Ardingly 12 Bargain Hunt

The antiques are out, the stalls are open, what are we waiting for?

Let's go bargain hunting!

The Ardingly International Antiques And Collectors' Fair

is our scene today, bargain hunters, where our teams

are going to have to struggle through

literally hundreds of stalls to see what there is on offer.

But before that, why don't we see what's coming up?

The boys are caught red-handed.

Can you call the police?

I think they're trying to nick my watch.

But will they catch a profitable bargain or three?

-Mark's light fingers catch him out.

-Hey, give me my plate back!

-Oh.

Will the game be a steal for the Blues?

And will the auction drive them all to despair?

-Oh!

-Please, no.

So, today, for the Reds, we have brothers Robert and Christopher.

And Catherine and Malcolm, our married couple, for the Blues.

-Hello, everyone.

-Hello, Tim.

-Hello.

-Really love to see you.

-Now, Chris, you're the eldest brother, is that right?

-I am indeed.

I'm the eldest, but as you can see, he is the biggest.

-What does that mean, chunky?

-No.

-He's a gym enthusiast, so much bulkier than I am.

-I see.

And you've got a lot in common when it comes to your tastes.

Both of us spent years of actually doing karate

-and we both attained our second dan black belts, as well.

-Technically,

according to the government, we are dangerous people.

What, two fingers and you could kill me at three yards?

-One finger.

-Oh, one finger!

I am going to keep out of the way today, I can tell you that.

Have you got any collecting interest?

-Do you know about antiques?

-Our dad's got a...

He is a collector, and has been for some time.

Has that rubbed off him?

-We hope so.

-Hope so.

Are you quaking in your boots, you two?

-Absolutely.

-I'd say, don't fall out with them, all right?

Whatever they say, if they look a bit aggressive, agree.

-No, we'll run.

-Yes, that's it.

So, Catherine, how did you and Malc meet?

We met on a cruise, and I spent a week running away from him.

Then we came back a couple.

They say this cruising is very romantic.

-Well, 41 years.

-41 years ago?!

-Today.

-Today?

-Yes.

-It's not your 41st wedding anniversary!

-It is.

That is something else!

-Well, congratulations.

-Thank you very much.

-How lovely.

So, where were you cruising to, can you remember?

-A cruise around the Greek islands.

-But it all went wrong.

-Oh, yes.

-Did it?

-It was meant to be a luxury cruise ship and it wasn't ready,

so they put us on a converted car ferry.

Oh, lovely. That sounds really romantic.

We had two deck chairs and one tennis ball between about 300 of us.

-THEY LAUGH

-Well, never mind.

There wasn't anything else to do, so we had to get together.

-You had to fall in love.

-Absolutely.

-How sweet is that?

Malcolm, you are retired now. What did you do before you retired?

Well, I worked in a bank for 25 years and became assistant manager.

Walked out, we bought a shop down on the south coast

and then I started a driving school.

I did that for 17 years and put 1,200 new idiots on the road.

Oh, I love that. That is another good one.

-You don't drive, you two, by any chance?

-No.

-Very sensible.

-He's retired now.

-Don't go to Malcolm's driving school,

that's what I can tell you. Anyway, your luck is

about to be tested cos here is your £300. £300 apiece.

You know the rules. Your experts await. And off you go!

And very, very, very good luck.

Our two sets of teams are going to need some expertise

to help them today.

For the martial-arts-loving Reds, it is the gavel-wielding auctioneer

Ms Anita Manning.

And for the Blues, they will be relying on the experience

and know-how of Mr Mark Stacey.

MUSIC: Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas

-You guys are into martial arts.

-We are indeed.

How exciting is this!

-Are we going to slash our way to profit?

-We are.

We're going to chop our way to it.

-Your anniversary?

-41 years.

41 years, and it doesn't seem a day or too long.

Oh, I don't know about that.

-You like jewellery?

-Yes, yes.

-Oh! I love jewellery!

-I knew that would suit you.

-We've got an hour.

-With your help, we'll do it.

MARK LAUGHS

-Oh, you mad fools!

-Wonderful, they've got faith in you, Mark.

What could possibly go wrong? Don't answer that.

When you are bargaining, the most valuable tool, my darlings,

is a lovely, big smile.

-Smile?

-A big smile.

-We've got those.

-Have we got those?

A karate chop, delivered with a smile. That'll do it.

Hello. We were just wondering the price of your tinplate toys.

-They're various prices, from £30 to £40.

-In that? A-ha.

-So, maybe keep them in mind.

-Yeah, yeah.

-Tinplate toys, collectibles.

-Yeah.

-OK, guys. Thank you very much.

Thank you.

Something to toy with there, Reds.

Now, can Mark propel the Blues into action?

My grandfather was an aviation pioneer.

Shall I pick it up and we can have a look at it?

I don't think I'd manage to pick it up. Oh, isn't it beautiful?

-Do you like that?

-I do!

I don't know whether anybody would want it.

-I think it is gorgeous.

-Should we ask how much it is?

-Yes.

-Malcolm?

-Yeah.

How much is the propeller?

-One and a half, 150.

-An awful lot of money for one thing.

Well, it is a nice-looking thing. It is quite unusual.

-It is very unusual.

-And I like your reaction, you know,

that your grandfather was in aviation.

Well, it just fits you perfectly.

Well, it does, rather.

-It's awfully beautiful.

-What about the price, though?

-Well...

-150.

Let's think about it. I don't think it is going to get sold very quickly.

It doesn't look like it, it's been here all day.

-We can always come back to that and think about it.

-It is lovely.

That's one to think about, Blues,

but you're going to have to start haggling sooner or later.

Best foot forward.

-What sort of price is it?

-75.

-What would be your best price on that?

-85.

THEY LAUGH

Hmm, these stall holders are a canny lot.

-This is great.

-Oh, actually...

-You like those, boys?

-Yeah, let's have a look.

That one, I think, is rather nice.

I quite like that one, as well, actually.

-That's the most expensive one.

-They have got good taste, haven't they?

-85.

-85. A-ha.

These are made of agate, and these agates were found

in the burns and streams and the shores of Scotland.

-Oh, right.

-And they were taken down to Edinburgh, to the New Town,

where you had people who polished and sliced these stones

and mounted them on silver, on these lovely pieces.

-So...

-It's nice.

The absolute death, and there's no bidding, no further bidding,

-is £75.

-75.

-I think we should go for it. I like that.

-I think so.

I think you've made a good decision, boys,

because you've bought the best,

and the best will always be fancied.

-That's lovely.

-Thank you so much. Cheers. Thank you.

Well done, lads, that's your first lot got.

And, surprise, surprise, it's a wee bit Scottish.

-That is a hell of a lump.

-It is, isn't it?

You'd need a strong wall to hang it on, wouldn't you?

Well, yes.

That is probably a terrible amount of money.

-Yes, I'm sure it is.

-Shall we have a laugh?

-Go on, then, let's have a laugh.

-How much is your panel here?

-It's way out of your range.

-I thought it might be.

-That'll do.

Thanks, that'll do. Well, we did well.

That's told us, hasn't it?

It is going according to plan so far, isn't it?

Don't lose heart, Blues, there's plenty to choose from.

The trick is being decisive and coming prepared.

Speaking of coming prepared...

Do you want a wee glass?

-Oh, he's got his own glass!

-We brought one along just in case.

Well done! I think I've got a couple of professionals here.

Well, well, well, that hasn't seen ink for a few years.

December, 1901.

Yeah, so it's over 100 years old,

just the beginning of the Edwardian period.

And you have a further detail on the base of it, where it's cut.

The glass is nice.

It seems to feel in pretty good order, actually.

-It has been an item which has been loved.

-Looked after.

It has been given as a gift and it has been treasured and cherished.

Right, yeah.

And could you imagine if it were...? Is it a teacher it was given to?

It's given by the...

"For 25 years' service by a few friends and parents."

So, it may have been that it was a schoolteacher.

Yeah, that sounds about right.

In thanks for all the help she has given to children.

-How much is this one?

-It's marked for 150.

Can you take a bit off of it for us?

I'll do 125.

125. What do you think, guys?

-I think we should go for it, definitely, yeah.

-I agree.

-I think you've chosen quality again, guys.

-Well, only the best.

Only the best. They're going to take it. Thank you very much.

Cheers, thank you.

Only the best will do. But will it do best at auction?

That's two items, guys. Two items, yeah. We've got one more.

20 minutes gone. Anita and the Reds are racing ahead of the Blues.

-I think we've done very well so far.

-You like that inkwell.

-I do, yeah.

I like the brooch. Very nice indeed.

Anita's guiding us, keeping us in line, I think, as well.

The boys are doing wonderfully well.

Often you get complacent if you bag the first two quickly,

and you lose time.

So, I'm going to remind them that they don't have a lot of time left

and they have got to find something really quite quickly.

Quite right. No time for complacency here, especially not

in the Blue camp. Come along, chaps, let's get you off the mark.

Eh, Mark?

-Would have you seen there?

-I just rather like it.

Well, it's very typically late 19th century. I think it's continental.

-It has got very old hangers on it.

-Yeah, it's very old.

And the subject's quite pretty, isn't it?

With the bluebirds and the ducklings.

Oh, it is signed there. Look, 1882.

-It's...

-It's really quirky.

-It is. I think it's absolutely gorgeous.

-Have we got a dealer?

-How much is this?

-180.

-Oh, gosh, it's 180.

-180.

Shame it's so expensive.

We do have to buy things, though,

and I think Malcolm is rather taken with this. Aren't you, Malcolm?

-I am.

-That is so beautiful. Well, let's think about it.

-OK.

-If we have to...

-OK. That's two things we're thinking about now.

40 minutes in and the Blues haven't bought a thing.

I think Mark is going to have to get pretty firm with the two,

and get them haggling.

At this rate, they will never be crowned champions.

Oh, isn't that lovely!

It's a bit like sort of Edward The Confessor's crown, isn't it?

How beautiful.

-What have you found there?

-That.

Very regal.

Not convinced, Mark, eh?

I don't know what you would do with this.

No, not at all, but you could hang things from it.

Sort of kitchen utensils or something,

but it's actually a shade. I think it's a lampshade.

I think it probably is an old lampshade. Would it sell?

I have no idea.

But at some point in the game, we're going to have to dip

our hands in the pockets and say we are going to do something!

Absolutely.

Yes, that's the idea. Be firm, Mark,

they'll spend something soon, surely.

-I like that.

-You like that?

-Right.

Well, look, it's priced up at £22.

Should I go and have a word with the dealer and see what we can do?

-See what we can do.

-All right. You carry on looking.

She said we can have it for £15.

-Well, I think that's a bargain.

-Yes.

-Well, I think we should say

-yes to that.

-I think so.

-That's our first purchase.

-15 quid.

-Done.

Hallelujah!

They've looked at some pricey pieces

and what do they cough up after all that? £15.

Come on, Blues, there is still £285 in the kitty

and not a lot of time.

Oh, yeah, that's quite nice.

-Should we have a look at it?

-Let's have a look.

-Have a wee look at it.

-Careful there.

-It's certainly big.

-Should we ask him?

-Only if you...

I mean, we've still got a bit of time, guys,

-and there are still lots of places up there.

-Yeah.

-We know where it is.

You know where it is.

Yeah, I'd give that one the chop if I were you.

I love that red vase.

-This one?

-Yeah. Isn't it beautiful?

It's Doulton, isn't it?

You're absolutely right, it's Doulton,

and it's known as a range of ware called flambe,

where they have this very bright glaze.

And it's sort of painted with a fishermen.

They are normally by somebody called Noke.

This is... Yes, it says they are flambe woodcut.

And their shape number is 1617.

The mark is the mark for 1902 to 1932, I think.

It's...

I'm not hungry.

I'm checking to make sure it has not been restored.

-And it seems all right.

-I love the colour. I go for red.

Would you like me to see what the lowest price is from the dealer?

-Shall I do that?

-Yeah, OK.

-Yeah, that's more like it.

-Have a good haggle, Mark.

-Would you like it?

-Yeah.

The dealer says that the margin on this is a little bit tight.

-I would pay £80 for it.

-Well, that's the lowest she can take.

-80?

80. We've still got a bit of money to find...

-Maybe the plate that Malcolm liked so much.

-Absolutely, yes.

We could negotiate a bit on that.

-That's a good idea.

-And then we'd have our three items.

-What do you think?

-We'll go with that.

-I'll try, I'll just try one more.

-Try hard.

Nothing we wanted to buy, but everything we loved.

Aw, how lovely. A chap could get a bit misty-eyed.

-75.

-Done.

Well done, Mark, and the Blues are cooking with gas,

in a flambe style.

-See the wee lady's enamelled watch.

-That's quite nice, actually.

Very pretty at the back. That's so beautiful.

Give me 90 quid. Look at the enamel on that.

I don't know if it's Faberge or not.

If it was Faberge, you would know.

I'm not an expert, I'll leave it to you people.

That's a nice little watch. It's from the 1930s.

The porcelain of the face is in good condition.

It has this lovely green enamel around here.

So, we like that.

But even better, we turn it round to the back,

we see a nice picture of a romantic, young couple.

Looks as if they're walking on the beach.

-So, it's a nice watch. Is that one working?

-Yeah, it's guaranteed.

-Got a two-year guarantee as long as you don't bring it back.

-Two-year guarantee.

-Yep, it's ticking away like a good'un.

-Could we buy that for £50?

Can you call the police? I think they're trying to nick my watch.

-Well, it was worth a try.

-It's a beautiful watch.

Would you go to 70?

-Will it be cash?

-It's always cash.

-Shake hands.

-Is that all right with you guys?

-Cheers.

Thank you. Very much.

If you do well, come back and give me another few quid.

I'll try and remember.

Yes, of course they will.

Ow!

So, that's it, Reds, third deal done. You can breathe easy.

The Blues are still one short and time is ticking away.

They have spotted a few pieces, but which to go for?

The big charger. You've packed it up, have you?

Look, it's come back out of the bag. Look at that.

Just think of the diesel you'll save not taking it home.

Has diesel really gone up that much?

That's a very good point.

I mean, it's lovely. I do love it. I just...

I haven't a clue what it will make at auction.

If two or three people love it, it will be great.

But 180 I think is quite a lot for us.

150?

-I can do 165.

-Ooh!

Halfway? 160?

-Go on, go on.

-Lovely!

A dashing smile from Malcolm and it's job done for the Blues.

-I'm surplus to requirements.

-Nonsense, Mark.

They couldn't have done it without you.

Hey, bring my plate back!

That's it, shopping time's over.

It's now time to sell, and we've travelled east

from Ardingly to Canterbury.

But before we place our items under the hammer

at the Canterbury Auction Galleries,

first let's remind ourselves what the Red team bought.

First up, our boys and Anita found the Red's arrow.

The agate brooch costs them £75.

And they dipped their nibs in at the silver-mounted glass inkwell.

And it drew up at £125.

With plenty of time to spare, they found their third item,

a lady's enamelled wristwatch for a charming £70.

Well, Robert, Christopher, this is the moment.

We are nearly on the edge.

You gave Anita all of £30, not a fortune.

What did Anita spend it on? You clever girl.

The boys and I were looking at tinplate toys earlier on,

so I bought them a tinplate toy.

-Oh, guys.

-Oh, Lord.

The stallholders were packing up, I was under time pressure,

I looked at this little creature.

It gazed at me with its light-up eyes,

which don't light up,

its poor, scruffy old coat and its broken paw

and my heart melted and I had to buy it.

Boys, I might have made a bit of a mistake.

But I couldn't resist it. It's Japanese, it's post-war.

I paid £15 for him.

We might get away with it, but what do you think?

Is he melting your hearts, boys?

-What do you reckon?

-It's quite funky,

isn't it? But the big question here, Anita, is...

Is it going to get us loads of money?

It's not going to get you loads of money, boys.

We get to cross our paws, actually, that's what we old dogs do.

It might be a walk in the park.

A walk in the park. I think we'll stop while we're ahead.

Yeah, best do that. Decide later, Reds.

It's certainly paws for thought, though.

Oh, dear. These dog puns.

Now for the Blues. Let's remind ourselves

what the team bought with their £300.

After much hunting, the Blues found their crowning first item.

But it hardly cost a king's ransom.

They were on fire with their second purchase -

the flambe vase cost them £75.

And they were drawn back to their hand-painted plate,

and spent £160. Wow.

Malcolm, Catherine, welcome.

You spent 250, you gave Mark Stacey £50 of leftover lolly.

Mark, what did you spend it on?

I spent it on something you've always wanted.

Something silver. Let me hand you that.

-It's a Guernsey milk churn.

-Isn't it beautiful!

-Do you like it?

-I do. On its own?

-No, funny you should mention it

as I'm going to hand one over to Tim.

-Oh, look!

-Look at that!

-Which is a pair of them.

-Do you like them?

-Oh, they're beautiful, yeah.

It doesn't stop there.

-It doesn't stop there cos there's a third one.

-No!

-Oh, my!

-How much did you have?

-Well, I had £50.

-Yes.

-And I blew the lot on these three.

-Are they're all silver?

All silver. I thought that was a pretty good buy, actually.

-£50 for three?

-You did want some silver, and I had that in mind.

-Because we have to listen to her, don't we?

-Absolutely.

So, I followed our orders.

What, he's deaf, he never listens to me.

-Well, isn't that nice? Do you like them, Malcolm?

-I do, very much.

How much are they going to make?

-There's got to be 20 to 30 profit in there.

-I would think so.

I hope so, anyway.

You don't think you're going to double your money then?

Well, you know, Tim, I like to keep a little bit in reserve.

-You don't want to tease too much.

-No, I don't want to tease.

I'd have a tease if I were you.

I have a good felling about those pots.

But it's not up to me, it's the Blues that decide.

And they'll be doing that very, very soon

as Anthony Prat, the auctioneer, is ready to sell.

-Now, Robert, Christopher, how are you feeling?

-Very well, thank you.

-Feeling confident?

-Yeah, I'd say so.

That doesn't sound so confident.

-I haven't decided yet.

-We're trying.

-That is difficult, isn't it?

Not deciding whether you're confident or not.

No, seriously, it's the moment, isn't it?

-It's always nice in a crowded sale room.

-Yeah.

-But you come to sales quite a lot, don't you?

-We do, yeah.

So, you know what it's all about.

The first lot up is going to be the arrow brooch, and here it comes.

This Scottish silver-metal-mounted agate brooch,

with arrow design.

A delightful little brooch here. Who will start me at £30?

-Come on.

-30 for the brooch? 30 I have.

35, where? Who's 35?

35 I have. 40. 45. 50.

-55?

-Go.

-55, someone?

-Come on!

Who is 55? Selling at £50, the bid standing.

-All in at £50 then.

-No money.

-£50.

-What a shame.

-That was a particularly pretty one.

-It was a good one, wasn't it?

-Yeah.

Now, here comes the inkwell.

Birmingham, 1900.

Been engraved there. Good quality inkwell then.

£60?

60 for the inkwell? 60 on the internet.

65? 70? 75, the internet. 75 where?

-I'm not liking this.

-70 I have in the room,

75 where? 75. 80? 85. 90?

90 for someone?

-Selling at £85. Are we all done then?

-£85.

Oh, I can't bear this! Minus £40.

OK, that quickly, it's not too bad. Minus 65.

Now, here comes the enamelled watch.

Delightful little wrist watch with the enamel, decorative back.

We have commission bids, we start at £60. 65 where?

-That's close.

-Who is 65?

The watch there. 65 for someone?

Selling at £60 then. Are we all done then?

On commission at £60...

Sold for £60, which is minus ten pounds,

which means overall you are minus 75.

What are we going to do about the old dog?

Oh, we're going to go for it.

It's going to make us bajillions.

-We'll make loads of money with it.

-That's confidence for you.

-Anyway, that, I take it, is a yes?

-Yes.

We are going with the Japanese tinplate dog, and here it comes.

He is looking for new home. At 135-A.

-Ten pounds?

-Oh, please.

-Ten pounds I have.

-Somebody has gone for it.

-15 where?

Who is 15? 15 I have, 20?

25. 30. 35? 35, someone?

Who is 35?

I have 30 on my left. 35 anywhere?

Selling at £30 then. Are we all done?

Well done, Anita, doubled your cash.

I wasn't barking up the wrong tree after all.

Yeah, you certainly weren't.

And it went for a walk at that, I tell you.

Anyway, that's plus 15,

which means, overall, your score is minus 60.

Now, the way things are today, that could be a winning score, right?

-Could be.

-On that basis, don't say a word to the Blues.

-Catherine, Malcolm, how are you?

-Very fine.

-"Very fine."

Do you know how the Reds got on? No? We don't want you to.

Anyway, first up then is the pendant fitting, and here it comes.

Continental brass crown pattern pendant mount. Good quality item.

Ten pounds?

Ten I have. 15 where?

15 for someone?

Selling at ten pounds then.

-All done?

-No!

-Come on!

To our youngest customer.

-Terrible.

-Now, here comes the bottle vase.

Royal Doulton pottery flambe woodcut bottle-shaped vase.

A big decorative vase at 150-B.

-£50?

-Yes.

-50 I have.

55 where?

Who is 55 then?

I have £50 on my left.

55? 55. 60. 65. 70.

75? 75 for someone?

Selling at £70. The bid is still on my left.

-All done at £70?

-One more.

-Come on.

-No further bid then?

-£70, was it? Was it £70? It was, wasn't it?

-75.

Big imposing charger there, 16 in diameter.

Who will start me at £50?

50 where? 50. Hush out there.

-Come on!

-Is anybody out there at all?

£50, the charger. 50 I have.

55. 60.

60? 60. 65?

-70.

-Come on!

70? 75. 80. 85.

-90?

-It's creeping.

-No?

One more? 90.

95.

95. 100?

Top it off?

Selling at £95 then. All done then?

Oh, £95.

That's five off a 100, that's minus 65.

I'm afraid overall you are minus £75.

Minus £75, what are you going to do about the bonus buy?

-Are you going to go with it?

-We're going to go with it.

-Go with it.

-We trust the lad.

OK, you're going with a bonus buy, and here it comes.

The Victorian silver model of the Guernsey milk pail.

And the two other items with it.

Delightful little things or souvenirs of the Channel Islands.

£100, someone?

£100 I have. 110 where?

Who is 110?

110 I have. 120? 130?

Who is 130?

No further bid? Come on, there.

-Come on, one more.

-Come on, one more.

-Selling at 120.

-One more!

-Nobody is into action here, apparently.

-Action!

130 for someone?

Selling at 120 then.

The bid is on my left still.

Oh, bad luck. 120 means that's plus 70,

but as you are minus 75,

we are still minus five pounds.

So, you missed making a profit by only five pounds.

But you need to congratulate him for saving your bacon.

My gosh, that's a good show.

Well done, Mark. They wanted to blame you, too.

-I know. I pulled them back.

-Brought them back from the edge.

Yes, Mark's buy clawed back most of the Blue's losses

to ensure that their minus five was today's winning score.

Coming up, will our second set of teams manage to make some profit?

Hmm, we'll see.

Meanwhile, we're heading to the west of England. Actually, to Bristol.

Today I've come to the Bristol City Museum And Art Gallery.

This magnificent Edwardian, baroque-style building

was opened in 1905.

Like so many wonderful municipal museums,

it's packed to the gills with fascinating objects

from the very old to the very special.

And the rare to the quirky.

Bristol is famous for a number of things.

John Cabot's voyage of discovery to America.

Bristol cream sherry. The Suspension Bridge.

And glass. And that is what I'm here to look at today.

The Romans brought glass-making to Bristol

and it continued as a steady trade until the 18th century,

when business boomed, and the city soon became

one of the most important glass-making centres in Europe.

But why is Bristol glass associated

so closely with this deep, glorious blue colour?

Well, it's a bit of a mystery, really.

Of course, in the town, they had got their porcelain works.

And the porcelain works

were already importing cobalt blue from Germany.

And some bright spark thought one day,

"I'll put a handful of this cobalt blue in the clear glass mix

"and see what happens".

Hey presto, there was a miracle.

And this deep blue hue was created.

The only way of being absolutely certain

that the Bristol Blue Glass you're buying was made in Bristol,

is to get a signed piece. Which is what we've got here.

This is extremely rare.

Underneath you can see in gold script "I. Jacobs",

who was a celebrated maker in the city of Bristol

between about 1780 and 1820.

One of the other novelty items that I like

is this decanter stand, or coaster.

But my all-time favourite

out of the museum display is this fellow.

If I open it up, look.

Isn't that amazing? It's a xylophone.

Or, more properly, a crystallophone,

made out of sections of Bristol blue glass of different lengths,

representing the various notes.

You can hardly believe that you'd make a xylophone

out of solid glass rods like this.

But, with special consent, I'm allowed to strike a note or two.

Not too hard, mind you. Cos we can't afford to break 'em.

But just listen to this. How sweet and clear.

ASCENDING CHIME

Marvellous, isn't it? And not a fracture in sight.

We're back in Sussex at the Ardingly Antiques Fair.

So many stalls, but so little time!

Only an hour to pick three profitable items.

Who will be facing the Bargain Hunt challenge next?

I did not expect to find something quite so personal.

Just hold on a sec.

I'm trying to work out which is the ass...er...donkey(!)

Let's meet the teams!

Today for the Reds, we have partners

Louise and Matthew.

And for the Blues, we've got good friends

-Bev and Lucy. Hello, everyone.

-Hello!

-Hello!

-Good to see you.

Now, Matthew, how did you two first meet?

Well, we were both on tour with the BBC Symphony Chorus.

We did a splendid six-day tour of Europe

with 120 chorus and 120 orchestra,

-so we were quite a swarm going across Europe.

-Gosh.

And we had a day off in Rome, which was very fortunate,

and we happened to spend the day together.

And, as they say, things sort of developed from there.

We became chums and, on a slow burn, here we are today.

Isn't that nice? So music brought you together?

It did indeed. And it keeps us together still. We still sing together and...

And where do you sing now?

We sing locally, really. We don't do anything big any more.

-You know, the voice is going a bit now.

-Oh, come on.

What, on account of your advancing years?

-Yes, that's right.

-Steady on.

Good. What do you do for a living?

Me, I'm a music teacher, and I absolutely love my job.

I spend my life working with five-year-olds up to 12-year-olds,

teaching them music on percussion instruments,

on recorders, on clarinets, on brass instruments, singing.

-You name it, I'll teach it.

-Lovely.

Yeah, but my favourite instrument is the ukulele.

The moment you put a little ukulele into the hands

of these little children, they're like, rock gods!

-Good.

-They're absolutely fantastic. They love it.

Well, all I can say is the children are jolly lucky to have such a lovely teacher.

-Thank you very much.

-Don't you think she sounds fab?

-Thank you.

I feel like taking up music.

-Very good luck.

-Thank you.

-Lovely to meet you.

Now, Lucy. How did you two meet, darling?

Bev and I met a couple of years ago when we worked at the Samaritans together.

-Did you?

-And we've been friends ever since.

That's an amazing organisation, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Absolutely.

And are you there to receive the calls,

-or how does it work?

-Yes.

That's what you're trained to do, to sit on the phones

for hours and hours and hours, as all the calls come in.

Yeah, it's a valuable organisation.

-And that's where you became friends?

-Yes.

-Lovely.

We've got lots in common cos we're both vegetarians and we're both animal-mad.

-Yes.

-Yeah.

-And she's just such a lovely little darling.

She's young enough to be my granddaughter.

But she's just so sweet and wonderful and I love her.

Oh, isn't that nice?

And Bev, you alluded to your love of animals. Tell us about that.

Yes. Well, my late husband was a vet

and I used to work in the surgery with him,

and we'd take home rescued animals.

And in the end I had eight cats and three dogs,

some rescued chickens, tortoises and baby goats.

-All my friends think I'm mad.

-Well, that doesn't matter a scrap, does it?

That doesn't matter a scrap, not at all.

Both of you are pretty cool when it comes to bargain-hunting, aren't you?

-We're scavengers.

-Absolutely, yes.

So give us the scavenging routine then. What are your techniques?

Well, early start in Brighton, walk around the skips,

see what's hanging out.

-Skip-dipping!

-See what we can grab.

-I don't know if that's allowed.

-What, skip-dipping?

-But we do.

-Yeah.

-Skip-dipping. I know people who have found fabulous things in skips.

-Yeah, we clean them up.

-Bev cleans them up and takes them to charity shops.

-Yeah.

So we're doing our recycling, our green bit, helping the charity.

-Well, you're not only blue, you're also green, which is so nice.

-Absolutely.

And talking about greenbacks, this is the money moment.

Here comes your £300. £300 apiece, there's your 300.

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

And very, very, very good luck.

-The plan is quality, something pretty.

-And a bargain.

And it's to win, win, win, win, win.

Oh, I like the attitude. Come on, let's keep this up.

So the animal-loving Blues are full of fighting talk.

But the musical Reds think they've got it cracked too.

MATTHEW: I think there's a magic formula actually.

It's magpie - I want that shiny thing.

-Something shiny.

-Yeah. Something musical.

-Something musical.

-And a name.

-A name.

-A name if we can.

-Not too expensive.

-Not too expensive.

-Not Clarice Cliff.

We want to make a couple of quid, don't we?

-We want to make some money.

-That's all you need.

-OK, let's go in.

-All right.

So both teams have got plans.

But will they stick to them?

-How about that?

-Well, it's very Deco, cos you've got the classic woman

and you've got the, sort of, is it an Afghan?

Would that be good to take, do you think?

-Well, it's quite decorative, isn't it?

-Yeah.

We can come back and have a detailed look if we don't see anything else.

So the Blues have gone to the dogs already.

But are the Reds on song?

Is this something someone might want to put in their hall,

to put a pot on, or dried flowers and things?

-Yeah, it's obviously a piece of Victorian indoor architecture.

-Absolutely.

Really, it would have been, perhaps, at the bottom of a stairway

with railings and so on. Oh, right.

Or supporting something. Do you want to have a wee look at it?

-Yes, I will.

-How do they...?

-Well, they fit flat against the wall

and then you can have a thing on top, you see?

-It's oak, is it?

-Yeah.

-Probably, I should imagine.

-I actually quite like them.

-Do you? OK.

-I quite like those.

-I'd be interested to know what price it is.

-Shall we go and see?

-Oh, go on. Let's go for it.

-Yeah.

Go on, Matthew. Go on, Matthew.

So, Reds, was it shiny? No.

Was it musical? No.

Did it have a name? No.

Best laid plans, eh?

The plaque is quite nice. Art Nouveau.

-Do you like the Art Nouveau movement?

-I love Art Nouveau.

Do you think it's appealing, or do you think it's a bit dull?

Well, it's very appealing to those people who like Art Nouveau.

If you don't, it's dull.

-Well, shall we move on into the other room?

-Yes.

-That's our backup plan.

I love having backups, but don't forget we have to buy things.

Three things, to be exact.

But it looks like the Blues might be ditherers.

How did you get on? They'll very kindly do it for 45.

Sorry, the pair for 45.

-I think we ought to go for it.

-Could you come to 40?

-Too much?

-40 and a mint?

-40 and a handful of mints.

-She's a trier.

-Yeah, absolutely. Yes.

-Oh, he's taken the mint.

-He's taken the mint.

-£40.

-Oh, well done.

-Lovely.

-£40.

-Well done, love.

-And a mint.

-And a mint.

-That was a £5 mint.

-And a kiss.

-Excellent.

-Fantastic. Pleased with that.

-First one in the bag.

-Fantastic. How long was that?

-About five minutes?

-Yes.

-Yeah. We're doing well.

-Fantastic.

Aha! Bribery.

A case of SWEET persuasion, if ever there was.

Now, what are those dithering Blues up to, eh?

-It's in a nice, maple frame.

-Yeah.

-Let's just note.

The colours are relatively good on it.

-She's 14, look, Ethel Masters.

-Sweet.

-Well, it's quite decorative.

-It's a possibility.

-Well, everything's a possibility at the moment, Bev.

-Absolutely.

This is our fourth thing that might be a possibility.

You know we're only allowed to buy three?

Sadly, yes.

I'm determined we're actually going to spend some money at some point.

-Do you think that's frightfully boring?

-Yes.

-I thought you would.

-But I do like the frame.

I've had a word with the dealer

and she says the very best price she can take for it is £65.

-OK.

-I mean, I don't think that's a bad price, actually.

And I would have thought, comfortably,

they would have put an estimate of 80-100 or something on that.

So we've got a chance of a profit on that, you know.

Yeah. I'm quite keen on it now.

-I'm making an executive decision.

-Shall we make a decision?

-We're buying it.

-Yes!

-£65, OK?

-We're doing it.

-Wonderful, wonderful.

-Winner. Sold.

The Blues have finally bought something.

Albeit with some strong-arm tactics from Mark.

-What exactly are these? A wonderful shape.

-They're called fire dogs.

And we've got a pair here.

And they would sit on either side of your hearth.

And you would place the poker, the shovel,

-and the tongs on top of it.

-OK.

-They're a lovely dog shape.

-They do look like dogs.

-They're quite sweet.

-They're very sweet.

-Edwardian.

Early 20th century.

-Very nice.

-What's the price on them? £78. Crikey.

-We have more to look at, I think.

-Yes.

-Let's go and have a look.

-We may well be back, though.

-Thank you very much.

-We may be back.

Talking of dogs, look what the Blues have spotted.

A little woofer.

-Good morning.

-Hello.

-We're just looking at the bronze. Are these bronze?

-Yes, it is. Absolutely.

-Oh, it's rather lovely, isn't it?

-Do you collect bronzes?

Well, I think bronzes are lovely. How much is he?

Well, I've got £85 on it.

But I could do a little off, I could do it for 70.

-I don't know. I'm not sure. I'm not sure whether I like it or not.

-OK.

-MARK:

-It's an Alsatian, by the looks of it, isn't it?

-German shepherd.

-A German shepherd.

-What are your instincts?

-Well, I'll be honest, it doesn't bark at me.

It didn't bark at my Lucy either. So if it doesn't bark at you,

we'll pop it back till we find a doggy that barks.

But it is very nice quality, so we can put another thing

in our thinking cap.

-Thank you for showing us.

-WOMAN: Thank you. You're welcome.

So no bark, but could it bite at auction?

Meanwhile, the Reds have also gone to the dogs.

The fire dogs, that is.

-I'll treat you, £60.

-£60?

-Yeah.

They are bronze. They're fantastic.

-Are these bronze ones?

-They're bronze. They are really stylised.

-They are. They are lovely.

-What do you think.

-£60?

-£60?

-Do you want us to try the mint trick again?

-What, get another fiver off?

55.

It's worth a try.

I don't know about you, but I really feel good about those.

-I really do feel good about those. They've got a lovely weight to them.

-Exactly.

-I can see the practicality of them.

-Let's go for it.

-You shake hands this time.

-I'll do it.

-Sorry.

-Thank you very much.

So the Reds bag their second buy.

Looks like they might teach the animal-loving Blues a lesson today.

Well, we're both totally animal-mad, it's our life.

So I don't want to say we've got to have it.

But I think you're leaning towards saying you want to, aren't you?

-It's ticking boxes.

-Is it ticking boxes?

-That's what it's doing.

Let me just see. I mean, it is ticking boxes, this dog.

They're both animal-lovers.

It means an awful lot to them to buy an animal.

-Is there any chance you can do it for 60?

-Right.

-I'll have to ask my husband.

-He said yes, I can see.

-Yes.

-Did he?

-Well, we do need food for the baby, don't we?

We do. We do indeed.

-Can we shake hands at 60?

-We can indeed.

-Thank you very much.

-Are you happy with 60?

-Yes.

-Thank you. We're happy, very happy.

Well, I can see you want it and, I think, if you really want something, you should have it.

-You know me well.

-You spotted that. Your eyes...

-Are you happy?

-Very happy.

-Cool.

-Yes, yes, yes. Wonderful.

The Blues are back in business with their second buy. It's even-stevens.

-How much have we spent?

-£100.

-All right.

-Why?

-Both of you are choristers, aren't you?

-We sing, yeah.

-We sing, yes. She's got a look in her eye.

I don't know about this look in her eye she's got. Where's this going?

-I remember something.

-Oh, right.

-OK. Is it back that way?

It is back. Now, wait a minute, wait a minute.

-You have a look there. Give me two minutes. OK?

-OK, all right.

So what cunning plan is Anita hatching, eh?

Meanwhile, the Blues are talking about...guess what?

Yes, you've guessed right. Animals.

-And there's another.

-Have you seen that little picture of a donkey?

-Aw, he's lovely, do you like it?

-But I was thinking of your animals.

-It's quite a heavy frame.

-Oh, it's beautiful.

-And it's signed. It's 1920.

-It's so wonderful.

My late husband was a vet in Zimbabwe.

-Oh, whereabouts in Zimbabwe?

-In Bulawayo.

-Oh, Bulawayo.

And I helped, sort of, start up the donkey sanctuary in Bulawayo.

-Really, a donkey sanctuary?

-A donkey sanctuary.

-So donkeys are so, so, so precious.

-And I didn't know that.

-No. But this was meant to be.

-What is the frame made of?

It's wood, but it's got a gesso on it, to give the decoration.

-So it's just wood.

-Yes.

What would you like it to be made of? 15 carat gold?

-Solid gold, really. For £125.

-Absolutely.

-But it's not... Where can you see £125?

-Just there.

Oh, you're right. All right, smarty.

I'll go and have a word with the dealer,

-you carry on looking.

-See if you can knock her down.

No, don't knock her down, try and haggle the price down!

Now, what's that naughty Anita Manning up to?

I've found something which I think you will fall in love with.

-Oh, yes?

-Oh, how exciting.

-Musical?

-It's musical.

-Oh, right.

-Great.

-And it will be very relevant to the pair of you...

-Oh, right.

-..as singers.

-Oh, wow.

-Follow me, darlings.

-Oh, how exciting.

-Thank you.

Clever old Anita. Sounds like the Reds' game plan could be back on track.

Back with the Blues, Bev has some serious persuading to do.

How old is that picture? Why is it 125 quid?

It's the subject matter,

I don't think it's all that old.

-It's just wood.

-That's fine.

-Sorry.

But don't you think people are absolutely going to love that?

I mean, there are other people that like donkeys and doggies.

We do. Do you think other people will like them as much as we do?

Yes, Lucy, look, I want that so much, please, please, please.

Bev, It's wood. It's wood.

I won't speak to you if you don't let me have it.

Oh, nice try, Bev.

Right.

-Oh, wow. A conductor's baton.

-Oh, my goodness.

You took the words right out of my mouth.

It's what you said.

-Isn't that gorgeous?

-Oh, it's gorgeous.

Now, there's an inscription on it.

And these were usually presented to conductors

of orchestras or choirs.

And I think this might be a chorister's baton.

-Oh! Is that a hallmark, there?

-A hallmark, yes.

-Each of the little pieces of silver. Each have been hallmarked.

-Lovely.

-And it's 1921.

-1921.

Do you know, it makes me go quite...

It is, it's...

-That was really special for somebody, wasn't it?

-Yes.

There are echoes of the past here.

-Has it made you happy?

-Very, very happy.

-It's very, very nice.

-But the big question is, of course...

-I know.

-It's very dear.

-How much is it?

How dear, how much are we going to need?

Well, there's more on the ticket

-than we actually have.

-Yes.

-Oh.

-Right.

-That's a bit of a problem.

-The ticket price is £210.

And we've got £200 left.

-So we will really have to strike a deal on this one.

-OK.

-If you want to buy it.

-It's wonderful.

-I absolutely love it.

-So do I.

-I really do love it.

So the big question now is,

will the Red team be able to talk the dealer down below 200?

Meanwhile, the Blues move in for the kill.

The news is, I've spoken to the dealer,

she said we could have it for 100.

-And then I told her about the Bulawayo story.

-Yes, yes, yes.

-And she said, "I can't go any less than 90".

-OK.

Well, what do you think? You love it, don't you, Bev?

-I absolutely adore it.

-I love it because you love it.

-But I...

-It just look... Look, it's all nicked.

-Age.

-You're our expert. What do you think, expert?

Here we go again, Mark's in the firing line.

I think you love it. And I think the subject of friendship.

-Yeah, that's lovely.

-And you two are friends.

-Absolutely.

-I think it was made for us.

-Hold on a second,

I'm trying to work out which is the ass...er...donkey(!)

-I'm the donkey.

-You're the donkey and you're the doggy.

-Yes, yes, yes.

I think it looks quite kitsch. The frame.

-I know that's how it's meant to be.

-I think it's cute, isn't it?

-I think it's lovely.

-And with your story about Bulawayo.

-You have to have it.

-I've absolutely got to have it.

-Can I have it, Lucy, love?

-You can have, Bev, anything.

-Anything for you, Bev.

-I love you. Thank you.

-Although it is wood.

I knew, as soon as we saw that from over there.

-You just knew.

-Come on.

-Done.

-Thank you, my friend, thank you. I love you.

-I'll blame you.

So there's a turn-up for the books.

The dithering Blues have bagged their final item before the Reds.

You and I have just made this couple's day.

But it's too much money for us.

What is the very best that you can do on that?

Well, I'll give you one price and it is absolutely the best price.

And it's 160.

160.

-I think we've got to go for it.

-I think we've got to go for it.

-It's beautiful.

-I think you've made them very, very happy.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you so much.

It's nice to meet you.

Thank you very, very much.

I did not expect to find something quite so personal

-and quite so beautiful. Thank you so much.

-Yeah, it's lovely.

-You've made our day.

-It's brilliant.

You really have. Thank you.

-Good, good, good, good.

-Can I go...Oooh!

That's it. Bargaining time's over.

Let's go to auction.

And we're returning to The Canterbury Auction Galleries

to sell our items.

But first, let's remind ourselves what the Reds bought.

The Reds' first buy was the fake pair

of 18th century wooden corbels for £40.

Next they paid £60 for the pair of bronze fire dogs.

And their final buy was the Edwardian silver and ebony

conductor's baton, for which they paid £160.

Now, Lulu, Matt...

-you spent 260, which is a magnificent total.

-Yes.

And you gave Anita a measly £40. Anita, what did you spend it on?

I wanted to buy something wee and sparkly,

but I ended up with something which was just wee.

It's a little, silver brooch. It's hallmarked silver,

from about the 1930s.

But it's the pattern that I like.

It's lovely. It's beautiful, Yeah, I love that.

The Celtic interlaced knot.

-Yes.

-That would look really nice on a scarf

-or a cravat or something.

-Yes.

-It's lovely.

-How much did you pay for it?

-I paid £22...

-Is that all?

-..which is not too bad.

-That's very good.

-I think that's pretty good.

-And it's silver.

-It's beautiful.

-And it's hallmarked.

-Beautiful.

£22. I mean, would you like to make that for £22, Matt?

-I'd have that...

-I don't think I could.

I was going to say, would you like to buy that for me for £22?

Of course, my love. Of course.

-Absolutely beautiful. Well done.

-£22!

-Thank you very much.

-I'm glad you like it.

-That's fantastic. Yeah.

-£22!

Has Ms Manning chosen well? Well, we'll see before long.

In the meanwhile, let's discuss what the Blue's three items.

The Blues paid £65 for the late Victorian sampler.

Then £60 for the Art Deco bronze German shepherd.

And, finally, £90 for the little watercolour of the donkey and dog.

Now, Luce, Bev, this is exciting, isn't it?

-Absolutely.

-And they're all giggling with amusement here.

£215 you spent. £85 went to Mark. Mark, what did you spend it on?

Well, Tim, I was on strict orders to find a piece of Lalique.

-It's lovely.

-I love you!

-And I found a piece.

It's not a period one, I'm afraid.

It's not Rene Lalique, it's certainly post-war.

-But I thought it's nice quality.

-It's magical.

-And it's always a good name, Lalique.

-It's perfect quality.

Yes, the quality's good. But it did cost a lot of money, you know.

-OK, how much did it cost?

-It cost me £70 of the 85 you left me.

-OK.

-I would have put sort of £50-70 on it.

So it's right at the end of the estimate.

But you can't find much at a good fair

that's Lalique for under £100 really.

-Yes.

-I'd pay 100 for it.

-Easily.

And it's a really decorative little piece.

And that's exactly what we were looking for.

-And you found it.

-Yes.

-We're well chuffed.

-Well chuffed.

-Unbelievable.

-We're well chuffed.

Good, isn't it?

We'll see whether they're still as chuffed later on

as we're now about to put all the items under the hammer.

Now, Lulu, Matthew, how are you feeling?

-Confident.

-Are you?

The patron saint of auctions is looking favourably on us.

-Smiling at us this morning.

-Which one is the patron saint?

-St Bargain of Hunt.

-Oh, St Bargain of Hunt.

Of course it is. He's sharp, this one.

And here we go, look. How exciting. Come on, the corbels.

And we go to 178, a pair of modern hardwood corbels.

We have a starting bid of £30. 35 where?

Pair of corbels there. 35 I have. 40. 45.

50. 55. 60. 60 where?

It's only got £55, the bid's standing in the room there.

All done at £55 then.

Plus £15, I feel another container coming on.

OK. Now, here come the bronze fire dogs.

170b is the pair of bronze fire dogs in the Arts and Crafts style.

£50. 40 then to start.

-Oh, come on.

-Get it going. 40 I have. 45 where?

45? 45. 50 on the internet.

55. 60 on the internet.

-60. 65. 70.

-Yes!

75. 80. 85, no? 85.

Bidder at 90? Internet, 95. 100.

110. Bid's on the internet at £100. All done at 100.

Yes!

You made another 40. Plus 40.

-You are plus 55.

-Oh, my goodness.

-You are so good, you two.

And 170c is the conductor's baton.

London, 1921.

-Who will start me at £100?

-Come on.

100 someone? 75.

Let's get it going at 75. 75 I have.

80 where? 80 I have.

-85. 90.

-Yes, yes.

-95?

-It's a good one.

-95 internet?

It's beautiful. It's so beautiful.

-95?

-Go on.

-95. 100.

And 10, internet.

110. 120.

Where's 120? It's only 110. 120.

Another bidder in the room. 130.

Selling at 120, bid standing in the room at £120,

are we all done then?

£120. That is such bad luck.

Anyway, there we go. It's minus 40,

it could have been a whole heap worse.

Which means overall, you are plus 15.

You still have 15 in the bank.

-Wow. Goodness me.

-Even after all that.

-I hadn't been counting.

-The rollercoaster of Bargain Hunt.

-So exciting.

-Gosh, it's exciting, isn't it?

-It is.

-And rather tiring, don't you find?

Anyway, fine. There we go.

-Now, are we going to go with the Celtic knot?

-Definitely. Yes.

We're going with the brooch. And it is going to be sold now.

175a. The George VI silver brooch,

Celtic design. £20.

-Yes, please.

-20 I have. 25 where?

-25. 30.

-Look at this.

-Yes!

-30, someone?

-35. 40. 45.

-Yes!

50. 55. 55, someone?

55. 60 for someone?

Selling at 55. Bid's on my left there. All done at 55 then.

-Well done, Manning.

-That's good.

-High-five, mighty Manning.

£55. That's brilliant.

So that is plus 48.

-We've made money.

-That is folding cash, isn't it?

That's a pub lunch.

-Well done, Anita. That's perfect.

-Thank you. Brilliant.

Anyway. Plus 48 ought to be a jolly good winning score.

-Yeah.

-So don't say a thing to the Blues. All right?

-Lips are sealed. Thank you.

-Well done.

Now, Bev, Luce. Here we are. Do you know how the Reds got on?

-Not a clue.

-Not a clue. Good. That's what we like.

So first up is the sampler, and here it comes.

190a. The Victorian needlework sampler, dated 1892.

£50. 50 I have. 55 where?

In red there. 55. Someone at 55, I have.

60. 65. 70. 75.

-80. 85. 90.

-Yes!

95. 100. Selling at £100, the bid's standing.

Are we all in at £100 then? No further bid?

-That's plus 35.

-That's all right.

-Yes.

-I wonder if he lives in Foley Villa.

-Quite.

-You never know.

190b, the bronze figure, the German shepherd.

30 I have. 35. 35 I have. 40. 45.

-50. 55. 60. 65. 70.

-Yes!

-You're in profit.

-75? 75, someone?

Selling at 70, bid's on my left there. All done at £70 then.

Plus £10.

You are brilliant. Brilliant, Bev.

-Sorry.

-Now, donkey and dog.

And the little watercolour, 190c.

Friendship. Commission bid of £40, 45 where?

45 I have. 50. 50 for someone?

Selling at 45, bid's in the middle then. Are we all done at £45?

Selling at 45 then.

No, bad luck.

You've just lost £45. And you had £45 worth of profit,

which means now you have absolutely nothing.

-No loss. It doesn't matter.

-No profit. No loss.

-We didn't make a loss though, did we?

-You didn't make a loss.

Now, you've got the pheasant.

-Are you going to punt on the pheasant?

-Absolutely.

-We're relying on you.

-Are you sure?

-I love it. We both love it.

That's a decision then. We're going with the pheasant.

-Yes.

-And here it comes.

195a, the modern Lalique figure of a pheasant.