Ardingly 11 Bargain Hunt

Today, we're at the South of England Showground,

which attracts 200,000 people per annum at its various events.

But today, we're here for the antiques and collectables fair.

So...let's go bargain hunting!

This showground is also host

to the South of England Agricultural flagship event.

Let's hope our teams today are going to be able

to milk a profit later over at the auction.

Moo!

Coming up on today's show, the Reds get up to all sorts of mischief.

Whoo!

HE HUMS A TUNE

-And the Blues are quick to embrace trouble, too.

-Kama Sutra?

Have you picked up the naughty piece?

Oh, it is the Kama Sutra. My gosh!

-My eyes have gone a bit funny.

-Ha-ha!

But will they be able to see straight down at the auction?

Go on!

-THEY LAUGH

-Woohoo!

'Before all that, let's meet the teams.'

Joining us today are a quartet of colourful contestants.

For the Reds, we've got Fred and Chi-Chi.

And for the Blues, we've got Lisa and Dickie. Welcome, everybody.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-How lovely to see you.

So, Chi-Chi, did you run away as a youngster to join the circus?

Oh, no. Fred's my dad.

So I started performing with Fred when I was about three.

-Oh, Lord!

-I know. I had a little dog costume.

I used to chase Fred across the circus ring

with a spider at the end of a stick

and he would jump up onto a slack rope.

-It's all true.

-Chi-Chi has been keen on performing since a tender age.

-A very tender age.

-And how long have you been at it?

Good gracious! Many, many years.

I started when I was about 14

and I'm now at a much more mature stage.

Tell us about your circus.

Well, Fred's Flying Circus.

We travel all over the country and we... Ah! I should point out,

we do have Henry, the world's only mind-reading dog.

-Is he with you?

-He's not with us today. He's practising at home.

Is he? What is his prediction as to your chances on Bargain Hunt?

Have you asked him?

Well, I did enquire this morning and he went, "Ruff!"

THEY LAUGH

-Now, tell us about your tattoos.

-Ah.

Well, in fact, I started off by having all my tattoos before my dad.

-She led me astray.

-People would think it was the other way around,

that I was copying my father,

but no, I had my first ones done when I was 18.

It goes all across my chest.

And then Fred liked the look of them and he got some done, too.

-And we both have Showtime on our fingers.

-Which is appropriate.

-Indeed.

-Now, you haven't told us,

Chi-Chi, what your speciality in the circus is.

Well, my absolute passion at the moment is hula-hooping.

I just really, really love it.

Well, funnily enough, we happen to have got a few hula hoops with us.

-You're surely not going to give us a demo with all those?

-All 30.

What? All 30? This is ridiculous!

-All right, let's go for all of them.

-Hang on a minute.

-They're a bit heavy.

-I bet they are. OK.

Whoopsie! Ooh!

My gosh! Look at that!

Oh, my...! Watch out, Dad! That is something else, isn't it?

-A big round of applause.

-A round of applause for that.

That is absolutely amazing! Was that fun?

Yeah, it's really good fun. Do you want a go?

No, thank you. I don't think I could manage one. You are brilliant.

-Good luck in today's programme.

-Thank you very much.

Now, for the Blues. Was that not the most extraordinary process?

-That was impressive.

-Very impressive.

-Jolly clever, isn't it?

So, you're what I call the rock and roll husband and wife team.

-Are you a bit of a crazy couple?

-I'd say we are. I first met Lisa...

Well, I knew her from parties we used to go to, dance parties.

-Oh, yes?

-A bit of raving and stuff.

One New Year's Eve, I proposed to her in the middle of the pub,

got down on my knees.

-It was a rock and roll wedding, wasn't it?

-Yeah, it was.

-We had three bands play at our wedding.

-It must've been a riot.

So, Lisa, what do you do for your living?

I work now as an office administrator

for a horticultural online company.

And you still look after the family.

Look after the family, yes. Two teenage girls at home.

-You can't have any time for hobbies.

-Love it!

Yes. Charity shops are my main hobby. Yes, yes, I love it.

I can't pass through a town without visiting the charity shops.

-Do you ever find anything any good?

-Oh, yes! Definitely.

The Reds are going to be quaking when they hear this.

But on that happy note, I'm going to give you your £300.

There's your £300. You know the rules.

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

Do you know something? I've always fancied a bit of a hula hoop myself.

But it'll have to wait.

Because here to teach the Reds a few tricks is Catherine Southon.

Oh! You big cheat!

And happy to do a few rounds with the Blues is David Harper.

And today there will be two battles rather than one.

The hour starts now.

Starting the stopwatch now.

Starting the stopwatch now. Right!

-I think we're going to walk up that way.

-Which one?

-I think straight up.

-OK.

-Excited?

-Oh, very excited.

-There's a real spring in your step.

Ah, yes, indeed.

-What are we going to be looking for?

-Anything.

-Anything.

-Anything? Just to make money?

-Yes.

-Is it all about the money?

-It is all about the money.

-Fantastic!

-One hour. Come on.

-Bargains, please.

-Let's go shopping.

-Yes.

-Yes. Let's.

-Oh!

-Oh!

Your ticker all right there, Fred?

-What do you think?

-I'll be all right in a minute.

-You hate snakes.

-Do you?

-Fred's got a fear of snakes.

-It's all right, it's all right.

Yes, lovely. Lovely.

-This is right up your street, isn't it?

-Yes, thank you very much.

-How much is on it?

-Er...45.

-No!

-45?

Would you not take 20 on it?

-I can't, I don't think.

-20 would be lovely.

It would. There you go.

Snake in a box, owes me 25.

So I can make a fiver on it, 30 quid.

We'll think on that then.

It's certainly an item which grabs your attention.

That's just so cute.

-It's funky, isn't it? Any mark?

-I don't think so.

-So an unknown maker.

-But it's so cute.

Oh, hang on, that's Carlton Ware.

Carlton Ware. So it's a little earlier than the '60s, that one.

Made in England, so that's probably more '30s.

Carlton Ware, a very well-known maker. Good quality.

I really like that. That appeals to my '60s, '50s kitsch.

-So you've got, what's that?

-That's a pepper, I would've thought. Salt.

-And whatever you want to put in there. That looks like an onion.

-Hi.

-So the Carlton Ware set, what kind of money is that?

-£35.

-Is that the absolute best for it?

-Would you take £25?

Ooh, that would be lovely.

-I'll do £30.

-Are you going to have it?

-Yes. Thank you.

-Shake his hand.

-How lovely. Thank you very much. Thank you.

-Thank you very much.

-Very good of you. Thank you.

Gosh, no messing about with these Blues.

I think this is a record player.

And I think these are the speakers.

-Oh, wow!

-Off the end, you see?

-Ooh!

-Oh, Fred's excited!

-Is he?

-I love things like this. Look at that!

I had a similar one when I was very little.

I would've said this was...

It sounds like I know what I'm talking about!

-Go on, tell me about it.

-I would've said it's late '50s.

-Yeah. It's great. I love the colour.

-It's a gorgeous thing.

-It's got a nice retro look.

-Hm. Retro.

What was your song of the time in the '50s?

Well, I was born, actually... SHE LAUGHS

-Thank you.

-I did know that!

I was born in '57. Moving swiftly on.

Yes. Let's talk money.

-£35. I could probably do it for...

-£20?

-..£27.

That's a funny number.

£27 is a very strange number. £25 sort of sounds more...

£27 is nice. I know you're going to say £25.

-Is that how it's done?

-Yeah.

How about £26?

-I don't know, £27 sounds fine to me.

-I'll take the £25.

-I think that'll make £40.

-Then let's buy it.

-Let's get it.

We would like to purchase your Radiola, sir.

Thank you very much. Manly shake. There you are, sir.

-Said you had a bargain.

-Nice doing business with you, sir.

But will it make a profit at auction?

Harper thinks he's found something that will.

-Do you like that?

-Yes.

-What's it made of?

-Jade? Or plastic?

-Is it jade? Is it jade?

-Do you know who the figure is?

-No. A goddess of something.

She is a goddess. Well done. It's a Buddhistic goddess.

And she is called Guanyin.

The Buddhistic Goddess of Mercy.

The Chinese worship her, the Japanese worship her.

She's always popular because she's beautiful, long,

elegant, she's the Goddess of Mercy,

she's holding the lotus flower. She's got everything going.

But to test what kind of stone she is,

you need something sharp, ideally a penknife. I'll use a coin.

If she's jade, we can take a penknife and try and cut into her

and it wouldn't leave a scratch.

If she's soapstone, it will scratch.

She is scratching, so it's a softer stone.

-How much is she?

-£150.

-£150.

I am taken with her. I mean, look...Oh, gosh!

-Does she stand out?

-Look!

-Oh, that is gorgeous!

-Oh, come on!

-That is gorgeous.

-Oh, yes.

She's a lot of money at £150. Can she be substantially cheaper?

Ha-ha! Not substantially.

-One and a quarter.

-One and a quarter. 125.

-Are we going to have her?

-I think so. She is beautiful.

Which is more than I can say for Catherine's find.

That's what jumps out at me, your little mouse.

It's Schuco. Aw! He's quite nice, isn't he?

How much is he, by the way? Er...

-He's got to be cheap, hasn't he?

-£28.

-£28?

-How do you come up with...?

-Oh!

-Shouldn't he have a tail?

-Don't mice have tails?

-They do.

That's a very good point.

-Ooh!

-Oh! Oh!

-It does that.

THEY LAUGH

It's the wind.

I've got your mouse all wet now.

-He's all right.

-He's all right.

-He's lasted this long.

That's a no, then, for the wet, tail-less mouse.

One rodent rejected, how about a dry tortoise instead?

-BUZZING

-Oh! Very nice.

A really nice Edwardian porter's bell.

Mother of pearl. Original. Beautiful.

How do you stop it, then?

-Put your...

-I know, I know. That's it.

So you... Ah, I see. Yes. That's a very nice thing.

It is. And it is what it is.

It's Edwardian, it's a porter's bell,

it's mother of pearl.

There's no damage on it. And it is exactly what it is.

-Is he cheap?

-I'll do £90.

-There's definitely an owner in that.

-I'm not sure.

I'm not sure. There's something about the way he sits.

It's a tortoise. It's got to sit like that!

If you had a shell on your back, you'd be sitting like that!

We had a tortoise. He went a bit mad.

I can't stop myself!

He's so much fun, isn't he?!

-Ringing your bell now!

-BELL RINGS

Sounds great! I'd like him for 60, ideally.

That's what I'd like him for.

How long have we got left?

15 minutes.

Can we hold him for 15 minutes? Would you mind?

-Thank you.

-Hold him in your hand, don't put him down.

-OK.

BELL RINGS

-You enjoy him!

-Fantastic. All right.

-We'll be back within 15. Thanks.

Righty-o, let's trot on.

I don't think Lisa's very keen on that tortoise!

But time's getting on.

Oh, hang on. What's Fred found?

-So if you just push there, and it just... Oooh!

-Oooh!

You see, I told you!

-Oh, no, that is lovely.

-Right up your street, Fred.

-Gorgeous.

The straps are all there, unbroken.

I'll say nothing, or I'll go round buying everything!

You saw it! And it is lovely. I'm really with you on this.

-Do you agree with me?

-Absolutely.

-I think it's gorgeous.

The only thing I'm slightly concerned about is that it's just

a fraction too much money, that's all.

-What's on it?

-£70.

-That's OK, we can get it down.

-You think we can get it down?

-Yes.

-If we can get it down, definitely.

-I think it's gorgeous.

-I think we should give it a bit of a try.

Hold it, love it, feel it.

-Oooh!

-Oh, 170!

Oh, 170!

-Well, that was a waste of time.

-Oh, Fred!

-Ah, Fred.

-OK. Well, that's the end of that, then.

-Well, we could just ask.

-Well, YOU could!

-What is your absolute...

We actually thought it said 70, and that's why we got excited.

-90 is my absolute bottom.

-You couldn't come to 80?

-OK. 80.

-That's it.

-OK, let's go for it, then.

Let's go for it.

-Three claps.

-Three claps.

-OK.

Followed by dancing round a handbag! I've seen it all now!

-It's the Kama Sutra.

-Kama Sutra!

-Is it really?!

-You picked up the naughty piece?

-Oh, it is the Kama Sutra, my gosh!

-My eyes have gone a bit funny!

-SHE LAUGHS

I take it back - I clearly haven't seen it all!

-This is daytime viewing, by the way!

-The other side's even worse!

-Do you know what it's for?

-No, I don't know.

It's Japanese and it's made out of bone, and it's called an inro.

And it's to hold tobacco or medicines, or snuff.

So you've got three compartments there.

And the Japanese don't have pockets, they just have belts.

And you'd have a netsuke attached to the cord here, which then in turn

would attach to your belt and your inro would hang from your kimono.

-Oh, beautiful.

-Yeah, yeah, yeah.

They're very collectable.

Is it collectable even with the naughty pictures?

I think the naughty pictures add a little something, don't they?!

-I was going to say, it probably...

-I like that, a lot.

-It is very rude, I've got to tell you!

-It is very rude.

-Very rude!

-It is.

-Is that too rude?

-What kind of price is the very rude inro?!

-£45.

-45.

-But if you want it, I can give you a good price.

-OK, what's the good price, then?

-40?

-40.

Well, I think it's absolutely wild.

It's got some age to it. Probably 1920s.

And probably something that was bought as a tourist piece.

I don't actually believe it's ever been used as an inro

for a Japanese person. I don't.

-OK, let's get a really, really good price.

-OK, 30.

-30?

-I think you've got to have it for 30.

-I think so.

We'll have it for 30. Thank you very much indeed. Thank you.

I wonder what the bidders will make of that?! But three down.

Well done, Blues.

-We've got five minutes.

-Five minutes!

-I think we should run.

And with five minutes left, the Reds have made a decision.

Have you still got your snake?

-Right, what were we saying? How much is it?

-30 quid's the best.

-Can you go any lower at all?

-No, I'd make nothing on it, otherwise.

-Can't do 25?

-That's what I paid.

They can entertain you. They are circus entertainers.

No pressure, Fred!

-Erm...

-Don't hurt yourself, though!

Oh. God!

Hang on. HE BARKS LIKE A SEAL

-There! That's worth a fiver off!

-Got to be worth a fiver!

-Oooh!

-Oooh!

-Where did they come from?!

It's all right, I've got them. THEY HUM A TUNE

-Hup!

-Hey!

Still not enough. Still not impressed.

He's still not impressed, I'm afraid!

-We have about two minutes.

-30 quid it is.

Five quid is a cup of tea!

Thank you, director's arm - two minutes left!

-We're running out... We shall...

-We're running out of time!

-40 quid now.

-We'll buy it. Sold, sir!

-It's yours.

Just like that, it's all over! And time's up, guys.

And now it's time to sell.

We whizzed west from Ardingly to Wisborough Green near Billingshurst

and to Bellmans saleroom.

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

Fred was happy to pay £25 for this Radiola,

which took him back to his childhood days.

Our travelling circus, rather appropriately,

bought a travelling bag as their second purchase at £80.

And finally, a snake in a box jumped out and bit them, for £30.

Now, you two, I bet you're longing

to know what Catherine bought you, aren't you?

-Yes.

-Well, you did give her £165, which is enough for any fair maid.

-What did you come up with, baby?

-Ready?

-Ready.

-Ooh!

We need a drum-roll!

OK, chaps.

-Tsh!

-Ooh!

-Right.

-What is it?

-Gentleman's travelling scent bottle.

-Ooh!

-Course it is.

-I think it's nicely made, it's faceted.

-I like the pouch.

-Nice little leather case.

So, um... THEY LAUGH

You're not underwhelmed here, are you, Fred?

-There's not a lot you say about that.

-It's lovely.

But I only paid a mere £33 for it.

-Oh!

-Oh, OK. Wow.

-That's in the bank then.

-We'll have one of them, won't we?

-Yeah.

That looks all right. We'll have that.

-We like that a lot.

-We like that?

-Yeah...

-We aim to please.

-Don't we?

Now listen, you guys. You may not need to go with your bonus buy

because you may have done

-so dazzlingly well with your first three items...

-That's true.

..you don't want to risk the vast profit you've made

but if things don't go to plan, you have that to fall back on.

Next, it's the Blues' turn.

Let's have a reminder of how they spent their £300.

This novelty cruet set caught Lisa's eye,

but, at £30, will there be tears at the auction?

Lisa and David were particularly keen on this carved figure

of Guanyin, but it cost them £125.

And they all really liked the inro decorated with couples "embracing".

-Now, team. This is exciting, isn't it?

-It is.

-It is.

Because what David Harper's got there

looks suspiciously to me like a box.

-Ha-ha!

-You gave him £115.

-We did.

-Yeah.

-OK, take the rag off.

-OK, here we go.

-Can't wait.

-There we go.

-Do we like playing games?

-We do.

-I do.

-Have a grab of that one then.

-Ooh, that is nice.

-OK, flip it over.

-Ooh!

Mind your fingers so there we go. Nicely inlaid,

-all done by hand, all cut in, bit of parquetry there.

-Yeah.

-Lovely.

That's Sorrento style so Sorrento, little town in Italy,

very famous for making boxes like this.

Whether it was made in Sorrento, I don't know,

but it's a Sorrento-style gaming box.

Backgammon on the inside. Turn it over,

put it flat on the table, there's your lovely chessboard.

-The big question.

-Here we go.

-How much did you pay?

-Damage?

-20 quid.

-Ooh!

-It should make a bit of profit.

-Fantastic for £20.

-It could double its money.

-Well done.

-Thank you.

I told you he was a genius.

Well, we'll see if my words ring true in a bit

as now we're off to auction.

Take it away, JP!

-Now, you two. You feeling confident?

-Absolutely.

-Are you?

-Course we are.

-You're looking very colourful.

-Thank you.

-And on-the-ball if you don't mind my saying so.

-Yes.

Have you been to many of these auctions before?

I've never been before, no. It's my first one.

-Sheesh!

-I know, very exciting.

-This is something else.

Anyway, the first item coming up right now is the record player.

Wonderful specimen, this. And I can start at £10.

I can start at 10, looking for 12 though.

-12 is bid.

-Ooh, 12!

-Ooh, 12, 12!

18's bid. 20, 25?

-25!

-25, thank you, I'm out at £25.

-CATHERINE:

-Well done.

-Do I see 30? 25 standing left, do I see 30?

It's £25 then, are we all done on the left at 25?

-One more!

-And selling at £25... GAVEL BANGS

-£25...

-In the bag!

-No, it wiped its face.

-No profit though.

-Well, that's all right?

-It's good enough.

Lot 1740A, brown leather case, circa 1940, it says,

and with travel labels. I can start at...£15 with it.

-Oh, come on, Jonathan!

-Oh, no.

18, 20. 22, 25?

Beautiful thing.

30. Against you at 30, madam. At £30, 5 anywhere else?

-At £30 then on the book, commission bid.

-Can I have a word?

-Selling for £30...

-I can't believe it.

-GAVEL BANGS

-Weird.

-£30, that's minus £50.

-That is unbelievable.

-Minus £50?

-Anyway, now... Moving on,

-being optimistic, we've got Old Snaky.

-Yes.

-Oh!

-Old Snake Eyes!

-Gets to get the snake out.

-Yeah, got to get the snake out!

-Get it out!

Right, here we go. Those of you that haven't seen it yet,

-on your marks...

-He's got it the wrong way round!

-Oh!

-THEY LAUGH

-Woohoo! Marvellous.

-There we go.

So for that, surely I can start...

with interest, I can start it at £30.

-THEY GASP

-That's all right.

That's what we paid.

Surely worth 5, you all liked it. £30, 5 anywhere?

-35, 40?

-30!

-Shhh!

45, and 50? Commission bid against you at 50.

Do I see another 5? THEY GIGGLE

Come on! One more.

Not worth £50, shaking her head. At £50.

Selling. All done? It's going, £50. GAVEL BANGS

-Ahh, yes!

-Good.

-Give me five, baby!

That is plus 20 actually, not just 5.

So overall, you're minus £30.

So that was a bit of a result, wasn't it?

-What will you do about the scent bottle?

-We'll go for it.

-Definitely?

-Sorry, are we?

-Sure?

-Of course.

-Definitely.

-Are you sure you're sure?

-Yeah.

-You're sure you're sure?

-Aren't we? SHE GIGGLES

-Definitely?

-Yes.

-OK, we're going with the bonus buy.

Lot 1745A, a glass and metal-mounted gentleman's scent bottle

in a nice tan-leather case.

And...I've got to start at £25. With me at £25.

And 30, 35.

-40...

-Well done, Catherine. You are a star.

At £45, anywhere else?

Now it's £45, commission bid at 45. Surely worth another bid, at 45?

-Definitely worth it. Oh, yes.

-£45 then, last chance. Selling, 45.

-45!

-GAVEL BANGS

-£45.

-Yes!

-That's very good. Very, very good girl.

That is plus 12 which means

that you're only minus £18.

-Ah.

-So we didn't make any money.

-Overall, minus £18 which is nothing.

GAVEL BANGS

-Now, Lisa and Dickie, do you know how the Reds got on?

-No.

-Nope.

-Not a dickie bow?

-No.

-No?

-No.

-Not a dickie bird, Dickie!

-Oh, very good!

-Goes with the tie.

-Oh!

-Super.

-Now, first up then is the cruet set.

-Right.

-And here it comes.

-Fingers crossed.

Lot 1761A, Carlton Ware pottery novelty vegetable cruet set.

No table should be

complete without it.

Start me at £30 for this, the Carlton Ware. Surely worth £30.

£20 then? £20 is bid at the back of the room there.

-Fantastic.

-Go on.

-Surely worth 22, though.

-£20, far left. What about another 2?

-Come on.

-Any more at £20?

-You know you want to.

-22.

-Yeah!

-25, 28, 30.

-Brilliant.

-35.

-Great.

£35. 40, surely.

-Go on!

-Go on, one more. £40.

ALL: Yes!

At 40, far left at £40. Any more at £40?

And selling then, last chance, far left by the kitchen at £40...

-GAVEL BANGS

-£40 in the kitchen is plus £10.

-Yes!

-Brilliant.

-You loved it, she loved it, everybody loved it.

-Now, are they going to like the jade?

-Ooh...

Lot 1762A, 20th century carved jade figure of Guanyin.

And I can start with a commission bid,

I can start at £10.

-What?

-Ooh!

-Oh!

-Only at 10, 12?

SHE WHIMPERS

20, 25. Clears the commission at £25. Do I see 30 now?

On the left standing at £25, surely worth 30 though. Do I see 30?

£25 on the left, then. Any more? It's your last chance, at £25...

-No, I can't bear it!

-25!

-£25 which is minus £100.

-Guys, guys!

-Terrible.

-This is a strategy that is not sound.

-No.

-I've gone off this Oriental stuff.

-Yeah.

-We've only got one more bit to go.

-Anyway, overall then, lads...

-That's awful.

-You were doing so nicely, it's now minus 90.

-That's all(!)

-She's in a very bad mood.

Look out, here comes the inro with the you-know-what on it.

Lot 1763A, 20th century Japanese bone inro.

Erm... Rather creatively decorated there...

-Ha!

-..with some romantic couples.

-Romantic?!

-Romantic.

£30, surely? To start me at £30.

Start me at £30, surely worth 30.

-£20 then? Come on.

-Come on.

£10 then, if I have to.

Surely, everyone likes... We're not embarrassed, are we? £10 surely.

-No!

-Come on.

-No interest at £10?

-What?

-No!

-10 bid, front row.

-Yes!

-Yes!

We're off now, there's £10. 12 somewhere.

In the front at 10. Any more at £10?

-I shall sell it at £10.

-Must get more.

-It's going at £10.

-GAVEL BANGS No!

-£10.

-Only one.

Oh, they're bidding AGAINST you!

No, I'm sorry, I thought you were bidding together.

No? Well, that's £12 then to the left. At £12.

Timothy?

-£20, that is...

-We're still bidding!

-Oh!

-Hammer fell.

-Gentleman next to him, it's £12 to the left.

-Oh!

At £12, and he doesn't want to join in now at 15, do you?

-He does!

-Yes!

-£15.

-Yes? He's going on?

-Any more, sir? Want to go 18?

-Go on!

No, he doesn't, shakes his head. £15, thank you.

-That's better!

-That's better than a tenner.

What's that about then? £15. Much better.

OK, we'll revise our necessary.

That is minus £15. You are now, overall...

-Minus £105.

-Oh, gosh!

-Oh, dear.

Which is not so bad when you say it quickly.

THEY LAUGH

What about Sorrento Ware? Is it a no-brainer, this, or what?

-Are we going with the bonus buy or not?

-We decided...we're going to.

-Yeah.

-Awww! You'll give me one last chance.

-It'll make us £105, so yes.

-It'll have to!

-We're going with the bonus buy?

-We are.

-David's box.

-We'll trust David completely.

-Here comes David's box now.

Here we have a Sorrento-style specimen wood games box.

-£30, I'm bid. And 5, clears the commission straight away at 35.

-Yes!

-Excellent.

-Go to £40.

-40 waving. And 5. 50, and 5.

-Yes!

-Get in!

-This is it.

-55, still in front now at £55.

-Come on, baby.

-I shall sell then, in front at 55.

-Come on.

-Go on!

-Go on.

-All done at £55?

-GAVEL BANGS

-Yes!

-Love it.

-Well done.

That's more like it!

-We made some money then.

-You can give him a hug too.

-We'll just do a handshake, I think!

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-£35.

-Well done.

-Oh, well done, you.

-That reduces the whole thing to a reasonable

perspective of minus £70.

-Oh, haven't we done well(!)

-You were down to three digits!

-THEY LAUGH

-You're back down.

-I mean, that was a disaster, that Chinese jobbie.

-I know.

-It was.

-Torpedoing you.

-I was the same as you,

I thought that would do really well.

Unfortunately, it didn't. Both teams making a loss today.

The Blues' minus 70 is a hefty blow.

The Reds' minus 18, therefore, secures the winning score.

Coming up, will our next two teams be at a loss for things to buy?

Hardly, with so much choice on offer.

Meanwhile we're heading off to the borders of Hampshire and Sussex

to a gorgeous stately home.

And the place in question is Stansted Park.

An ancient estate,

Stansted has had a number of distinguished owners over the years

but in 1924, Vere Ponsonby, the 9th Earl of Bessborough,

purchased the property to house the family's collection of furniture

and works of art.

Stansted today contains those collections

and is open to the public for us all to enjoy,

enabling us to have not only a peek at the objects

but also a little taste of the stories they tell us.

Some of the furniture in the collection

came as a result of inheritance and marriage.

For example, this bargueno, a peculiarly Spanish travelling chest

that dates way back into the Middle Ages.

Typically, they're of box type form with carrying handles

on the end so that you could literally pick the thing up

with all the precious objects inside it and shove it on the back of

a couple of donkeys and head off across the great plains of Spain.

And once the families had become less itinerant,

stands were made to hold them grandly.

What I like are the loper rails.

A loper rail is a sliver of wood that slides out to provide

support for a falling flap.

And these loper rails are carved with charming shells.

You see how the thing works.

When I open it up like this the front panel falls

and is supported on the loper rails which

then gives you an additional advantage of a writing surface.

But look at the complexity of what we've uncovered inside.

All that inlay of bone and ivory for a piece of furniture that probably

dates to between 1500 and 1550.

Quite extraordinary.

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

There's a wealth of choice here so our next set of Bargain Hunters

will have no trouble to find three profitable items in their hour.

Right! Let's meet them!

Hello! In our teams today...

we've got Deborah and Lauren for the Reds,

and Seb and Holly for the Blues.

Welcome everybody. Brilliant.

Now Deborah, you look more like sisters to me.

Is this true that you can really be the mother?

-Yes?

-You saucy rascal!

Ooh, you saucy rascal!

-Yes.

-You're very good friends, aren't you?

We are, we go out a lot together.

-We do lots of things together, so...

-We're best friends.

-Yes.

What could be nicer?

And what sort of things do you get up to, girls?

-We are rather keen on greyhounds.

-You go to the dogs a lot?

We go sometimes but we're more keen on collecting them,

having rescued greyhounds at home.

-They are lovely things, aren't they?

-They are beautiful.

I don't know what it is about the long legs on a greyhound.

-The grace of the beast.

-They are like a woman, aren't they?

A beautiful woman.

You said it! Spot-on, I would say.

So Lauren, what sort of job to do when you're not rescuing greyhounds?

I work in a micro biology lab as a laboratory technician.

My work involves nasty bacteria in yeast.

Were you passionate about science when you were at school?

Yes. I have got a science degree.

I've always loved science,

always loved looking down a microscope.

What are your tactics going to be today, girls?

We are of the same school of thought as William Morris.

Having nothing in your house that's not...

Beautiful...or practical.

That is a very good motto, isn't it?

-And it didn't do William Morris any harm.

-No.

That's going to be your plan.

It's got to be beautiful, it's got to be practical

-and hopefully it's got to be at the right price.

-A bargain.

I think you are going to do terribly well. Very, very good luck.

Now, you two, tell me about your discus throwing.

I have been doing athletics for about ten years.

I am ranked second in great Britain, 22nd in the world.

-That is something to shout about.

-It's not bad.

It is something I am quite proud of.

I like train five days a week, I go to the gym four times a week.

I do fitness training once a week

and I also do throwing on top of that.

We shall keep our eye open

especially on this programme now that we've met.

Holly, you are doing a job connected with charity?

Since I left university in 2010, I have been working in events

so I put on music festivals for Oxfam.

It was a national music festival

but I ran the Brighton leg of it in 2010.

Since then, we have been doing one-off events to raise money.

Do you know anything about antiques?

Apart from me watching a lot of things like Bargain Hunt,

I think you can learn a lot by watching them.

Of course you can, the whole nation

knows more after watching a decade of Bargain Hunt.

If you have been relying on our programme,

I'd tell you, you are going to be just fine in today's competition.

So fine that I feel I can lob out your £300 apiece.

You know the rules, your experts await and, in a moment, we're off.

Debs, Lauren, this is terribly exciting! All girls together.

-Are we going to spend a lot of money?

-Hopefully!

I like Art Deco style pottery, the bright colours.

-The big patterns.

-Wonderful, love that. What about you, Holly?

I'd like to look for some jewellery.

-Have we got a plan?

-Definitely.

-Um...yes.

-Have we?

-Yes.

-What's our plan?

We have an expert and we're not afraid to use her.

THEY LAUGH

-So, you do have big plans.

-Definitely.

OK. Come on. One hour.

Now, anything taking your fancy, Reds?

-Truncheons!

-Well, I wasn't expecting that.

-Why the truncheons?

-Because I've always loved them.

Could we have a look at your...truncheons?

THEY LAUGH

Yes...

-Sorry, I've got the giggles now.

-I can't think why.

Can we just have a look at these little...?

- Batons. - Batons.

Thank you.

And how old are these?

1840s, 1850s.

-And how much is this one?

-£120.

Oof!

What would you be able to do your best on something like this?

The absolute best would be £100.

We'd struggle to make a profit.

It's worth about £120, £130, but I'll sell it for £100.

I suppose that one is quite nice with the coat of arms on, isn't it?

-Could you just knock it under £100?

-£95?

-OK.

-I'm not going to miss a fiver.

-Thank you.

That just gets it under, just to look a little bit more tempting.

-Shall we think for five minutes?

-Yes. We'll give it five minutes

because we've only just started and, er...we'll be back.

-I like it.

-I have to vouch for your judgment.

It's got quite a lot going for it. There's a lot of information there.

The lovely, um,...coat of arms, which...

I think the more information you've got, the better, really.

I do quite like that.

While the Reds mull it over, how are Seb and Holly getting on?

That's quite nice, as a piece of glass.

-OK.

-I don't know how modern that is, I'm not really sure.

Shall we have a look? What is it that you like about that?

I just like the blue going down to the green with...

It looks quite chunky and sort of a big bit of glass.

-I just like the colour of it.

-Have a hold of it.

Quite eye-catching, isn't it?

I can see people having that in their house.

I can see it on a mantelpiece or a table.

-Like in a modern home.

-Exactly.

-What about this?

-It's lovely.

-What is it?

Sextant. So it's a nautical navigation instrument.

In perfect condition in a box, these sell for around £300.

-Wow!

-But without a case, this would sell,

probably, at auction, I would guess, for about £150, £100-£150.

-How much is it?

-I don't know.

Hello. How much is your sextant?

-Um,...it's got to be cheap at about £180, hasn't it?

-Ooh!

-That doesn't sound cheap.

-Ooh!

Time to work your magic, girls.

-There's quite a few things that are wrong with it.

-Right.

It's obviously not in its case, it's missing an adjustment screw,

which I don't think is a huge problem, but here,

I'm pretty sure there would be like a pinhole sight.

-So because of that...

-You want to give me £200?

-No!

-£30.

-Can you call the police?

-No. But I can locate a truncheon.

-Um, could you go under £100 for that?

-Yes.

Yeah. Just couldn't go that low.

If you can do £130, we've got a deal.

-Could we have a think about that, sir?

-You can always come back.

We can always come back. We know where you are.

Last price, £110 if you want it. But that's it.

-Can't do any better than that.

-OK. That's very kind of you.

If you find one cheaper anywhere in the market,

I'll refund the difference.

-Right.

-We've got that on camera, you know.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Thank you.

The ladies have coaxed out another offer to cogitate over.

The Blues are still deliberating, too.

I've got £40 on it, but I'll take £10 off.

I'll do it for £30. That's a good price.

I think it's certainly worth £30.

And it should make £30.

It's not going to set the world on fire.

-It's a lovely colour.

-It's a good colour glass.

I love the fact that you went for that.

-Yes.

-It's all about you two.

-OK. What do you think?

It's blue and we're the Blue team, so maybe it's a sign.

Yep, I think we'll probably...we'll go for that.

Wonderful. We'll have that. Thank you very much indeed.

Thank goodness! We finally have a purchase.

So that's one down to Seb. Holly, come on!

I know. We need to find something.

-You've got to find it.

-Yeah.

A few stalls down, our cheeky Reds are on a charm offensive.

Hello! It's us, lovely ladies.

Huh-huh-huh. They're back and they mean business!

We've come to look at the baton again.

-That one?

-Mm.

-OK. There you go.

-Thank you.

-It's the price that's the problem.

-I think the price is fine.

-I've put it at the lower end of what it's worth.

-It's up to you, ladies.

-They have crept up in value over the last four or five years.

-Yes.

But there's a recession on.

Not in the truncheon market.

I've never bought one before, so...

Several very good collectors.

Well, how about £85? Would you be so kind...?

No, I wouldn't take £85. I'll take £95. That is the absolute best.

-OK. I really like it, and...

-You went for it straightaway.

-Go with your instincts.

-You did.

-Yes.

Go with your gut instinct.

-Yes.

-£95.

-OK. Marvellous.

-Thank you very much.

-OK. Thank you. Deal done.

Great! We have our first purchase, ladies!

THEY CHEER

-We've got a lot more work to do.

-Definitely.

-Come on.

Absolutely.

And talking of having your work cut out,

Holly's got a battle on to choose her item.

Oh, look, she's looking for blingy jewellery. Straight in.

Let's see what you're looking at.

-It's quite pretty, isn't it?

-It is just costume jewellery.

-Yeah.

Very bonny, but it doesn't really have any value.

-No.

-No, not really.

-This one?

-Yeah.

-OK. Let's have a look at that.

-Ooh, it's musical.

-Oh, it's a musical box!

-No great age to that.

-No?

-No.

I wouldn't trust that to be silver.

They're quite different, aren't they?

-They don't do much for me.

-No, I don't like them.

An ashtray. Come on, Holly, what are we looking for here?

Are they ganging up on you, Holls? Well, you'd better watch out, Blues,

because half the shopping time's gone.

Now, are the Reds still reeling in more unsuspecting stallholders?

You've got two at the back and...

They're not the easiest things to sell.

-No.

-Because...

-Two little drawers here.

-He's not listening to me.

-No, I'm not listening to you.

-We can think about it.

-We're thinking about a few things now.

THEY LAUGH

We've got to make some decisions.

If it goes to auction and it doesn't make more money,

I'll put the rest to it.

Sadly, we can't do that, but that's a lovely idea.

Thank you. A kind gesture.

So, will Holly finally get to choose an item?

-Come on, then, let's go and scout in here.

-Yeah.

Holly, what do you like?

-There's a nice cameo in there.

-Right.

-OK, Holly.

-I think it's very pretty

and I think it would go with lots of things.

-And it's very elegant.

-Shell. Is it shell?

-It's shell.

We've got a bit of an Italian theme going here

because Italians are world-renowned for carving these cameos.

What's the best on that one?

Never mind what's on it, give me the best trade price.

-£60.

-£60.

I think that would estimate at £40-£60 in auction.

-So his price is absolutely right.

-Yeah.

What you have to take a chance on

is are there going to be some people there.

-A dealer and a private buyer who fancy it.

-Bid against each other.

I think this is the kind of thing that could sell online.

I think we should maybe have a punt at that.

Yeah, I think it's worth going for.

-I love the idea of you getting yourself some jewellery.

-Me, too.

-Shall we have a go?

-Let's have a go.

-Good. Let's have a go.

Because time is really rolling on now.

-OK. £60?

-Deal done.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you very much.

Yes, time is rolling on. And don't our teams know it!

I think the pressure's getting on a bit now.

We've had 45 minutes, 15 minutes left.

It's nerve-racking. We've got one item and not much time left.

-We need to crack on.

-It's scary!

I think hopefully, we'll find something in the next stall or two.

-Quickly get something, I think.

-Yes. Head inside because it's freezing.

Come on, Reds, you've got some catching up to do.

-Do you like bronzes, Catherine?

-Yes.

There's this one, which is quite lovely, I think.

That is quite nice.

-That's £125.

-That is lovely, isn't it?

-Yes.

-It's a lovely shape.

-There's no maker's name or anything.

-I love that.

It's very expensive, though.

Can you do it...? You know what's coming!

Sorry. Let me get out of your way.

I'll do it for £100.

That's still a lot.

What's your kindest, kindest...?

-My kindest would be £90.

-£80?

-No, I couldn't do £80.

-How about £85?

-All right, go on.

-Yay!

-Thank you.

-I'll probably get done for this.

Could we do £80? And then we're absolutely sorted on it.

Oh, go on. Just to get rid of you!

We have that effect!

-Yes, I'd say definitely!

-OK, girls?

-Cos that makes our...

Thank you very much. That's really kind of you.

So both teams are two down with one to go and barely minutes left,

while the Reds prepare for their third purchase.

Ha-ha! What has Harper spotted?

-What do we think about tea caddies?

-I like that box.

-That's nice.

-It's rather sweet, isn't it?

-It's lacquered, so it's wood with a lacquer finish.

-Very decorative.

-Is that gold leaf, do you think?

-That's painted, isn't it? Yes.

-OK.

-I would say that is about 1840.

-It's quite old then.

-It's quite old.

It's a proper antique. I think that in auction is £50 to £80.

I'll ask what we can get it for. What could we get that for?

- Can I have a look? - 95 on there.

Right. Erm... Yeah, £85.

I just feel it's a little bit... I don't know.

Can we just keep it in reserve? Do you mind if we think about that?

Yeah, that's all right.

We took a risk with the cameo, so maybe...

But a good thing, so we might dash back and bag it if we need to.

Yeah, OK.

A risky strategy, Blues. Five minutes left.

-What's that?

-It looks like a gavel.

-It's salt and pepper.

Oh!

-Sweet!

-Have a look. The ends unscrew.

-It isn't silver.

-No. I could tell that.

Hence the price.

-It's this end...

-Yeah.

-I'm terribly excited by that.

-That is lovely.

-If you don't have it, I'm going to buy that.

-What can you do on that?

I'll do it... No other haggling, girls, cos I know how it works...

I'll do it for 58...

..and that is the death.

-I love it.

-I do, too.

-I love it as well.

-Definitely, we'll have that.

-I don't think you can resist it.

It's a real novelty thing.

And if it all goes wrong, you can blame me. What do you like now?

I just saw the frog.

Oh, hang on a minute.

-What's that?

-A cigar cutter. Little scissors.

-You have some brilliant things! You do!

-I love quirky.

-Oh, don't we just?

-Aren't they brilliant?

And what are they made of?

I think they're Bakelite.

-I think they are.

-How much could you do those for?

-I'll do those for 60. And that is the death as well.

-That's good.

That's quite good. I've never seen one of those.

I would say that's quite rare.

-At the end of the day, it's what's going to make the most money.

-Yes.

I think the frog will, probably. That's rarer.

Although, I love that too.

So what's it to be, girls?

-So we'll go with the frog.

-Mr Froggy.

Can you do 55, just to pinch?

-On the cigar...?

-On the frog there. Make us happy.

-Delighted, in fact!

-Go on.

-Thanks. That's brilliant.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-That's good.

-That's a bit of fun.

-We cut that fine.

-Well done, girls. Hug!

# Sisters are doing it for themselves. #

Well done, Reds.

Now, buck up, Blues.

I think it's too chancy. I really do. Oh, my goodness me!

-We've got 30 seconds, 29 seconds.

-Let's go back to that tea caddy.

-It's antique.

-That's not going to be £20, is it? It's not! OK.

Go for the tea caddy.

Come on!

Excuse me, that couldn't be 70, could it?

-Not really. £85.

-85.

Let's go for it. We've got 15 seconds left.

Make the most of every second. Are you quite sure? Ten seconds.

-Yes, let's go for it, 85.

-Holly, 5 seconds?

-We're going to have to, aren't we?

-Let's go for it. We're done!

-OK, that's it, we're done. Are you happy, Holly?

-I'm happy.

-Well done.

Blimey! Talk about cutting it fine! Time's definitely up.

And now we're ready to head off to auction

at Bellmans saleroom in Wisborough Green.

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

Deborah was very keen on this policeman's truncheon.

They struck a deal at £95.

They charmed the stallholder down to £80 on the bronze pheasant.

And in the last two minutes,

the Bakelite froggy leapt out at them for £55.

-Excited?

-Yes. Very.

-What do you suppose Catherine spent your £70 on?

-Something beautiful.

-Something beautiful! That's it!

-Good answer.

Ever the romantic. OK, show us something beautiful.

-I'm not sure it's something beautiful.

-Shall I rip that off?

-Do.

-Not beautiful at all!

-Useful.

-Useful, absolutely. There we go.

Now we have got a tailor's waist measure.

Never seen or sold one before. I thought it was an interesting thing.

This is a parallel rule, some really nice brass hinges.

Now, I know they're not particularly attractive

but these sell for around 20, 30, maybe £40.

That one never sold before but

I think it could make around £40, something like that.

The two, I paid £33 for.

-Do you like them, then, Debs?

-Oh, they're wonderful!

SHE LAUGHS

They're really nicely made.

This is probably around 1915, that sort of date.

-This is going to be slightly later. Are we selling this?

-Yes, we are!

-For profits, yes!

-Yes, she likes the profit idea.

We'll find out how they measure up later on.

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

Seb picked up this Murano glass vase, which cost them 30 smackers.

Holly's choice was this cameo brooch,

but it cost them a pretty penny, at 60.

And quite literally in the dying seconds,

they plumped for the lacquer black tea caddy at £85.

Now, you two, you spent a whole £175. You gave David Harper £125.

David, what did you spend it on?

An interesting, out-of-the-ordinary item, OK?

Ooh. It's...

..a stained-glass plaque.

Yes! Exactly. That's exactly how I would describe it.

It's leaded glass, it's 20th century

and it's a fantastic architectural piece for a restaurant or a home.

-Do you like it?

-Yes, and I think it's very usable as well.

People would buy it and put it in their own home.

It could be hung a wall as well.

I think it was a bargain. What do you think? I love testing.

Go on, how much do you think?

Er...

-£40? £50?

-Yeah, It should do that, all day long.

-20 quid.

-£20?

£20, it's absolutely for nothing.

It's a cracker.

It's very exciting. We're very excited to see what this does.

-That's great, then. Happy?

-Yeah.

Good. Everyone's happy...for now.

Let's hope that doesn't change when it comes to auction.

Johnathan Pratt, the auctioneer,

is ready at the rostrum, so let's start.

-Deborah, Lauren, how are you feeling?

-Very excited.

How excited are you two on the excited scale?

Are you up around nine, ten?

-Ten. Ten. Yes. Hyper.

-Hyper? That's lovely, isn't it?

Very giggly, aren't we? Yes.

-Now, you're very good friends.

-Yes.

-You're not going to fall out today?

-No, not at all.

-It'll be all her fault.

-SHE LAUGHS

Thank you, Lauren.

Anyway, first up is the policeman's truncheon, and here it comes.

Lot 1783A, a Bow Street policeman's truncheon. Someone start at £80.

-60 then?

-No internet.

-Oh, come on, Jonathan.

In front at £40. 5, surely?

45 seated. 50. 5, 60, 5, 70...

Come on, come on.

Come on, come on!

The man standing at £70. 75, with Simon, then?

80? 80 seated. 85.

He's got the internet now.

85, still to the left, at £85. Any more at £85? Surely another one?

Last chance at 85.

£85, that is minus £10.

That's a shame!

I thought that was a bit more of a whoompher, didn't you?

Couldn't you feel a whoomph in there? Anyway...

Would have liked a bit more of a whoomph!

Lot 1784A, 20th-century patinated bronze figure of a pheasant.

Start me at £60.

-£60, surely? £40.

-Come on!

Who said 30?

OK, £30 on the left, I'll sell it, 35 standing behind you now. 40, 45.

50, 55. £55, standing at the back now at £55.

Surely worth 60 though. £55, the gentleman's bid, then.

At the back at £55.

£55. Well, we're all up the spout with that!

55. So that's minus £25.

Well, what do I know about anything?(!)

Lot 1785A,

a cream Bakelite novelty cigar cutter, modelled as a frog.

Bids with me, 10, 12, 15, 20...£25 I have.

SHE GASPS

Who will bid me 30?

Surely worth 30. 28 then? Any more?

Waving at 28.

Waving! Keep waving!

Going for 30 now anywhere? Last chance, everybody.

£28 back of the room, all done.

A loss on everything.

30. That's 25, that's minus £27.

So that's 52...

Minus 62, is that right? Check, check, check.

We had really good things as well!

How can this be minus 62?

What are you going to do about Catherine's proportionate

waist-reducing gadget measure?!

-We're definitely using her.

-Right.

We're going with the bonus buy, here it comes.

Lot 1789A,

a tailor's boxwood and brass waist measure.

And you have here, also, the parallel rule.

Start me at £30 for this.

20? 10, then?

10 on the left. 12, 15, 18, 20, 25.

No, £25, standing at £25.

Don't believe this.

Who will bid me 30? It's on the right at £25.

Come on, keep going!

I'll sell to £25, then. All done at £25...

-GAVEL BANGS

-The agony is too much.

£25 is minus £8 which rounds it up neatly to minus 70. OK?

THEY LAUGH

Oh, dear!

Well...quite frankly, if it's been as bad as this for you,

it will be as bad for the Blues, so don't be too depressed about it

because minus £70 could be a winning score.

OK, Seb, Hols, do you know how the Reds got on?

-Haven't got a clue.

-We don't want you to know, that's great!

-Are you up for this?

-Definitely.

-Definitely. Good sports.

OK, here we go. First up is the glass and here it comes.

Lot 1805A,

1960s Murano blue-green glass vase.

Start me at 30 for this.

20?

Who will bid me £10?

-It's gone a bit quiet.

-Oh, dear.

12?

15, 18, 20, 22.

-At 22?

-Come on!

Surely worth 25?

Are you all done? Lady's bid at £22.

GAVEL BANGS

Oh!

After all that!

OK, minus £8.

Lot 1806A,

a shell cameo brooch, pretty little girl in a mount,

detailed 14k,

starting with me at £20.

Oh, come on!

Surely worth 22 though. Bid me 2.

22, 25, 28 and 30. £35 ahead.

- It's £35 in the centre. - Come on.

Any more? Selling at £35.

GAVEL BANGS

£35. It was minus £25.

-This is not going the right way.

-No.

OK, papier-mache tea caddy.

Lot 1807A,

an early Victorian black lacquer papier-mache tea caddy.

I can start at 35 this time.

Looking for 40. Surely worth 40.

40, thank you. 5?