London 25 Bargain Hunt

Today, we're in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames.

Now, all these telephone boxes may be out of order,

but will our teams be prepared to answer their call of duty,

or are the odds going to be stacked in their favour

or will they simply fall over like dominoes?

Let's find out. Let's go Bargain Hunting, yeah.

We're at the Kingston Antiques Centre

and with over 100 dealers piled in with loads of hidden treasures,

our teams are bound to find a few tasty treats

to satisfy their appetites.

They have £300 and an hour to shop for three items.

Let's take a sneaky peak as to what's coming up, what?

Today, the teams hark back to their childhood.

I just love the shape. I used to do gymnastics.

-Oh, did you, Stevie?

-Yeah.

-Tell me about your first train set.

-Well, it was a bit like this.

The train would go round, I'd watch it go round.

It would go round again.

It tell you, it was more fun than you can possibly imagine.

And there's more fun to be had at auction.

Thank you. £60, sir.

-Yes!

-Yes.

-Yes.

£40, the gentleman...

That's all for later.

Now, let's meet today's teams.

On today's show, we have the most smashing teams,

each with a mother and a son.

As they say, some mothers do 'ave 'em.

For the Reds, we have Adrian and Jacqui

and for the Blues, we have Stevie and Richie.

-Hello, everyone.

-Hello.

-Hello.

Great to see you. Now, Adrian, you're good with numbers.

-I do work in finance, Tim.

-Tell us what you do exactly.

-I work in recycled paper, packaging and cardboard.

-Do you?

We will take the box, the old corrugated cardboard,

we'll recycle it and make it into packaging for branded goods,

-recycled again, back on the shelf, all within 15 days.

-Really?

-Well, that's a neat little number.

-Absolutely.

That same old box potentially will pitch up four or five times a year.

-Absolutely.

-Eight times a year.

-Absolutely.

Good Lord, how extraordinary. Now, Jacqui, you are retired.

-Yes.

-That doesn't stop you getting down with the kids, does it?

Oh, not at all.

I'm very much into the new technology.

I do e-mail everybody and they e-mail me.

I actually don't like phoning people now and also, I am a...

I would say a temporary resident of Facebook.

I never contribute anything, I just follow what they're doing.

But gripping the technology at any age is incredibly important,

-isn't it?

-Oh, it is. You're never too old to learn.

-For instance, I'm here.

-Well done, that's brilliant, isn't it?

-Yes.

-When it comes to collecting, do you do that at all?

-Erm, yes.

About three years before my husband died,

-we were avid watchers of Bargain Hunt, of course...

-Oh, yes.

.."Flog It!" and all the other ones.

We discovered that at Amersham which is just up the road,

-there was an auction house.

-Oh, good.

We actually started collecting quite seriously the Dalton character jugs,

-which...

-Which you like?

-Yes.

What sort of thing do you think you'll be going for today?

I shall be looking for small silver items

cos we collected vesta cases and things of that type.

-Nothing quirky, though, is our motto today.

-No, nothing quirky.

He's just saying that cos I don't like the word.

Right, anyway, jolly good luck. Richie.

-Hello, Tim.

-Hello. You cover a lot of ground on your job, don't you?

-Absolutely.

-Tell us about it.

I am a business development manager for a medical recruitment company,

which sees me travelling all over the UK, overseas,

-covering up to 4,000 miles a week in the car sometimes.

-Really?

-It's a busy old job.

-Are you looking for nurses, doctors?

Doctors predominantly. We do have a nursing section

but I concentrate on the doctors.

-Is that good fun?

-Oh, absolutely. You get to meet wonderful people.

The best part of my job is speaking to new people every day

on the phone, face-to-face.

It's a good job. I like speaking to people.

Well, you like that cos you've got the gift of the gab

and you've got the gift of the gab because you're quite keen on treading the boards.

-I don't know what you're talking about, Tim.

-Yes, you do!

I absolutely do. I've been joined to a group now for the last few years.

What sort of productions have you put on?

Things like The Wedding Singer, the musical,

they've had me in a whole Boy George outfit

with dreadlocks and make-up and twirls...

-Which you've loved?

-Again, I don't know what you're talking about.

I don't know what impression I'm giving off here.

Yeah, right the way through to dressing up in Victorian costume

-and doing the more period stuff.

-Very good.

-It is a lot of fun.

-Stevie, your job is just child's play, isn't it?

-Yes, it is, Tim.

-Cos that's all you do?

Yes, it is. I really enjoy my job -

I work in a preschool from two years to five,

getting them ready for school.

I cannot believe that you are the mother of this strapping young man.

I mean, that's extraordinary.

-I was 20.

-Were you?

-Yes. I couldn't wait to be a mum.

-Well, there you are.

-And what a lovely job you did.

-Thank you.

How nice is that.

You are not a stranger to the antiques hunting, are you?

No, I love it. Absolutely love it.

-And do you find bargains?

-Yes, I do.

-Do you?

-Yes.

-Tell us about your best bargain.

I bought a fireplace, stripped it all down, I re-blacked it

-and I resold that, I think I made about £180.

-Did you?

-Yes.

-Just like that?

-Yes.

You're going to be good at this Bargain Hunting lark.

I hope so but you never know!

I think the biggest problem is that she can't take the things home

-that she buys at the end of the day!

-No, they've got to be sold.

Anyway, are you looking forward to the £300?

-I can't wait.

-Well, here comes the £300.

-£300 apiece, you know the rules.

-Thank you, Tim.

-Thanks.

Your experts await and off you go.

Very, very, very good luck.

That's the spirit.

And it's time to meet today's experts.

Weighing in for the Reds, it's Jonathan Pratt.

Getting her skates on for the Blues, it's Kate Bliss.

So, Reds, are you ready?

-We are.

-Yes.

So, Stevie, what are you going to be looking for today?

Whatever catches my eye.

I think we're going to look carefully, buy wisely

-and make a profit!

-Yeah.

Are you going to agree with her?

-No.

-Uh-oh!

And nothing too quirky!

OK, teams, your time starts now.

ALARM CLOCK RINGS

-Let's go shopping, come on, let's go.

-Yes.

-Shall we go? Let's go.

-Yeah.

Come on, then.

I think the teams are going to have a right hoot today.

OWL HOOTS

Oh, no.

Nice hat!

That's a good look.

Oh, look out - Jacqui's got her eye on some precious metal.

Yes, I was just looking to see if there's any vesta cases,

-cos they're particularly interesting.

-Oh, OK.

The other thing I saw which was quite nice is the ring tree...

The little ring stand.

-You see them on Bargain Hunt quite a lot actually.

-What, ring stands?

-Yeah, you do.

-I actually haven't seen one on Bargain Hunt.

Oh, have you not?

Now, what have the Blues got their eyes on?

I love the little scroll back, the little scallop shell in the middle.

It's got some nice detail to it, hasn't it?

Yes, some nice detail, yes.

I tell you what, let's have a look at the back,

because we just want to make sure it's a real period one

rather than a reproduction.

We've got the foundry stamp on the back there, I think.

Although this looks Victorian in style,

to paint it white actually in a nice bright room...,

-Yes.

-It might look...

-Yes, well, it certainly lightens things.

The question is whether it would suit a house in London,

whether there is the right market.

-There's £75 on it.

-Yes, I'd like it a lot better than that, really.

-I would like to see a lot better than that.

-Yes, yes.

Shall we go and ask the question

-and then we know what we're dealing with?

-Yeah, let's ask. Shall we ask?

-All right.

-Let's ask.

-Not a bad start though.

While they find out a price,

let's see how the Reds are getting on.

-I think it's a jam...

-Little bad boy there.

-..preserving, you know, what you cooked jam in.

-Yes.

-Have you ever used one of these?

-No, I'm not that old.

My feeling is with this

that it was probably made in the Far East somewhere.

It looks like a Victorian pan, it's got a lot of weight to it...

It was made by the thousand.

If you paid £5 for it, I think you'd struggle to get £5 back.

-Don't think we want that, then!

-No, no.

Cast it aside then, Reds.

Now, here's David from the Antiques Centre

with a price on the fire grate.

I've spoken to the dealer. He'll do 45.

-OK, that's come down a lot for us.

-Yes.

-Thank you.

-Yeah.

-What do we think?

I would have liked it a little bit lower, if I'm honest.

I would have liked it a little bit lower.

Could we put it by and think about it?

-Could you keep it for us just for ten minutes?

-Yes.

That would be brilliant. Thank you.

-We've got one in reserve.

-Yes.

-Thank you very much.

That's one on the back burner for the Blues.

Now, has Adrian got things back on track for the Reds?

-Tell me about your first train set.

-Well, it was a bit like this.

It was in a box like this, it had a train like this,

it had some keys, track, the train would go round.

I'd watch it go round, I'd watch it go round again.

That was a lot of fun.

I tell you, more fun than you can possibly imagine.

What was it saying? He's had displayed,

"Hornby goods set, working order, £45," is what it says.

-Made in England.

-It's not a Japanese copy.

No, made in England. There's a lot of tin plate toys made in Japan

so we know it is original. It's just whether it's worth a deal.

If it were 30 or something, I think that would be interesting,

-but 45's a little bit punchy.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

I always get slightly nervous about things I don't really understand completely.

Fair enough. I've got one at home,

for what it's worth in immaculate condition

and that's valued at 150.

-That's clockwork?

-Mmm. It's slightly...

-well, much better condition than this.

-What do you think?

-What do I think?

-Yes.

-Well...

-it's boys' toys, isn't it?

-It's not your sort of thing?

-You would have bought me one.

-No, it's not

but if we can get it for 30, then I'd go for it.

You'd be happy? I must say, I got the impression

when we started that you were going to be the driving force.

I thought you were going to be wearing the trousers...

-Now, Adrian's gone straight in there.

-Well, he's my son, isn't he?

-Whatever I say, he'll do the opposite.

-Boys' toys.

The status quo is established!

It could be just the ticket if you can railroad the price down.

While they wait for an answer,

let's see if Kate can bend the Blues into shape.

Great, thanks. Cor, that's a weight.

Yes. It's...

-I just love the shape. I used to do gymnastics.

-Did you, Stevie?

-Yes.

-If I remember rightly, cos I used to do gymnastics as well,

-this is the bridge, is it not?

-Yes, it is. You're correct, Kate!

Obviously, it is a beautiful shape, no doubt it is a bronze, obviously.

Erm, because it's a nude as well, there are slightly -

particularly from this angle -

-slightly erotic overtones.

-Yes.

-I can see we've got the price here. It's 198...

-Yes.

..which is a lot of our money.

I think this has been cast from a mould,

-so it's after, obviously, it's not the original bronze.

-Right, OK.

If it's not the original, it's quite a lot of our money to be spending.

Do you want to ask what the very best price would be?

-Best price would be.

-So we know what we're dealing with.

-Let's find out.

OK. Yeah, let's find out cos I do like it.

Lesley from the Antiques Centre will have the answer.

Hi, Lesley. Could you just find out the best price for us on that?

-Yeah, I can do that.

-That would be great.

Thanks, Lesley.

These dealers really are bending over backwards for us today.

Now, have the Reds gone off the rails, or is it full steam ahead?

-I can't get an answer from the dealer.

-OK.

I'm going to put my head on the block

-and say 30's fine.

-Brilliant.

OK, shake the man's hand.

-Very good.

-Wonderful, that's a good start.

We can leave you to play and Jacqui and I will go shopping.

-How about that?

-Yes. You go and have a look,

I'll just set this up and check it really works.

Well done, Reds.

That's your first item in the first 11 minutes.

Now, how are those Blues getting on with that figurine

priced up at £198?

135 would be the best on that.

-OK.

-OK.

-Lovely. Thanks, Lesley.

-That's quite a difference.

Yeah, 135.

-I'm not sure...

-I'm not 100%.

-You're not 100%, are you?

-Right. Let's leave it where it is for now.

-Yes, OK.

-We can always come back.

-We know it's there, we know the price.

There we go. Gosh, it sure is heavy.

One to think about

but I think the Reds may be about to leapfrog ahead.

-Adrian's house is called The Frog Pit.

-Is it?

-Yeah.

-The Frog Pit?

-Yeah.

-It is pottery and it is glazed pottery.

Kids made these things out of plaster sometimes

and you could just have it painted but the glaze looks rather nice.

They've said circa 1910, 1920,

which gives it art pottery, early 20th-century, nice...

and it's a frog. Your house is called...

-The Frog Pit.

-The Frog Pit. You bought the house called that?

No, no. We bought a sign saying The Frog Pit

from the Ideal Home Exhibition in about 1988.

We've moved it with every house we've had.

-You've always changed the name of your house?

-Yes.

-We have.

It's always called The Frog Pit.

I just saw it and it leapt at me. I thought, oh.

That's what frogs do, isn't it?

-They jump.

-Well done.

Now, let's have a shufty, shall we?

-Oh, thanks, David.

-Oh, great. Isn't that lovely?

-Yes.

-I think he's a splendid chap, isn't he?

-He is.

Let's have a look at him in the light, shall we?

-Yes.

-The light's quite good here.

You see, it is heavily potted.

It is basically clay pushed into a mould, I would assume.

Finished off with a stamp. This is a proper earthenware clay.

This is a nice, honest...

-Frog.

-A nice, honest frog, and...

Maybe 25, 30?

Yeah.

Well, it's priced at £45

but I have a feeling you're the lady for the job, Jacqui.

Where is David? He's over there. Yes.

Let's see if David can jump to the Reds' rescue.

Meanwhile, the Blues have spotted some timber.

-Is it heavy?

-No, not too bad.

I keep picking the heavy things, don't I?

-Sorry!

-It is certainly rustic.

-Do you think there is any age to it?

Well...

Yes, I do. I certainly think there's some age to the timber.

Some wear.

-I think it's probably continental, you know.

-Do you?

-Yeah.

I like that. It's something that I'd have, I'd have that in my house.

-Would you have it for 45?

-I wouldn't have it for 45, no.

-No.

-What would you have it for?

-I'd probably have it for 20, I think.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-15, 20 quid.

-I'm not liking it.

-OK, that's all right.

-It depends what they do it for.

If you like it,

don't let me stop you. Here's Lesley.

-Lesley, what could you do this for?

-The oak stool?

-Yeah.

-What's your very, very best?

-35 would be the best.

-35, yeah.

-Thank you.

-All right, thank you very much.

-Cheers, thank you.

What do you think, guys?

35, I don't think we'll do it for 35.

I think we've seen better things, haven't we, I think?

-So far, so I think...

-Yeah. All right, decision made.

-Let's leave it for now.

-Yeah, decision made.

-Can you pop it back down there?

-Of course.

Now, has David got any good news for the Reds?

Erm, 35 is the absolute best price.

She won't go lower than that.

I don't think we'd make that.

-If we don't buy it, we've got a lot of work to do.

-Yes.

I think the sensible option, if you're not taken by it,

-cos it's not my job to tell you what to buy...

-No.

-No.

-David puts it aside...

-Yes, please, if you would, David.

..and if we've not come across anything in the next 15 minutes

-that satisfies us any more than that, then we buy it.

-Yes.

-We need to work fast.

-Speed is the essence.

-OK, let's go.

-Swift.

-Come on, come on.

You're halfway through

and only the Reds have made a purchase.

Get busy bargain hunting, teams.

Now, take a look at what I've come across.

I have scoured this Antiques Centre from top to bottom

and this is by far the best thing that I have found to share with you.

Now, you sharp-eyed Bargain Hunters will recognise immediately

the significance of that oval marble plaque in the middle.

Why?

Because it's inlaid deliciously in other hard stones

and it is known as a pietra dura plaque.

The background stone is the giveaway as to where this thing

probably came from because it's dark black

and dark black pietra dura stoned pieces like this

tend to come from Derbyshire.

They tend to be made by the Woodruff family

from about 1850 through to the end of the century.

In fact, this thing is top of its particular quality tree

because this has been designed as a photo frame.

If we hinge it open, you can see that it reveals

a photograph of a very beautiful girl,

perhaps on the eve of her wedding.

If I open it on the other side,

it reveals the three apertures for three photographs.

You might have the groom on this side,

the bride here and perhaps the happy couple together in the middle.

Now, isn't that charming?

Well, I think it's charming. It has a modern practical purpose.

People spend on weddings vastly more and more, year on year

and therefore, why not splash out

and have a really special, gorgeous, deluxe frame,

dating from another era

but with this modern purpose about it for your wedding?

But what would you have to pay?

Here, today, in Kingston,

it could be yours for a cool £225.

To get it restored would probably cost you £100 or £150.

Total cost, £400.

What might you sell it for in a specialist sale?

Well, it could make the top end of £1,000.

So, that's a worthwhile turn, isn't it?

In fact, almost worthwhile getting married for.

Back to the shopping -

it's 1-0 to the Reds,

but are the Blues about to make a comeback

with this gilt metal compact?

There we go. Let's open it up and have a little look.

-OK. We've got a little bit of damage inside.

-Yes.

-It's missing its powder.

-OK.

-You've got the mirror still there

and you would have had your little powder in there

-but it's still quite sweet.

-Yes.

What sort of age is that, Kate?

-I would say it's probably '20s...

-Hmm.

-OK. ..'30s.

-Yeah, it is nice.

-What's the ring bit about?

Well, it's literally to hold it on your finger.

It is almost like a miniature bag to take out with you,

to be worn in the hand, on the finger.

American, gilt metal

although we've got some tiny little enamel details there...

-Yeah.

-..which is quite nice.

Do you think it will have an effect on the sale

if it hasn't got the compact part in there and everything like that?

-I think it is nice to have it in perfect original order...

-Of course.

..but it's the outside actually which is quite good,

-which will sell it.

-Yeah.

Excuse me, Lesley.

Do you know what the price is on this? It is on the back of the ticket?

It should be.

Yes, that's going to be 85

-and trade five so 80.

-Right, £80.

I mean, my feeling at auction would be to put it at 30 to 50

-as an estimate.

-Right.

-OK.

-So, what, you're looking at under 50.

-Somewhere in there.

-Somewhere in that bracket.

-Let me take that with the details on it.

-All right, thank you.

-Thank you.

-Great.

-Ooh, it's tricky, isn't it?

-It is tricky.

Let's hope Lesley can come through for you, Blues.

You haven't bought a thing yet

and there's just 20 minutes left.

Now, the Reds are getting all dolled up.

These figures are quite fun.

People like them for decorative purposes.

-They are hideous but you might like them...

-I don't...

..and they might sell well, you see.

-My opinion, for taste, is not really in the equation.

-Yeah.

Moving swiftly on,

have the Blues struck a deal on the compact?

I've got the dealer on the phone.

He can't do any less than 55.

It is close to what he is paid.

It's a tough one. What do we think?

-Well, we do like it.

-Yeah, I like it.

-Thanks, Lesley.

-We both like it so...

-I think we should go for it.

-We go for that.

-Let's do it.

-Let's do it, yes! Number one.

-Brilliant.

-OK, where next? That way?

-Let's go for it.

-Let's go up, yeah.

-All right.

-Let's do it.

Hurrah! That's your first item in the hand. Finally.

Both teams still have two items to find

but Adrian's thinking outside the box.

What do you think of something like this? Collectable.

-The Ilford Laundry.

-Yes.

-Is that...? My wife's from Ilford.

-Do you think that's...?

-Genuine.

No-one's going to put an Ilford Laundry on a fake thing.

38 quid.

It's probably... Someone would drop off their laundry

-and it would be delivered in this, do you think?

-Yes.

It would be delivered all flat. You give it to them in the bag...

And then they bring it back to your house and one of these boxes.

The whole vintage thing, people are buying into that kind of 1950s, retro style.

The modern-day box would be recycled, corrugated,

much more environmentally conscious so you can recycle it.

Now, a box like this from being made to go the shelf,

to being recycled and back on the shelf again, is 15 days.

Whilst JP is being boxed in, let's see how the Blues are getting on.

Remember that cast-iron fireplace?

-We haven't really seen anything else that comes close, in my opinion.

-No.

-They've come down to £40, the gentleman said.

-I agree.

Yes, it's painted but it could be cleaned off and blacked up again.

-I think that's quite a tidy little piece.

-Yeah, I like it.

-I like it.

-I think we'll go for that.

-I think we should.

-£40?

Great. Great? Grate!

Brilliant.

-Very good.

-Takes a while!

Best leave the jokes to me, Miss Bliss. Well done.

That's your second item, Blues.

Now, have the Reds got their second item packed up yet?

-I can do 25.

-25.

-I know that's...

I think it's too much, personally, but on the other hand,

we are running out of time and you like the object.

His words were, he really liked the item.

-I mean, he really liked the train set.

-Yes, I know.

-He really likes the box from Ilford.

-What does his grandma really like?

-I know, I know!

-Or Mummy.

-We have to do this. 25. Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

Both teams have secured two items but time is running out

for number three. Time check, please, Kate.

Right, we've got about seven minutes. No pressure.

OK, what have we seen before?

-We saw the stool, which you really liked.

-Yeah, you really liked that.

I didn't particularly but you really liked it.

Then there was the bronze. That was a lot of money.

-It was a lot of money.

-So the stool, I think, is the better option.

-What do you think?

-Shall we go for the stool?

-Let's make our way back up that way.

-Yeah, definitely.

-OK, let's do it.

-Let's go.

-Go, Kate. Let's go.

Don't forget the clock is ticking.

-We don't go light, do we?

-No.

-There's definitely some age to it.

There is definitely age to it.

What I don't like about it are the screw holes.

But it's something or nothing.

Yes, it's French and provincial but it is very rustic.

-I've been pleading your cause.

-Thank you.

And begging. 30, and that's absolutely,

it can be no more than that.

It's quite a significant drop.

-I like it.

-Go for it?

-Let's do it.

-£30.

-Thank you very much. Brilliant.

-Thank you.

You've done it! That's your three pieces.

-Finally.

-That's great.

-You've definitely got one that you want. Are you happy, Stevie?

-Yes.

Hurray! We got there in the end.

But I think Jonathan's pulling his hair out with the Reds.

We've got two items bought which is, I think,

an absolute miracle, frankly.

We've got one thing on side, and do you know what?

They are buying it. I don't care, they're just going to buy it.

We have five minutes left and I couldn't bear to go

and look in another cabinet.

Maybe a leap of faith on this one, team.

I think, and I honestly have to say this,

-with such little time, we have to buy something.

-I know.

You both, I don't know if you liked it, but the frog jump out at you.

-It did.

-We got to a price of...

-35.

-35.

-£35. If it could come down below that.

I think we need to buy it.

-She's the lady to convince.

-No, I like it...

No, no, no. I heard a yes. David, come over here.

-Shake the lady's hand.

-Yes.

-Thank you very much.

-All done.

-We're buying the frog. Thank you very much.

Well, that's in the can. Time's up.

-We all deserve to have a rest, I think.

-You have been so patient.

It's my middle name. Come on.

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

They steamed in with this Hornby train set for £30.

They packed away this 1950s Ilford laundry box for £25.

The 20th century pottery frog

eventually leapt into their arms for £35.

Which is your favourite piece, Jacqs?

Though I'm loathe to say it I think it was the train set.

It took me back to his youth and his brother's youth and, you know.

That's the romance of antiques, isn't it?

Which is your favourite piece?

I'm into boxes, Tim, so the laundry box for me is the one.

It's a long time since we've had a laundry box as a favourite.

-But as they say, each to their own.

-I do like boxes.

-Exactly.

-Very, very good. How much did you spend, Jacqs.

-£90.

-Is that all?

-Yes.

Please may I have £210 of leftover lolly.

-In the special place. Thank you very much.

-I believe it's all there.

Gosh, that's nice and warm. Right, then. £210, JP.

-You could buy most of this antique centre for that.

-You're right.

Jacqui wanted to choose an object and didn't get...

A personal...

-Did you not?

-She wanted a piece of silver.

Whatever takes your fancy and will make us a profit.

-To be honest, it may be nothing you'd expect at all.

-No, exactly.

That's what's so lovely about most of the things you find, JP.

Not what we expect. Anyway, good luck.

It's the fear of the unknown, that's what keeps us going.

Right now though, why don't we check out what the Blue team bought, eh?

They spent £55 on this 1950s gilt metal compact.

They burned up £40 for this Victorian cast-iron fire grate.

They're putting their feet up on this provincial pine stool for £30.

-Well, that was fun, wasn't it?

-It was.

-What did you spend in total again?

-£125.

-OK.

£175 of leftover lolly.

Thank you very much. Which is your favourite piece?

-The compact.

-Did you like that too?

-Yeah, I'd say that was my favourite as well.

-Was it?

-Yeah.

-So, you agree with Ma, that is the favourite.

-Mummy's always right.

Exactly right.

Anyway, before we powder up, there's a good old wodge again.

The latest accessories you've got in mind?

It could be for a gentleman or a lady, what I've got in mind.

-It's quite decorative.

-Is it? Oh, you're such a tease.

I can't wait to see.

Anyway, we won't have to wait too long because shortly

we're about to go off to the auction

into, almost, the centre of London.

Well, what fun is this?

We've come all the way from Kingston upon Thames to Twickenham

to be at High Road Auctions and David Holmes. How lovely to see you.

-And you too, Tim.

-Gosh, it's nice to be here. Good.

Now, first up for the Reds is the Hornby O Gauge railway set.

-How'd you rate that?

-It's in good used condition.

It's complete. It has its box with it. It's a nice thing.

-How much?

-£40-£60, Tim.

Perfect. £30 paid.

They paid the right money for making a bit of a profit.

Now, the next item, this laundry box,

I have to say, does not tick many of my boxes.

-But what do I know?

-I think it's quite a fun object.

I don't remember those times, I'm sorry to say.

No, no, no, you're far too young, my boy.

But it's a good style at the moment and we're doing OK with these items.

-Like how much?

-£20 or £30.

Really? £25 paid.

So they paid the right amount of money.

-Lastly, though, is this lovely little frog face.

-I like it.

-Do you like it?

-I do, yeah.

Have you been able to find out anything about it?

I think it's probably continental. It's not marked.

-It's difficult to place when they're not marked, isn't it?

-It is.

'20s or '30s. It's a very tactile thing.

I'm hoping that somebody will love it for their desk.

-Just a nice thing, Tim.

-What is your estimate on old frog face?

We've only put £20-£30 on him. It's a bit of an unknown.

£35 paid, the team paid.

I have a funny feeling it might make it to £35. It's got the look.

-It has.

-Anyway, in case not, they'll need their bonus buy

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

Now, AJ, how about that? You spent just the £90.

You gave £210 to our hero, Jonathan Pratt.

-JP, what did you spend the money on?

-Something for me, you promised.

Exactly, it's just that. I bought something for the lady.

-That's lovely.

-A little pretty fob watch.

OK, chromed metal from the 1930s.

This is a stirrup, you've got the stirrup here,

and then you've got a riding crop along the top.

It's a cute little thing on its original leather strap.

It's by Lang of Glasgow, I've got the dial upside down

because you'd look at it that way, obviously.

Nice little thing. The inscription on the bottom, some initials, EMB.

But actually if you notice the date, it says 25th December, 1938.

It's actually a little Christmas present.

With an open back as well, a bit of a show off thing. I rather like it.

How much did you pay?

-I spent exactly the same as you. £90.

-Oh!

-Very good.

-Is that all?

-Bargain.

It's the sort of thing I would say an auctioneer would probably

price it at under 100, but it is the sort of thing that always runs away.

-As long as it spurs them on.

-Oh!

-Oh, I got you, Tim.

-Oh! Oh!

Dear, oh, dear, they're sharp these two, aren't they?

Potentially a couple of hundred pounds. The man has paid £90.

That's your pick when you come to that moment.

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

out from our auctioneer what he thinks about

JP's stirrup watch.

OK, David, let's trot on with this. What do you make of it?

It is rather nice, isn't it?

A little novelty item, a little lady's fob time piece.

-I think it is rather sweet.

-What is it worth, do you think?

We've estimated it at around £40-£60.

Possibly we've been a little mean on that.

I think it could gallop away, as they say, a little more than that.

-Yes. Well, JP paid £90 for it.

-OK.

He really rates it.

OK, that's it for the Reds, now for the Blues. Richie and Stevie.

Their first item is a major investment in a compact.

-Does that do it for you?

-I'm afraid it doesn't.

-OK.

It's a compact, I think, which is from the 1950s.

It has an interesting interior to it.

-But I really can't see that making a lot of money at all.

-OK.

-So how much then, David?

-Ten or £20, I'm afraid.

That's a big hit, I'm afraid. £55 they paid.

OK, next up is the fire grate, which has

unfortunately suffered some damage in transit.

It's got a break on that top bar, and I have the ask you, what would

that have brought if it had come to your auction in good condition?

-I really could only see it making 20 or £30.

-OK.

So we'll treat it as an insurance claim and pay them

out £25 clear of all charges.

But put it in the sale anyway.

-What is the estimate on it damaged?

-Ten to 20, I'm afraid.

So, the way it works is the mid-sale estimate, in its damaged state,

which will be £15, anything over £15

is added to the £25, which is

-the insurance pay-out that they would have got.

-OK.

So that's the way we will play it. Now, next up is the stool.

I get a feeling this has been made from possibly

a railway sleeper or something like that. It is made of pine.

Rather crudely with the four legs put into the base.

-I'm not sure about this one, Tim.

-Fair enough. How much?

-Ten or £20, I'm afraid.

-OK, they only paid £30.

-OK.

Let's just hope we don't finish up up the swanny with it.

Anyway, if we do, they're going to need their bonus buy,

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

-Stevie, Richie, how are you feeling?

-Nervous.

-Yes.

-We ain't started yet.

-THEY LAUGH

No, you gave Kate £175. Kate Bliss, what did you buy?

-Are you ready?

-BOTH:

-We're ready.

-Oh, wow.

-Wow.

-There he is.

He's glass.

-You may have heard of the name Lalique...

-Yes, I have, yes.

..when we talk about glass in the antiques business.

Now, in 1945, Rene Lalique, who is the major name in glass

manufacture in France, dies, but his son takes over the factory.

And Marc introduces a much heavier type of glass,

a sort of lead crystal.

And this is more of the lead crystal type

than of the Rene Lalique type.

In fact, I think it was probably made in the last 20 years or so.

-Is it a tit?

-A little bird...

It could be a tit, it could be a swallow.

It was actually sold to me,

-the antiques centre actually thought it was an owl.

-Really.

It could be a little blue tit, couldn't it?

-How much did you pay, Kate, for this?

-I paid, with the Lalique name...

-Mmm-hmm.

-..65.

And what do you think it might make at auction,

if you were to put a figure on it?

Well, Richie, I've seen these make 30, 40,

£50. On a good day I've seen them even make sort of £70-£80.

-OK.

-So it is a gamble.

It is a thoroughly nice thing, isn't it? Do you like it?

-I do like it.

-What about you, Richie?

-Yes, it's good, I like it.

Let's find out, for the audience at home, whether the auctioneer finds it quite as charming.

OK, David, there we go, a classic of its type, I'd say.

Rather nice little piece, a little piece of Lalique.

Lalique French glass.

Not the largest piece of Lalique, I must say.

But a very sweet little songbird. It is one of the later items.

-When would that be, 1980s, 1990s?

-Very possibly.

I think anywhere from the '70s to the '90s.

-But expensive when it was bought.

-Yes. How much now?

Around £40-£60.

OK, £65 was paid by Kate Bliss.

She really rates it.

-And it will be listed on the internet, won't it?

-Oh, absolutely.

Well, there you go. If only it could tweet.

Ha! David is already on the rostrum, and with his gavel in hand,

the auction is underway.

OK, Jacqs, OK, Adrian. You happy?

Philosophical.

Anyway, first up is going to be the clockwork O gauge set,

and here it comes.

Moving onto lot number 74 now,

is the rather nice, the Hornby O gauge.

And we are looking at bids of £40 for this one.

Go on!

Where are the big kids out there? Bid me £20 for the lot.

Thank you, sir. Five again. 25. 30, madam.

-30, sir. Five. 40.

-JACQUI:

-Yes!

Five, again. £40, the gentleman's bid standing in front.

Doesn't seem a lot, does it? At £40 only.

-Are we done? Last chance at 40.

-JACQUI:

-Yes!

£40 is brilliant. Plus £10.

-Good start.

-Well, you are out at the gate, Jacqs.

Lot number 75.

A bit of fun. 1950s or '60s.

It is the Ilford Laundry box.

Bid me £20 for it. 20 bid. Five, sir. 25, thank you.

Bid me 30 on the internet. 30 bid. Take five again, sir.

-Are you sure? At £30, it is on the internet this time.

-JACQUI:

-Come on!

All out in the room. Selling online, are we done at 30?

-30.

-Yes, that's OK.

£30 is plus £5.

Lot number 76 we are on.

It is rather lovely, again the 20th century.

Bid me £10 for it.

Come on!

Thank you, madam. 15, again.

Come on!

15, sir. £20, madam.

-I'll take 18 for it.

-JACQUI:

-Come on!

-We are struggling here.

-Yes.

-Two again.

-No.

-Are you sure?

-Yes.

At £20, the gentleman's bid. Any bids with the internet? This time,

are we done at 20?

£20, it is a toad.

-Minus £15.

-We'll give you one and take the other.

So, I'm sorry.

You've washed your face, no profit, no loss, no pain, no gain.

-So, what are we going to do? Go with the fob watch?

-Yes.

-Yes.

The auctioneer's estimated 40 to 60.

-JP paid 90.

-I know.

I personally think anything up to £150 for this would be

-the right money.

-I love it, you see. I love it.

Somebody must love it like me.

Lot number 80 is the rather lovely novelty,

the Swiss pendant fob watch.

Bid me £50 for it.

Super little lot this. Let's get us going, guys. Bid me £30 for it.

35. 40, sir. £45 with the internet buyers.

At £50, with the internet.

Come on, come on!

Done at 50. £50.

-£50.

-£50.

-Did he really sell it for £50?

-That was a steal.

-£50.

They've just dirtied our face.

You... First you had a washed face, now you're dirty again.

No, seriously, you've been very brave about that, and terribly British.

Because we know it is worth more than £50, don't we?

-That was a steal.

-An absolute steal. Still, never mind.

-Haven't seen anything like it.

-It still could be a winning score, minus 40.

Could be. You could be ahead of those Blues.

-Let's be optimistic, shall we?

-Oh, yes, I'm optimistic.

So they all look chancy, your purchases.

Which is kind of bottom-clenchingly tense.

And your first one coming up is the compact,

and here it comes.

It is the 1950s, the circular, the enamelled gilt metal compact.

It has got a nice interior. Any collectors in?

Bid me £20 for this one. £20 only. £10, thank you, sir.

I'll take 12, the lot. At £10.

12 with the lady. 15 again, sir. 18, madam.

£18. Bid me 20, sir. Are we done this time?

Lady's bid gets it. Done at 18.

£18 is two off 20,

which is 35 short, so that is minus 37.

Well, team, some days it is good days, and some days it's bad

days, and I'm afraid to say that today,

for your cast iron fire grate,

is not a particularly great day, because it has suffered damage

and was delivered in a damaged condition.

They glued it together so that it has gone on views together,

but it is not right or proper, so we will pay you out, irrespective,

£25, which is the mid-sale estimate,

as an insurance settlement.

So for the purposes of today's auction,

whatever it makes will be added to the £25 you already have.

And I can't do it any fairer way than that, I'm afraid.

£20, again.

Fabulous bit of kit there. Bid me £20 for it.

Come on.

A lovely Victorian fire grate. At £10 I have in the room.

Yes, we're off, we're off, we're off!

I'll take 15 bid. £20, sir.

-Come on, come on.

-£20, the bid is in the room.

£20. Your bid, sir.

Done at 20.

-£20 in the room, which is pretty good, isn't it?

-Yes.

You get your £25 anyway,

plus the fiver, that is plus £30.

You are minus £7.

Lot number 98 is the little provincial pine

stool on the little splay legs. £20 for this.

£20 for it. £10 for it. Thank you.

15, madam. 15 with the internet. I will take 18 in the room.

£18 for this rather nice little stool. Any bids at 18?

I've got to sell it with the internet then. Are we done at 15?

-Oh!

-Oh, no!

-Anyway, that is minus £15,

I'm afraid. Which means overall you are

minus 22. You are minus £22.

-What are we going to do about the swallow?

-We are going to go for it.

-We are in with a chance.

-We'll give it a go.

-You're always in with a chance.

Anyway, here we go, then, here comes your bonus buy.

I'll take 35 in the room. A cheap little lot there.

I thought it was funny. 35 bid. £40 with me, sir.

Five again.

£45, thank you. I will take 50 on the internet.

Come on, come on!

-55 in the room.

-RICHIE:

-Yes!

-Go on!

-I'll take 60 on the internet.

-Oh!

-Go on!

65, sir. Thank you.

-Go on, go on.

-65, 70 bid. Take five again, sir?

-ALL:

-Yes!

At £75, in the room, final time, are we all done?

£75 is plus £10.

Well done, Kate Bliss. You've not lost your touch, girl!

That means, overall, you are minus £12,

-which is nothing.

-Not bad.

-Respectable.

I mean, ordinarily on Bargain Hunt, a minus £12 score is a winning score,

so say nothing to the Reds. And all will be revealed in a moment.

-Great team. Great punt, eh? Well done, Kate.

-Well done, Kate.

-OK, teams, you been chatting about the score at all?

-ALL: No.

Because there are remarkable similarities tonight.

-Neither team are going home with any cash.

-ALL: Aww!

That's the first thing to reveal. And there isn't a heck of a lot between you, I have to say.

Both teams went with the bonus buy,

which is always a nice thing to note.

But the team that is behind, they are not losers, of course,

they are just runners-up, ha-ha, are the Reds.

-Ah!

-Oh!

The squeal of joy from the Blues is a treat to behold.

Anyway, bad luck, really,

because you started off with a £10 profit, which was lovely, on the Hornby.

You got another £5 profit on that ghastly laundry box. I'm sorry.

-I know.

-There's money in boxes.

-And the toad didn't do so well.

Whether it was a toad or a frog, it was minus five.

-And then the bonus buy torpedoed you, really.

-Yes.

You had a white face up to that moment,

-and it was just bad luck, wasn't it?

-It was.

And the frog, it was such a sweet little object.

-Yes, he's hopping mad.

-He is hopping mad.

He's not the only one who is hopping mad.

Anyway, you've been really British about it, thank you.

And great sports people to take it on the chin.

-But the winners today have won by only losing £12...

-Yes!

..which is splendido, isn't it?

You got £30 on the damaged fire grate, which is

a bit of a whiz, really.

And £10 for the swallow, and you went with the swallow,

you followed Kate Bliss's advice, which is very, very sensible.

So, minus 12.

It is a sheet of bronco between that and making a profit, really.

So you've done very well. In fact, it's been so much fun,

why don't you join us soon for some more bargain-hunting, yes?

ALL: Yes!