement before that.

-Nouveau.

-Nouveau.

-Very much so. It's very organic.

-Organic.

-Absolutely right. Look at that.

-Do you think it's genuine?

-Absolutely.

You hold that. Let me have a look at that.

-It's very light.

-It is bizarre.

-What it is, it is a functioning piece.

-It will work. There is no doubt about it.

-Is it copper or brass?

It's copper. And brass. Incredibly Art Nouveau. Look at this arm.

I mean, it really is like a tree branch, isn't it?

-Why would you buy it, David?

-Because it's stylish, Teresa.

Get with it! Come on!

But it doesn't go with the pink chair!

-No, it doesn't go... Well, I don't know actually.

-Hang on a minute.

The pink chair screams 1970 design, doesn't it?

This screams Art Nouveau 1890-1900 design.

We are buying into design here.

This sort of reminds me of Liberty, Christopher Dresser, that same period.

It also falls into the arts and crafts period. Look at the hand beating.

It has actually been beautifully made and it's got a nice pattern to it.

-You are really into handmade stuff.

-I am, yes.

-I think you should decide.

-I think it's fantastic.

-I think if you two like it, we should go for it.

-Yes. It's not very expensive

-and I think we could get it for a much better price.

-OK.

-You hold that. Shall I go and get Mega Deal?

-That's a good idea.

We'll see what we can do. I think if you two like it...

I think the next one has got to be yours.

If the dealer is willing to budge on the price,

it might have a sporting chance at the auction.

Speaking of sporting.

What you think about this? A medicine ball. That is something a bit sporting.

I don't think it would sell that well because it's quite old. What would you use it for nowadays?

There are people who specialise in dealing with this sort of thing.

Leather sporting goods, vintage sporting goods.

But it is quite a specialist market

so if it doesn't tickle your fancy, maybe we should move on.

-I don't think it's really for us, is it?

-No.

-No?

Come on then. On we go. Time is ticking.

No, those boys at not looking tickled, Kate. Here we go then.

Marion is back with a price.

-Marion, what is the very best on the copper, funny, old kettle?

-Right.

Let's just have a look. It's 45. 25, we will go to?

-You are marvellous. Thank you.

-That's really good.

-Excellent. Thanks Marion.

-Thank you very much.

-Well done, you two.

I think that is a cracking deal, I really do.

And you girls are steaming ahead. Well done.

Always pushing for that extra fiver. Number two for the Blues.

Loads of vintage stuff. Probably not your kind of thing.

-We are not really into dresses!

-No? You surprise me!

-Ha-ha!

Not even at the weekend, Nate?

We've got two really distinctly art and design objects.

I knew these two would be crazy about arty things, so I think that's the theme.

This is where we're going.

So one left for the Blues. The Reds are playing catch up.

Tea for two, Johnny?

-I do quite like this teapot here.

-That ticks the boxes, doesn't it?

-You said you wanted a teapot.

-It is kind of Chinese as well.

-Oriental.

-It does. You are absolutely right.

-But this is about as English as you can get.

-OK.

-It's really interesting.

Great that it's a teapot and I love the shape of it.

-That is what is selling it to me.

-I like this little lid at the top.

Exactly. This is typical '30s in shape. Classic Art Deco.

It's all quite angular which contrasts with the lovely globus shape of the teapot.

It is really interesting you say that it looks Chinese to me

and that is because of the pattern.

This is a very well-known pattern which is called Willow pattern.

It is transfer printed in blue rather than painted, so printed on.

And it's called Willow pattern because of this Willow tree.

But it's a very Oriental looking landscape.

You've got pagodas here, typically Chinese. A lot of people love it.

And blue and white is traditionally very commercial. What's the price?

£45. That's not too bad. What do you think?

-I would like to see it for between 10 and 15.

-Oh, really?

Then I think we might make a profit. So let's call... Marion?

Come on in, Marion. Johnny here is a bit of a teapot fan.

Anyway, £45 is the ticket price.

-Would you like me to give a quick call?

-Would you mind?

Just to see what the very best is. Thank you, Marion.

And hopefully this one will be in the bag, chaps.

Now the Blues look like they are spoiled for choice.

-I can't see a price.

-It's 360.

I don't think we'll even get a mega deal on that one!

Dearie me! That's more than your entire budget, girls.

And Kate doesn't seem to have had her lunch yet.

It's been restored, chaps. Can you see? I didn't spot that at first.

It just goes to show you have to be so careful.

Well spotted, Kate. Every cloud, eh, boys?

-Can you see where the printing changes colour?

-Oh, yes.

And that is a little bit creamy in colour rather than white.

If you feel it on your teeth, that is the real test.

It actually feels slightly soft. Whereas this pottery is really hard.

It's glazed. So that has been chipped and restored.

Which is a bit of a killer.

At least it should give you a bit more bargaining power to get the price down.

That is really annoying. That was spot on for what we wanted.

Oh, well. We'll see what we get.

Hey, guys.

I have just caught Marion on the phone

and I've told her that we know it's restored.

She says the dealer will come down to £10 for us.

OK. That's a very nice price.

-I think that's quite good.

-You like it as well, don't you?

-I like that.

-This can be your item.

-This can be my one.

-There we go.

Are you willing to take a gamble and go for it?

-For £10, I am willing to take a gamble.

-Great.

-Purchase two. Well done.

-Excellent.

-Let's go back this way.

Both teams have 10 minutes left and one item to find. Best crack on.

I love the colour. I think it's a beautiful colour.

-The glaze is gorgeous.

-The decoration?

-Could they be birds?

-I think they are bats.

-Bats? How wonderful!

-I think it's a bat pot.

Very important in Chinese culture, the bat.

Glaze on the underside is not usual.

Normally on a very early pot you would have no glaze.

-It would be as rough as that rim.

-So that is not a good indication.

That means that might be a complete fake.

It might be a 19th or early 20th century copy

of a much earlier glazed pot.

I think the more I look at it that turquoise colour is certainly not an early colour.

It is 235.

We were wondering if they would come down to 150.

I really wouldn't. We're going into a general sale.

Nobody is going to understand that pot.

It's a lovely thing but too risky for this game.

We will go with our expert.

Another top tip there, Dave.

Keep looking girls. Now, Kate is on the hunt for a well-known name.

Now that is by Lalique,

who was a very well-known glass manufacturer.

I'm sure I've seen another bit of Lalique.

It might be in that cabinet down there, which was a little bit more affordable.

-Do you remember what it was?

-What have they got in here?

I thought I saw a little bit of Lalique somewhere.

Oh, it's here. It's this one. Can we have a little look at that?

-Do you like that, boys?

-Yes. I think it's a good design.

-I quite like it as well.

-Lalique was famous for glass manufacture.

He was based in France and started at the end of the 19th century

and became very prominent in the early part of the 20th century.

And he signed his pieces on the bottom.

You can see Lalique in script there, which is rather nice.

The Lalique factory is still producing today.

It's a nice piece but the modern pieces tend to be less

desirable than the older pieces. So what's the price on that?

-Is that 125?

-How much do you think that would make at auction?

£30 to £50 I would probably put it at because it is a lot later.

Have you got any other pieces of Lalique?

I think we have a little sparrow around the corner.

Kate's on a French glass mission.

-It's difficult.

-It is difficult, that's for sure.

And it seems David is on the Oriental trail.

-Have a look at that.

-I do like that.

-125. Made from...

-Bronze.

-Bronze. Absolutely bronze.

And it's obviously Oriental, isn't it? Chinese, I would have thought.

-Would it have had a top?

-Yes. It's missing its lid.

-Now, what would the lid look like?

-Is it an incense burner?

-Yes, it is.

So presumably it would have had slats in or holes in to let incense out.

Yes, it would. So if it's Japanese it is referred to as a koro.

If it's Chinese it's referred to as a censor. It's a beautiful thing.

It is a form of meditation. Decorated with, look at him, it's a dragon.

-Just beautiful.

-Is it something that is going to lose value big-time because of not having its top?

It's going to be worth less money. It's going to be criticised. But it's still quite a nice thing.

I mean, you cannot date these things accurately. It's got no markings on the base which is normal.

-Do you reckon a couple of hundred years?

-It could be that.

Let's say it's 19th century, that would be fair.

-I think we should.

-I really like it.

-Do you really like it?

I think it's lovely. I think we should go for it.

If you think it's worthwhile, I think we should.

-There's your ticket. 125.

-I think go for 80.

-Let's go for 80 and see what we do.

-Shall I go and get Matthew?

Let's see if we can do a really good deal and that would leave you some money to do us an extra piece.

You stay there. You talk about it.

Whilst David tries to track Matthew down,

it looks like Kate has finally found that piece of Lalique for the boys.

-It's quite pretty though.

-120 though.

-Is it signed?

-I don't think so.

-Yes, there is a little signature just there on the top.

-Oh, yes.

So it is signed at the top there. I can't really read it.

Let's have a look. Yes. So it is signed but, yes, it is a late piece.

Hi, Matthew. What do you think would be the best on that?

We could do 75 on that one.

-That's all right.

-I mean, do you like it?

-I quite like it.

-What do you think?

-I think it's quite a pretty piece.

It's almost like a paperweight, really.

It's meant to be a weighty object. It's meant to be of quality.

Date wise, it is late 20th century, I would say.

Couldn't do just a little bit more, Matthew? £65 and it's...?

-OK, we'll say 65.

-Yes? Fantastic. Thank you so much.

That's your last piece, boys, with five minutes to spare as well.

Well done.

Matthew's a busy boy today.

He's now on the phone brokering a deal for our Blues.

As it's you, David, she said she'd do 75.

-That sounds absolutely brilliant.

-Have we done a deal?

-I think...

-I think that seems...

-I think that's a very good deal.

-Yeah, I think that's reasonable.

-And Matthew, congratulations.

-You deserve the title of Mega Deal!

-Thank you.

Those 60 minutes are up.

-That's us done.

-Mm-hm.

-Come on.

-And a high-five. Your students will be proud.

-Absolutely.

Let's check out what the Red team bought, eh.

They poured over this little vinaigrette bottle

and eventually did a deal at £50.

Johnny got his wish and bagged his teapot for £10.

And finally, Kate's Lalique bird was purchased for £65.

-Did you buy what you set out to buy, by and large?

-Yes, we did, yes.

-Oh, good, that's lovely! How much did you spend?

-We spent £125.

-I would like £175 of leftover lolly, please.

-There we are.

-Thank you very much. That's a wodge, isn't it? You don't like passing that over.

-No, no.

-Which is your favourite piece?

-My favourite is the teapot.

-Do you agree with that?

-No, I actually like the Lalique sparrow.

You like the Lalique sparrow. Is that going to bring the biggest profit?

I think the teapot will bring the biggest profit.

-Do you think the teapot's going to bring the biggest profit?

-Fingers crossed.

Well, this is exciting, isn't it? Over to you, then, Bliss.

The boys have been very measured in their purchases

-so I'm going to have a bit of fun!

-Oh, good. Stand by.

Anyway, right now though, let's check out what the Blue team bought.

They were all tickled pink by the 1970s lounge chair.

£120 paid.

The second buy was the Arts and Crafts kettle and stand.

They spent £25.

The last item was the Oriental incense burner. £75 paid.

-Well, Theresa, Buff, that was good, wasn't it?

-That was really good.

-Really good fun.

-You were highly charged, as they say.

Now, Theresa, which is your favourite piece?

-Absolutely the pink, twirly chair.

-OK, lovely. Good.

-And do you agree with that?

-Absolutely. I think it's brilliant.

-OK, and which bit's going to bring the biggest profit?

-The pink twirly chair.

-The pink twirly chair.

-Absolutely.

-They're obsessed, aren't they?

-We love it.

-How much did you spend in total?

-We spent £220.

-Now that is a better do all round.

-We wanted to spend lots.

-Exactly!

-Get in there and be gutsy. Be brave.

-We wanted to spend all of it.

He who dares wins, you know. OK, £220. £80 of leftover lolly, please.

-Eh, voila.

-Merci. Look at that. Not so much for you now.

-Not so much at all.

-But...

I'm going to go for something exactly the opposite

to the pink twirly '70s chair.

Well, you'd better leg it

because we find ourselves very shortly approaching the auction.

It's time to catch up with today's auctioneer.

Well, how lovely is this?

We find ourselves as if by magic in Bedford

at Peacock's Auctioneers with Lindsay Vintiner.

-How very nice to see you.

-Good morning, Tim. Lovely to see you.

Now, the Reds have got the vinegar and oil combo with silver mounts

that I think have been rubbed with steel of some sort, haven't they?

Yes. To within an inch of their lives, sadly.

Such a shame because it's such a nice idea to be able to tip your oil and vinegar that way.

-It's quite romantic in a way, isn't it?

-Oh, do you think so?

-I do.

-They're entwined, aren't they?

-I see, yes. Do you rate them value-wise?

-Mm...

-Not terribly?

-Not terribly, no. They're a nice object, aren't they?

-So the estimate is?

-30-40 for those.

They paid £50, so they paid too much for that for defo.

Then we've got the Midwinters blue and white teapot. £10 paid for that.

-Will it make £10?

-I hope so. Yes. It's a stylish shape, isn't it?

-Transfer printed blue and white.

-1930s.

-1930s.

£10 it might just make so no worries there.

And then we've got the Lalique. How do you rate that?

1970s Lalique I suppose, certainly post '45, after Rene died.

-Hopefully, we should make £30-£50 on it.

-£65 paid.

-So overall, I think, they're not going to flutter off to much of a profit.

-No.

In fact, they may need their bonus buy so let's go and have a look at it.

-Do you have any idea what Kate's bought?

-Absolutely not.

Not the foggiest? OK, well, it looks rectangular to me.

And I do know she had £175, which is a fair old wodge.

So, Kate, what did you buy?

-Something that particularly boys like.

-OK.

-It's a Hornby train set.

This is a really nice electric example.

If I take the lid off, there it is.

You've got these lovely cast metal locomotives which came in later,

as opposed to the pressed metal ones.

And you may notice that it's got a three rail track.

Now, this really helps us to date it

because the three rail changed back to a two rail in 1959.

-So I would say this is very late '50s in date before that change.

-OK.

If I pass you over the box, I'll keep the lid.

So how much did you spend on it?

-I spent 55.

-OK.

How much do you think it'll go for?

Well, I think that's a pretty conservative price actually.

It's a nice set in good condition so I would put £50-£60 on it

-and hope for a little bit of profit.

-OK.

-You don't look very excited.

-I don't know.

-I'm quite disappointed.

-I'm not sure...

Johnny, did you have a train set when you were a nipper?

-I never had a train set, no.

-Did you not?

It's a generational thing this clearly, Kate. But there we go.

You never know, it could be full steam ahead.

Right now though, let's check out what the auctioneer thinks about Kate's train set.

-Now, Lindsey, a bit before your time this.

-It is I'm afraid!

Fantastic manufacturer.

Dublo were one of their best models really, I think,

in terms of quality and precision.

The engine's slightly play worn here.

So it's the cast metal ones that do better than the later plastic?

They appear to and they even do better in the tin plate models.

What's it worth, Kate's bonus buy?

-40-50?

-£55 paid.

-So, it's about right, isn't it?

-Yes.

-OK, now, that's it for the Reds.

Next, the Blues and they start out with this

fuchsia upholstered chair to go with your nails.

Indeed, yes. I specifically painted my nails to match this chair this morning.

I could tell that, Lindsey, and very, very chic it is too!

And your waistcoat matches too, I'm pleased to say.

If I sat on it you'd lose me and I'd become all chair!

Anyway, was it made yesterday do you think?

I don't think so because you've got a four star base on it

which you're not allowed to produce today.

You have to have a five star base for safety and security purposes.

-So I think it might be '70s, I suppose.

-OK.

But it's what people are buying today here. The retro market's fantastic.

OK. Well, that's exciting, isn't it? How much do you think it'll do?

-60-100?

-OK. Well, at £60 it's exactly half what was paid for it.

£120.

We go from the sublime to the ridiculous in a way

because this very grubby copper and wrought iron spirit stand

is the antithesis of the chair, isn't it?

You can't believe it's come from the same place really.

I don't think they were having a good day when they bought this, sadly.

-It doesn't do a lot for me, I'm afraid.

-No, it's all down to the price point really.

-It needs a bit of TLC.

-It certainly does.

-So as a doer-upper, because it needs restoration, what's it worth?

-30-50?

OK, £25 paid. So they paid the right price.

If you get 30-50, they'll be jumping for joy.

Now, oinking ourselves onto the Chinese bandwagon,

we've got this very dull, very crudely cast.

-It's either 12th century or it's 12 minutes old.

-That's true, yes.

One or the other.

I don't think it's bronze, it's some sort of base metal.

It's not particularly well manufactured

-and I think we might struggle with it, I'm afraid.

-Really?

-At what price?

-40-60?

-That's not too bad. £75 they paid.

-OK.

So they may not need the bonus buy

but let's go and have a look at it anyway.

Well, girls, you gave David Harper £80.

-David, what did you spend it on?

-OK, do you like exotic men, you two?

-Erm, let's see!

-We'll wait and see!

OK. That's an exotic man for you.

-Heavens!

-Hello!

-What is he?

-He's a Moorish fellow.

Isn't he wonderful?

-Is he heavy?

-Have a feel.

-He's not.

-No, no, it's wood. Hand carved wood.

-Beech or maybe a fruit wood.

-Absolutely beautiful.

Isn't he fantastic? 19th century.

Brackets on the back so he hangs on the wall.

-Any idea what he was made for?

-Pipes?

-Pipes. Exactly.

-But isn't it a good piece of carving?

-Yeah.

-Where do you think it comes from?

-When I first saw it I thought it was a German carving,

but I think it's probably a North African thing.

He's certainly a pipe rack and he's hand carved, and he's brilliant.

-How much did you pay for it?

-I think it was really cheap. I paid £70.

I've seen similar things make 150.

I think his estimate should be 80-120,

the old auctioneers favourite.

-Good choice.

-Thank you.

-Very nicely carved that.

-Very nice choice.

-OK.

-Stop touching his muscles!

-But I like it!

-Well, if they like it, somebody else will like it.

Anyway, fair enough, got all your gen.

For the audience at home let's find out what the auctioneer thinks

about Dave's muscles, I mean Dave's pipe rack.

-Now, Lindsey, it's a bit different.

-Right, thank you, Tim.

Broken arm, I think, is his big problem, isn't it?

Yes, that's a bit of an issue I'm afraid. It's nicely carved though.

It is pretty much a one-off. I bet it's Black Forest.

I bet it comes from Germany or Switzerland as part of that

-tourist market stuff.

-It's a bit of fun, isn't it?

-So, how much?

-30-40.

-Right. £70 paid by David Harper.

At the end of the day it's all going to be down to you, Lindsey.

-Are you feeling the pressure?

-I will try my very hardest for you all.

Thank you very much.

Time for you to rally the room and rise to the rostrum, Lindsay.

Now, first up is your vinegar and oil bottle dispenser.

You paid £50 for that. She has estimated £30-£40.

I think you might be lucky if you turn a profit on it,

but I don't think you'll lose much either.

Here it comes.

The silver mounted twin bottle vinegar or oil dispenser.

£30 for this then. 20 to begin.

20 are we? Must be 10.

Oh, come on.

-10 is bid. 12 behind. 14.

-Come on!

At 18. £20, 22.

24, 26, 28.

-That's better! Keep going.

-The gentleman's bid at 32.

34, 36, 38, 40.

-Getting there.

-Wicked!

-£45.

45 is a jolly good price. Minus £5. That's very good.

Here comes Midwinter's. You'll make a fiver on this, you mark my words.

Fantastically stylish teapot, this.

-10? Brilliant, thank you sir.

-Brilliant, go on.

-At £10.

A bid at 12, 14, 16,

18, 20, 22, 24.

Here we go. At just £24?

£24 is plus 14. Overall, you're plus 9. Good.

I've got to go with the commission here at just £30 for this lot.

32, 34 on commission. 36, 38, 40, 45, 50, 55.

60, 65.

At 65. 70, 75.

At £75 now, the bid is on commission. Down at 75.

£75 is plus £10, which is plus the 9 which is plus £19.

Very good, chaps. What are you going to do about the train set?

Are you going to take home the money or go with the set?

Shall we have a go? I think we should have a go.

Yes, we'll go for it.

-Give it a go.

-You have got money in the bank.

Exactly, we'll go for it.

The decision is made, here comes the train set.

The Hornby Dublo train set there, a good set.

Must be £50 for this surely? 50? 30?

All you men young at heart? 30?

-Oh dear.

-Come on, guys. 20? 20 bid, thank you sir.

22 over here.

24, 26, 28, 30?

-At 32 now. 34.

-Keep pushing.

36, 38, 40, 45.

45 now, 50. You'll sneak it past the wife!

At 50. At £50 only.

Bad luck! £50.

Minus £5, you're plus £14.

Don't say a word to the Blues because it could be a winning score.

-Now, kids, do you know how the Reds got on?

-No, they were smiling.

That could be a fake smile. That's the other thing.

Anyway, things are hotting up and first up is the bucket chair

and here it comes.

A brilliant chair, this. 100?

50 for the pink chair? 30?

-Oh dear.

-30 is bid online, thank you.

32 in the room now. At £32.

34 online. 36, 38, 40.

-TIM:

-£40!

50, 55, 60, 65, 70. At £75.

-Come on!

-At £75.

She sold it for £75. 75 is a gift. That is minus £45.

I could burst into tears, girls.

We have the arts and crafts spirit kettle and stand there.

£20 start me. 20? 10 to get on then.

10 bid, thank you sir.

-This is depressing, isn't it?

-A gentleman's bid here now, £10.

-12 online. 12, 14.

-Come on!

Selling at just £14.

16, 18, 20, we have a new bidder.

£20. 22 online. 24.

At £24 in the room.

At £24.

£24 is minus £1. It's minus 46.

-That's not fair.

-It isn't, is it?

It certainly isn't.

We have the next item. 30 are we? 20 anyone?

20 is bid online, thank you.

At £20. 22, 24, 26. Two bidders here now.

-Come on!

-At £28 in the room.

-Oh dear!

-Come on!

The bidder's in the room at just £28.

28 is two off 30.

30, 40, 50, 60, 70. That is £45.

Minus 47. 47 and 46 is...

93, isn't it?

Minus 93. Minus £93.

It's a good job we don't have to pay you back, isn't it?

Exactly, this could get expensive for you two!

-What are you going to do about our friend?

-We've got to go for it.

-We have nothing to lose.

-It makes no difference if you lose any more.

It could go for a vast amount and we could get some money back.

Exactly, that's the way to think about it.

Tracy, you're happy with that?

-Absolutely.

-OK, fine, here comes the pipe rack.

A Black Forest carving, £30 for this surely?

£30 bid, thank you.

32, 34, 36, 38.

40, 45, 50, 55.

60, 65, 70, 75.

At £75.

Come on!

£75, all done.

At just £75.

-Just there.

-Well done, you!

-That is plus £5, you got your profit.

-A bit of profit.

I had a funny feeling it was going to be rather better.

We got to 70, 75 and it could have taken us to 125, I felt that.

So £5. You are minus £88.

Say that quite quickly and it's not too bad, is it?

It could be a winning score, so not a word to the Reds.

Well, all things come around, as they say, that go around.

-Have you had a nice time?

-Yes.

-Has it been good fun?

-Great.

-You haven't been chatting?

-No.

-So this is a complete surprise?

-It really is.

-My reveal now?

-The runners-up today, I'm afraid by a bit of a chalk are the Blues.

-Oh!

In fact, it's quite a chalk, it's minus £88 actually.

Which is pretty dreadful.

You did go with the bonus buy which was lovely,

our Moorish gent, that made a small profit,

but apart from that, it was a disaster.

-Anyway, you enjoyed it?

-Loved it.

That's the main thing, thank you very much.

But the boys are going home with £14.

There we go, there is a tenner and here comes four little coins,

somewhere deep in the bowels of my pocket.

£14, you had £19 but you went with the bonus buy. That was not so hot.

The Double O Gauge doo-dah!

-Have you enjoyed it?

-Yes, loved it.

-Been good for you, Johnny?

-Yes.

Good fun. In fact, join as soon for some more bargain-hunting. Yes?

ALL: Yes!