Lincoln 1 Bargain Hunt

The scene is set, just like many a wildlife programme.

Instead of animals, we have the lesser spotted antiques dealer,

a species known for their resilience at pursuing

a profit in the harshest of environments.

What about the best price? What's the best?

-I'd go seven.

-Go on, then.

-Shake. 700.

-All right. Deal.

-Well, he certainly knows what he's doing.

"Quite remarkable. Let's go bargain hunting, yeah!

Hello, and welcome to Lincolnshire.

Or more particularly, the Lincoln Antiques And Home Show.

They are like a pack

of predatory animals around here,

prowling for potential bargains.

But will our teams even have a game plan?

But first, let's take a butcher's at what's coming up.

-The Reds get all stylish.

-Quirky, eh?

-It is rather nice.

-Beautiful.

-There we are. Suits you.

-The Blues panic profusely...

We've got no time! We've only got about five or six minutes left!

-50 on the net.

-..and there's some serious action at the auction.

Gosh, we've got some good teams on the show today.

We've got Pat and Jane, who are friends, for the Reds.

And for the Blues, we've got father and son combo, John and Gareth.

-Hello, everyone.

-ALL: Hello!

Good. Now, Pat, tell me, how did you two meet?

-I met Jane walking across our fields with her dog.

-Oh, how lovely.

And I just sort of said, "What are you doing here?"

-She was trespassing?!

-She was.

-Oh! Naughty Jane!

So now, tell me about your farm, then, Pat.

-We milk 120 cows.

-That's a lot of milk.

-We've got 200 sheep.

-No!

-Yes.

-Got any chickens?

-Yes. Chickens. Two cats, one dog.

-Gosh, you're a busy bee, aren't you?

-We are busy bees.

-Yeah, brilliant.

-So, Jane, what do you do for a living?

-I work with my partner.

We have a property maintenance company.

And we repair anything and everything.

We refurbish houses, or we change washers on taps.

Whatever you want, we do it....

Really? That sounds very handy.

And how long have you been at this property maintenance lark?

-Oh, about 10 or 12 years.

-Yeah, do you enjoy it?

-Yes!

-It's very rewarding.

-So you two girls...

when you're out there shopping, what will you be looking out for?

-Cheap or expensive?

-Cheap!

Cheap, but looks expensive, and will get a lot of money at the auction.

I suspect that these boys are just quaking in their boots.

And I think I'm right. Anyway, very good luck. Super.

Very nice to talk to you. Now, John, tell me a bit about yourself.

I've been in IT all my life.

I'm retired now, but I started off as a computer operator in the days

-when computers filled a room.

-Yes.

We all had to run around putting tapes on drives

-and things like that.

-You used to be a keen rugby player?

-I did, when I was a young man, yes. A long time ago.

-What position?

-Number eight?

-Second row.

-Second row. Very solid. Reliable position.

-Yeah.

-And full of push.

-Does all the hard work.

-Yes, exactly.

-Now, Gareth, you're keen on the rugby too?

-Yeah, I used to play

when I was younger, but I've spent most of my adult life travelling

around South America and South East Asia.

-They're not too keen on their rugby over there.

-So what have you been doing in these foreign parts?

Teaching English as a foreign language to young kids,

adults, teenagers, anyone who will accept me as a teacher, really.

-And pay you?

-Yeah, modestly, but, yeah.

You guys are very familiar with the scrum and the whole arrangements.

How do you think you're going to fare today taking on these

-fearsome girls?

-We may go backwards.

What, if they give you a real push?

-I think we are going to kick them into touch, basically.

-Are you?

OK, well, we'll look forward to that. Anyway, the money moment.

£300 apiece. £300. Look at that. A quick snatch.

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

And very, very, very good luck. Aw, rugby - I used to be a hooker, me.

Huh! And of course, our two tremendous teams

need two pedigree professionals.

Mark Stacey is hoping to romp home with the Reds.

Whilst Natasha Raskin is hoping to squawk away with the win.

She'll be with the Blues.

And look who's flying overhead, it's the Red Arrows.

They're training right next door to the fair at RAF Scampton.

I hadn't seen that... Oh!

-Hello!

-Is this what they call fresh?

-Very!

-Isn't it, yes?

-Are you ready for the challenge?

-I think so, yes.

-Gentlemen, you have one hour on the clock. In fact, WE have one on the clock.

-And there is so much to see!

And it is going to fly. Are you ready for a fast, fun hour?

Very much so.

'Red 1, Red 1, this is Tim Wonnacott requesting a fly past. Over.'

-Your 60 minutes starts now.

-Let's get started.

And our very own Red Arrows are off to a flying start.

Because they're rather nice over there. What are they?

-Well, they look like mustard pots from here.

-Mustard?!

-Are they mustard pots? Yeah.

-Well, maybe you can bring them over to us.

-There's a bit of damage.

Oh, there's a bit of damage. Aw.

Still, one's really nice, do you know what I mean? They're not dear.

These are Georgian silver.

They are made in London in the early part of the 19th century,

so 1800-1810, something like that. Over 200 years old.

Yes, you see this one is quite badly damaged.

With that damage, would they sell, or...?

It depends on the price of them. It would be picked out.

Tell you what, we'll ask how much they are.

Sure, I think that's a good starting point.

-They might be way out of our budget.

-I could do them for 75.

-What do you think, ladies?

-I'd like to go in at about 50.

-Oh!

-Do you think I'm being really mean?

-55.

No... The dealer is here to sell.

You can offer... If you do it nicely and smile at him. He might.

-We started at 75, didn't we?

-Yes.

-55?

-55!

It's a cold day and we've got to... 65.

60. 60, split the difference.

-Yeah, listen, on a day like this, we're not going to hang about, are we?

-No.

-BOTH: 60?

-60's fine.

-Excellent.

-Thank you very much.

I tell you what, you don't hold back, do you?

Blimey, Reds, five minutes in and you're off the mark with Mark.

Good work. And by the look of things, the Blues aren't far behind.

What was the box over there you were looking at? Oh! You're straight in to the Chinese.

-OK. So what have you got here? Ginger jar.

-Nice-looking little pot.

-Yeah.

-Ginger jar?

-Ginger jar.

-With its lid. Yeah. Which is always handy.

-It looks fairly undamaged.

It's absolutely lovely in its style. It's a very decorative thing.

It's got a ticket price of £35.

At auction, it would have an estimate of something like £15 to £25,

so, you know, it's risky.

It's very decorative and I think as a retail price, it's perfect.

Because someone coming along here, you're not asking the earth.

But to take it to auction, to make a profit on that, I think

-we'd struggle.

-A tenner...

-Yeah?! Well, he might.

-You could try.

-You live in hope.

-How sort of old is it?

-Yellow is the imperial colour.

Yes, jean.

So you will often get people thinking it's older than it is.

-But it isn't.

-How old is it?

-It's 20th century. Yeah.

They were made literally with ginger in.

They put a little cane-work basket around it and they sold them at Christmas time.

To take home. Touristy item.

That's the thing, it's a nice looking, attractive thing, I think.

-It would stand out.

-It is pretty enough. And I tell you what...

20 quid. Because I like the Blues, it's my favourite colour.

-Oh, brilliant!

-'You're in here, boys.'

-Say 18?

-20. And a free coffee.

-And a free coffee! Hello.

-Can't be bad.

Have you made up your mind? Do you want my opinion?

What is your opinion?

My opinion is that at £20, the gentleman has been very kind to you.

It's a little... More than generous, it's a little bit risky.

Shall we do it?

-Yes. We are risk-takers.

-Go for it! Shake on it. Whey!

Well done, fellas. You sure NOSE your stuff, eh?

-How's that UDDER team getting on?

-Oh, look! It's like home from home.

-Shall I go and milk it?

-Don't start milking it. I don't think she...

-She looks quite evil.

-Well, the teats are not in quite the right format, are they?

-That's a bit personal, Pat.

-I think she might have got mad cow disease.

-I've think she might have.

-I think she's got her rear leg at the ready as well.

-She has, yes.

If that tail goes up, I'm running.

THE COW 'MOOS'

And following on with the agricultural theme, the Reds have

now come across a piece of furniture fit for any fine farmhouse.

You see, I like these bits of wear.

Probably been chewed by a dog or something.

Well, I think it adds character.

It's a Windsor chair, of course, or a Captain's chair.

-It's nice and sturdy.

-Yes.

I'm not going to say it's the oldest Georgian one around.

But it has got a nice look about it. But it has to be cheap.

-Do you like it?

-Yes, yes.

-Yes.

-Now that you've seen it?

-Yes.

-Yes.

-How much is this chair, sir?

-£100 will buy that.

It's a nice-looking old thing, but you'd need to get it for about 50.

-I don't think we're going to, are we?

-No.

'Crikey, Mark, you'll be lucky. That's half price!'

-Do you want to try?

-Do you want to try? Shall we ask him if...?

-Is there any leeway on this at all?

-That's the spirit, girls, have a go.

-85 quid and that's it.

-No, that's too much.

-It's too much, you know.

-In that condition. I love the shape.

-Yeah, it's nice.

I think it's got a bit of age to it.

And I like the wear on the front turned leg, but I don't think

that's going to make more than £80 to £100 at auction.

70 quid. That's it.

Oh! You are trying, aren't you? You are trying to be nice to us.

-I think with 60 you've got a chance.

-Pretty please, at 60.

-65. Go on.

-63.

-No. We don't do short money on this stall.

-It's up to you.

-What do you think?

-65?

-Well, it's a nice chair, isn't it?

-I think you have a chance at 65.

-I think we have a chance, because we're in a country area.

Don't forget, we're going to Beverley in Yorkshire.

And isn't that in the Dales? You've got a lot of country cottages, farmhouses, there.

-Go on, then, 65.

-You sure? OK, then.

I think we're going to have it for 65, sir. Thank you very much indeed.

-Are you happy with that?

-BOTH: Yes!

-I'd like it a bit cheaper, but I'm happy with the chair.

-I'd like it for 20 quid,

-but we can't always have what we want in life.

-Look at that.

25 minutes in and the Reds have bagged their first two items.

However, the Blues seem to be going round and round in circles.

I think that's quite fun, an Eiffel Tower Ferris wheel.

-That is amazing.

-I bet you that is expensive, because that is cool.

That is really cool. That's for a hotel or something. Come on, gents.

-That's the thing, yeah.

-The clock is ticking.

-Who is going to buy it?

-Stop!

-'Look out, time for a showdown.'

-This is our patch.

-..Absolutely wonderfully.

-We are doing well, aren't we? We've got two items already.

-We've only got one.

-The one we've got is high quality.

-Do you know...?

-Both of ours are high quality!

-He's a good liar.

Looking at his face, I almost believed him.

But I know for a fact on Bargain Hunt the Blues never buy quality.

-It does really matter.

-If you're going to take that...

-We are going to change that this time.

-I'm glad to hear it.

'Right, Blues, time for a regroup!@

-WHISTLES BLOWS

-Right, men - scrum down.

You are in serious danger of going into the Sin Bin,

cos it's halfway through and we only have one item. What's the plan?

-Buy two more quickly.

-Buy two more?

-Don't go in the Sin Bin.

Come on, we can do it with these Reds. Are you ready?

Let's go!

That's right, Natasha, time to try a little harder, dear!

-And tackle this shop once and for all.

-There's not prices on anything.

Oh, John's spotted a mid-20th century Mamod toy steam engine, as you do.

So what do you think about this, then?

-It's a steam engine.

-Yeah, it's a lovely thing.

It's definitely going to appeal to the gentleman in the saleroom,

-isn't it?

-It is.

-It's much more of a man's item than a lady's item.

However, that doesn't mean it's such a narrow market,

because collectables and toys are a seriously specialist market

that is growing. Quite hot right now.

What I know about toy steam engines you could

-write on the back of a postage stamp.

-I don't know a great deal,

but it looks to me like it's in working order.

It's got its burner and it seems to be fairly sound in the cylinder.

-It just needs a bit of a dusting.

-It does.

-I figure that's its release valve and things like that.

-I know very little about these things,

but the one thing that I do know is that a name is quite key.

When you've got trains, you want Hornby, when you've got cars you want Dinky.

When you've got small gauge steam engines, you want Mamod.

Originally launched back in 1936,

Mamod is still in production today at its factory in the West Midlands.

-Do we know how much is being asked for?

-75.

75 she was asking for it, yes.

Well, I reckon the auction estimate is going to be around 30-50, 40-60.

-So it's...

-We need to get it down a bit.

-We need to get it down.

Get it for 50, 55, yeah, that would be...

I don't know, I think that might still be a little too steep!

But we'll try.

55? You couldn't do it for 45? 55 is your best? Your very best?

-You're very, very, very best? What do you think?

-It's a tricky one.

-Let's do it.

-I think... Yeah.

We're so strict on time that we've kind of got to buy something. Yeah.

-Let's do it.

-You going to go for it?

-Yes.

-Well, in that case, sure.

Thank you very much. £55. You know it's a gamble.

-But we've got to take them, time is against us.

-It is.

So, it's a toy for the boys. Which makes two items apiece. Ey-up!

The Reds have spotted a lovely bit of blue and white.

-Why has that got that hollow there?

-I'll tell you why.

Because you put your joint of meat on there and you cut it,

and as the juices flow, it gathers in this well.

And you can then make your gravy or your sauce out of it.

But it's in lovely condition. It's made about 1860.

Transfer printed.

The lovely mark on the back, the Triumphal Car, by JM and PB and Co.

So that would have been made in Staffordshire around about 1860.

So it's 160 years old. It's not bad, is it? All the details there...

-PLANE ENGINE ROARS OVERHEAD

-Uh-oh, the Red Arrows attack!

I love the little vignette on the side.

I think the dealer mentioned it was about £90,

but I think that's a little bit high for auction.

Do you want to go and ask him? You can go and ask him if he really wants to get rid of it.

Don't agree anything, though.

-It's cheap. That used to be a £200 plate.

-Very best is £80.

-Oh, is that too much?

-It's on the border, really, isn't it?

I think it's wonderful. I think it ought to be worth 120, £140

at auction. Whether we'll get that is another thing.

-So...

-Should we say yes?

-No, not yet. What did he say, 80?

-80.

75.

75, go back and tell him 75.

Cor, you drive a hard bargain, Jane.

-Is that...?

-I like it, I love it.

-I mean, we need to make profit.

-I think it's wonderful.

-It's not just a matter of whether we like it or not.

-No, that's true.

-We need to make money on it, don't we?

-We do, and I think it should make money.

-Could we take it for 75, pretty please?

-It's got to be £80, I'm afraid.

-Right.

I'm not being hard, it's worth more than that, really.

-£80, I think is very good.

-No, he won't come down on 80.

-He won't come down? Well...

-Well, we won't have it then.

-OK.

Crikey, that's that, then, team.

Onwards and upwards, eh?

Don't forget me!

Poor old Mark. I think he quite liked that plate.

That's it, girls. Keep him in check.

That music stand is not really to my taste, I have to say.

-Yeah, I don't like that music stand either.

-Shall we move on from it?

I think so, yeah. What's this thing?

I quite like this.

My Latin isn't very good, but...

-Do you think it's a fireman's helmet?

-No, it's got that little thing there...

-TRADER:

-It's the French fire service.

-The French fire service, yes.

-Oh, is it?

And then you've got a Latin inscription.

It's a bit battered, but it's quite a quirky item, isn't it?

-It is rather nice.

-What would we use it for?

-I don't know.

-LAUGHTER

-There we are. Suits you, Pat!

No? You don't look too happy.

-Oh.

-Actually, he had quite a large head, that fireman,

-I think, didn't he?

-How much is it?

-I'll do it for...

-55.

-THEY GASP

-Well, my daughter's a firefighter.

-Is she?

-So maybe...

-There's a connection.

-Does that say we ought to have it?

I mean, do you like it? First of all, do you actually like it?

-Oh, yes.

-Yes. TRADER:

-Of course she does!

-Do you think this is more sellable than the plate?

-Well...

It's marginal. I loved the plate, but I think...

-I mean, there won't be another one of these in the auction, will there?

-No.

-Shall we go for it? It is different.

-Oh, go on, then.

-It is different, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Shall we shake his hand?

-What's that, 45 did you say?

-No!

-No?

-55 English pounds.

Ha-ha. Nice try, Jane.

I think we've done this now.

-55 quid and you've got your third item.

-That's right.

Well done, ladies. Well done. Thank you, sir.

Good work, girls. Shop done with time to spare. The Blues, however...

So, we've got loads of money, but we've got no time!

We've only got about five or six minutes left. 225 quid to spend.

Let's find something fast.

Cool, what about this mirror here? It's so lovely, though.

How much are your walking sticks?

-That one is 45.

-Well, that's got a little Scotch thistle on it.

-Oh, do you think that's a good omen?

-LAUGHTER

-So what's this here? We're running out of time. There's this horn, here.

-Yeah.

-OK.

It's a serious bit of bovine horn, it's nicely curved at the end

-and, like you said, a nice, good omen...

-It's got a thistle.

-..it's got a little thistle on it.

Age-wise, what are we talking? Sort of 1960s, '70s, something like that?

Yeah, I would have said so. '60s, '70s, it comes with a collection

-of other sticks that were all about at the same sort of era.

-OK.

I tell you what,

you've had me running around today, trekking around. I could have used a stick like that!

It's got a bit of grandad appeal, and if someone is looking for this

for themself or if someone knows just the man who needs this

trekking stick, then, hopefully, we'll get one, or two,

or maybe even three hands going up.

We couldn't ask you very kindly to shave some money off that?

-I could do 40 quid.

-40 quid?

-Yeah.

-Oh! What do you think?

-I think it's a mad risk. Everything we've bought today has been a risk!

-35?

-I can't, well...

-38. I'll do 38.

-38.

-38. What do you say?

-Let's get it done at 38.

-It's a big bit of horn for 38 quid.

SHE SIGHS

-With literally about a minute left! Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-We need your luck, sir. Will you wish us luck?

-Oh, all the best.

Well done, fellas. By hook or by crook,

you got there in the end, as...

time's up!

Shall we survey the scene and check out how the Red Team got on?

Hello.

Have you ever felt inadequate?

First up was the pair of silver-mounted

mustard and pepper pots. £60 paid.

Next, they were chuffed with the chair. They parted with £65.

Sacre bleu! The French firefighter's helmet set them back £55.

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

-It was fun.

-Great fun.

-Exactly how much did you spend?

-180.

-Did you?

-You are magnificent creatures.

-I know.

-You know!

-Yes!

£120 of leftover lolly, please. Thank you very much.

Now, which piece is going to bring the biggest profit?

-The chair.

-The chair?

-Possibly, yes.

You're dead cert today, aren't you, Pat?

This is an absolutely miraculous moment.

-Well, she makes all the decisions.

-Of course she does. Fair enough.

There we go. That's lovely predictions. You've had a lovely time?

-We've had a fantastic time.

-It was a great day.

-Well, it ain't over yet, because now, the wodge goes to Mark.

What are you going to spend it on, Mark?

-Oh, Tim, I think I've got to find something of quality.

-Have you?

-Yes.

-I think so.

-And maybe a hot water bottle to warm you up!

-It would be rather nice, wouldn't it?

-Well, it would. Good luck with that.

Meanwhile, why don't we check out what the Blue Team bought, eh?

Their first purchase was the 20th-century ginger jar.

It cost them £20.

Then they steamed on to the model Mamod engine. £55 was paid.

The last lot was the ram's horn-handled crook.

Price paid, £38.

Well, you two, the father and son combo from heaven, ha-ha-ha,

how'd you get on?

-Erm...

-So-so?

-Yes, so-so, I think.

-Some panic buys!

-Which is your favourite piece, Gareth?

I think my favourite piece is the ginger jar,

-but that's cos it was the one I chose.

-OK, fine.

-So there's a bit of that?

-And it was cheap, so...

-Yeah, and it was cheap.

-Do you agree with that, Dad?

-No, the walking stick was my favourite one, even though

it was a panic buy at the end, I think that's...

Still your favourite. Anyway, how much did you spend?

-We spent £113.

-£113.

-I would like £187 of leftover lolly, please.

-There you go, sir.

Thank you very much. That's all there, is it?

-I don't need to count it. I trust you.

-LAUGHTER

Hail, foreign wonder. What are you going to spend all that cash on?

Well, everything we bought was from across the genre.

There was no theme. So I'm going to stick with that theme

-and buy something totally bizarre!

-Absolutely!

Well, why break the habits of a lifetime, eh?

Anyway, good luck with that.

Go and relax, go and warm up, because, right now, we are

about to trot off to York on a little trip.

I've come to Fairfax House,

described as one of Britain's finest Georgian houses.

Originally built in the early 18th century,

the property was bought by Charles, 9th Viscount Fairfax of Emley.

Remodelled in 1761, it was created to form a residence

for the Fairfax family during the winter social season in York.

Let's take a butcher's, shall we?

CLASSICAL MUSIC

The house is stunning,

worked with stucco ceilings, reliefs and wrought iron work throughout.

Eventually, the house was sold to the council,

and in 1980, the York Civic Trust decided to restore this

magnificent building back to its former glory.

And it was the gift of a certain Noel Terry that was

crucial to the success of this restoration project.

Noel Terry was the great grandson of Sir Joseph Terry,

founder of the famous Terry's confectionery company here in York.

Upon his death in 1980, his collection of English furniture

was donated to the York Civic Trust for display here at Fairfax House.

And what a great display it makes.

Now, before we get to look at the collection itself,

it's my treat to talk to Hannah Phillip,

director of Fairfax House, about the house itself,

which has an amazing 20th-century history, doesn't it?

It's very hard to imagine that this somewhat remarkable town house

is actually used as a cinema and a dance hall.

-HE LAUGHS

-That's extraordinary!

-It is.

And now, the Noel Terry collection, when did he start collecting?

Well, his first purchase dates back to 1918

when he was a relatively young man, so it's a 60-year love affair,

I think is probably the best way to describe it,

and you can see his collection progress through the decades.

Now, we've got a marvellous selection in this room,

but these 17th-century chairs,

I guess are, kind of, the early part

of the Noel Terry collection, are they?

Probably some of the earliest pieces in the collection,

and they have a story to tell as invariably pieces do.

What's interesting is if you look really carefully at them,

you can see a change in the patina.

So we've got this wonderful, original piece here and then at the top,

this top row here is somewhat different,

and what we see is Noel Terry starting to clean this piece.

Dear Noel thought he'd have a bit of a buff-up,

and there we've got the example of it cleaned down, which,

of course, in value terms, spoils the value. You should never do that.

-This is true.

-But on the other hand, for the story of the house

and the collection, it's very interesting to see.

Now, tell me about this rather intriguing piece of furniture,

cos it has a, sort of, look of a mixture of elements, doesn't it?

It does. It does, I must admit, generate a little bit of debate

as to its origin.

Yes, well, sometimes the secret is in the drawer lining,

and we've got nice English or Northern European oak linings,

but that joint is relatively crude,

and I suppose it could be German or Dutch.

I can understand why there's a debate about it.

There's more to it than meets the eye, however.

It's got a side drawer, that's unusual, isn't it?

If you take out the drawer runners...

..you're able to release...

-..a genuine secret drawer.

-Isn't that amazing?

Beautifully crafted, in exactly the same honey-coloured oak,

with thin, thin slivers of timber.

And, of course, you could keep your jewels and your secret papers and...

-Very safely.

-Very safely!

And nobody would ever twig that such a thing was there.

It was actually found by one of our house stewards during our cleaning.

-Was it really?

-It was. All credit to him for discovering it.

And were there any jewels or secret papers in the secret compartment?

Sadly not.

That's what he's telling you, anyway!

Anyway, thank you very much, Hannah,

it's been lovely visiting Fairfax House.

But right now, though, we're about to head off to the auction

and see what sort of secrets will be revealed there.

Well, the big question is,

will our teams stand a sporting chance today,

here at Beverley Racecourse?

Where we're at Hawleys Auctions

with, of course, the lovely Caroline Hawley,

proprietor and auctioneer extraordinaire.

-Thank you, Tim!

-Lovely to be here.

Now, a pair of silver-mounted mustard peppers.

At first glance, they look absolutely fantastic.

Beautifully made - but sadly, it's taken a very, very bad hit

-at the base...

-Yeah, look at that.

-Great lump of resin in there.

-Not good.

-That's not good, is it?

No. And they've resilvered -

they've got some other silver bases and put them round the bottom,

-so the bases are nothing to do with the tops.

-No.

But all in all, they look a nice pair -

but I haven't put a great value on, because of the damage.

Don't be shifty, now - how much?

-30-50.

-Mm.

There you go, that sees them with a fairly substantial loss,

-because they paid £60 for the pair.

-Oh, did they?

-Yep, they did.

Anyway, the second item is this lath-back armchair.

-Yes.

-Tired?

It is tired,

but I could see somebody painting it in a rather nice chalk paint.

-Oh, yes.

-But it is a very, very standard object.

This, sadly - £40-60.

Well, it is what it is, as you say. £65 paid.

Their last item is the brass fireman's helmet.

Now, these things are a bit of a mystery to me.

As you know, I love all things French -

including brass firemen's helmets.

This one is interesting, because it's "Sapeurs pompiers",

and then the last bit of it is blank,

and it WOULD say "de Lyon", "de Paris"

or whichever town it's come from - that's left blank,

so I think it was probably only used as a ceremonial thing.

It's perfectly shiny, and it's genuine,

in that it's not a reproduction -

-the thing was made in the latter part of the 19th century.

-Yeah.

-Absolutely.

-So, for a collector of French firemen's impedimenta,

of which I would gather this part of the world is probably stuffed

-with people, is it?

-Oh!

-After all...

-Absolutely full of them.

-Full of the taste of France.

-Yes, yes.

-OK, fine.

-Absolutely.

How much?

I would say £50-80.

-Would you, really?

-Yeah, I would.

-£55 paid.

So, on the basis of your very strong valuation on the fireman's helmet,

they might not need the bonus buy, but irrespective,

let's go and have a look at it, eh?

Well, girls you had £125 of leftover lolly,

you entrusted all that cash to Mark - what did you buy, Mark?

I bought something very traditional, too.

-Oh, wow!

-Oh, it's that!

-Wow.

-Because loved it.

I'm very traditional - I love blue and white transfer printed ware.

And it's very unusual to have this well and tree.

-It's in very good condition.

-How old is it?

Probably about 1850, I would have though - something like that.

Right, how much did you pay for it? That's the question!

-It is - I paid £80.

-80?!

So, how much do you think we would get for it at auction?

Well, I would love to see it make 100 or more.

Do you think that's realistic?

I think it might just do it, because it's a good, strong pattern.

You could well be right, Mark.

Anyway, the answer is, you don't choose now, you choose later,

after the sale of your first three items.

But right now, for the audience at home,

let's find out what the auctioneer thinks about Mark's plate.

So, Caroline, here we go - something for your Sunday joint.

Mm! This is lovely. It's made by John and Matthew Bell, Glasgow potters.

It's about 1860. I think it's gorgeous.

What's it worth?

I mean, they used to be worth a lot more, but I'm going to say 60-80.

-£80 paid.

-OK.

Mark Stacey, who's a great lover of all things ceramic,

as you know, really rates it,

and I think, on the basis of the condition -

-cos it is pretty good condition, isn't it?

-It is, yeah, absolutely.

With its built-in drainer and all that, who knows?

It might cut the mustard.

Anyway, that's it for the Reds.

Now, John and Gareth and Natasha for the Blues.

Their first item is the ginger jar and cover.

There is a very strong following for all things Chinese at the moment,

and somebody might just have the spot

for this very pretty little ginger jar.

How much do you think?

I'm afraid I've only put £10-20 on it.

I'm afraid I think you're right. Anyway, they paid £20.

I mean, it's neither here nor there, really.

-They didn't pay £100.

-No.

-£10-20, £20-30, it's difficult to estimate, isn't it?

-Yeah. Yeah.

OK, that's great.

Now, the Mamod stationary live steam engine -

it's a childhood toy from the '50s or '60s...

-Yes, yeah.

-..or maybe '70s. Something like that.

And...no box, not in great condition. I mean...

No, but the nostalgia part of it - you know,

if you had one of those as a boy, Tim, I don't know if you did,

but the opportunity to buy it back and relive your childhood, and...

-Yes.

-..get things moving again, I think that would be quite exciting.

There's a following for things like this.

I quite agree, but I think if you were doing that,

on a nostalgia kick, I think you'd want the thing to take home,

which is the trophy Mamod engine,

rather than a slightly tired example, like this.

-Yeah.

-What's your estimate on this jobbie?

Well, I haven't put much on this at all. 20-30.

-The team paid £55.

-Ah.

-Which, you see, is far too...

Well, in my opinion, it's far too much. Anyway, there we go.

In case you stumble, the next lot, of course, is a nice walking stick.

Thank you! Right, this LOVELY walking stick.

It's quite a large, long shepherd's crook.

Exactly. You can go and oink a young lamb by the back leg,

which was the shepherd's trick, and pull it towards you.

-Ah, right!

-And that's the whole point of this... Have you not...?

-I haven't done a lot of that, no.

-Young lamb work.

No, I haven't!

Well, I think it's a very useful thing.

It's this ram's horn handle, here,

-with the lovely thistle finial.

-Mm-hm.

It's - I would think it's on a hazel stick.

It's a lovely thing - I mean, all over Lake District -

we're in Yorkshire, here - there's lots of wonderful walks.

-I haven't put a high estimate on it.

-Cos it's not old.

No, no, it doesn't have a lot of age, but I imagine, in a new shop,

in the Lake District, I can see someone charging £100-120 for that.

-Exactly, cos it's handcrafted.

-Yeah, absolutely, all day long.

-Second-hand. Not very old.

-No.

-How much?

-We've had a lot of interest in it.

-I think - I've put £10-20.

-Is that all?

They paid £38, and they thought it was a pretty good snip at £38.

-And it ought to make 30 or £40.

-I hope so.

-Yeah.

-Yeah. Hope so.

-Good.

Well, in case not, and if we're all wrong,

they're going to need their bonus buy,

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

OK, you spent a modest £113.

You gave Natasha £187 of leftover lolly -

-what did you buy?

-I bought this very interesting...

-Ooh!

..World War II brass artillery fuse, detonator.

-That is interesting.

-So, have a look, have a feel.

It is a genuine sort of thing you would find in an artillery museum.

-Right, yeah.

-Is the price good, though, Natasha?

-That's what we...

-Well...

-..really need to know.

The original ticket price was £45,

and somehow I managed to get it down to a mere 15.

-Wow!

-That's good.

-That is cheap.

-Yeah.

Because it's quite heavy.

It's brass - it's got a good gauge of brass to it.

What's the scrap value of brass nowadays?

-Very high, I think.

-Don't think of - we're not here to weigh things in!

But what do you think?

You've got a good feel for it, what do you reckon?

Um, I like it - I like the look of it.

I think it could be very interesting to a collector, basically.

-Mm-hm.

-As you say, it's in great condition.

-Mm!

-And ready to explode in somebody's front room.

Excellent. Well, that seems to have had the desired effect.

You don't pick it now, you choose later,

after the sale of your first three items -

but let's find out from the auctioneer

what she thinks about Natasha's fuse.

Now, Caroline, you're great

and deep knowledge of fuses is going to be put to the test here!

-Thank you so much(!)

-Cos I would have no idea,

except that it goes on top of some sort of shell.

Over to you, Charlie.

Well, we see the shell cases all the time.

But this is a shell detonator.

It's number 80, which is written on the base, here,

and this, you would twist it round

and set sort of a timing device which would detonate the thing.

It's not of any great use, fortunately, nowadays,

but I think that for somebody that collects militaria,

what a wonderful paperweight this would make!

What's your estimate?

I haven't put a great deal - I would say £20-40 on this.

-You're absolutely right. They paid £15.

-Right.

Anyway, are you taking the auction today?

-Yes, I am, indeed.

-Ooh, good. We're in safe hands.

50.

40. Are we done? Yes.

Now, Pat and Jane, how are you feeling?

-Nervous.

-Anxious.

-Why would that be?

-Anxious.

Well, I don't think we're going to do very well, somehow.

-Do you not?

-No.

-I think we might. I think we might.

-Well, there you go.

There's lots of people here, so we've got to think positively.

You couldn't get a sheet of Bronco between the folks here, could you?

-I mean, they're jammed in...

-They're jammed in.

-..like sardines.

-Yes.

OK, fine. First up are the glass and silver mustard and pepper -

and here they come.

We have this rather splendid pair

of silver-mounted glass mustard and pepper pots.

With restoration - but we've all got a bit of that, haven't we?

You speak for yourself.

..going to start me at £20?

£20. £20 on the net. 22 in the room. 24.

26. 28. 30. 32. 34.

36. 38. 40.

Standing at the back, I've got you, sir.

42, anywhere?

They're a good lot.

Thank you, sir.

-That's not right, is it?

-No.

-No.

Oh, dear, oh, dear. Right, well, not to worry.

Let's go with the kitchen chair. There we go. Looking good.

Let's start that on £20.

£20 for the chair.

Thank you, sir. 22. 24. 26.

28. 30. 32. 34.

36. 38. 40.

42. 44. 46. 48. 50.

50. 55.

60 anywhere?

-£55, are we done?

-So close!

Yes, we are.

-Thank you, sir.

-Minus £10.

-Minus 10?

-Minus 10.

-You were 65, and she got to 55. Check?

-Yes.

-Now we've got the fireman's helmet.

-So, now the fireman's helmet.

What's this worth?

Let's start, £20.

20 to go.

£20 - thank you, sir.

20. 22. 24. 26. 28. 30.

32. 34. 36. 38. 40.

45. 50. No?

45 at the back of the room.

-Are we done at 45?

-Where's the internet?

Come on, 50 anywhere?

-50 on the net.

-50 on the net.

-55 in the back of the room.

Are we done at 55?

Yes, we are. GAVEL BANGS

-£55. Washed its face.

-Oh...

-Washed its face!

So, overall, you're minus £30.

So, what are we going to do about this bonus buy lark?

-To be or not to be?

-No.

-No.

-No.

-No.

-Do you mind?

-I don't think people...

No, I don't mind.

I think it's lovely, but I don't think people are spending that much.

I can tell you that the auctioneer's estimate was £60-80,

she thought it was really lovely - you paid £80,

so, on the face of it, you appear to have made the right decision.

-But you just can't tell at auction, can you?

-No.

Now we have this rather gorgeous well and tree blue and white platter

by J and M Bell of Glasgow.

It's in great condition. It's a lovely thing.

60 straight in on the net.

-60.

-Oh, no.

-60. 65, anywhere?

-Oh, yes!

You've all seen it - 65, surely?

Is the net done? Is the world done?

All done at 60...

Thank you.

At £60, that's minus £20 - but you didn't go with it,

which was just as well, you girls,

because overall, your score is minus £30.

And, as far as we know, that could be a winning score.

John, Gareth, this is exciting, isn't it?

It's overwhelming.

Here we go. First up is the ginger jar and cover - and here it comes.

This little, gorgeous Chinese ginger jar and cover.

This is worth £10 - 12 anywhere?

14. 16, sir.

18, madam - are you still in?

16, sir, seated. 18 anywhere?

20. 22.

24 in the room. You're in, sir. 24. Don't shake now!

24. It's too late. All done at 24...

Yes.

Well done. £4 profit.

-This is the difficult one.

-Yes.

It's a mid-20th century Mamod stationary steam engine.

£10 to start. Come on, let's start low. £10 anywhere? Surely.

Speak now. 10, thank you, sir. 12.

14. 16. 18. 20.

22. 24. 26. 28.

30. 32.

34. 36 on my left.

You know it makes sense. 36. 38 anywhere?

All done at £36...

-Oh, that's a shame, that's a shame.

-Minus 19, I'm afraid.

-Mm.

-It's worth it for her chat, though!

-Yeah.

-She's great!

A vintage ram's horn hazel crook.

£20. 22 anywhere?

£20.

-22.

-Yes!

-24.

26, thank you. 28.

30. 32. 34. 36.

38. 40.

42. 44. 46.

48. 50.

60.

65. 70.

75.

80. No?

All done at 75...

-Thank you.

-Wow.

-Amazing! Wow.

It was all that time we spent choosing it, I think, that did it.

-We spent so long.

-36!

So, you're £22 up, and that stick really cracked it.

-It did, absolutely.

-How extraordinary's that?

I think you could buy it brand-new in the shop for £75, but so what?

It's happened. Well done, chaps.

Now, what are you going to do about this fuse business?

-I think...

-Going to have a go?

-Yeah, I think we want to have a go with it.

-Yeah, we liked it.

-You're definitely going with the bonus buy?

-Definitely.

-You got £25 in the bank.

-Absolutely.

-You're not risking much.

-No.

-£15.

I have to tell you, the auctioneer liked it,

she put in an estimate of £20-40 on it.

So, she sees, frankly, Natasha doubling her money on that.

-Fair enough, isn't it?

-Good, yeah. We thought so.

-You're going to go with the bonus buy?

-Definitely.

OK, super. Decision made.

Well done. And here comes the fuse.

£10 to start for the shell.

Thank you, Reg.

£10. 12, thank you.

14. 16, thank you. 18.

20. 22. Thank you. 24.

Are we done at 22?

-Thank you, Reg. 69.

-Plus 7.

Which means you are plus £29.

-This means you could have a winning score.

-Mm-hm.

And the important thing is, say nothing to the Reds.

-We won't mention a word.

-Very good.

-Thanks, Tim.

-Thank you.

-Oh, guys!

-I can't believe it!

That was so beautiful!

Amazing results, I have to say.

-Have you had a great time, Reds?

-We've had a fantastic time.

-Yes.

What about you, Blues?

-Amazing.

-Oh, I know. Something else, isn't it?

Anyway, it's been what you call patchy -

it's been what they call up and down.

And, as you know, on Bargain Hunt we no longer have losers -

we only have runners up.

And the runners up today, by a chalk, just happened to be...

-the Reds.

-THEY GROAN

Your total score is minus 30,

which, normally on Bargain Hunt, would be a winning score,

-but it's not good enough today when it comes to the Blues...

-Oh...

-Boo.

-..I have to say.

So, let's just run through it, then.

-It was minus 20 on those two pots, yeah?

-Yeah.

It was minus 10 on that chair. I never liked that chair.

-Oh!

-The fireman's helmet, that did you no good.

You didn't go with the bonus buy,

that wouldn't have done you any good, either.

-LAUGHTER

-In fact, it's all minus,

bar one wiped face, which gives you minus 30.

-Oh...

-Aw.

-But never mind.

-Oh, dear.

You've got the farm to look forward to, haven't you?

-All those cows to milk.

-That's right.

-And gee-gees to ride around.

But have you had a nice time?

-We've had a fantastic time.

-Yes, great.

We've loved having you on the programme.

Thank you for being so sporting.

But the team that's going home with cash,

which is £29 worth of cash, which is pretty good, isn't it?

£4 on that miserable little ginger jar.

-THEY LAUGH

-Just goes to show, doesn't it?

I was very rude about your stick, which made £37 profit,

which is a marvellous...

We were worried about it, as well, I think.

Yeah, but you had faith, which was good.

And Natasha was particularly faithful.

As you were with your fuse, darling.

Which made £7, which was another result in the Raskin battery.

-Plus £29. Which I'm very proud of you for, actually.

-Thank you!

-Very proud you.

-Yes. It was a very lucky victory, I think.

-It was!

-We're very happy with it.

-Did you enjoy it?

-Very much so, yes.

-Good, well, I'm pleased to hear it, John.

Anyway, join us soon for some more bargain hunting, as they say -

in fact, join us soon for some more bargain hunting, yes?

ALL: Yes!