Edinburgh 5 Bargain Hunt

Elementary, my dear bargain hunters.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the man behind the world's

most famous fictional detective was born here.

So where are we? Well, here is a clue.

-HE CHUCKLES

-Let's go bargain hunting!

Today, we are in Edinburgh.

The precise location is the Highland Centre.

Each of our teams get £300

and an hour to shop for three items,

which hopefully they will make a profit on later at auction.

So let's investigate what's coming up.

On today's show, the Reds get dressed for success.

Would yous wear it, either of you?

-Yes, I would.

-With the right outfit.

Foxy black number for the weekend?

As always(!)

And it all gets a bit frantic for the Blues.

-I think it's that way.

-That way. Which way?

-Go this way.

At the auction, the excitement is at fever pitch.

Yes! He's done it!

That boy has done it again!

And the profits keep mounting up.

That's all for later.

So, let's meet today's teams.

Well, on today's show, we have a fabulous mother

and daughter combo - Katrina and Kay.

And for the Blues, we have Elsbeth and Paula, who are friends.

-Hello, everyone.

-ALL: Hello.

-Now, Kay, it says here you are a vet.

Yes, I am. I work at a small animal practice.

So pets that people tend to keep in their house,

anything - cats and dogs to hamsters, rats, things like that.

You had to spend years to qualify as a vet.

They used to say that a vet is better qualified than

-a doctor, is that true?

-Oh, I don't know I could say that!

-It does take a long time, though, doesn't it?

-It is five years, yeah.

You spend five years at university before you graduate,

and then it is out into the big, wide world.

-What sort of occupation do you have?

-Well, I'm a teacher.

And I work with primary school-aged children.

And I have been working with children from primary two,

about the age of six, to primary seven, about the age of 12.

I really love teaching. It's a privilege to teach.

-Outside work, would you classify yourself as a wheeler dealer?

-Yes.

Especially when I have to get stuff for school,

-I do a lot of begging for freebies for the classroom.

-Oh, do you?

I have to do that, yes. I quite enjoy doing that, actually.

How are you going to get on with this bargain hunting lark, you two?

I think we will do great because we kind of think the same way.

-For most things.

-Yeah, for most things.

Says the daughter quickly.

But no, I think we'll agree on things.

-We've got an idea in our minds of what we want to look for.

-Very good.

Lovely. Well, good luck.

-Now, Elsbeth, you have had a change of career recently.

-I have, yes.

-Tell us about that.

-I decided to go back university and study psychology.

People fascinate me. I like to try to work out what makes them tick.

-Do you?

-I do, yes.

-Well, we have only just met,

so it would be unfair to put you on the spot.

-I'll tell you later.

-Oh!

But you've had a variety of careers.

-Because you were a dancer at one point.

-That's correct, yes.

That is actually how Paula and I met. We were at ballet school together.

And we've known each other since we were 16,

and we've been friends ever since.

-And did you like each other?

-No!

-No, absolutely not.

-Were you rivals?

-Yes.

-Yes, we were.

-Rivals, the tutu wars!

-That's it.

-Yeah, that's it.

So you did the ballet school bit,

and then what happened? Did you stay dancing?

-I did. I danced professionally for about 12 years after that.

-Did you?

Yes. I worked with Bruce Forsyth and Ronnie Corbett, to name but a few.

-Really?

-Did a bit of variety stuff. And, yeah, it was all good fun.

-Now, Paula.

-Yes.

-You went to do this dancing lark and then you went on to teach.

-I did.

Tell us about that.

Well, I decided that I would go and teach abroad, just for fun.

And I went to teach in Singapore.

So I spent some time teaching there, which was great fun.

The best job. And then my contract finished there.

And I found myself teaching in Germany.

And you've done a bit of cabin crew work.

Yes, Elsbeth and I both did that.

Not together, but, yes, we both did that.

She's been around, this girl, I'll tell you.

Right, so, girls, what are your tactics?

-Are you going to spend lots of dough?

-I don't know.

I'm going to try to spend as little as I possibly can.

-I'm going to bargain hard.

-Are you?

-Yes, Absolutely.

-What are your tactics?

My tactics are basically the same as Elsbeth's.

-Are you hard at haggling and all?

-Absolutely.

I used to live in the Far East. Haggled for everything.

That's very true. Anyway, lovely, girls.

I think you're going to do very well. Let's have the money moment.

300 smackers each. There is your £300. You know the rules.

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

Well, this is going to be a delight!

So, all we need now are two delightful experts.

Hoping to ring in the profits

for the Reds, it's...

And hoping to buy some cool bargains for the Blues, it's...

Kay, Katrina, I am with a vet and the teacher.

They say never work with animals or children,

but if we do today, we're laughing!

-Is that going to flavour what we are going to buy?

-Absolutely.

I would be interested in anything, I think,

that has animals or perhaps dogs in it.

Something with a purpose as well.

So, Elsbeth, Paula, what are you both looking for today?

I think we're going to look for pieces to put in somebody's

-home, decorator's pieces.

-Right, OK.

-And Mum?

-Well, I like Art Nouveau and I like silver.

-Yeah.

And anything that is practical.

What about you?

I just feel, if I like something, if I get excited about it,

then that is what we are going to buy.

-Brilliant.

-Stack 'em high, sell 'em cheap.

-Teams, your time starts now.

-BELL RINGS

It's a shopping list, let's go! Come on.

-Shall we go shopping?

-Let's go shopping!

-Come on!

Which way are we going? Straight ahead, left, right?

-Straight ahead.

-Straight ahead. Look at that, decisive.

It certainly pays to be decisive in this game.

330...

330. Your glasses are bringing the prices down.

These are magic glasses.

We could all do with a pair of those!

Can I throw something at you?

-You can.

-Throw this.

Practical and uncommon.

Pair of lamps. Ever seen lamps like that?

-No.

-Oh, wow.

It would be strictly inaccurate to say gimballed,

but that is how they're referred to.

There is a base, perfectly fine. What's all that about?

I'm sitting there, in my little carriage, reading my book.

-They all want to go to bed.

-Yes.

-I take this, and I'm going to hang that next to my bed.

-Right, wow!

Lamp's still the right way up.

Early 20th century.

Lyre form, that is the aesthetic.

What is scarce about them - they're a pair.

-What do you think?

-I love them.

-I like them.

-LOVE? As strong as that?

-Oh, I think they are really interesting.

-Yes, you're right.

I like them as well. They're practical.

-We said we wanted something practical.

-That's what I thought.

-They could still be used today, couldn't they?

-Yes, absolutely.

Now, they are priced up at £395...

No, they're not.

Calm down, Paul. The actual price is £95.

I adore period lighting. I think that is a gift.

The truth of the matter is,

under the hammer, it could be hitty, missy.

OK. Shall we ask him what his very best is, then?

Just do what you have got to do.

Vamoose. And good luck.

Whilst the Reds go off and negotiate a price,

are the Blues about to take their first step on the buying ladder?

Oh!

I can see it is £100 that you've got on your label here.

-Is there any come-and-go on that?

-Go on, make me an offer.

-70?

-Yeah, they are yours.

-70?

-Yeah.

-Oh, sorry. I really like those for £70.

-And what would you do with them?

-I would have that as a bookcase.

How clever!

If somebody hasn't thought about having that as a bookcase

and looks at it and says, "It is a set of steps."

We'll get the chap to auction them as a bookcase.

-Yeah, but it is not a bookcase, is it?

-But it is.

-And there's nothing to stop the books falling off.

-True.

Moving on... And have the Reds swung the price in their favour?

-Hello.

-We've spoken to the vendor, and they have said

-£90 is the lowest they will go.

-Oh, yikes!

He said, if you wanted the shades as well, he'd put the shades in

and the lamps for £100.

But I'm not sure people would want those shades. What do you think?

The shades make them good to go.

I'll tell you this much, if they are the original shades -

and I think they are - they are the first I've seen.

Maybe they're worth 75 each with the shades, think about it.

Maybe we should take a little risk. They are a bit big for the budget,

but maybe we should just... You know?

-Do you really like them?

-I do like them.

I think they're very interesting.

-It all works for me, it really does.

-OK, let's do it.

-Let's go and ask him.

-Let's do it.

Go and seal the deal, Reds.

-It looks like the Blues aren't sitting around either.

-Look at this.

-What do you think?

-I like that.

-It's like a wee school chair!

-It's your size!

-I could sit on that.

The grain is beautiful on it.

-People buy these to put teddies and dolls on, don't they?

-Yes, they do.

-That kind of stuff.

-What would you do with it, Elsbeth?

Being odd and strange that I am,

-I would have a nice designer handbag sitting on that.

-Oh, right.

-Now, you collect handbags.

-I do!

-How many have you got?

-Quite a few.

-At least 50.

-50?!

-Yes.

Just another 49 chairs to find, then.

-I think we should maybe have a go for that, actually.

-OK.

-Speak to the gentleman, Paula, do your thing.

-Hello.

We were having a wee look at your chair down here.

And we quite like it. You have got £25 on the ticket.

What would the absolute death?

18?

18 would be really good.

-That would make our day, would you go for 18 for us?

-Yes?

Oh, that's great. £18.

-I say! These two are good, aren't they?

-Thank you.

-What did you get it for?

-18.

-Well done! Thank you, sir.

That is the first item for the Blues.

Meanwhile, the Reds have some news on the lamps.

-Are you smiling?

-BOTH: Yes.

-How much?

-90.

-90.

-Get in!

-You happy?

-Yes, very.

Oh, I think...

For a rare pair of lamps there... That has taken us, what, 15 minutes?

-We are ahead of the schedule, are we not?

-Yes.

-Brilliant. Onwards, yeah?

-Onwards.

-Let's keep going.

-Well done, Reds.

Now both teams are off the mark.

But are the Blues scraping the barrel with their next item?

What have you found?

-1886. It is a customs measurement...

-Oh!

-It says bushel measure.

-Yes.

-It is good, isn't it?

-The patina is lovely on it.

I like that. And what would you put in that?

-Nice for a tree, nice for logs.

-I think for logs.

It would be great for logs.

-How much is this?

-The gentleman, very kindly... It was 120.

-He said he could do it for 80 for us.

-It is a good price.

-OK.

-I like it.

-Shall we have a wee think?

You are getting a 150-year-old antique.

-Absolutely, I do like it.

-It is actually a real antique.

-A real antique?

-Yeah.

-That is what we are here for.

Now, will this bring in the bacon for our vet? Ha!

That little pig drew my eye, certainly.

-What is it?

-Old sewing items.

What do you make of them?

Well... How much do we like them?

Are these expensive little piggies?

Yes, they are Georgian.

-I'm getting worried.

-Anything Georgian is very expensive, you know.

How expensive is expensive?

65.

-That one is 85.

-65 and 85.

If they were silver, there is a strong market for them.

But they are brass.

And small brass collectables aren't the easiest market.

Shall we trot on?

Oh, Paul.

On that note, let's take a break from the shopping.

And I've found something that would appeal to the bag-loving Blues.

How about this for a gorgeous object?

We've all seen handbags, and there are old bags and new bags.

And this is a bag with a difference.

For a kick-off, the top frame is made of solid silver.

This bar across the top has been beautifully embossed -

it is called repousse work -

with a series of domestic scenes,

each within a cartouche,

which is this shaped, shell-like structure.

Here, we have got a girl, look, brushing up in the yard.

Here, she is doing a bit of raking in the garden.

And on the far side, she is watering up a flowerpot.

Because this thing was made at the time of tulip mania.

This is the moment in the Low Countries,

in the 1720s to 1750s,

when the growing of bulbs was all the rage.

But what I love about it is that instead of this thing being

reupholstered, if you like, with a modern material,

what we have is a pouch made of old blue velvet.

And that blue velvet was then been embroidered with these

extraordinary enzymoidal designs.

If I turn the frame over, you can

see the design is repeated exactly on the back.

The date that you see on the top here is 1803.

And if you look very carefully,

the 1803 is made up of a series of dots, which you or I could

engrave easily just with a sharp instrument onto the soft silver.

Either side of that are the initials SH.

These simply indicate the person who owned this bag in 1803.

They don't indicate when the bag was made.

But the important part to decipher is actually

the hallmark in the middle, which I have yet to research.

There is an incredible spread of European history

represented in this little bag.

Perhaps 250 years' worth.

And yet, here it is -

a Dutch bag, sitting in Scotland,

priced up at £120.

Do the negotiation

and it could be yours for £95.

And that has to be a sure-fire profit in the old bag.

Back to the shopping, and both teams have one item each in their bags.

Can we have a time check, please, Paul?

We are 30 minutes into this. So we are still on schedule.

But...we are not relaxed, are we?

-No, we're not.

-Not at all.

-We're machines. Let's go.

-Yes.

-You don't seem fazed, do you?

-No.

-We don't panic easily.

We're not easily panicked.

-We are both ex-airline staff, we don't panic.

-Aaah!

Let's hope that they are not winging it, then. Ha!

-I tell you what, I love that bowl.

-So do I.

-Really? Why?

Because it actually reminds me of Clarice Cliff.

I know what you are saying.

-Before we do anything, have a look at the price tag at the back.

-45.

-Is it damaged in any way?

-Yeah, that is what I wanted to see.

Um... No, you've got no issues there. It is all very traditional.

So, with... I don't know, a shepherdess or a maid.

There is your little flock of two...

Well, I have chickens at home, so perfect.

It doesn't look British, though. It looks like it has been made abroad.

-It does.

-I tell you what I do know,

I love that. That is a standout thing.

Let's look at this again.

That is less nice to look at.

Can you help us on the price? It's £45. We like it...

-35.

-35?

It's going in the right direction.

-I think it's stopped.

-Oh, has it?

-Come to a standstill.

-Come to a standstill.

-If we pushed...?

32.

-Yeah. You loved that straightaway.

-£32, yes.

-Shake that lady's hand.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Thank you.

The Reds seem pleased with their second item.

There's 15 minutes left and the Blues still have two items to find.

-Look at this.

-That's nice. Yeah, I like that.

-Oh, it has got...

-It has got little feet on it. What price is it?

-Don't look at that.

-It's £90.

This stoneware is usually sort of

in flagons, you know, taller, for beer.

To be honest, Caroline,

we don't really want to spend much more than half of that.

-Ah! Do you want to do that, then?

-Yeah, fine.

-Let's see what we can do.

-Go and check.

-Let's see what we can do.

Sock it to them, Blues!

Drive the price down. Meanwhile, what have the Reds spotted?

Tell me why you like this.

I suppose it is that Art Deco period again.

I think it is quite popular at the moment as well, isn't it?

You are selling it to me. The question is, what is it made of?

I thought marcasite and silver, that is what I'd like it be.

But I'm not sure. I'm going to look at the chain. I don't think that is.

I think that is probably nickel-plated base metal.

My secondary question is, how old is it?

Because the truth of the matter is... We want it to date to 1930.

Difficult to say. It really is difficult to say.

Do you think this has got age or not?

I think it is period, yes.

-I'm hesitating.

-Yes. What do you think?

-You are the expert.

-Yes, Paul.

-I am in a quandary.

I don't have anything to go on.

In the absence of marks, it is difficult to say.

Never mind that, it is a joy! Look at the quality!

-There is a lot of detail there.

-It's intricate.

-It's fine!

Would yous wear it, either of you?

-Yes, I would.

-With the right outfit.

-Foxy black number for the weekend?

As always(!)

-De rigueur, Friday night, it goes on!

-Yes, all the time(!)

-Paula, what news?

-Well, it's a butter crock.

-Right.

And the lady wouldn't come down any more than 70.

Which I still think is too much. But...

It has got Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow written on it, and we're

selling in Glasgow, and somebody just might even remember...

It's a great thing...in Glasgow.

And as you say, it would be great in a kitchen, wouldn't it?

-We're running out of time.

-We've got ten minutes left.

-Honestly, we really need to...

-We need to buy something.

-Let's just do it.

-We're going to have it.

-We are going to have this?

-Yeah.

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

-Are you pos?

-Positive.

-Can I put it down?

-Yes, you can.

-Thank you!

Finally, the Blues have their second item.

Now, teams, with less than ten minutes left,

you'll need to ramp it up to find your third.

Do you think it will do well in the auction?

I think that is going to make eyes at more than you and I.

I really do. I think it is an incredibly appealing thing.

Elegant, timeless.

And I don't care whether you're 17 or 57, that is

-a good-looking piece of jewellery.

-Yes, you can wear that at any age.

-Yes?

-Yeah.

-And you are going to know that better than me.

Being a girlie!

I'm a bloke, what do I know?

I'm going to bury myself here, start telling you...

I'll let you dig yourself out of that hole, then, Paul.

Getting the price down from £55 will be a good start.

-We could come down to 40.

-Thanks very much. Thank you.

-Um...

-40.

-It is not a lot of money, is it? It's not a lot of money.

But if only it were a three at the beginning, to be honest with you.

It is certainly worth £30 to £50.

It is make your mind up time, Reds.

Now, Blues, you better get your skates on.

Or at least your snowshoes.

You can put these on the chalet in Aspen.

-You can put this on the wall.

-My chalet? The one I forgot I had.

-So, what price would you like them to be?

-They can't be expensive.

I wouldn't have thought so, but I have no idea.

This one looks like it has been put in the fire and taken out.

I like them, but it might just be a wee bit too wacky.

-Glasgow is wacky. Glasgow is good.

-This one is also split.

-Yeah.

-Hi, can you tell me how these are?

-They are 130.

-130, OK.

-That is too much, I suppose.

-Too much, yeah.

I have been advised by my budget controller that that is too much.

OK, thank you anyway.

Another no-buy for the Blues.

You've not got all day, you know. Time is ticking.

The same goes for you, Reds.

I'm dithering.

-Why?

-What do you think?

-I suppose I don't love it, love it, love it.

Do you remember how we really liked the lamps and it was a,

"Go for the lamps!"

And the bowl caught our eye. But we are running out of time.

We have only got two minutes... No, I'm kidding.

SHE LAUGHS

But it would focus the mind.

Six minutes, actually, Paul.

Let's twist your arm, go on. A three at the beginning of it.

The owner said she is willing to come down to 38.

But that is the bottom line.

-OK, I think so.

-Fine.

-Are we doing it?

-Yes.

-We are doing it.

-Thank you, sir.

-Thank you.

-Spot on.

Well done, Reds, £38 for your third and final item.

So, Blues, do you have a plan?

I think we should go look at the bushel measure

and see if we can get it down any more.

-OK. No, it's not here!

-If you can remember where it is.

-I think it is that way.

-This way?

-It's this way.

Have you seen it, Ted? Four-minute warning, Blues.

-Gosh, does she know where she is going?

-Probably not, no.

It is certainly calmer in the Red camp.

I think you have gone out in some style there, have you not?

-Can't wait for the auction.

-Yes!

-Let's go now, shall we?

-Yes!

Tick-tock!

-Right, we are going to have to run.

-It's here. It's here, guys.

-Found it!

Hi! We're back.

-Hello.

-Good to see yous.

-Right.

-We decided we do really like the bushel measure.

Nothing to do with running out of time, then, eh?

I guarantee you a profit on this.

-OK.

-If we spend how much money on it?

If you spend...

Be really generous.

75.

Would you do 70 and make our day?

70 is a really good number. 70 is my lucky number.

I know, it is my unlucky number.

-Because there is no profit in it for me, honestly. 73.

-73.

Another hard haggle, ladies, and just in time.

Yes! We've done it!

HORN BLOWS

Let's take this up cos time is up.

Gosh, that was hectic. Ah!

-I'm perspiring just a little bit. At the last moment!

-It's all done.

We have done it. Excellent! Now, where is the exit?

-OK, Paula. BOTH:

-The exits are here and here.

-Shall we?

-Yes, let's!

And let's remind ourselves what the Red team brought.

You OK with that, Harriet? Oh, Harriet!

Yes. First up, will the Reds light up the auction room

with these table lamps?

Next, check out this Czechoslovakian bowl.

And finally, have they put their necks on the line

with this necklace?

-Now, how much, girls, did you spend?

-We spent £160.

-£160.

OK, I'd like £140 of leftover lolly, please.

-Yes, there you go.

-Right.

Now, I'd like to know your favourite item. Kay, what was that?

My favourite are the pair of lamps that we bought.

I think they're very interesting.

They are a pair. They seem quite intact.

So I'm looking forward to seeing what they make at the auction.

-That's my favourite.

-Aren't we all?

So, Katrina, what is your favourite piece?

Well, my favourite piece is the bowl. It just grabbed my attention.

It reminded me of Clarice Cliff, actually,

the cottage on the side of the bowl.

That is what drew my eyes towards it initially.

Is your bowl going to bring the biggest profit?

-Hopefully.

-I think it might.

-Do you think it will?

-I think it will as well, actually.

-It's interesting.

-We are in agreement!

-The mother and daughter

are in agreement, there is another miracle.

Anyway, the next miracle is that your £140 goes off to my friend.

-Got any ideas?

-Well, Art Nouveau has come up a lot. As have animals.

I am not good at taking instruction, so anything could happen.

OK. Well, get into training, that's the answer. Right. Now,

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

First up, our old school friends paid £18

for this wooden school chair.

Up next, will this chemist's crock

be the perfect remedy?

Then they rolled out £73

for this oak measure.

-Wasn't that lovely?

-That was fantastic.

-That was great fun.

-Really good fun.

-How much did you spend?

-We spent £161.

-161.

So I would like £139 of leftover lolly. Thank you.

Which is it quite a sizable amount.

-It is.

-Which is your favourite bit, Elsbeth?

We bought a bushel measure.

And I really like that, that was my favourite thing that we...

-OK, personal favourite.

-Yes.

-What about you, Paula?

It's my favourite as well. I think that's the best thing we bought.

-OK. And will it bring the biggest profit?

-BOTH: No, I don't think so.

-No.

-What will?

-That is the only problem with it.

-Oh, I see.

I think the little chair that we bought.

I think that would probably get us the biggest profit.

We shall see, won't we?

As long as you have had fun, that is the main part.

And the exciting time now for you, Caroline.

I know exactly what I am going to do with this.

-And that will make the biggest profit.

-Oh!

-LAUGHING:

-We watched your lips there, so watch out.

Anyway, good luck with your purchase, Caroline.

Meanwhile, we are going to head across Scotland.

We are going to the Clyde to visit wee Anita.

-Anita.

-Welcome, Tim. It is lovely to have you here.

Now, for these Reds, we've got Katrina and Kay.

And they, first of all, went with these rather splendid lamps.

Yes, they're absolutely terrific. A multipurpose thing.

But they have quality.

I love the gimballed mechanism, which is in perfect working order.

And I love that lovely lyre shape support. Quality there.

And because they have got quality and because you've got a pair and

they are ready to go, presumably, they are worth quite a lot.

-Are they?

-I've estimated them £100 to £200.

-Excellent!

£90 is all they paid.

Now, next is this Czechoslovakian enamelled globular vase.

It's a lovely thing.

-It has a wonderful folk or naive charm.

-Yes.

Probably from the Novy Bor school of glass.

It has these sweet enamelled scenes. It has never had great quality.

-No.

-But it makes up for quality in having wonderful charm.

-Is the estimate charming?

-50 to 80.

-That is a charming estimate.

£32 was paid.

I think you got a bargain there.

Now, lastly, we have got the pendant, which I have to say,

is the least favourite bit for me.

I have never been frightfully fond of marcasite jewellery.

-Do you like it?

-Yeah. Well, I do like it.

I like the period. It is from the 1930s.

And I think the pendant has wonderful architectural qualities.

It reminds me of the Chrysler Building in New York.

-Does it?

-Yes.

-She has got a very fertile imagination, our Anita.

-What is your estimate?

-60 to 100.

-Is it? OK, great, £38 is paid.

So there we have three excellent estimates, thank you very much.

If you can achieve these sort of levels,

this team will be jumping up and down with joy

and they are not going to need their bonus buy.

But let's go and have a look at it. Oh, yes.

-Well, this is fun, isn't it?

-Yes.

-You spent, girls, £160.

You gave Paul Laidlaw £140. Paul, what did you spend it on?

-Wow.

-This is a Victorian army officer's...

Let's call it a little coatee, shall we? OK?

Reminiscent of the heyday of Empire, yes?

These are more exciting.

They are, trust me, trust me!

Trust me!

The Army, of course,

needs excellence in marksmanship and so on.

And that is the collection of such badges.

And it is the biggest collection of such badges

I have seen in many a moon.

Am I selling it to you?

I'm on board, actually. I can see the importance of them.

I paid £110 for this assemblage.

The truth of the matter is, that is

worth £50 to £100 of anyone's money.

These are worth £30 to £50 EACH.

-Wow.

-Well, girls, you got the lowdown there, haven't you?

You have got the prospect of a huge profit

if it works out in the auction today.

But right now, for the audience at home,

let's find out what our auctioneer thinks about Paul's collection.

Right, Anita. A little collection of those embroidered badges.

And this bit of dress uniform.

It looks absolutely fabulous.

I like, in particular, these wonderful badges,

which span late-19th, early-20th century. Rifle badges.

-So whoever won all those must have been a great shot.

-Exactly.

The big question, really, for you, Anita,

is how do you assess value on these objects?

Well, looking at both of them, I would say, estimate 80 to 120.

Paul Laidlaw paid £110 and has great expectations.

Now, moving on to the Blues.

Very straightforward is the kindergarten little chair.

That takes you back, doesn't it?

It certainly does. I think it will hit the nostalgia market.

Oak, it is perfectly well-made. It'll last for another 100 years.

-I think people will like it.

-Yeah?

-What is the estimate?

-25 to 40.

-Great. £18 paid, so that is perfect.

Moving on, then, is the stoneware chemist's crock.

Is that a crock for acid or mixing potions or what?

Well, Thomson, Skinner and Hamilton

were laboratory furnishers

in the late-19th, early-20th century.

And what makes this a terrific thing is the fact that we have the

address here. 38 Sauchiehall Street.

Sauchiehall Street was the most famous street -

and is the most famous street - in Glasgow.

I'm sure it has seen different uses throughout its life.

It could have been used for butter or various different things,

-but it is a great old thing.

-So, how much?

-80 to 120.

-OK, £70 paid.

Moving on, we have got the coopered measure up at the end.

-What do you make of that, Anita?

-I love coopered barrels.

I think they are absolutely marvellous.

I think of the, I would say,

artistry that was used in making these.

And I think possibly

it would have been used as a measure at one point.

-So what is your estimate on that?

-50 to 80.

-OK, fine. £73 paid.

-So that is in the frame.

-Right.

And, of course, they may need the bonus buy,

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

Well, girls, this is exciting.

It certainly is. £161 you spent. £139 went to the lovely Caroline.

-Caroline, I know you love to spend the lot, so what did you buy?

-I do.

I didn't spend a lot, but I spent it very wisely.

Woo! Woo-hoo!

OK, it's a hat.

It is a 19th-century smoking hat. Velvet, silk embroidery.

They were absolutely all the rage.

Mid to late-Victorian. Really! What are you laughing at?

-They really were.

-I believe you.

-And you know?

They're being made again for informal gentlemen's loungewear.

They are fantastic.

The original purpose was to protect

-the hair from the smell of tobacco smoke.

-Right.

How much did you pay for it?

-This little baby, I paid £10 for it.

-Excellent!

OK, I think that is a good buy at that.

Let's find out for the audience

at home what Anita Manning thinks about Caroline's smoking cap.

OK, Anita, that, I think, is absolutely gorgeous.

It is a great object. They were often called thinking caps.

I think it is the sort of thing that a guy would stick on his head

to get away from the party of ladies or whatever,

go in and have a good think.

-Would you wear one of those, Tim?

-Uh... Not in public, Anita.

Only if I needed a good think.

-THEY LAUGH

-Anyway, there we are.

So, lovely Caroline has paid a mere £10 note for it,

-which I think is terribly cheap. What is your estimate?

-30 to 50.

Yeah, well, there you go.

If there is any girl I know who will get us there, it is Anita.

So thank you very much, Anita. We will stand by our beds.

-100.

-GAVEL BANGS

-So, this is exciting, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Absolutely.

When was the last time you went to an auction, Kay?

-Well, it has been a couple of months at least.

-Has it?

Well, you've got withdrawal symptoms, girl.

Anyway, your first item coming up is the lamps.

Early 20th-century chrome ships lamps, perfect condition,

-can we see 300?

-We should do.

-200.

-Listen to her.

Start me at £100. £50, then.

50 bid. 50 bid. Any advance on 50?

With the gentleman at 50. 60. 70.

80. 90.

Any advance on 90 for the pair of lamps?

Any advance on £90? All done at £90? £90...

Well, the predictions didn't come

to pass. They wiped their face.

£90.

No profit, no loss - no pain, no shame.

Lot 75 is this wonderful

Bohemian glass bowl.

A quite beautiful little lot.

Start me at £20. £20.

20 bid. Any advance on 20?

It is from the 1930s and it is a beautiful little lot.

20. 30.

40. 50. 60.

70.

£70.

All done at £70? £70...

-Thank you, sir.

-You have made £38, just like that.

That and a wiped face, no shame.

Now, your pendant necklace.

You watch her make £120 on this and I will feel really stupid.

100. 80.

Start me at £50.

50 bid. 50 bid. 50 bid. 50.

60. 70. 80. 90.

-£90.

-I'm feeling stupid.

-100. 110.

-120.

-I am stupid.

-130. 140.

150. 150 with you, madam.

150. A woman has style over there.

At £150...

Any advance on 150? All done at 150?

150...

150.

That is £112, kids.

Plus 112.

Now, this means you are plus £150, just like that.

£150.

-Phenomenal?

-Excellent.

-Phenomenal?

-Are you pleased?

-Fabulous.

-Speechless.

Do you know, with the necklace, I kept thinking,

"I'm not happy about that necklace." I went around to all those shops...

I haven't been happy about that necklace,

but it just shows what we know about it, or what I know about it.

Anyway, what are you going to do?

There is £110 out there invested in that regimental lark.

-We have been arguing about this.

-What are you going to do?

-I want to stick cos we've got 150 profit.

-I want to go for it.

-I trust in Paul. What are we going to do?

-I don't know.

Well, this is the tough one, because you can't ask him

and you can't ask me.

-What have we got to lose?

-150.

Are you going to change your mind, Mum?

Kay wants to do it, let her do it.

This is such a lovely mother, I tell you.

She doesn't really want to do it, not in her heart of hearts,

but she is going to do it for her kid.

I love a punter, and here it comes.

I have bids on the books, ladies and gentlemen.

And I can start the bidding

at £200.

Yes! He's done it!

That boy has done it again!

He's done it!

Any advance on 200?

Any advance...? 220 on the net.

-240 on the floor.

-240?!

-I don't believe it!

-240. 250 on the net.

Look at this!

Hush up, kids, look!

260. On the floor at 260.

280 on the net. 280.

Bidding, sir? 290. 320.

350. The net is battling it out.

350 now?!

I am stunned!

-£350.

-This is the dogs, I tell you.

-400 on the net!

-400!

WIDESPREAD MURMURS AND GASPS

Dear, oh, dear, oh, dear!

Any advance on 400?

Ha-ha!

-Any advance on 400?

-400 smackers...

400...

-APPLAUSE

-Woo! A round of applause for Paul!

Hail to Paul! Hail to Paul!

That is plus £440.

Have you ever seen anything so phenomenal?

No! I'm really glad we did that!

I know, because we kept arguing about it.

You did. You really weren't going to do it.

-And how would you feel if £290 had not come your way?

-Not great.

My daughter wouldn't forgive me.

Kay, plus £440. Don't tell the Blues anything.

-I won't tell the Blues anything.

-No.

-Not a word.

-Not a word.

Just settle down, have a small gin and tonic

and we'll all get together in a minute.

So, kids, we are on the edge.

-Yep.

-You have not been to an auction before.

-I haven't.

This is your first.

Let us hope that that it's going to be your most successful.

Because here we go.

This is not a naughty stool, ladies and gentlemen.

It is a lovely little vintage child's wooden school chair.

It is in oak. It is beautifully made.

Can we say 50?

£50 for the wee school chair. 40.

Start me at £20.

20 bid. Any advance on 20?

Where are we? 30. 40.

50. 60.

Are you out, sir?

-Yeah. 60.

-£60?!

With the good-looking guy at £60.

Any advance on 60?

-You are both good looking.

-£60...

Any advance on £60? All done at £60?

Yes! That's brilliant. Plus £42.

That is £42 of profit.

Wow.

Now, here comes your crock.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a little piece of Glasgow's history.

And there we have the address - 38 Sauchiehall Street.

Probably the most famous street in the world!

LAUGHTER

Start me at £100.

£100.

-50, then.

-Uh-oh.

For Sauchiehall Street?!

50 bid.

50.

With you, madam, at £50.

Any advance on 50? 60. 70.

-80.

-Yes!

-£80.

-£80. Thank goodness, you are in profit.

Any advance on £80? Any advance on £80? £80...

Well done!

That's good. It's £10.

That's £10. That is two profits.

That means you are plus 52.

Nothing to be sniffed at, girls.

Now, your old barrel.

Now, this is a marvellous, marvellous item, an old item,

beautifully made, beautifully coopered,

and again, very functional for your plants or...

-Logs.

-Logs by your fire.

-Logs.

-Logs, sticks.

-Logs by the fire.

Start me at £50, ladies and gentlemen. 50. 50 bid.

-With you, sir, at 50. It is from the 1880s.

-She is really trying.

Start on the bottom. £50. 60.

70. 80.

-90.

-You're in profit.

-Yes! 90.

-Thank goodness for that.

-100.

-110.

-Yes!

-120.

130. 140.

140. Any advance on 140?

-140...

-That is brilliant.

-Absolutely brilliant piece of auctioneering.

-Absolutely.

Didn't she do well?

So that is plus 67. OK?

What you going to do with the old cap?

The smoker's cap. Do you fancy it for a £10 note?

-Yeah?

-We've got to go for it.

-Yeah.

-You are going to go?

-The most we can lose is a fiver.

-It is a no-brainer, isn't it?

-Absolutely.

-Let us see what happens. Stand by.

Great, great, wee item. Often called

a Victorian thinking cap.

Start me at £20.

£20.

20 bid. With you, sir, at 20.

30. 40. 50.

-£50!

-60. £60.

Such a wonder woman!

-70, fresh bidder. With you, sir, at 70.

-£70.

She paid £10.

700% profit!

Caroline Hawley.

That is £70.

That is plus £60.

Caroline, you are unbelievable.

You have a profit on all three items.

Our auction virgin here has done an amazing job.

Don't say a word to the Reds. And all will be revealed in a moment.

Who would think

we would be standing here together,

enveloped by this warm, gorgeous glow

these substantial profits

tumbling from both our teams!

Firstly, I can reveal that one team is entitled to join

the ancient and noble order of the golden gavellers,

because they have made a profit on three items.

And that team is...the Blues.

Well done, Blues.

-Take a golden gavel.

-Marvellous.

-Pin it on.

-Thank you so much.

Wear it with pride.

And you might think that as the winners of the golden gavel,

you are going away with the championship.

But unfortunately, not today. Because the victors are...

the Reds!

And congratulations, Reds.

You runners-up, you did incredibly well, though.

And you'll go home with £179.

But not good enough, I'm afraid, to beat the Reds,

who have £440 to go home with!

-It has been great, though, hasn't it?

-Fantastic.

Has it been fantastic? I think has.

It has been a near record-breaking show.

Anyway, what you at home need to do is to take a birds-eye

at our website and, of course, join us soon

-for some more bargain-hunting. Yes?

-ALL: Yes!