London 26 Bargain Hunt

Welcome to Portobello Road in West London, where week in,

week out thousands of people descend on its world famous antiques market.

Portobello Road was named after the Battle of Puerto Bello,

which took place in 1739.

There is frankly going to be a bit of a battle here today,

getting in and out of these crowds.

So let's hope our teams are athletic.

In the meanwhile, let's go bargain hunting, yeah!

Today, we'll be giving our teams a little bit of bangers and mash...

..to see whether they can make a...

score,

or a pony,

or a tonne...

-..or perhaps diddly-squat.

-BUZZER

Let's take a butcher's hook as to what is coming up.

On today's show, the Reds resort to playground tactics.

RED TEAM: One, two, three.

Argh!

And the Blues try to avoid a schoolyard scrap.

Oh, God, we are arguing. Here we go.

And who will come top of the class at the auction?

-Yes!

-Yeah!

-Well done.

-Yes, you're in.

-Brilliant.

-Oh, my God!

And before all that, let's meet the teams.

Well, there's a lot of young love on today's show,

because for the Reds we have a couple - Betty and Scott -

and for the Blues we have a couple - Tim and Russell.

-Hello, everybody.

-CONTESTANTS: Hello!

So, how did you two lovebirds meet?

Well, Scott and I met on an online dating site,

and we were a 93% match.

-Were you?

-Yes, we were.

-So, what is your profession, darling?

-I work in marketing and PR now.

-Yes.

-Yes.

And then in the United States, I worked in research,

doing hepatitis C research.

-And are you having a great time in London?

-Yes, fabulous.

Yeah, we have really enjoyed the ability to travel more to Europe.

You are also a bit of a bright spark academically

because you've got no less than six degrees, I'm told.

-Oh, no, only four.

-Four degrees! Brilliant.

Now, Scott, you are a bit of a wiz when it comes to the old technology.

-So they tell me, yeah.

-Tell me about that.

I was very fortunate to get a job here in London with Google.

-And like Betty, you have been bitten by the travel bug?

-Indeed.

You know, before we moved to the UK,

the only country I had been to was Peru.

And now we have been all over the place.

Were you looking for Paddington Bear?

So you are going to be making all the decisions today, is that right?

Eh...

I'm going to try to make a few decisions, but I have a feeling

-that Betty will end up making all the real decisions.

-Really?

Well, when it comes to disagreements,

we have a secret weapon, which involves our fists.

-Oh, really?

-Rock, paper, scissors.

-OK, so that is how you make a decision in your arrangement?

-Yes.

Well, you could be between a rock and a hard place today.

You never know. Anyway, good luck with that.

Now, chaps.

Timbo, you invest, or at least your company does,

-in kind of important health innovations.

-Yes, indeed.

I am lucky enough to work with some exceptional scientists.

And my job involves working with them, spinning out their science,

taking it to the clinics, so we can treat some patients.

-Good. And are you a scientist yourself?

-I am.

-I have a PhD in pharmacology.

-Do you?

-Mm-hm.

So what sort of things do you get up to in your spare time?

I do like to swim, and I particularly like going

outdoors - lakes and rivers are my speciality.

And you do a bit of Morris dancing.

I used to dance the Morris at university every Wednesday

-and Saturday.

-Do you drink a glass of ale or two with it?

-That is sort of compulsory.

-Is it? OK, fine. Great.

Now, Russell, tell us how you met Timbo.

We were both studying at university. We both rowed there.

And we were down at the river and I saw Tim - he looked

to be getting a little close to a swan

and I thought I better intervene to make sure he was OK.

I would have been fine.

And it went from there, really.

So, now, tell me about your future plans together.

Well, we have agreed to tie the knot.

Is it going to be a large wedding or a small wedding?

-I think, what, 200 guests?

-That's a large wedding.

-He is a pretty popular guy.

-TIM LAUGHS

How sweet is that?! You get involved in a bit of bicycling, too?

Yeah, I have done the odd little cycling challenge.

So I've cycled across China and South Africa and Mexico.

Just a little ride(!)

Modest fellow, too. Anyway, so what are your tactics going to be today?

-Spend big, win big.

-Are you? That is music to my ears.

In fact, we come to the £300 moment.

-There we go, look. £300.

-Thank you very much.

Well done, Timbo. Well done, Bets.

You know the rules. Your experts await.

And as they say, on your bike, off you go!

HE LAUGHS

That's our teams. Now, time to meet the experts.

He is pretty as a picture.

And hoping to snap up some bargains for the Blues...

-Are you excited?

-Yes!

-What are you going to do today?

What are your tactics?

I think we are going to stick to the cheaper, smaller items

because it is going to be harder to turn a profit with the larger,

more expensive items.

What are you going to be looking for today?

I think we definitely are not the experts, so we are open to anything.

So we are going to be needing your advice.

-Betty will do all the negotiations.

-So you are in charge?

-Of course.

-Brilliant.

-But we are going to be spending the cash.

-Are you?

-Not afraid to spend a bit of money.

-Really?

So let me get this right, the pressure's on me

-and you are going to burn all the money?

-That's the plan.

-Absolutely.

-OK, teams, your time starts now.

-TRUMPET BLOWS

Lead the way.

Come on, then.

I love Portobello Road, it is such a cool place.

Now, let's have a look here, guys.

To look up your nose, honey.

Ugh! You won't find many bargains up there, Betty.

-I think we like our royal memorabilia.

-Do you?

-Anything to do with that...

-So the coronation ware, like this?

Yes, absolutely.

So, this is in a style of a loving cup, if you like,

a two-handled cup.

Printed there with Edward VIII. Do you like that?

-I do, yeah.

-Do you?

-Yeah.

Hm. What do you think, Tim?

I'm not sure it will go very nicely on our mantelpiece.

I just don't think the people of

Twickenham would really want to go for that.

Oh, God, we're arguing. Here we go.

You have to think about your market, you are absolutely right.

And it is in Twickenham. It is an evening auction.

There's going to be a lot of well-heeled, private people there.

This is perhaps more for the collector that would

-search online.

-Sure, let's leave it.

-Well, we can have a think.

-We can come back.

-It's early days.

It's early days. All right.

Great, let's go this way.

So, the Blues are finding their bearings.

What about the Reds?

I like that, the little compass with a magnifying glass.

-That is quite useful, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-What do you think of this watch?

Anti-magnetic, 17 jewels.

-What have we got listed on it?

-230.

Yeah, that is a little pricey for...

-And it is - crikey - very thin and dented.

-All right.

-We will have a think then.

-Yeah, we will have a think.

Is that a Vertex? It's a Vertex. It's a good little watch, that.

And Vertex, good Swiss brand. Late '50s. I mean, more traditional.

-Much more traditional. Smaller.

-But it is a gold case again.

OK, so that is nine carat gold, so it should make 150 quid.

Once upon a time, Vertex watches were popular retirement gifts.

But will the Reds take on this old-timer?

-Does it tick?

-Have a listen. I think its hands could be moving.

-Yeah, yeah.

-The only thing is, you got that inscription on the back.

That will detract slightly.

It is quite a nice watch, isn't it?

-With a suit, it would be quite a good thing.

-Yeah, it is cute.

Could be. We'll have a think? Yep. Cheers.

Don't take too long. Meanwhile, the Blues are hoping to mix things up.

-So this is...

-That's nice.

-..a cocktail shaker.

That is brilliant, with a pouring spout.

With a little pouring spout, which is lovely.

Do you see how the cork fits really neatly?

-It is silver-plated.

-OK.

But it is by a really well-known manufacturer of silver-plate

call James Dixon, who was associated with really nice quality pieces.

You see, look at the finish on it. It is really nice.

It has just got a really nice sort of rope twist border here.

The handle is ribbed. It has got some nice details.

How old do you reckon that is?

-Well, I would say... 1940s, '50s. You've got £80 on that.

-OK.

What do you think that would go for at auction?

Well, it is a nice one,

but I probably would put 40 to 60 on it, maybe a little bit less.

-OK.

-Do you like it?

-I think it is really cool.

-I like it a lot.

-Yeah.

-Shall we ask what they can do?

-Let's have a go.

-What is your very, very best?

-65.

I know I can sell it all day at 65.

-I'm keen on doing it.

-Yep, let's do it. Absolutely.

If you love it, it is a really nice example of its type.

-Let's go for it. Yes?

-Yes.

-Absolutely.

-We'll do it. 65.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-It's a nice one.

-It is a nice one.

So the Blues have their happy hour well underway.

But what has caught Betty's beady eye?

Everything in this bin is two pounds. Oh, wow(!)

I feel like we should get something from this bin.

Really?

Well, at least she is sticking to her buy cheap philosophy.

What about a set of these three cups?

I think we can definitely make a profit.

If you had four or six of them... Maybe. Are there any more in there?

That's a shame, there's only three. That would have been lovely(!)

Hm, the boys aren't convinced.

-We've had 15 minutes.

-OK.

-Do you want to secure one or mosey on down?

-My vote is we get the watch.

-I really don't like the watch.

-But I think it would do well at auction.

-All right.

-Shall we rock-paper-scissors it?

-OK.

-This is our ultimate deciding... OK, ready.

-Here we go.

BOTH: One, two, three.

-Argh!

-Hey, get in there!

-She always goes scissors.

-She always goes scissors.

-She always goes scissors, that's it.

Maybe time for a change of tactics.

But let's cut to the chase, Reds, we've already had 20 minutes.

Across the market, the Blues haven't moved.

Now, while we are here, guys, I will tell you what I like.

-Have a look at this.

-That's interesting.

-I think that is really neat.

-That's smart.

-Is it a hip flask?

It is a little hip flask, yeah. You don't see them like this very often.

Obviously, it is leather covered.

-Wow, very nice.

-It is just such a neat size.

It fits in your hand really well.

It fits in your pocket. I wouldn't be surprised if it was a lady's one,

actually. Cos it is so small and neat.

There were Victorian ladies who weren't adverse to a wee nip.

-A tipple.

-We've got a good theme here, I think it makes sense.

-Slightly boozy.

-Slightly boozy.

-THEY GIGGLE

-What is the very best on that?

-It has got to be 100, I'm afraid.

-Even if we take the two?

-Unfortunately.

What would you reckon this could go for at auction?

-£60 to £80.

-OK.

-And hope that it made over that.

Well, I like it, so it's up to you.

It just seems like a lot of money, that's my only doubt,

for something so dinky.

But good things can come in small packages, Timbo.

-Let's keep going.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-All right, we will think about it.

-Great.

-All right, we will take that, but we will leave that for the mo.

-Thanks a lot.

-So, one in the bag! Great.

-Fantastic. Let's go.

-Come on.

Meanwhile, the Reds are hoping they can get that watch for a snip.

Watch out.

-What do you think about 80 for it?

-My best is 120.

-Best is 120. Wouldn't take 100 for it?

-Sorry.

-Couldn't take 100.

120, eh? No rock-bottom prices here then.

-I'd rather buy those two cups.

-Three cups.

-Three cups for six pounds?

-I love it, yes!

I really want to do that.

120 or six pounds.

-She is the business degree holder, isn't she?

-She is.

-Right, OK. Is that a definite no?

-Yeah, I think it is a definite no.

-If we could get it to 100, 110.

-But I was interested in this little guy.

What is the price of the compass?

-You can have it for 40.

-What do you think, Betty?

-Oh, this is so cute.

-Yeah.

-That is adorable.

-It is really lovely.

-It is quirky.

The auction house is on the Thames. It's maritime, isn't it?

You need the compass to know where you are going.

-And you can hang it from a necklace.

-Yes.

THEY LAUGH

-It is a nice little thing. Why not?

-Yeah. I like it.

You can't put a definite value on it.

To some people, it might be worth 20. To some, 40.

To some, 60. It is a little bit of a gamble,

but it's functional and it's really nicely made.

You might make a profit out of it. I like it.

-I think it is a nice thing.

-Up to you.

-I say we go for it.

-All right.

-Is it a deal?

-Yeah, let's do that.

-Right, OK, brilliant.

-Yes.

-Thank you very much.

Shake the man's hand. We're done.

-Thank you.

-Cheers.

So, £40 for what we in the trade call a loop.

But don't take your eyes off the ball, Reds,

you still got two buys left.

22 minutes are gone, we've got one item, are you pleased, you happy?

-Yes, I am very pleased.

-I think we should so get the watch, but...

It is too expensive, honey.

If we run out of time, we'll come back for it.

-Get it? Run out of time.

-Yes.

Excuse me, I do the puns around here.

-BOXING BELL RINGS

-Seconds out.

Time for round two.

As our teams go after item number two.

And the Blues are cracking on.

This is brilliant.

You walk in with this with your eggs in the morning, do you?

-And then put them on the table.

-That's right.

And everybody helps themselves.

Now, this is silver-plate rather than silver. OK?

But you are tickled by this, aren't you? You are tickled with this.

I think that's fabulous.

I'm not so sure. I think they are quite common, Tim.

-How many of them are there out there?

-Is this pretty common?

There are quite a lot.

I think Russell is feeling a little chicken,

but you don't want egg on your face at the auction, do you?

-At auction... £15.

-Oh, really?

-About that. 15, £20.

-I think this isn't a winner.

-But it's brilliant.

You could always come back and get it for yourself later.

Yeah, absolutely.

Back with the Reds,

and that compass loop they bought hasn't helped them find their way.

This is about the fourth time we've been up and down here.

Are we just going to walk past?

-No, I want the cups!

-You want the cups.

Lordy, she's keen.

I think it will make a nice little lot.

-But there's only three of them.

-Maybe we should just get two then.

JP SIGHS

Nickel silver. Made in Japan. Electroplated.

It's not sort of the thing I would normally buy,

in a sense that it is what we might refer to as hotel plate.

-Oh.

-Oh, OK.

It is sort of entry level. It's domestic.

So it would pain me to buy it. But it's not my decision, it's yours.

Oh, go and have a look. Here you are.

-Oh, you're going to use the magnifying glass.

-Oh, look at this!

-You can see it really well.

-Can you(?) Oh, you can.

Right, it says Japan and "Don't buy this".

THEY LAUGH

-Really? OK, fine.

-It's up to you, but...

-OK.

Well, I just feel like it's so cheap,

how could you possibly lose money on this?

Well, if no-one bids. What do you think?

I kind of said what I think.

-OK, well, maybe we'll come back for it.

-That sounds fair.

-Is that a relief?

-That is a relief, yes.

I think you got lucky there, Scott.

Talking of which, look what I've dug up on Portobello Road.

One of the traditional symbols for good luck is a horseshoe.

So imagine my thrill here today at Portobello

when I discovered this little baby. No ordinary horseshoe, this.

It's made of solid silver and it was made

and hallmarked in London in 1894.

It came from a special retailer, one Thornhill, Bond Street, London.

Really top-notch retailers of the period who

specialised in silver novelties.

Well, the sort of pins that you would have put in this job,

originally, of course would have been hatpins.

Now, not so many girls today wear hatpins because they don't

need the elaborate hatpin to secure the elaborate hat to their hairdo.

But I have had a brilliant idea.

If you made a cut there, there and there, what you would have is

a series of apertures into which you could place and firmly grip a ring.

Like that. How about that for a cool idea?

So, what's it worth?

With the slight amendment to the velvet pad

and the cork underneath so that you got it as a stand for six or

seven rings, I think this thing is worth the top end of £400.

What would it cost you here, today, on Portobello Road?

Well, it could be yours for £150.

Now, that's what I call a lucky horseshoe.

Back at the market, and how are the teams measuring up?

Well, with just one buy a piece, time for a bit of reflection.

So, we have got the cocktail shaker, great. What if we see...?

You know, we have got about 20 minutes, a little bit less.

We've seen the lovely, little hip flask.

We've seen the Edward VIII loving cup. What are you thinking?

-I think we go back for the hip flask.

-Yeah.

And then we need something else drink-themed.

We've driven them to drink.

Back with the Reds, and Betty is thirsty for a bargain.

I thought this label was for this whole bucket

and I was like, "We should totally get this bucket for two pounds."

-That's a lot of coins.

-That is a lot of coins.

-I was actually interested in the rug.

-Oh, really?

-It's a Shiraz.

It is a South Persian.

And this one is quite good as well.

-How much is the rug?

-That one you can have for 100.

-£100.

-I don't like that. That looks like an old rug.

It's not a bad rug, actually.

-It has got all these tears.

-But it is 100 years old.

-If you feel that and feel the black, the black is lower.

-Yeah.

The black is dyed in iron, iron ore.

It is corrosive, so it oxidizes

and the wool starts to just rot quicker

than the rest of the colours.

-So over the years, the black just disappears.

-Yeah.

-And the people like that.

-Sure. That's a feature.

-I love rugs.

-What do you think?

-No. I hate it.

-That's the final word.

-You'd rather buy the watch up the road.

You hate it, too. You would never... We would never...

I would never have that in my home,

-but that is not what this show is about.

-I would!

-Really?

-You would? Really?

I'd have a flagstone floor and I'd have that on the floor.

-It's the Downtown Abbey look, you know?

-It is a bit.

You've got your beagle. You put it on a lovely Persian rug.

I could see the beagle on there. He'd love that.

In front of the fireplace, yeah, exactly.

Betty is not convinced. But Scott could be persuaded, JP.

Meanwhile, the Blues are leaning on Mrs Bliss for her advice.

-That's a bit smart.

-Oh, what do you think of that?

-That's interesting.

-How much is that, please?

-75.

-75.

-75.

So, it is a walking cane, obviously. It has lost its tip.

It would've had a brass or silver mount on the bottom there.

But the nice thing about it is this carved lion's mask.

And then you have got this lovely silver buckle,

which is really nice.

I like this a lot. I think this is a tick in the box. Go on, then.

How much would this go for in an auction?

-I would put £50 to £80 on it.

-OK. We could make a fiver.

-(Let's get him down.)

-Get him down to 60, do you reckon?

Could you do 40 for us?

-I would have to sit down for that.

-You can sit down if you like.

-60 is the best, I'm sorry.

-You'll do 60. Can you meet us in the middle?

-Go on, then. Just for us? We do 50?

-Yeah.

-You're brilliant.

-Thank you.

-Are you happy, guys?

-Sounds good.

-Go on, then. Great.

Bravo, Blues!

You are making this look like a walk in the park. Do you agree, KB?

Well, I am feeling quite comfortable, really.

The sun is shining,

we have two purchases which I'm relatively happy with.

We have just got to get that third item.

They seem to really like the hip flask, but we'll see how we go.

Back with the Reds,

and JP is still trying to weave his magic with that rug.

He has even roped in some help from the dealer.

I reckon that you've got a very good chance of definitely getting 100.

A chance of getting 150.

I will let you have that for £80.

-I don't know...

-I know Betty...hates it.

I think we should have a think, don't you think?

Watch out, here comes trouble.

Oh, look, the Blue team is here.

-No, you can't have it.

-No, you can't have it.

-A door mat?

-Are you done?

-Ages ago!

You fibbers!

-We'll see you in the cafe.

-Oh, all right. OK, all right. Cheers.

See you later.

-We're not getting the rug.

-The final say.

-OK, hang it back up again.

-And if it disappears, then it disappears.

-All right.

But time is vanishing quickly too. There is only ten minutes

left on the clock.

We are going to go for smaller, cheaper items,

cos that's what we came to do. Remember?

That was our strategy, and we are not sticking to it.

-Let's keep going.

-OK.

-We could end up with just one item bought.

-That would be sad.

-Epic failure.

Failure is not an option, Reds.

Now, where have those Blues swanned off to?

So, how are you feeling about this hip flask?

-I think now we have seen the whole market...

-Yeah.

-Actually, it stands out as something exceptional.

-Do you think?

I think let's go for it.

So, the Blues could be toasting their final buy.

Let's pray the Reds can quickly decide on their second.

No, we are not getting the watch! You are not getting the watch.

-What about your cups?

-She doesn't want to buy the watch.

She is absolutely adamant. We are going to run out...

We're going to have one item!

-I'm going to get the rug.

-You are going to get the rug?

-I'm going to get the rug.

-All right, fine, get the rug. Hurry up.

Great Scott, he has taken charge!

-Hi there.

-Hi.

-You said you'd do 80 on the rug?

Yep. You can have it for £80.

-Sounds good to me.

-OK, great, lovely.

That's it? Watch? Are we going for the watch?

-Up to you, Betty.

-I really don't like the watch.

-She really doesn't like the watch.

-Thank you very much.

The rug is bought.

Thank the Lord, Reds! Two buys down, one to go.

I think that was a panic buy.

Meanwhile, the Blues seem cool and calm with five minutes left.

I think it is lovely. I think at £100, it is a gamble.

But life is a gamble, isn't it?

-Let's take the gamble. Let's do it.

-OK, final answer?

-BOTH: Yep.

-It's a yes.

-Final answer for me too, then.

-Thank you very much indeed.

So £100 for the hip flask.

-Let's hope it doesn't give you a headache at auction.

-Fantastic!

-That's our three items.

-Excellent!

-Very good.

-Well done, the Blues!

-Let's go make some money!

-Yeah.

With just minutes to go, spirits aren't quite as high with the Reds.

They could be drowning their sorrows if they don't

decide on that final item soon.

What should we do?

We'll rock-paper-scissors one last time for the cups or the watch.

-All right, let's do it. Ready?

-OK. Rock, paper, scissors.

One, two, three.

Argh!

-Fine.

-OK, we'll go over the cups.

-The cups it is.

I think Betty just made a mug of you, Scott.

-OK, we will do two, see?

-How much are you going to pay for them?

-Well, £4, right?

-No negotiating there, is there?

-Well, they are already so cheap, you know...

-Can you do three for these?

-Yeah.

-Oh, OK!

25% off, yeah, OK.

Let's go get them engraved now with Scott and Betty.

-WHISTLE BLOWS

-Ha! Time is up.

Well done.

I think we should go enjoy the sights down the road.

Yes, indeed. Relax.

Let's find out what our teams bought, eh? First up,

the loop with compass caught the Reds' eyes at £40.

Next was the Kazak-style rug. They stitched up a deal for £80.

And their third buy -

a pair of silver-plated punch cups for a measly £3.

Right, well, there is clearly one person in control around here!

-Brilliant. You had a good time, didn't you?

-Yes, fabulous.

-Did you have a good time?

-Indeed.

Now, what was the amount that you spent?

-123.

-Is that all? OK, please may I have 177 of leftover lolly?

-Yes.

That's fantastic. And which is your favourite piece, darlings?

I really enjoyed my little compass loop.

Did you enjoy her compass loop as much as she enjoyed it?

I thought it was adorable, but actually, my favourite item

-is the one that we didn't get, the watch.

-OK, fine.

Of the three items which you DID get,

though, Scott, which one is going to bring the biggest profit?

-I think the biggest profit is going to be the rug.

-The rug.

-Yes.

-OK, fine. Do you agree with that, Bets?

-Um...

I am unsure about the rug,

but I think my little cheap cups will bring the most profit.

-Do you?

-Yes.

Considering they were only £3,

the most I could lose is £3.

Exactly. But you have to speculate to accumulate, right, JP?

-You have to.

-Talking about speculation, here you go, old fruit.

There's a nice wad of cash there.

So, JP, with all that money, what are you going to go and buy?

Well, we were running out of time and there is one object

I know that I have got to got.

Well, enigmatic to the end.

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

For their first buy,

the Blues shook on a silver-plated cocktail shaker for £65.

They took it steady with their second item -

a carved walking cane for £50.

The last buy, one for the girls, a lady's hip flask for £100.

-Now, Timbo, Russell, how is that for you?

-Really good day out.

-Yeah, very good fun.

-It seemed to me it was largely drink related.

-We do like a tipple.

-OK, fair enough. And how much did you spend?

-£215.

-That is a mature amount of money. I am very, very proud of you.

-We said we'd spend it.

-Well done.

And it's great. So £85 of leftover lolly from somebody, please.

-You've got that.

-That's fantastic.

Which is your favourite piece, Timbo?

I like the cocktail shaker.

The cocktail shaker. Do you agree with that?

-I do, yeah. It's my favourite.

-What will bring the biggest profit?

I think it is actually the small hip flask.

I think there will be a couple people there

that will like that and fight out for it.

Oh, do you? You predict that too?

It is a pretty unique piece, I think so. But we spent a lot on it, so...

-Anyway, here is 85 nice little smacks...

-Lovely.

..going across to Katie. What are you going to spend it on?

Well, we looked at something right at the beginning which

-one of you really like. And it is that sort of thing.

-Excellent.

Well, leap forth because fairly shortly we are about to

head off to the auction.

What bliss. Kate. Bliss. Got it?

Well, we are in the centre of Twickenham, in Heath Road,

at High Road Auctions,

with David Holmes, our auctioneer of the day.

Hello, Tim.

And first up for the Reds is the rather charming, I think,

brass magnifying glass-cum-compass.

It's rather a nice object, isn't it? Early 20th century.

I haven't seen another with this combination of compass and loop.

-Possibly for map reading.

-Very good point, isn't it?

-Early motoring, something like that.

-Early motoring, absolutely.

-So, how do you value it?

-Around £40 to £60. It is a novelty item.

-£40 was paid.

-OK.

-I think it could do quite well.

-OK.

Next is the Kazak-style rug.

-Now, my big problem with this is that it is filthy.

-It is very dirty.

Absolutely.

I mean, all of these areas are white but look grey.

To get that professionally cleaned is very expensive, isn't it?

It is very expensive. The pile is a little low in places as well.

It is a little threadbare.

-Some mouse has had a nibble at it.

-Possibly.

Perhaps in the attic when it is in a roll. That is not so hot, yeah.

How do you rate it?

40 to 60 we put on it.

-Maybe a bit optimistic.

-£80 they paid.

-Oh, OK.

Now, next up, two Japanese sake cup.

They are quite modern, aren't they, really?

Silver-plated, a pair of cups.

-I'm not going to get excited about them, to be honest.

-How much?

-£10?

-OK, super, £3 paid. So that is OK.

We think they're going to make a profit on the Japanese cups,

but it could be dodgy for the carpet.

So let's check out the bonus buy.

Let us see what JP spent with your £177 of leftover lolly.

-JP, over to you.

-I don't think there is any surprise at all, really,

-is there?

-Oh, I hope not.

Oh, right. Well, it was dismissed and I gave it the opportunity.

-There we are.

-Aah!

-Yes!

It is the same nine carat gold Vertex watch.

It is a Swiss factory. Got a little subsidiary seconds dial

ticking away beautifully down there. On a lovely brown strap.

Inscription on the back dates it to the late '50s.

So it is a presentation watch for 21 years' service.

-Yeah, that's what it is. It cost me £105.

-Fantastic.

I pushed him down and down and down until he was almost weeping.

-Fantastic.

-How much do you think it will fetch?

I think it is worth £100 to £150.

-OK.

-Oh, nice.

-Sounds like a quick and easy £50 to me.

-Yeah.

-Knock wood.

Your moment to decide is after the sale of your first three items.

Right now, for the audience at home,

let's find out what the auctioneer thinks about

Jonathan's little wristwatch.

Well, there you go.

You work for 21 years,

you absolutely do your damnedest for your company,

and that's what you got given in 1958.

-It's a rather nice wristwatch, though, isn't it?

-Oh, yes.

It is in nine carat. It has got a very clean dial

and it's nice to see the subsidiary seconds as well.

-Yeah.

-I hope to do quite well with it.

-Estimated at around £60 to £90.

-Right. £105 paid by JP.

If a private buyer liked it, it could do well.

-It could make over 100.

-Super-duper. Anyway, that's it for the Reds.

Now for the Blues.

First up for them is the silver-plated cocktail shaker.

Now, there is an object which today is hot.

-It is hot and it is good looker, isn't it?

-Isn't it? It's a classic.

Quite a masculine object, this.

And it is rather nice quality, with a little reeded band

and that reeded handle as well.

If you like your margarita, this is just the business.

-It is a pint and a half capacity.

-Lovely.

-I rather like it and I am hoping it will do well.

-How much?

Possibly £50 to £80. It is a rather handsome object, isn't it?

OK, £65 paid.

It'll all get shaken up in the auction in a minute anyway,

so that's fine.

Next is the walking stick, which is a mixture of woods, right?

We've got palm wood for the shaft bit

and some kind of root wood up here.

-But hasn't that been beautifully carved?

-It has.

It has been carved out of the solid with this rather nice lion mask.

I rather like it. 19th-century one. It is late 19th century.

-Great to take your dog along the Thames with.

-How much?

£50 to £80.

Perfect, £50 paid. I think this team are going to do rather well.

-Now, what about the little flask?

-A little lady's hip flask.

I think it is too big to be a perfume bottle.

It is rather nicely covered in that tanned leather. A brass cap.

That glass fits in that leather as if it grew in there.

-Absolutely perfectly.

-That's a peach of a job.

And you think, having done that,

you'd at least put a silver twist-on cap on it.

-That would have been rather lovely, wouldn't it?

-Wouldn't it!

-OK, so what you think it is worth, David?

-Around 30 to 50 on this one.

-OK, £100 paid.

-Ah.

So if there is a deep, dark hole into which they're about to

-plunge, it will be via the flask.

-Yes.

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

Now, Tim, Russell, this is exciting.

You spent £215, a magnificent amount. £85 went to KB.

Kate, what did you buy?

I fully intended to go and splash the cash,

but this just leapt out at me and it had Russell written all over it.

Oh, brilliant. That is superb.

Because you are rather partial to a little bit of royal memorabilia.

I am, yes.

So it is a lovely little circular box,

obviously commemorating the coronation of Elizabeth II.

1953, there she is.

And then you take the lid off and we have a gent's cuff link,

tie pin and stud set.

All immaculate.

It is gilt metal.

What I also think is lovely is that you have got Bond Street Jewellery

label here. It is meant to be a souvenir.

You are itching to have it, aren't you?

-Get in there.

-Have a closer look at Lizzie's face.

-Go on, then, Kate, how much?

-20 smackers.

-£20?!

-Yeah.

-That's really good.

-That's a bargain! Superb.

-I think this is great.

You have done really well, Kate.

Good job. I would wear those at work with pride.

Anyway, very, very interesting. Well done, Kate.

But for the audience at home,

let's find out what the auctioneer thinks about Kate's studs.

-There, isn't that charming?

-It's lovely.

-The ultimate ephemeral little set, isn't it?

-Yes.

Cheap in 1953

but kept by somebody lovingly in a drawer and,

-I guess, never worn.

-I don't think it has ever been worn.

I've seen these individually through the years,

but to see a complete set

-in mint condition, really...

-Amazing.

What is your estimate?

-Around 30 to 50.

-OK, £20 paid.

-I think that is very good.

So I think Kate Bliss has done incredibly well with that.

And let us hope that the team decide to go with it.

70. Five. 80.

Now, first up, you lovely couple, is your loop.

This one has got the compass. The auctioneer likes it.

-He has put 40 to 60 on. You paid £40.

-OK.

-I think it is a snip.

I think for the right person, absolutely super.

Now, here comes the loop. It is the first lot.

Let's get it under the microscope and see what happens.

The brass loop. It is a very interesting lot, this.

It is combined with a dry card compass.

Bid me £50 online.

Come along, £50 for it.

Great lot, this. £20 with the internet.

25 with the internet. 30 online. 35. Feel free to join in.

£30 with the internet. I will take 35 online.

40 with the internet. Five again.

40!

£40, the bid is with the internet. I'll take 45 in the room.

At £40 only.

I'll take five on it. Last chance at 40...

£40. It has wiped its face.

That, you were robbed on, in my view.

Now, here comes your old rug.

The small Caucasian, Kazak-style prayer rug.

And we have two conflicting bids on it.

And we have to start at £55 on commission.

I will take 60 on the internet.

At £55, the bid is with me.

60 with the internet. I'll take 65 in the room.

A little Kazak-style rug.

At £60, the bid is with the internet.

Any interest in the room?

It is selling with the internet this time.

Are we done at 60? Internet.

£60 is minus £20.

-It could have been worse.

-Sorry.

-Boo!

Here comes your punch cups.

And lot number 120,

the pair of Japanese silver-plated punch cups.

And bid me £20 for these.

Two in a lot. £20 only.

£10. Who is going to bid?

These two rather nice little silver-plated cups.

-£10 with the internet. -Yay!

I'll take 12 in the room to make it easy for you.

At £10 with the internet. I'll take 12 in the room.

Any interest in the room? Are we done with the internet at £10?

That is plus £7, which means...

We should have bought, like, all ten of those cups.

They only had three.

Well, you have done very well, Betty, I have to say.

You are only minus £13.

Now, what will you do about this wristwatch?

-Are you going to run with it? Do you fancy it?

-I don't know...

We can rock-paper-scissors.

BOTH: One, two, three.

-Oh, no.

-BOTH: One, two, three.

-All right, so your decision.

-Be magnanimous and do it.

-Fine, we can do it.

-Yes! That's the girl. I love it. Here it comes.

Lot number 124, it's the Vertex Revue.

It is a nine carat gentleman's wristwatch.

1950s Swiss. £100 for this.

A pretty wristwatch. Bid me £100 for it. Bid me £50, internet.

Or in the room, bid me £50 for it. Thank you, sir, 50 bid.

Five. 60. Five.

70. Five. 80.

-Go on.

-85.

-Go on.

-90.

Are you sure?

85, the gentleman's bid here. I'll take 90. Is that a bid? At 85. 90.

Five. 95, the bid is in the room.

That doesn't seem a lot of money, does it? At £95,

-the bid is in the room. 100 bid.

-Yes!

I'll take five from you, sir.

110.

-110 bid. 115, sir. 120.

-Profit. Finally. Phew!

At £115, the gentleman in the cap.

At 115. Any bids with the internet?

I'll take 120. 120 online. 125. 125 in the room.

THEY TALK OVER EACH OTHER

-I'm going to grey!

-I know. I want to hug him.

130 bid. Five again, sir?

135 in the room.

Oh, my gosh!

At 135, the gentleman's bid in the room.

I'll take 140, internet.

Any bids online?

I've got to sell it. 135.

I love it!

-Well done.

-Yes!

-That's plus 30.

-High-five!

-Plus 30. You were minus 13, you are now plus 17.

-Oh, my God!

-We have money!

-We actually made a profit!

Anyway, the big thing now is to resist the smiling, OK?

Don't say a word to the Blues. But congratulations. Well done, JP.

-Well done.

-Vindicated at last.

I think I'm going to go lie down.

Timbo, Russell, this is exciting. Do you know how the Reds got on?

-No, not really.

-Good. Pleased to hear that.

Listen, your first item is this cocktail shaker, right?

Which I have to tell you, is an absolutely F-A-B object.

You paid £65. He has estimated £50 to £80. So there you go, all right?

That gets the Wonnacott seal of approval.

And it jolly well is worth it.

OK, here it comes.

The 20th-century cocktail shaker.

It is a Dixon & Son maker. It is a good maker. £30 for it.

And it is a low start at 30. Thank you. I'll take two, the lot.

At £30 only. I'll take 32. 35.

£40, sir.

40 I've got in the room. I'll take five on the internet.

45 in the room. £50. Five again, sir?

I've got the gentleman on my right at 50.

And you are out on the internet. I will take five on the internet.

Thank you. £60, sir. 60 bid. Take five, internet.

£60, the bid is in the room.

-I'll take five, internet buyers.

-Come on.

-70, sir.

-70 bid, thank you.

-You are there, in profit.

-75. And 80.

Are you sure, sir?

-75 with the internet. £75 with the internet buyer.

-Go on!

They are urging you on. £75. Are you sure?

I'm going to sell to the internet at 75.

Plus £10, thank you very much. Good.

Now, this walking stick. He has estimated £50 to £80.

It ought to make £100.

There are substantial profits coming your way, if I am right.

Rather lovely Victorian walking cane.

It is beautifully carved, the lion mask knop.

It has got a silver mount on it. We have to start this one at £70.

-Yes!

-Brilliant.

I'll take five on the internet. 75. 80. Will you bid me £90, sir?

90, thank you. £90 for the rather lovely walking cane.

Nearly doubled your money.

The gentleman's bid, right in front, at 90. Last chance, sells it...

That is plus 40,

which means you are plus £50.

-Oh, dear, this is the...

-Leather spirit flask.

Don't be shy, ladies, it is a 20th-century one.

It is rather beautifully made. Bid me £30 for it.

Bid me £30 for it.

£30 and we will fill it. Bid me £20 for it.

Come along, £20 only.

It is a lovely little lot. Bid me £20 for this.

I'm surprised. £10.

-Crikey!

-Thank you, sir. 15 again.

It's cheap. At £10 only. 15 online.

-Scandal!

-It's a gift.

With that a bid at 20? 20.

I've got the gentleman's bid at £20.

£20, the gentleman's bid.

And it sells. Are we done at 20?

Minus £80.

You had £50, which means you are minus £30.

What are you going to do about the cuff link set?

I think we've got go for it.

-Take them.

-You are going to do the set, yeah?

-Yeah, let's do it.

We are going to go with the bonus buy. Happy with that? Very good.

Well, Kate paid 20. His estimate is £30 to £50.

He has never seen a set like this, so perfect and so wonderful,

just like Kate.

So with any luck, this will get you out of a bit of trouble.

Nothing in life is certain, but let's have a crack. Here it comes.

Lot number 145 is the coronation Elizabeth II '53, the gilt metal

cuff link, clip and stud set. I think this is a rather lovely lot.

£20 for the lot. Let's get it started.

£20 only.

You surprise me. £10 for the lot. 10. 20. 5, sir.

25? £20 with the internet. I'll take five in the room.

At £20 only.

I'll take five in the room. Have we any other further bids?

At 20. 25 with the internet.

30, internet buyers.

Don't miss it for five, internet. At £25 only.

Online at 25...

30 bid. Five again.

£30 with the internet buyers.

-Are we done?

-Come on, one more.

£30 online bid.

All right, well done, Kate.

That is 50% up, love.

That is plus £10,

which means overall you are minus £20.

Which could be a winning score. So don't say a word to the Reds.

All will be revealed in a moment.

-Everybody happy?

-ALL: Yes!

-Well, you should be happy too.

We have had a great show, haven't we?

Have you ever seen such a roller-coaster of a programme?

Both teams took their experts' advice.

-Both experts produced profits for their teams.

-ALL: Oooh...

Which is lovely, isn't it?

-Have you been chatting about the scores?

-No.

-No?

That is what we like. It will be a surprise until the end.

And I'm afraid, the team that was robbed today...

are the Blues.

Yes!

You got £10 on the cocktail shaker,

you got £40 on the walking cane, which was about the right price,

and then that flask bit you in the derriere.

You were minus 30. You went with the bonus buy,

you recovered to minus 20.

-But you haven't cried or anything.

-Well...

-Yet.

-Not yet.

Anyway, well done for coming and thank you.

The victors today, the Reds, are going home with 17 smackers.

-Which they are very, very pleased about.

-Yeah.

-JP was the hero of the moment with the wristwatch.

-Good man.

-I'm really glad, Scott, you had your way with that.

-Yes, as am I.

-Have you had a good time, Betty?

-Excellent.

-Have you?

Well, I have to say, you have been a great team.

You entered into the spirit of it with enthusiasm, verve and panache.

It has been marvellous. Join us soon for some more bargain hunting, yes?

-ALL: Yes!

-Oh, nice!