Ardingly 10 Bargain Hunt

Today, we're in Sussex, home to the beautiful South Downs,

which forms a large part of the Sussex counties.

But do you know what else is big around here?

AEROPLANE ENGINE ROARS

Apart from Gatwick Airport?

Ardingly Antiques & Collectors Fair.

So let's go Bargain Hunting here!

Ardingly is the biggest antiques and collectors fair

in the South of England.

So where better place for our teams to spend their £300

doing a spot of vintage shopping?

Coming up on today's show...

The Blues have a list.

-Buy and don't buy.

-Right.

But it doesn't go quite to plan.

I don't even like it!

OK, you've got one minute left. Do you like it now?

Yes.

And what can I say about the Reds?

You're meant to work your way up?

Or are you meant to work your way down? I can't remember.

-Down, we are buying.

-Oh! I always work my way up.

No, you're not a seller, you're a buyer.

Oh, Lord. The question is,

will the prices go in the right direction at the auction?

Let's meet the teams.

Today, we've got two couples.

Patrick and Matthew for the Reds,

and Matthew and Jude for the Blues.

-Welcome, everybody.

-Hello, Tim.

-Hi, Tim.

Now, Patrick, is it true that you met down the pub?

Yeah, I met Matthew at a quiz night.

We got stuck on one of our questions in my team,

which was, "Where are the Maldives?" which I had no clue.

And I saw this cute guy standing at the bar,

and went up to ask him where the Maldives were.

-And that's how we got together.

-Did he know?

-No.

THEY LAUGH

-So that worked out very well.

-But he cooked a very nice fish supper.

Brilliant.

So when you're not doing pub quizzes, what do you get up to?

I'm an artist.

I like to paint and sketch, and recently

some of my paintings have gone abroad.

I've got a Virgin Mary hanging in a monastery in India.

And some of my paintings have been turned into greeting cards

-which are sent all over the world.

-Gosh, you must be proud of that.

Your first career choice, though, was to be a waiter, wasn't it?

I thought you were going to ask me that, Tim.

-Yes, I was a waiter for nine years...

-And it went very well.

It went very well up until I got sacked.

The first time I was sacked

was after I dropped a teapot on a lady's head.

The second time I was sacked

was when I was uncorking a bottle of Champagne,

and didn't catch the cork on time,

which hit a lady on the back of the head,

-and her face fell into her omelette.

-Ah.

And the third time I was sacked

was when I was flambeing a steak,

taking it over to the guest at the table

when the handle flipped over, and I set him on fire.

Was this called Fawlty Towers, your hotel?

-It could have been, yes.

-Yes.

Well, I'm glad you've moved on, anyway.

And what do you do for a living, Matthew?

-I work for a property auctioneer in London.

-Do you?

-What, one of the big ones?

-One of the big ones, yes.

And you're quite competitive, both of you.

Yes, we are. We're very competitive,

particularly when we're watching Bargain Hunt.

Very nice to talk to you.

Now, you're from Ohio.

-Yes.

-How did you hook up with Matthew?

-Well, I met my Matthew in a pub as well.

-Did you?

-Yes.

-And we got on splendidly.

-You're a bit of an iron woman, aren't you?

-Yep. Currently, I go to the gym a lot and I do body combat.

-Do you?

I punch.

And we do body weightlifting as well.

-I keep strong.

-So you are very strong.

-Yes, and I used to do triathlons when I lived in San Diego.

-Gosh.

So what do you get up to, then, Matthew?

Well, most of my working life,

I worked for a pharmaceutical company

-and I was on the point of retiring when I met Jude.

-Yes.

And she didn't like this idea at all.

So I then worked for a couple of years as a researcher

in a hospital and then for another seven years

at Buckingham University.

Well, for a man who wanted to retire early,

you've done very well, then, haven't you?

I've been well put down for nine extra years, really!

So keep working! So what's your tactic today, then, between you?

Jude has a list...

-She has a long list of things that...

-I have two lists.

Oh, do you?

Things to buy, and things not to buy.

-What's the top of the "to buy" list, then?

-Gold or silver.

-Mm.

-Right.

Anyway, it will be interesting to see what you actually pitch up with.

Now, the money moment. £300 apiece, there you go. £300.

-Thank you, Tim.

-You know the rules.

Your experts await, and off you go and very, very, very good luck.

My gosh, this is going to be exciting.

Giving the two sets of Reds

a helping hand today

is the irrepressible Catherine Southon.

But she'd better watch out,

because David Harper's on the Blue team and he is fighting fit!

So the hour starts now.

And with rockets in their pockets, our Reds dive straight in.

-Well, the clock's started.

-The clock's started!

Quick, Catherine, find those pictures.

Jude, however, has a plan.

-This looks like a list to me, Matthew.

-It is.

-Oh, dear.

I've got "buy" and "don't buy".

This came from ten years of watching Bargain Hunt...

You've been watching...?

Yes, and we've been marking down what sells well and what doesn't.

You haven't been watching me, have you?

That's on the "no buy" list.

Something tells me our teams will be going about this

in very different ways.

-OK, let's go.

-Let's go.

-Thank you.

Oh, my gosh, how long is that list?

We've only got an hour, for goodness' sake. Come on.

Walk while you talk.

Now, what have the Reds stumbled across?

-Ah, that's a nice design.

-Secessionist.

Is it Secessionist - Minton?

-Oh, yes.

-Art Nouveau sort of shape.

Oh, we love Art Nouveau.

-SHE LAUGHS

-No, we do.

-How much is this?

-£160.

-What?

-160?

-Will you take 20?

You've got 20?!

20? These guys are just having a laugh.

-Candlesticks, troika and gold.

-Gold.

# Gold!

# Always believe in your soul... #

But where is it when you want it?

# You're indestructible

# Always believe in

# Because you are gold... #

Doesn't look like gold to me.

I think it's kind of cool.

-It is cool.

-How old is it, first?

Ten years you've been watching this programme. So how old is it?

I think it's not very old.

-In fact, I think it's brand Harry Spankers.

-You are bang on.

Listen, Yankee Doodle, that's my line.

-Brand Hairy Spankers?

-Brand Harry Spankers.

I'm going to use that.

I'm going to write it down.

You can't, though. That's Tim's line.

-Does he say that?

-You tell him, Jude.

-Does he say Hairy?

-Yes.

No, we don't. We said Harry.

That's Harry, not Hairy. Get it right, Harper.

-Oh, that is lovely, isn't it?

-That is very nice. What is it?

-A quaich, it's like a taste dish.

-Quaich?

-Quaich.

-I like it.

-I like that. What do you do with it, Catherine?

-I think it's for tasting, isn't it? Wine-tasting.

-How old is it?

-Well, it's hallmarked there, can you see? With the London.

-Yeah.

-And I think that's M, and that's 1911.

-I like it.

-I think it's very pretty.

-It is pretty.

-Yeah.

So here, we've got these handles.

-They are quite delicate, quite flimsy.

-They could come off.

-Yeah.

Still, it's 100 years old, isn't it? If it's 1911.

-I know you wanted something glass.

-I like it.

I mean, it's something I'd set on my coffee table quite happily.

-It's very attractive.

-Would you?

-Yes.

I mean, the only thing is now, it's not hugely commercial, is it?

-That's what I would say. But it's pretty.

-I would call it specialist.

-And unusual.

-What would you want on that?

-70.

70?

-What could you do on that?

-I could do 55, would be the best.

-50?

-DEALER:

-1911, so it's 100 years old, it's just an antique.

-MATTHEW:

-Could you do 50 for me?

-If you do 50, we'll pay cash.

-Go on, give us your 50.

-MATTHEW: 50.

-That's a deal.

Do you want that for 50?

-Yes, I like it.

-Yes, it's a deal.

-Are you happy with that?

-I'm very happy with that.

-We like that. Yes!

-Yes?

-Let's do it.

-Are you really happy?

-Yeah!

-Good, excellent.

First purchase, well done! Ten minutes, I think.

-Excellent!

-Come on!

Now, we know what was top of Jude's list, don't we?

# Gold... #

Well, here's some gold. So what have we got going here?

-Is it all gold?

-Yes.

-What is it, nine carat?

-No, that's a 15.

-15.

One is nine.

OK, now, I can tell by your response there, Jude,

that you're not overly excited?

It looks pretty light and the value of gold is the weight.

It is all in weight. How much is this little lot?

I should say that it's probably about 4g altogether.

Working out, that's about £45.

-OK, so it's on scrap weight?

-Yeah.

So he's selling it as scrap,

but the great thing with gold is everybody wants it.

And it just keeps going up in price.

-Can we do this little lot for...

-£20?

-Go on, you say it.

-I'd do it for £40.

That gives you a good chance.

Would you go 38, cos things go in round numbers?

-I won't make any pennies. I'll do 39.

-Do you think?

You've got a diamond and a bunch of gold for 39 quid.

-39, we'll go for that.

-Marvellous.

-There's our first purchase.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Thanks a lot.

OK?

Ah!

SHE LAUGHS

So Jude's list gets its first big tick.

That's nice. That's Davidson cloud glass, isn't it?

That's lovely, actually.

-1930s.

-It's a sort of wine colour, isn't it? Like a red wine.

But these are collectable. If you can buy that at the right price...

See, I wouldn't want to pay any more than 30 for this. It's 20 to 30.

Sometimes they used to come on a stand, a black glass stand.

A centrepiece as well.

-How much is that?

-45.

-45. Or thereabouts.

-Or thereabouts? Ah!

Ah!

We like that. Yeah, we definitely like that.

Would we buy that if the gentleman did it for 20?

He's not going to do it for 20.

-He might do.

-Don't say that, he might do.

-Oh, sorry.

-DEALER:

-25's my best.

I tell you what, 25, we'll pay you cash.

-25?

-DEALER:

-Right now?

-Right now, is that a deal?

-Why can't we do 20?

-Why did you build it up to 25?

-I don't know.

He's just done a deal at 25.

-You've done a deal, mate.

-MATTHEW:

-It's definitely worth 25.

-OK, no, well, it... Are we having this?

-Yes.

-Are we having this at 25?

-Yes.

-Yes, I've got my glassware.

Catherine's regretting ever coming out with us!

I love the fact that you're going up.

-We're supposed to be going down.

-Yes.

No, you're meant to work your way up.

Or meant to work your way down? I can't remember.

-Down, we are buying.

-Oh!

-I always work my way up.

-No. You're not a seller. You're a buyer!

-Oh, yeah, yeah.

-My, I'm glad we cleared that one up.

-Rewind!

-OK, we're done.

-Right.

-Second purchase.

-Second purchase.

Quick, leave, before Patrick offers him more money.

And what have the Blues found?

-Oh, a banjo!

-Oh!

-Hey, a banjo would be good. I love banjos.

Now, do we have banjos written down?

We have musical instruments written down.

We have musical instruments, cheap.

OK. Well, how much does it need to be?

You've watched the programme for ten years, how much do they make?

-40 to 60.

-Oof! It'll never be that.

-It will never be that, will it?

-How much do YOU think it will make?

-I don't know. We'll find out now.

-How are you?

-Hi.

-Are we well, today?

-MATTHEW:

-Very well, thank you.

-How much is the banjo?

-The banjo, I tell you what I'll do, right?

I've got 170 on it, but the absolute death is 130.

And that is an absolute bargain, that is. It's a belter.

That's a winner, that is, all day.

There's a man with great confidence. It's a quality thing.

You've got a nice bit of stringing there

in what looks like bone,

but it's probably a plastic or a Bakelite, maybe.

-I mean, I don't play the banjo.

-No.

HE STRUMS

But I think that sounds rather good. Absolutely.

And the thing is as well, not all banjos have a reinforced neck.

If you look at the top, this one has.

-What's the double death?

-Can you go under 100?

-Come on!

-120, that's it.

-If you really want to do it.

Let's do a quick, and then come back.

Darren, can you hold it for five minutes?

-Please?

-Don't be long.

-Five minutes, thank you.

You heard the man, Blues. Hurry up!

Do you like those rattles? That one's quite nice, the joker.

I like the Humpty Dumpty.

It's quite nice as a christening present, isn't it? What are they?

1910, or something?

-Do people collect these, Catherine?

-They do, actually.

The only thing I'm worried about is the price on this.

-I think it's probably going to be quite hefty.

-How much?

-I love the hair at the back. Isn't that a lovely detail?

-Yes.

-Where is the stallholder?

-Can you tell us how much these are?

-The jester is 95, Humpty is 190.

-Oh, no, too expensive.

-One what, sorry?

-190.

-MATTHEW:

-190 for Humpty Dumpty.

-Oh.

That's quite a lot, isn't it?

We've got 100 quid and we love this Humpty Dumpty.

-Can't do it, sorry.

-Oh!

-MATTHEW:

-What could you do it for?

-DEALER:

-170 it needs to be.

-170, too much.

-No, we can't do it.

-We haven't got 170.

-OK, are we going to walk away from this, then?

-Yes.

-OK, we might come back.

-Thanks for your offers.

-Thank you so much.

-Thank you.

-Cheers.

-Thank you.

Time's running out, guys, and the Blues have still got two to buy!

I don't know what to say. I'm under pressure, here. Under real pressure.

-I'm floundering. How about you?

-I'm completely and utterly lost.

-We need help.

-I'm going down fast.

THEY LAUGH

I've got to go and make them buy another two items.

And I've hardly got any time.

-I think I'm ready to go for the banjo, Matthew.

-It is expensive.

-Let's just risk it.

-OK.

-We're running out of time.

-OK, let's go.

So let's get David.

Let's hope it hasn't been sold, with all this dithering about.

And with ten minutes left, the Reds have headed inside.

-Ah, that's quite nice. It's a little bit more than £100, though.

-102?

-I paid 130 for it.

-What is it? A little aneroid barometer?

Yeah, but look at the thermometer on the back.

Oh, that's quite nice, isn't it?

-You can have it for 140.

-What's the year of it?

-Does it work?

-It's been working.

-It's BEEN working?

-I like it.

Or we go back to the Humpty Dumpty.

The rattle, the silver rattle.

We've got seven minutes.

-We've got seven minutes.

-We have to go.

-Let's use five of them.

You're being assertive now.

-Yes.

-We have to go and have a quick tour and then come back?

-And then come back.

-Right, the guy's going to hold on to this for us.

So, is that banjo still there? Oh, yes!

-It's still here.

-We just got it in time, Darren.

-So I think he said 118, right?

-No, 120.

-OK.

We're going to have it, Darren. We're going to make a decision.

-A very wise choice.

-Hallelujah. Darren, 120.

You are very welcome.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you. Thank you.

Come on, spend some more, please!

Yes, there's no time to lose.

Both teams need one more item and they need it NOW!

-Come on, then, we've got about one minute.

-OK.

-Come on.

Let's hope it's still there.

-And what was it, 135?

-DEALER:

-No, 140, sir.

-140, he said.

-I thought he said 135.

I'm not getting involved in the negotiations.

No, the guy has given us a good deal.

-Are we happy with that, for one... What did we say, 140?

-140.

-Yeah, it's a deal. Thank you, sir.

-Thanks very much indeed.

-Thank you.

-Thanks.

-MATTHEW:

-Thanks very much.

-DEALER:

-Good luck.

We have finished. I am exhausted.

Three items, are we happy?

-Yes.

-Yes.

-I think we deserve a cup of tea.

-Cup of tea?!

I need a rum and Coke.

-THEY LAUGH

-Come on.

Let's see what we can find.

While the Reds go in search of refreshment,

can the Blues rustle up a bargain?

Come on, David! It's now or never.

We've only got two minutes to buy something. I like that.

Hold it to the light. Jude, do you like it?

-No.

-Listen, if it's good, it will ring well, ready?

-GLASS RINGS

-Quality.

-How much?

-18.

-18? Would ten quid buy it?

-Oh, you've got to!

No. No, no, no!

HE LAUGHS

-11?

-It could be 14. And that's it.

I don't even like it.

I don't even like it!

-OK, you've got one minute left. Do you like it?

-Yes, fine.

-It's quality, actually.

-Are we going to have it at 14?

-We're going to have it at 14.

-Well done. Thank the Lord. Well done.

-Oh, my God!

-Let's ring the bells!

-I can't believe we bought that!

-That is a relief.

Well, you either bought that or you bought nothing.

You will make profit on that, I promise you.

We've aged about five years today, I think, Matthew. Come on. Tea-time.

Pah! Who needs a list, after all? Well done, Blues.

What time is it, viewers? Well, it's time to stop the shop time.

That's what it is.

It's now time to sell.

And we've whizzed west from Ardingly to Wisborough Green

near Billingshurst and to Bellmans Saleroom.

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

They got the party started with this tasting quaich at £50.

Patrick haggled the cloud glass bowl UP to £25

and not a penny less. Brilliant.

And as temperatures rose, they relieved the pressure

with a barometer/thermometer for £140.

-Well, boys, how are you feeling? Excited?

-Yeah, we are.

-Very much so.

-You spent £215.

You gave the lovely Catherine Southon 85 smackers.

-What did you spend it on, darling?

-I have bought you...

..this.

-Oh!

-I don't believe it!

-The rattle!

-That's amazing!

-Isn't it lovely?

-Yeah, absolutely stunning.

-Have a little shimmy.

-Yeah? Isn't that gorgeous?

A little child's baby rattle.

-How old is it?

-Well, it's hallmarked Birmingham, 1918.

-Wow.

-What's this bit made out of?

-Well, this is bone.

So we've got a bone teething ring and a bone handle.

-Have you bought a jester for these two jokers?

-Well, absolutely.

-It fits, doesn't it?

-And, Catherine, how much did it cost?

-Well, you gave me 85, wasn't it?

-Yes.

-I spent 60.

-HE GASPS

Which I think is actually quite reasonable.

-No, that was a "gasp" for good.

-Is it? Oh, right, good.

-Not a "Gasp, I'm going to pass out"?

-No.

I think that is worth £60 all day long. That should make us a profit.

-Fantastic.

-Oh, wonderful.

It may not be a great profit, but it'll be a little profit.

It might be the only thing that makes a profit.

-Oh, don't be like that!

-Be positive!

-Is he always like this?

-In the mornings.

Oh, in the mornings.

-He gets better as the day goes on.

-Oh, right, fair enough,

-as he warms up.

-Yeah.

You can decide later, Reds. Now for the Blues.

And let's remind ourselves what the team bought with their £300.

At the top of Jude's list was gold,

and they paid £39 for this assorted collection.

Still sticking with the shopping inventory,

they spent £120 on a banjo.

But at that price, will it strike a bum note at the auction?

Then, in the dying seconds, the list went out of the window

and in a combined act of desperation

they bought this glass vase for £14.

-Well, guys, excited?

-Yes.

-Very.

-Very.

-You gave your man £127.

What did the genius buy? David, over to you.

The big build-up, "the genius". Here we go, running for a fall.

Are you ready?

Be prepared to be impressed, right?

-OK.

-Seriously. Hello, baby.

-Wow!

-Wow! Pretty cool.

-Missing two fingers on that, I notice.

-How many fingers?

-Two.

-Yeah.

There could be a message in the two fingers.

-We don't want to talk about that.

-No, quite.

-Is it an object of beauty?

-It was originally.

-It's a little damaged, David.

-It's called an antique.

Antiques have got to look their age.

She's hand-carved, probably French, circa 1900.

But how much did you pay, David?

What do you think? What would you pay for something...

Her head almost came off, there. ..of such wonderful museum quality?

-It is a bit wobbly, actually.

-In this condition, 20 to 40.

-40 to 50.

OK.

-Are we getting closer?

-No.

-Oh, Lord.

-Double your top estimate.

-That's why she's risky.

-We don't have to choose her.

-You don't, no.

There, Jude, you are absolutely right.

-And we will see what happens in the auction.

-Indeed.

Have a think, and decide later, Blues.

Now we're going to auction. JP, take it away!

Patrick, Matthew, how do you feel about this auction lark?

Well, there's quite a few people here, so we're quietly confident.

The first lot that is coming up

is your lovely silver-mounted quaich,

which you paid £50 for.

The auctioneer's estimate is £80 to £120.

-So that should be a pretty good do.

-Fantastic.

And here it comes.

Lot 1651 A.

We have a silver-mounted glass quaich, lovely mounts on it...

And someone start me at...

Start me at £80. Start me at £80.

£80 bid on the left, thank you, at 80.

On the left, at £80.

A maiden bid of £80, but surely worth another five.

"Surely not," she says. No, sure it is.

£80 is bid. Any more at £80?

On the left, I shall sell it, then, a maiden bid of £80.

Are you all done? It's selling at £80.

Aw, £80. Came in at 80. Sold it at 80.

You are plus £30, that is excellent.

And your next item is the Davidson amethyst bowl.

And here it comes.

Start me at £20 for the bowl.

£20 is bid, thank you, at 20 now. 5 anywhere?

£20, standing left, looking for 5. I'll take 2, then.

It's £20 on the left. Who is going to bid me 2?

£20, on the left, then, any more at £20? Again, a maiden bid.

-It's going to go. At £20...

-Oh, no. I can't bear it. £20.

-You are minus £5.

-Five down on that.

-You're still plus 25, though.

Lot 1653 A.

A late-19th-century gilt-brass oval mantel barometer by Bryson.

Rather handsome-looking chap.

And I have interest to start me at £130.

-Straight in at £130.

-How much?

-130.

140. 150.

160, 170. £170 against you.

One bid of £170.

Do I see 180? At £170.

With me at £170. Are you all done? £170 and selling...

-MATTHEW:

-More, more, more.

-Don't be greedy.

170. Well done, Catherine. That is marvellous.

Plus £30 on that, which means, overall, you are plus £55.

-Now, how good is that?

-That is just awesome!

-You're £55 up.

Now, are you going to risk any of that on the rattle at £60?

-Well, I think we should.

-Oh, do you?

-I think we should.

-Are you doubtful, Catherine?

-I don't want to risk it.

-You don't want to risk it?

-Oh, Patrick.

-I think we'll bank what we've got.

-Good.

Well, we're going to sell it anyway, and here it comes,

so this will be fun.

Lot 1657 A, silver baby's rattle. Modelled as a jester.

I've got bids to start me in at £40. And I'll take 5. £40.

45 and 50.

55 and 60.

-65, on the left now, at £65.

-You're in profit.

-Only five, though.

65, standing left.

Are we all done at £65? Then, with Lee at £65 and selling. All done.

-That's OK.

-Well done, Catherine.

-Yes, well done.

Full marks to you, darling,

you've done extremely well with your barometer and your rattle.

Plus £5, so you gave up £5 for the security of hanging on to your 55.

-We did, yes.

-£55 you are up.

That could be a winning score. Just don't say a word to the Blues.

No. No. No.

-Do you know how the Reds got on?

-No idea.

-You have no idea?

Well, we don't want you to know.

Now, the gold items, which you paid a miserable £39 for, apparently,

will melt down and will make between £70 and £90, according to Jonathan.

-That's pretty good, isn't it?

-Excellent.

-And here it comes.

Gold value alone, surely you've got to start me at £60.

Surely worth £60 for the gold. Do I see £60?

-Thank you, on the left at 60. Straight in at £60.

-60 is bid.

-You've doubled your money.

-At 60. I shall sell it as a maiden bid.

It's going straight in and selling... 65 at the very back.

65, look at that.

70?

70 still, then, on the left by the bell, at £70. Selling, all done.

-Brilliant.

-I think that's £31. It is £31.

You are so brilliant.

Now, the banjo.

Lot 1674 A, 1960s banjo,

-and four bids.

-Four bids!

I have, to start me, £80, with me at 80.

£80. Bid me 5.

It's with me at £80 for the banjo.

At £80. 85, 90.

-95 and 100.

-Look at this.

It's £100, then.

With me, still against you all at £100. Do I see the 10?

It's £100, then, I'm selling.

-Oh, bad luck.

-Not bad.

-Not bad.

-Not as bad as we thought.

-It nearly struck the right chord there.

OK, minus 20

means you are plus 11.

Now, surely this Whitefriars lookalike vase

is going to be all right, isn't it?

-Someone start me at 20. £20 to start me.

-Go on.

-10, then.

On the left at 10. Surely worth 12, though. Let's go up now.

Come on, it's £10, at 10. 12.

Got to be worth 15 somewhere, now.

£12 on the left. 15 somewhere.

-He's struggling.

-He is struggling.

-All done at £12?

Surely worth more. It's £12, then, Mr Fowler's bid.

It's £12 and selling.

What a dirty shame. Anyway, you are minus two on that.

You are still plus £9.

-We are plus £9.

-That's pretty good going.

That, over here, in English money, is £4.50 each.

Now, listen, lads,

are you going to preserve your £4.50 each

or are you going to dribble away some of it, perhaps,

on the old alabaster?

-Will you give us a clue, Tim?

-Give us a clue.

I think he's been giving you clues all the way through.

I couldn't possibly indicate whether I love that loathsome thing or not.

-We'll stick with what we have.

-Let's stick.

We're not going with the bonus buy, but we're going to sell it anyway.

So stand by, lads, cos here it comes.

Handsome figure, this, isn't it?

A little bit of minor damage, but nonetheless,

-almost all complete there.

-I can't bear it.

-55 I'm bid.

Start me straight in at £55. Surely worth 60?

65. 75.

80 if you like. 75 against you, then, sir, at £75.

-Come on!

-Do I see 80 now?

On the book, against you all, commission, but it's £75

-and I shall sell it. It's your last chance at 75.

-Go on.

-£75?!

Not as bad as you predicted! Not as bad.

-£75.

-That would have wiped our profit.

Where did they get that bidder from?

Unbelievable. Anyway, the fact of the matter

is that you have made an overall profit,

which is a considerable achievement.

Yes, I like that.

The thing is, now, don't say a word to the Reds, all right?

Not a word to those boys.

Unfortunately, despite being in profit,

the Blues' £9 wasn't enough to secure today's winning score.

Well done, the Reds.

Coming up, how will our second set of teams face their challenge?

We'll see.

Next, my favourite piece of the programme, the stately home,

which is, today, just the other side of Chichester,

almost on the Hampshire border.

And the stately home in question is Stansted Park,

which began life as a hunting estate in the 12th century.

Then, in 1900, a fire destroyed the first Stansted House

and it was rebuilt at great expense.

By 1924, this relatively new and impressive building was up for sale.

So one Vere Ponsonby, the 9th Earl of Bessborough,

snapped it up.

He needed a place to house the family's pictures and furniture,

which had been saved when his own family seat in Ireland

was burned down in the Irish War of Independence.

And where better than here?

Well, here we are in an English country house

in the middle of an English country estate,

in a dining room contained

by four peculiarly Irish pieces of furniture.

The proportions of this table are ideal to fit into the modern home.

It sort of sums up everything that is good about

mid-18th-century Irish furniture.

It's got a substantial Carrara white-marble top.

The frieze has been treated in a typical mid-18th-century Irish way,

carving it with diapers - that's this lozenge-shaped ground.

It gets a bit more complicated down below with this swag made of

a solid piece of mahogany,

boldly carved with flowers and foliage,

which is centred by a mask -

but just look at his face.

What's going on here?

This mask is supposed to represent a green man.

A sort of fertility god that's existed way before

the time of Christianity.

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

the biggest in the South of England.

Therefore, there should be plenty of choice for our second set of teams to pick from.

They have an hour to find their three items,

but who are they? Let's meet 'em.

On Bargain Hunt today we've got a brace of couples.

For the Reds we've got Matt and Emma

and for the Blues we have Sally and Dave.

-Welcome, everybody.

-Hello.

-Lovely to see you.

Now, Matt, they say that opposites attract -

is that the case with you two?

It is, indeed. Our eyes met across a crowded staffroom.

Emma's an English teacher, I'm a science teacher.

It's opposites and it certainly attracted.

Well, that's brilliant, isn't it? Do you work together?

We used to work together. We worked at the same school in Eastbourne.

Now I've continued to be a teacher and Matt is at home looking

after our six-month-old baby, Thora,

and my son Finn, who's nine.

-Gosh! You really have got your hands full, haven't you?

-Yeah.

Well done for doing that and very, very, very good luck.

Sally, what do you do for a living, darling?

I'm a stand-up comedian called Champagne.

I've been very busy, actually, doing a lot of television at the moment.

I grew up in America, Florida, where I was a broker out there and

did 13 years of television and radio, which is fun.

Also my comedy and writing, all good stuff.

We're going to have a riot today, aren't we?

You've certainly got the spangly gear on.

-This is Hollywood, isn't it?

-This is Hollywood, it certainly is.

Dave, did Sally charm you with her sense of humour?

Yeah, kind of.

We met in a pub in Croydon. She was doing a gig. She was on stage.

Was she very funny?

Yeah, not too bad, I must say. I've got to say that.

That is praise, that is, from the old man.

You've got your number-one fan here, girl, I tell you.

-OK, she wasn't bad.

-She was funny.

-Yeah.

-Afterwards we had a drink together.

Basically we got engaged three or four months after that

and have been married six years.

-It was love at first sight.

-Love at first sight, that's good fun.

I hope you have a great time today. Here's the money moment. £300 apiece, here comes your £300.

-There we go, £300.

-Thank you.

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

and very, very, very good luck.

My goodness, we've got some characters on the show today.

So have you ever been to a place like this, you two?

-I did, years ago, but that's a long time.

-Sally, how about you?

This is my first time, actually.

-Oh, marvellous, marvellous.

-It's going to be fun!

-Do we like a bit of bling?

-Yes.

I love bling. Look at me, cheap girl.

-Something a bit unusual, maybe copper or silver.

-OK.

A bit of copper, a bit of silver, a bit of bling.

Typical heating engineer, always got his eye on the copper.

Are we going to spend a lot of money?

As little as possible, I think, really.

-We are open.

-Are you open to offers?

-We don't mind if we think it'll make a profit.

-Right, OK.

That's good, because that is the name of the game after all.

Quite so. And, with that thought,

it looks as though David has a plan for the Blues.

Always spend time scouring these little cabinets, because there

are often little treasures, but you need to really get your eye in.

There's a little boat at the back. I don't know whether that's silver.

Is that silver or silver-plated, the boat? The cruet, there.

-It's plated.

-It's plated.

-It's, um, £80.

-£80.

-Do you like that?

-Can we have a look at it? Would you mind?

-Sure.

-What do you know about the designer?

-Christofle?

-Yeah.

Is it signed?

-I think it's signed, it might be numbered.

-Oh, that'll be nice.

-That's plate, yeah.

-That's plated.

Now, you know, rule of thumb, silver-plated items are not

good news and I avoid them like the plague.

However, when you look at something like that,

it's got the Deco theme.

What would the trade best price on that one be for me?

-£70.

-£70.

-Do you want to have a think about that?

-Shall we go for it? Would you?

-I'm happy, go for it.

-By gosh, she's...

You're a bit worrying, you are.

Mind you, I quite like it.

Go for it. I think it's wonderful.

-Dave, I've done all the talking...

-I love it. I think it's nice.

The only thing I'm a little bit worried about is it's quite pitted.

-It is.

-It's the shape of it, though.

-It's a good shape.

-It's nice.

It couldn't be a trickle less, could it?

Just a trickle less, give us a chance in auction.

-65.

-Thank you very much.

-She's too eager.

-She is too eager.

-Do you want it?

-Yes.

I like quick purchases, thank you very much.

I'm all for decisive action but Sally, gosh, she's hot to trot.

Meanwhile, it looks like Catherine's found a cardboard box. Nice!

I like the school table.

-It's the school thing, isn't it, coming out?

-Oh, my God, yeah.

Being teachers we've gone for these but they're missing the brass slides

-over the ink wells.

-Oh, over the ink wells, aren't they lovely?

They are so cute.

I just spoke to him about this.

I don't know a huge amount about tools

but sometimes these can sell rather well.

We've got a nice selection of planes here.

-Yeah.

-We've got a saw.

-A few nice set squares.

-Some set squares.

-Yeah.

-That's quite nice, isn't it?

-There's a spirit level.

He said he'd take £60. I don't think that's too bad.

-There's quite a lot in there, isn't there?

-Yeah.

-I'm happy with that.

Emma's clearly blown away. She loves them.

It's a risk.

-But I'm willing.

-Yeah?

-Let's do it.

I think it'll entertain.

I think I'll have a little last word with him and see what I can do.

Yeah, work your magic, Catherine.

Now, has Champagne Sally struck again?

-David, what do you reckon of that? That hits me.

-It's different.

-What are we looking at?

-The chair.

You can imagine that in an elegant hall with a beautiful green plant.

-Right.

-What do you think?

OK, it is exactly that, it's a hall chair, isn't it?

It probably would have been one of a pair. Nicely made.

It's got leather...covered here, with an oak...

Looks like oak.

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

See that, Dave, get your nail. Stick your nail in.

-Yeah.

-And it's soft. So it's pine.

-Oh, right.

-But it doesn't really matter.

-A bit of damage there, as well.

-It's got age, let's think how old it is.

How old do you think is?

Maybe '40s, '50s. I don't know.

It might be a bit earlier.

It's got an English Arts and Crafts feel to it,

although it's definitely not English.

Now, who is this character here? It's celebrating somebody.

-Do you know who it is?

-No idea.

-Sally, do you know who it is?

-No, no.

-I don't know who it is either but you thought I would do.

I was hoping!

Call yourself an expert, David? Hah!

I know Catherine does.

-OK, guys, I've got 55.

-Oh, fantastic.

-Good work.

-Nice work.

-Are we happy?

-Yes.

-We are.

-We're happy.

-You do want it after all that?

-We do, indeed, yes.

Good stuff.

-OK, one purchase down and two more to go.

-Fantastic.

-Come on.

So £55 spent.

Now, can David do any better?

I'll get a price on it.

Let's see if we can get a price on it.

There's no-one here. Is it free?

-It must be free.

-Hello?

-How much is this one, please?

-120.

-120?

-Yeah.

Are we in euros here, or pounds?

In pounds.

Mind you, it wouldn't make much difference these days.

-It's French, obviously.

-Yeah, French, from Brittany.

-Oh, from Brittany.

-Yeah.

-Unusual.

-Very unusual.

What would be the very best trade price?

-100.

-Really?

-Yes.

-60.

-No!

-90.

-90. Don't say anything yet.

-We're getting close to the 75, I think.

-It's a good bargain.

-I'd be happy at 75 if you are.

-I'd be happy at 75.

-Would you be happy at 75?

-No, I can't.

80 for you, my very best price.

-It's very unusual.

-80's fine.

-Shall we go with 80?

-Yeah.

-Thank you very much, we'll have it at 80.

Blimey! Quick work.

-Thank you very much.

-I love you two!

-Can I sit on it?

-Hold on to that.

-You should have tried that!

-Hang on, make sure I don't fall off.

-It's wonderful. That's comfortable, as well. It's lovely.

-You're like the Queen.

The Blues' shop could be over almost before it's begun.

There are thousands of other stalls, you know, Sally.

If something catches your eye, buy it.

It's typical of us girls, if we don't buy something and we lose it...

So no, as soon as you see something, grab it.

I couldn't agree more.

Take heed, Reds.

-Ah, what about the little monkey?

-What monkey?

-The little monkey.

-Oh, he's lovely.

-I like the monkey.

Is he Schuco?

I don't know, I think he may be.

He looks like he could be Schuco.

That's the maker.... Oh, that looks a bit rude.

It probably is, knowing what monkeys are like, yeah.

How much is your monkey?

My monkey is 55.

-Right.

-It's a little bit worn.

It's got a lovely look about him, hasn't it? But he's a bit bald.

-Are they glass, those eyes?

-Yes, they...

-Er, no, they're plastic.

-How old do you think it is?

'40s, maybe. He is lovely but he's...

Could you come down any more on that?

-Yeah.

-20.

-Yeah, 20.

-Not quite that far.

-25?

Nearly.

-26.

-30, that's the absolute death on that.

Would you be able to put him aside for us for a little while?

How long.

-20 minutes.

-20 minutes.

-Thanks very much.

-Lovely.

-Let's have a little think.

-Thank you so much for your time.

Come along, Reds, you need to take a leaf out of the Blues' book and get buying!

What about the spyglass?

What kind of money's that?

-That's 12.

-£12.

-That's not actually horn. Oh, yes, it is horn.

-Oh, is it?

-It is horn, sorry, I thought it was wood.

-Well done.

-That's really quite nice.

-Oh, that's interesting.

Date-wise...

Dave, what do you feel?

-It's obviously brass.

-Brass.

Good thick glass.

It could... It's a difficult thing...

It could be late Victorian, maybe.

-It doesn't feel that old, though.

-No, good, good.

I think you've got to go with your instinct.

-Its style is certainly late 19th century.

-But I don't think it is.

I don't think it is. I think it's more modern.

You're just too quick. You just want to buy it.

-Once we've bought three, were done.

-I know, I was thinking about that.

-Maybe think about it and come back.

-Is that OK?

-Yeah, definitely.

I think that's fantastic but they've spent so much money so quickly,

can we just put it down for a while? Is that OK?

Do you mind? Thanks a lot.

It looks like David's put the brakes on Sally.

Now, is it time for another lesson, Reds?

-A school bench.

-A beautiful DT bench.

-What is it called, DT?

-Craft, design and technology now.

Oh, craft, design and technology. It's got a vice.

This is perfect for our woodwork tools.

This is what I remember at school, using this.

Putting the block of wood in and sawing it.

-There's some of your old graffiti.

-My graffiti?

-No, no, no, I was a good girl.

-I'm sure you were!

I believe you, Catherine! Thousands wouldn't.

-Now, look, bling. I see bling.

-Point me to some more bling.

How about a nice boiled egg in the morning?

A bald egg or a boiled egg?

It looks a bit dirty inside, though. It might need a good clean-up.

-I wouldn't clean that - do you know why?

-No.

-It's plate.

-It's plate and it's been cleaned so many times.

Now then, talk about eggs for breakfast.

That's pretty, isn't it?

This is a much posher eggs-for-breakfast thing.

Look at that.

Do you know what it is?

-Um, a poacher.

-It's an egg coddler, or warmer.

-Oh, right.

You'd have a little burner on the base here. Some water in there.

-Yeah.

-Four eggs, and you just keep them at a lovely temperature.

-How posh is that?

-I have never seen that before. Wow...

-It's fantastic.

That shows how common I am.

Listen, I'm common too because I've never actually had one and used it.

That's nice.

-It's a bit funky.

-It's good, but...

-It's nice.

-It's not you, is it, Dave?

-It's not me. There's wear on the bottom.

-Oh, right.

-A dent in the top.

-OK.

-He's a bit critical, isn't he?

-I am critical.

-It's only 100 years old!

-OK.

-I know.

-Right, all right.

-It's not me.

-OK, not you.

After a speedy start it looks as though the Blues have caught

the Reds' indecision bug.

I thought this was going to be really, really easy but it's actually really hard.

It is hard, isn't it?

There's a £1 table back there.

If we need something quickly...

Well spotted.

We might need to come back to that later.

We might need to come back to that one.

Now, David, have you seen anything you like? Because everything I keep seeing...

You know, I boss him around a bit too much, don't I?

A bit too bossy.

Yeah, we had noticed, Champagne Sally.

-He likes a bit of copper, doesn't he?

-I do.

Well, what you need to look at that... Look at the design.

It looks very Art Nouveau, so 1895, 1900.

Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts. It's handmade. It's copper.

What we need to look for are manufacturers' marks on the base.

-There isn't any.

-There is nothing.

If you found something down there that related to Liberty...

This is very Liberty. Circa 1900.

..then that would be worth several hundreds of pounds.

Because it doesn't have a mark, you can't attribute it to anybody.

-It's worth a few pounds.

-Yeah.

If it had Liberty, if it had Tudric on the bottom there...

-If it's Liberty's it might be Archibald Knox...

-Knox, maybe even a Christopher Dresser connection.

He's very good, he's very good.

But a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing, David,

especially if it means you don't buy anything!

Speaking of which, Reds...

What do you want to do? Time is ticking.

-Right, um...

-Ouch!

-I like the monkey.

-Go and get your monkey, then.

-Shall we go and get the monkey?

-See if you can get it down.

-What did he say, 30?

-30.

-He said 30.

-He was biddable.

-He was biddable, yeah.

See if you can get him down then, because he is cute.

Fingers crossed.

With time running out, it's a last push for the Blues too.

Shall we go back for the magnifying glass?

-Let's think, that was 12 quid, wasn't it?

-Yeah.

If that didn't make a profit then I think we all need to jump off

-a roof, or something. Because it is just ridiculous.

-I think that's nice.

-That should make money.

-I think let's go back.

-Shall we go back?

-Yeah.

Sounds like a plan, guys.

Emma and Matt are very calm.

They're just taking their time,

pondering and wondering and not really making any dynamic decisions.

So I'm going to put the pressure on them now.

Yeah, you crack the whip, Catherine.

Shake on it.

Hello, what's this?

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

Hello, are you two making any decisions?

We've bought the monkey and the jester.

Oh! Gosh, you HAVE made decisions.

This is slightly out of character.

I was looking at this and wondering if Harry Potter made that worth any money.

What is it, a baton?

-A conductor's baton.

-So you're now regretting your purchases.

Do we have a change of heart?

What's the best you could do on the baton?

The baton has to be 110.

Which is probably a bit much, really, isn't it?

-Is it ebony and silver?

-It's beautiful.

-Is that actually ebony wood, then?

-It looks like ebony to me.

What does it say, presented to H Platts, Horden, 1922.

I prefer the baton than the rattle.

-Do you?

-Yeah, I do, actually.

-OK.

-I really like the monkey.

Shall we say the monkey and the baton?

Yeah, I think so.

What's the best price you can do on the monkey and the baton?

-DEALER:

-The monkey's got... I can't get any better.

It's got to be 110 on that.

Thank you very much.

The monkey's got to be 25.

In that case, we'll take that one, then. Do you reckon?

Yeah, let's go for the monkey and the baton.

The monkey and the baton would be fantastic. Thank you very much.

Well done. Fantastic.

Well, fancy that. For all their dithering,

the Reds have crossed the finishing line first with a double deal.

Are the Blues far behind them?

What was that going to be for us?

It was 12, but it can be ten.

-Thank you very much.

-An absolute gentleman.

-Thank you very much.

-Brilliant!

Brilliant.

Well done. Well done. Great stuff, really good.

-And tea on me, come on.

-Lovely, come on. We're going.

SQUEAKING

SQUEAKING STOPS

Oh! Time's up.

Whoops! Did I break that?

Time to make a swift exit

and we're off to auction at Bellmans Saleroom in

Wisborough Green, but first let's remind ourselves

what the Red team bought.

It doesn't look like much but Catherine's convinced this box of

carpentry tools, bought for £55, will strike gold at the auction.

The toy monkey may be a bit thin on top but at £25

he might just come up trumps.

And it was an afterthought but will this ebony and silver baton

for £110 march off with a profit?

-Matt and Emma, are you all right?

-Yes, thank you.

-We're not so bad.

Yeah, you want to know what your bonus-buy item is.

-We do.

-We do, indeed.

Well, you gave Catherine £110. Bless her.

What did you buy, Catherine?

Well, I have bought you...

-a box.

-It's a delightful box.

Inside the box is a very nice ivory thermometer.

Oh, wow.

It's by maker Negretti & Zambra,

which is a well-known instrument maker, and it's

in a nice fitted case and it's also got the maker's name on the case.

I really rate this. I think it's a jolly nice piece.

I think it's gorgeous. How old do you think it is?

It's going to be mid-to-late 19th century, around the 1860 date.

-Fantastic.

-It's very nice, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-How much did you pay?

I did actually pay quite a bit for it.

I paid £100, but I think it's worth that, and I think it is worth

-a little bit more than that. It's lovely.

-I think it's beautiful.

-I love the fact it's got the case.

-It's in a nice, fitted case.

-It's worth that, I think. All day long. Do you like it?

-I love it.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-Very nice.

-Thank you.

-Excellent.

Good. It is difficult, though, darling, isn't it?

-That's quite a specialist thing.

-It is.

In the right sale, we keep on saying this, but there is a market for

that and there are hot collectors for your scientific instruments.

The problem is, it's in a collectables sale -

is someone going to pick it out?

We need two people to pick it out.

It is a smart thing but it's whether it makes its money.

-It's a gamble piece.

-That's the excitement of the auction.

To gamble or not to gamble?

We'll find out what the Reds decide in

a bit but in the meanwhile let's discuss the Blue team's three items.

The others looked on helplessly as Sally jumped in to buy

this silver-plated boat-shaped cruet for £65.

Will it sail away with a profit at auction?

Sally also spotted this unusual French high-backed chair but

the dealer drove a hard bargain.

£80 paid.

And again David didn't get much of a look-in when Sally decided

this horn-handled magnifying glass

was sure to be a hit with the bidders,

and at just £10 paid, she might be right.

I bet you want to know what David Harper spent

your £145 of leftover lolly on, don't you?

-Very much so.

-Yes.

-Don't we all?

The nation is gagging to find out.

OK, David, show us what you spent it on.

For a very lovely couple, an absolutely delightful...

-That's beautiful.

-A beautiful object.

-It's lovely.

-Have a hold of him.

-It's wonderful.

-It's heavy, isn't it?

-It's very heavy. It's bronze. It's a hippo.

-It's lovely.

It looks like you, dear.

Is that why you like him so much?

Aw, he's cuddly.

A big cuddly hippo. Yeah.

I want to just point something out to you.

-Asprey.

-Right.

-Made in England.

One of the most aspirational brand names you are ever going to

come across. It screams quality.

-Yes, lovely.

-Patinated bronze.

Yes, it's lovely.

-Date, 1920s, 1930s. Think of that time. That's an onyx base.

-OK.

It had a little bit of damage but you've got to be forgiving of something so wonderful.

-You've got to forgive it, a little bit.

-How much did you pay?

-It didn't come cheap.

-Right.

-I had to beg and plead the guy.

-145 quid, and that's the best I could do.

-It's gorgeous.

So profit-wise, I'd like to see it make...

-A couple of hundred?

-Why not?

Why couldn't it make £200?

-It's not beyond the bounds of possibility, is it?

-No.

We'll see whether the prediction comes true in a few minutes,

as auctioneer Jonathan Pratt is ready to go, go, go.

So, let's sell.

Now, Matthew, Emma, how are you feeling?

Very, very excited.

Here we go then, here come your tools, girls and boys.

There's loads, isn't there?

A collection of carpentry tools.

-Um, two commissions. I can start...

-Here we go.

-I've got to start straight in at £60.

-Yes.

-Come on.

£60, who'll bid me 5?

-A commission bid at 60.

-Come on, come on.

It's surely worth another £5.

-60 it is.

-Come on.

Are we all done? Straight in, maiden bid of £60.

-65 on the left now.

-Yay!

At 65, looking for 70. On the left at 65.

£65.

Well, that's £10 profit straight up.

Well done, Catherine, perfect.

Now, come along, little monkey.

Lot 1696 A, a Schuco plush toy...

Come on, monkey, very sweet.

A handsome little chap, there he is sitting down.

-15 I have to start me.

-15?

-18 and 20.

-Oh, oh.

22, 25.

She shakes her head. £25 against you all, then.

Surely worth... 28 takes it away on the right, at £28.

Looking for 30 now.

-£28, do I see 30?

-Come on, come on.

At £28, then, I shall sell.

Gentleman over by the heater, £28.

-But it's a profit.

-It's no money.

-£28 is plus £3.

There's more money in that one.

1697 A, an ebony and silver-mounted

two-piece military cane, and I have...

-I can start at £25.

-Oh, Jonathan!

-30, 35, 40, 45.

-It's keeping going.

Come on. Go the whole way.

50. 55. 60. 65.

-Shakes his head.

-Go on!

-Come on!

Come on, come on, come on.

65, that's how it's standing right now, at £65.

Surely worth 70, though. Who's going to join in at £70?

It's your last chance, and selling, all done at £60.

GAVEL BANGS

-That is not so good, is it? That's minus £32.

-Minus 32... Oh!

-Minus 32, lads.

-Shall we just go for bust?

Are we going to go with the thermometer or not?

Well, do we want to win or do we want to go for it?