Builth Wells 4 Bargain Hunt

We've come to beautiful Builth Wells, in the heart of Powys.

So what are we here for? Well, to take a shufty round

the International Antiques Fair of Wales, over that bridge.

So, let's go Bargain Hunting! Yeah.

On a normal day,

you might come here to the Royal Welsh Showground to buy some sheep,

or sell a tractor.

But it is a different type of buying

and selling that we are going to do today.

Let's take a sneaky peak as to what's coming up.

On today's show, the Reds are being kept on a tight leash.

I know exactly where we are going with this one, Phil.

-Phil, don't be so silly. Phil.

-Oi!

The Blues are all at sea.

-I've no idea what you're looking at.

-Phil is feeling the pressure.

All I've had all afternoon is, "Oi, Phil, get on with it!"

Frightened me to death, I'm off.

But who will come out on top at the auction?

-It's all...

-All right.

-Oh, come on.

-Come on.

-Come on, come on.

That's all for later, but first let's meet today's teams.

For the Reds, we have a married couple, Phil and Alison.

And for the Blues, a recently engaged couple, Kelly and Alex.

-Hello, everyone.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Lovely to see you.

Now, Phil, how did you and Alison hook up?

-We met in a pub in Monmouth on Christmas Eve.

-Did you?

Quite a good Christmas present for you, then, wasn't it?

-Yes, I've never looked back.

-TIM LAUGHS

And what about your first date?

Yes, I still get the mickey taken out of me for this.

I decided, in my wisdom, to take Alison to one of my passions,

which is playing fruit machines and penny pushers.

So I took her to the amusement arcade.

Being a little bit scared, I thought I'd better take my friend as well.

-So there was three of us.

-He's lucky we made it to a second date.

Exactly right.

Well, you clearly got some winnings, and everything worked out all right.

So what do you do for a living, Alison?

We work together, we've worked together at home for the last 11 years.

We've got a promotional gift company that does calendars

and merchandising, and we've just...

I've gone back to my roots and set up a travel agency as well.

Oh, really?

Your calendar business, is this like those WI calendars...

-Some of them are.

-..take all their kit off.

-Yes, we do have some of those.

-A lot of rugby calendars.

-Oh, do you?

-Are you able to censor them, what people want to make...?

-We just laugh.

-Oh, you just laugh.

I mean, you can't censor them, they are paying you to publish them.

-And they like it.

-They do.

-You go, "Oh, that's not good."

You try and advise, shall I say?

Yes, wicked, isn't it?

-Now, do you know anything about antiques, you two?

-Very little.

We have very little experience.

Well, I think you will probably do very well on Bargain Hunt.

-We don't agree on anything.

-You don't agree on anything?

-No.

-We like totally different things.

-This is going to be fun.

Anyway, good luck.

-Right, now, you're recently engaged, Kelly.

-We are, yes.

-Congratulations on that.

-Thank you very much.

-So where did you meet?

We met at South Staffordshire College.

We were on an agriculture course.

-So farming is a huge part of your life, is it?

-Yes, definitely.

The farm originated from my great grandfather,

and it means a lot to me, not just as a home a and work style,

-but... all their blood, sweat and tears went into it.

-Yes.

-I hope to carry that on.

-Makes it pretty special.

-Yes.

-I want to pass it down...

-What sort of a farm is it?

It is a sheep and arable farm.

-Alex, what is it you like about being a farmer?

-Being a farmer...

Well, it's just being outside all the time.

I mean, you're with nature and you've got the fresh air,

-it keeps you going, really.

-So what do you like most?

Do you like the animals or do you like the machines?

Well, I like a bit of both. Mostly machinery.

I've got most of the toys and the models and everything.

Tell us about these toys, then.

I was five when my parents bought me my first model tractor,

and I've carried on since. And I've got about 105 in total.

-Have you really?

-Yes, and still collecting. I bought five last week.

Did you? Wow. What are you going to do, Kelly, about getting him

under control? This man of yours.

-I can't really say anything, because I love them.

-Do you?

-He buys me a few.

Well, there you are.

I think you're going to have a marriage made in heaven.

Absolutely marvellous.

So, what about antiques, though? Do you know anything about antiques between you?

Grandma collects Royal Crown Derby paperweights,

-and I've just started, but with sheep related things.

-OK.

So, basically, anything could happen with our £300,

because this is the £300 moment. There's your £300, Phil.

Thank you, Kelly.

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

and very, very, very good luck.

Well, two teams of novices.

Let's plough on and meet today's experts.

Trying to stay in tune for the Reds, it's Phil Serrell.

And for the Blues, it's the man in the mirror, Ben Cooper.

What do you have in mind today? What do you want to buy, do you think?

-Ideally, farming memorabilia.

-Have you got a plan?

-Not exactly, but we are keen to take your advice.

-Really?

It would be tractors as well, and then a couple of cows.

-Got to have some cows.

-I don't want to buy any china ornaments.

-No chintzy bits and bobs?

-No.

-You're not a knick-knack lady.

-No.

Watch out, teams! Your time starts now.

-BELL RINGS

-Let's head off and see what we can find. Come on, guys.

Come on, let's go.

You'll probably recognise some of the slightly more peculiar

farming implements more easily than I will. That's nice, isn't it?

-Do you like that?

-I like that.

-What would be the main use of that?

-Is it just storage?

-Well, that's an elm.

-Yeah.

-You can tell it is elm from the grain of the wood.

It's just a nice box. It is Georgian, 1810, 1820.

-And it...

-Shall I open it?

-No.

-Lordy, this could be interesting.

-It is quite nice.

Because they often used to put candle boxes in there.

Because the candle wax used to keep out moths from clothes.

-So that is like an ottoman, isn't it?

-Yes, yes.

I fear it might have woodworm.

Yeah, but it's OK, that. That at auction is going to make 120 to 180.

-What would be the best you could do on that, please?

-225.

-We are about £100 adrift, actually.

-Oh, dear.

-ALISON:

-What's that?

-You like this, do you?

-I do.

-Why do you like that?

Because it is interesting. And it is useful.

-Why is it useful?

-Well, it is a table.

-She's sharp, isn't she, Phil?

It is a table, yes. It's not an ornament.

-How much is that, please?

-125.

I think, at auction, that is going to make £60-£90,

which means we've got to try and buy it for 50, 60 quid if we can.

-Yeah.

-We haven't bought anything yet. Could we buy that for 50 quid?

-Oh!

-You don't want to take that home. Look at the weight of it.

I tell you what, he's got every sales trick in the book here.

-She said 75.

-75.

-I didn't hear a word then.

-75.

-What do you think?

Can we just keep looking for a moment?

-Could you keep it for us for about an hour?

-Yes.

Can't guarantee we'll have it. If we came back, would 65 be any good?

I think 75 it would have to be, I'm afraid.

-ALISON:

-We'll come back in an hour.

Move on then, Reds, there's plenty of ground to cover.

Now, the Blues said they wanted something agricultural.

-That's so cute.

-It is a child's toy, obviously.

Has it got any maker on it? There we go. That's a really good name. Tri-ang.

One of the top toy makers of the 20th century.

These were made in big numbers, as with all toys.

This one is made out of steel or iron.

We can see it is rusting through.

But actually it is in very good nick. What do you think?

-Really like it.

-Should we ask the gentleman how much he's got on it and see what we can get it for?

-Yes, hopefully.

-Right, so who is going to go do the asking?

-I'll go.

Whilst Kelly finds out the price,

the Reds are still deliberating over the marble table.

My bottom, bottom price would be 70.

-ALISON:

-Done.

-STALLHOLDER:

-Done?

-ALISON:

-Done.

-She'll have it.

Where did that come from? I know who the gaffer is in this

-relationship, let me tell you.

-Done.

Hang on, you said that without moving your lips then. What happened?

One minute we're going to have a walk around for an hour, the next we're buying it.

I like this lady, she's nice. And I like the table.

Alison certainly knows her own mind.

Do you know... Do you ever have that feeling in life

when you're totally superfluous?

-Yeah.

-THEY LAUGH

-Daily?

-Kind of, yes.

-OK. Right, let's...

She said, "Phil, we're having it."

So, has she been like this for a long time?

That's the first item for the Reds. Well done, chaps.

-So what are we going to look for now?

-Go on, Phil, you choose.

-Something different.

-Something different.

-Certainly not another table.

-Something collectable and something totally different.

-Not ornaments?

No, got to be useful still.

I think we know who the gaffer is in this relationship, don't we?

We certainly do. So, do the Blues have a price for the tractor?

Right, Kelly, what did the gent say?

-The dealer wanted 350, but the lowest he could do was 320.

-Oh, no.

Well, as we only have 300 quid, I think we are

going to have to look elsewhere, which is a pity. Right.

Let's see what else we can find. Let's head on.

So, a large price tag for the small tractor.

How are we doing for time, Ben?

So, we've only spent about ten minutes so far,

so we're not in any shortage of time yet.

It is quite good to manage to buy something every 20 minutes,

and that fits on our... Bleh!

-Our hour nicely.

-Put your teeth back in, Ben.

Do you like those?

-Do you know what I have learned, Phil? When she doesn't say much...

-It means no.

It means she is not really very impressed, isn't it?

-OK, I know my place.

-Look at that wooden sewing machine thing!

No, she hasn't said anything. No.

-I know exactly where we're going with this one.

-Let's have a look.

-Phil, don't be so silly.

-Don't.

-Phil!

-Phil! Oi!

-Listen.

-Sold, it is.

-I'm not married to her and I've learnt.

-Plenty of training for Mrs Serrell, eh, Phil?

-Anything round here?

-Is that an old shearing machine?

-An old...?

-Shearing machine there.

-There's a chair in there and it's just behind.

-You better show me.

I have no idea what you're looking at.

You can guarantee it is farming related.

I'm pretty sure it is.

-Let's have a look.

-It's missing the head, but... That.

Let's see on top.

There we go. A sheep shearing machine.

-You're right.

-Yes!

-Obviously this is your farming and sheepy heritage.

Right, now, I have to admit,

I have never, ever in my life owned,

sold, bought a shearing machine.

Is it complete?

-It is missing the head.

-It is missing just the head on it.

Yes, the shearing part.

Well, before we go any further, should we

ask the gentleman how much it is?

And then we can see, but I think this... I think it is good.

It is covering farming, it is covering quirk

and it's got a bit of rust. Have we got all the bits?

-STALLHOLDER:

-The other bits are...

-How much have you got on it?

-£65.

-65.

-65.

Do you reckon you can do any better on that for us?

-The best would be 50 on it.

-50.

I think so. Do you think so, Kelly?

-I do like it.

-I have no idea whether it is going to make a profit.

But I just think it is great. It is all there. I think.

-Yeah.

-Yeah? Great.

-I think so.

I'd shake your hand, but I've got a very rusty one.

-THEY LAUGH

-Thank you. Let's go.

That the first item for the Blues,

and they've shaved a bit off the price too. Well done.

-How about that fella?

-Oh, no.

Actually, Ali, I can just see where you're coming from now.

-Do you let him out much?

-Phil.

-Would you just stop calling him that,

-please?

-Don't touch!

-Frightens me to death, it does.

What about those sort of chess pieces?

Yeah, anyway, you were saying?

-See, he needs to be under lock and key.

-I feel for you, Phil.

But it's true what they say, opposites do attract.

So, is there anything else catching your eye?

-There are some feed scales over there.

-Let's have a look.

Well, it looks like it is all here, and we've got the bucket,

or whatever you call these things.

You're stretching all of my, you know, knowledge of these things.

I haven't actually got a farm, sadly.

Right, but we've got weights alongside.

And what do you reckon?

-You're still using them?

-Yes. They are useful and they are tidy.

They've got the weights with them.

And the one thing which it might mean is there's still

-an awful lot around.

-Yeah.

How much are on your scales?

-35.

-35.

-Really wanted about 20 or something.

-Is that your best price at all?

-STALLHOLDER:

-25 to you and that is it.

-25. 25. I think that is being very generous from the gent.

-Yes.

-Oh, yes.

-Should we go with that?

-Yes.

Well, it looks like we've got two down. Right, come on, guys. Lead the way.

Well done, Blues,

you've tipped the balance in your favour with 20 minutes on the clock.

Have the Reds also found something practical?

How much is the cupboard, please?

-115.

-115.

-Can you open the doors or not?

-One door is not opening.

-One door doesn't open.

Yes, I haven't got a key.

-Oh, I see. Yeah, OK.

-Do either of you like it?

I think it is something somebody would bid for.

I mean, if we could get that for...

-80.

-50.

I tell you what, he's obsessed with 50.

I can see why you do the negotiations now.

What's the real best you could do that for?

105, really.

We think it might auction for 100, so we would need to get it for less.

95, then. Just to get it under 100.

I think it is a fairly safe one that we could come back

and we'd be fairly happy with.

But leave it half an hour, let's have a look around, come back.

-Yeah.

-Could be risky to leave it.

Right, we're halfway through, so let's take a break from the

shopping, and could this find be just what the doctor ordered?

Life was so much better in the old days, people say.

Well, life might have been better in the old days,

IF you were in fine health. And if you weren't,

life could potentially be absolutely hellish.

A reminder of early medicines,

though, is contained in this little pot,

which I've discovered here in Builth Wells.

This is an incredibly crudely made piece of ceramic.

It is lead glazed and it's got a bit of script on it.

And the script tells the story.

It says, "Prepared only by Beach & Barnicott."

Don't you love the name

Beach & Barnicott? "Successors to the late Dr Roberts, Bridport."

Now, Dr Roberts was a celebrated doctor

and pharmacist from Bridport in Dorset.

He was in practice there from about 1770, 1780,

until 1834, which is when Beach & Barnicott took over his business.

Now, this pot is of a particular shape,

because inside it's to take a salve, or cream.

And because they didn't have screw tops, you had a piece

of grease-proof paper that went over the pot, and it's got that little lip.

So you put the grease-proof paper over the top

and then tied that round with a piece of string.

And the string wouldn't slip off because you've got that ridge

to stop it slipping.

And in this particular pot, Roberts had prepared one of his

special mixtures, which is called Poor Man's Friend.

And the price is one shilling, one-and-a-half old pennies,

which is about 6p in today's money.

This is an apothecary's pot with a bit of history.

And of course, there are collectors of apothecary's pots out there.

They love anything to do with early medicines,

and this one is a particularly fine example.

You can date the pots by the style and nature of the script.

If you look carefully, that D isn't solid blue, it is made up

of two thin, blue lines, with a gap in between called a hollow capital.

And the hollow capitals date to the early period,

so maybe around 1835-40,

which makes this pot particularly desirable.

What would it make in an apothecaries sale?

Probably between £200 and £300.

Look on the underside for the price in Builth Wells,

and it could be yours for £30.

Now, that's worthwhile getting into a rash about!

Back to the shopping and the Blues have two items in the bag.

A sheep shearing machine, ha! And some iron scales.

Meanwhile, the Reds have bought a marble table

and deliberated over a cupboard. So, Blues, what's next?

-They look the part.

-They do, they've been painted, haven't they?

Yes, they've been recently painted. Obviously it's all gone a bit...

But they certainly are original.

-Next thing we better do is ask how much they are...

-Yes.

..because they could well be way out of our budget.

-But... They are probably very, very heavy as well.

-Yes.

Excuse me, could you tell us how much you've got on these?

-Certainly, young man. They are 150 for the pair.

-150 for the pair?

-150 for the pair.

-That's actually not too bad.

I thought they were going to be sort of way out of our...

Would you knock a tenner off at all?

I could tease it a little bit for you, yes.

-Come down

-£10. 140.

-140.

-I think they are delightful.

-How are you feeling?

Didn't really want to spend overly...

-You're feeling they are a bit expensive at the moment?

-Yeah, for what we were looking for.

-What we'll do, we can bear them in mind...

-Yes, keep them for another time.

..and we might find ourselves going round. Then we can come back and see what we've got.

Keep rolling on then, Blues.

-I like that over there.

-So what have the Reds spotted?

I'm not sure what it actually is.

-It just caught my eye.

-How many people do you think will bid for that at auction, though?

-That's what you've got to think.

-Well, let's find out.

I can understand a certain charm with it

because I think that people who collect costume dress, you know,

19th-century Victorian sort of children's nightdresses,

all that sort of stuff. I can sort of see that having a value.

-How much is it, please?

-It's rock bottom depth would be 45.

-You really like it?

-I do. I do.

-We could be headless if we buy that...

Just have a look and see what else is just in this stall before...

What about these two candlesticks behind you, Ali?

-No!

-Oh...

-No. Put it down.

-Part silver.

You have to understand that you and I

are bit part cameo players in the Ali Bargain Hunt.

Are you saying she's got the brains and we've got the looks?

-Well, actually, I wasn't saying...

-THEY LAUGH

Now you come to mention it, I wasn't going to say that at all.

I was thinking she's properly got both of them.

-You and I are just here to mop up, really.

-Did he say 45, did he?

-Yes.

It is a difficult thing to value as well.

If it was a silver candlestick or a watch or something, you could almost...

You could almost really nail the price, couldn't you? But that...

And do you know what?

-That's the reason for buying it.

-Yeah.

-Because if you put it into auction,

-and you've got something that everybody can reckon the price of...

-Yeah.

Actually, you've just shot yourself completely in the foot, my friend.

-Come on, let's have it.

-We're having it.

-That's it.

That's it, decision made. Second item for the Reds.

-Now, what's next for our young farmers?

-Tractors.

-Tractor seats here.

-Oh!

-That's more like it, isn't it?

-Yes.

Now, with tractor seats, there are some which were produced

in massive numbers, particularly for the Fergusons and things like that. And they were also...

They go right back, much earlier on, on to steam wagons as well.

But they carried on producing, producing them.

And if we look down here, this is a really nice, decorative one.

There we go, Blackstone.

Blackstone & Co Ltd, from Stamford.

Not exactly the most comfortable one to have a nice crest there.

So, yes, you might have to sit a little side-saddle.

But it is a really good, decorative tractor seat.

Obviously it was painted. It was red at some point.

Do you have any idea of what kind of tractor this might have

-come off, then?

-I don't think it was off a tractor.

I've got a feeling it was off of a hay rake.

I've seen this over here, which would be the footstall for it.

-Its footplate for it?

-Yes. And it says on here, "Blackstone manual rake."

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

-Yes.

You know, I think what we could do,

we can certainly ask a best price on this one,

-see how friendly he can be for us.

-Yeah.

What do you reckon on that? And I think the others.

They are the normal sort of tractor seat, they're just all the different makes.

But this is something different. And it is very decorative.

You know, it will go into an auction right up in Shropshire.

-So it is, again, a rural part of the world.

-Yes.

-More their kind of county.

-Yes. Well, it is your county, isn't it?

-It is.

-There we go.

-Right, so let's ask the gent and see what he can do on that one.

-Righto.

Righto.

Well, the Blues seem inspired. How about the Reds?

-Have you seen anything else at all that you like?

-No.

Not that it matters, but I just thought I'd ask you,

-just for lip service, really.

-ALISON LAUGHS

The cupboard has got the lock broken.

-That doesn't matter!

-I don't think that will be a major problem.

If you had been around that long, your lock would be broken.

-Is he a born worrier?

-Yes.

-Worries about everything?

-Yes.

I said we'd never get round in an hour and buy three things.

You have actually done very well, then.

-We have done really well.

-Let's go have a look at the cupboard, then.

Well, you're not home and dry just yet.

You still need to buy your third item. Ten minutes left.

So, Blues, what's the price of the hay rake seat?

-I could do that for 60.

-60?

-Yes.

That's a good price.

-Because they are quite rare.

-Yeah. How do you feel then, guys?

-I think good, yes.

-What do you think, Kelly?

-Got about ten minutes to go,

and it will take us about that to get back to those wheels.

-So, what do you reckon?

-Yeah.

-Are you going to go for it?

-Are you going to shake the man's hand?

-Yes, I will.

-Thanks very much.

-Well done, Blues, that's your final item.

So we've bought all our three items. All suitably rusty, suitably farmy,

-suitably sheepy, suitably uncomfortable.

-Oh, yes.

-Are you happy?

-Oh, yes.

-You should be.

That's all three items in the old bag with ten minutes to spare.

So, Reds, it's over to you. Have you changed your mind?

This doesn't look much like a cupboard.

What's the first thing that sort of springs to mind about that?

-It has been recovered. Do you think?

-I think there's been a hole in the seat,

and someone has put that on there. I mean, it kind of works.

-Yeah.

-But that's all been replaced, that's what I think.

How much is it?

Has it got a price on? How much is that, please?

-STALLHOLDER:

-55 on it.

-ALISON:

-55.

-What about that over there?

-That fire screen? I wouldn't buy that.

-Do you know why I wouldn't buy that?

-Why?

-Peacock. Unlucky bird.

It is an unlucky bird.

The peacock feathers are meant to represent the Devil's eye.

Right. And if you have that in the house, brings you all sorts of bad luck.

Really? Oh, Lordy.

Let's go buy a cupboard.

The good news is, it's still there.

-Yeah.

-Which is a bit of a bonus, really.

Five minutes.

-Go speak to the man, then.

-OK.

-Yes, we've come back to the cupboard to buy our last item.

-OK.

We think it might raise £100 at auction, so the 95...

-Is there anything? Could I do 80 or...?

-No.

-Our last item.

I can go to £90 for you. That would be it, really.

-Go on 90, we are running out of time.

-£90.

-ALISON:

-Thank you.

-STALLHOLDER:

-Thank you very much.

-And that's mission accomplished.

-Hurray, we've got a cupboard.

-Hurray!

Well done, Reds.

TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

Right, that's it, time's up.

I think it went really well, because I bought...

We've bought three things that I would have in my house. Our house.

Let's remind ourselves what the Red team bought, eh?

First up, they laid out their stall and bought

this marble table for £70.

Next up is this modern mannequin dressed for success

in a Georgian jacket and breeches. £45 paid.

And finally, they closed the doors on their shopping with

this 19th-century cupboard and paid £90.

Well, talk about last-minute harries! That was something else, wasn't it?

It went to the wire, that's for sure.

So, tell me, which is your favourite piece?

My favourite is the outdoor table. Um...

Possibly made from an old sewing machine with a marble top.

-That's a good one.

-Yeah? Do you agree with that?

-No.

I like the tailor's dummy with the clothing on.

-OK. Is that going to bring the biggest profit?

-I reckon so, yes.

-You reckon?

-Yes.

-Do you agree with the wife?

-I think the little tailor's dummy is a gamble.

-Do you?

It is quite exciting.

Because that's the one that could either totally bomb,

-or it could, you know, could give us a few readies.

-Yeah.

How much did you spend in total?

-Two...

-205.

-205.

-205.

Please may have £95 of leftover lolly? Thank you very much.

£95, Philip, coming your way. Without more ado, really.

All I've had all afternoon is, "Oi, Phil, get on with it!"

-Frightened me to death, I'm off.

-And he's off!

Anyway, go and relax up with a nice cup of tea, because right now

we're going to check out what the Blue team bought, aren't we?

Our farmers got right down to business

and bought this 1920s sheep shearing machine

for £50. Handy.

Next, they weighed in with these scales

and used up £25 of their remaining balance.

And finally, will they have a bumper harvest with this hay rake seat?

£60 paid. Well, I never did!

Well, that looked like fun. Was it?

-It was absolutely brilliant.

-Good for you, Kelly?

-Yes, very good fun.

-Which is your favourite piece, darling?

-It's got to be the shearing machine.

-The shearing machine.

-Yes.

Can't take the farmer out of the girl, can you? What about you?

I have to agree with Kelly as well, I think

-that's quite a pretty decent machine.

-Yes, OK, for favourites.

-And is it going to bring the biggest profit?

-We hope so.

What else might bring the biggest profit,

-if it wasn't the shearing machine?

-The scales.

-I think the scales, yes.

-OK. And you spent how much?

-£135.

I would like £165 of leftover lolly, please. Thank you.

We'll trust you, we won't count it, we'll pass it straight over to Benbo.

-Thank you.

-What are you going to spend all that lot on, Ben?

Well, I think I might move away from rust

and find something which might even be wooden.

-Really?

-Yes,

-Might it be old? It will be old. Maybe antique.

-Yes.

Um, but I haven't decided yet what. So we will find out.

You are such a tease.

Anyway, good luck with whatever your quest and wherever it may take you.

But buck up, because shortly, we'll be heading off to Shrewsbury,

to the auction. Thank you very much.

Well, how lovely is this? Shrewsbury, Halls saleroom

and Jeremy Lamond. A great trio. How are you, J?

-Welcome, Tim, nice to see you.

-Very nice to see you, too.

First off is the Gothic revival cast-iron table,

which looks slightly like one of those Singer sewing machine

cast-iron treadle bases,

but yet, it's got a slab of marble.

And I bet you a quid this slab of marble

came off a washstand in about 1920, when washstands went out...

more or less at the same time as the cast-iron base was out of fashion.

-So somebody's just made up a garden table out of two elements, haven't they?

-Yes, indeed.

It'll look very good in somebody's conservatory or on their patio.

-What's it worth?

-Um, 40-60.

Great, £70 paid.

Next is the mannequin, which ain't very old.

Do you rate that at all?

Um, I'm sure that a collector of mannequins

would want the mannequin,

because it's a nice size for a mannequin.

You don't often get a child's mannequin.

No. OK, lovely.

Does that make it valuable?

-20-30.

-OK, £45 paid.

Next is the, well, so-called mural cabinet,

which is quite a pompous way of calling something a wall cupboard, isn't it, really?

Yes, it is, pretty much.

It looks like somebody's made it for their exam in woodworking.

It's just not quite old enough,

but it's a good-quality thing

-and it's decorative, isn't it?

-Yes.

Better than being plain.

Better than being plain, exactly right, Jeremy.

£90 was paid for it.

What's your best hope at the auction?

Well, we think 30-40, could make more...

-Right

-..if somebody fancies it.

OK, well, we're going to have to hope that they do fancy it,

otherwise the team's going to be in trouble.

And if they are in trouble, they'll need their bonus buy, so let's go and have a look at it.

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

-It is, yes.

Have you any idea what Philip Serrell has spent your £95 of leftover lolly on?

-No, not at all.

-No.

Philip. Show us your wares.

-Ah.

-What is it?

Well, it is a toddy ladle and what I love about it

is that that copies the shape of the silver ladle

of about, what, 1780, 1790.

A lot of people would call that treen,

because it's a small, wooden object, but I just love that.

-It's wood, is it?

-Yes, it's wood. I think it's probably sycamore, do you think, Tim?

Well, let's just see. How heavy is it?

-It's really light.

-It's really light.

It's going to be something really light like that.

Sycamore never flavours anything, does it?

Which was a favourite wood for turners who are doing something...

-It's going to handle food, really.

-How much did you pay for it?

The dealer was really, really kind. He let me have it for £22.

-How much?

-22 quid.

I can see that making £80-£120.

That's really nice.

I didn't realise... it doesn't look like wood when you first...

-Almost looks like Bakelite.

-It does.

I thought, "Oh, that's a bit naff." But it's really...

-And it's so light and delicate.

-Happy, kids?

-Yes, very.

You don't pick now, you pick later, if you've got any sense.

Ha!

Right now, though, let's find out whether the auctioneer loves it as much as we do.

Well, Jeremy, I think for that to survive intactus

is nothing short of a miracle.

Amazing, isn't it?

It's a beautiful little turned object

and I think collectors would want it.

Where do you find another in such good condition

and following so faithfully a metal example?

I'm intrigued by this.

You are not going to spill your soup, are you?

Well, it's so it goes over the edge of the punchbowl

-and doesn't slip into the punchbowl.

-That's it.

That's what so clever about it.

So what's a charming little naive thing like this worth?

Well, we put £15-£25 on it.

-£22 was paid by Phil...

-That's very good.

..which I think is quite a cunning price for something

that's just so brilliant.

Anyway, that's it for the Reds. Now for the Blues, Kelly and Alex.

Now, this couple are obsessed by all things agricultural.

-But a Number 9 Shearing Machine, Jeremy...

-Yeah.

-I guess you sell a few of these.

-Yes.

I mean, of course, this is a Cooper Stewart.

John Kerwin Stuart, the American from New Hampshire, designed them

and set up in 1896 the Cooper Stewart Sheep Shearing Company.

And this is one of his.

Do you "give a XXXX" for it?

Well, our estimates may be a bit woolly -

10-20.

£10-20, that is a woolly estimate, I tell you.

I think the team were fleeced here! £50 was paid.

Next is the Berry and Warmington Ltd cast-iron feed scales.

You wouldn't get much feed in those, would you?

No, you wouldn't, really. This is a...

a company...that was just up the road here in Liverpool,

1921-1950.

Looking at the base, which is pretty much late Art Deco,

-I would say this is late 1920s.

-OK.

-So what's your estimate?

-£10-£20.

They are a bit rusty and a bit rustic,

-but should go.

-OK, £25 was paid.

I think they'll probably be all right with that.

And then I think by far the most interesting object,

maverick object and really rather wonderful thing

is the... Either it's a tractor seat

or it's a farming implement seat...

-Well, a hay rake seat or...

-A drill.

..Number 1 Potato Digger seat or a tractor seat,

but by the famous Blackstone company

of Stamford in Lincolnshire.

I think these seats are more collectable than we might realise.

I think they are.

-Well, we will find out, won't we?

-We will in a minute.

-What's your estimate?

-20-30.

-OK, £60 paid.

I have a funny feeling that this seat could take off.

Well, I'm enthusiastic.

-Are you enthusiastic?

-Very much.

If it does take off, they won't need their bonus buy,

but they might do, so let's go and have a look at it.

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

-It is very exciting.

-Very exciting.

You spent £135. You gave Ben £165,

which is a fair old chunk, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-Enough to play with.

You can buy one or two lambs with £160, couldn't you?

Anyway, there we go. To the slaughter, then, Ben.

What did you spend it on?

Well, I wanted to continue with a country theme,

but go with something I know a little bit more about,

which is furniture, as opposed to rust!

-Oh-ho-ho!

-So...

..I actually bought a pair of these.

A pair of country chairs

and they cost a grand total of £30.

Oh, yes.

The reason why I bought them,

they are in fruitwood and, I think, possibly elm, as well.

And chairs like these,

when polished up, sell week in, week out for around about £150.

Now, obviously, there's a bit of work to do,

they need a little bit of polishing and just a bit of gluing,

but for the trade there's still plenty of movement

for them to be able to make a good profit.

So, hopefully, we can make a profit

-and it should all work out nicely.

-Do you like it, Kelly?

-You can see the potential in them, yeah. I like them.

-Oh, good.

-I'd want a big cushion for it.

-THEY LAUGH

OK, perfect.

You've got the opinion of your expert.

You don't pick now, you choose later if you want to.

But let's find out from the auctioneer whether he likes a pair of country chairs.

Well, there we go, J, two incredibly uncomfortable chairs.

Those solid seat chairs are, well, just uncomfortable, aren't they?

I think they are.

I think they are chairs

which are not trying to be a fashion statement.

I mean, if they were made in the 1940s, they would be utility,

but they were probably made in the 1810s

or '20s or '30s.

I mean, it's a fashion that didn't change very much, did it?

But will they make a profit on £30, do you think?

-10-20.

-£10-£20. £30 paid.

There could be a problem with that.

But on the other hand, the team may not go with the rustic chairs.

But I have a funny feeling, because they're rustic, they probably will.

-Ha! What fun. Anyway, thank you very much, J.

-You're welcome.

Thank you.

So, then, Jeremy, it's time to grab your gavel

-and take to the rostrum.

-80, £80?

How are you feeling, Alison?

-Excited.

-Are you?

-Yes.

-What about you, Tom?

-Terrified.

Complete contrary. Why are you so frightened, Phil?

-You're a big, strong man.

-I think we've spent too much money.

I don't know how it's going to go.

-You just don't know how it's going to go.

-That is true.

But there's no point in being frightened,

-because the missus is just excited, right?

-I am.

First up is the Gothic-style table with the marble top.

Here it comes.

The commission's here at £35.

At 35, 35.

At £35, at 35.

At £35, at 35.

-Anybody else? At £35.

-Come on!

40 at the back. 45?

At £45 now, at £45.

I'm selling at £45.

45. 5 off 50, that's minus £25.

OK, let's breathe deep and go with the mannequin.

..and blue breeches is lot 187.

Start me at £10 for it. 10?

Where's £10? £10.

A tenner.

£10. You're joking.

£10? Anybody have £10 for it?

Lot 187 at ten?

£10 is bid. At 10.

Who's got 15? At £10.

You're going to get it, sir, at £10, sadly.

At £10.

He's going to get it - it's a gift.

-£10 is minus £35.

-Shocking!

It's a shock, isn't it?

-The 19th-century mahogany...

-Come on, come on!

The 19th-century mahogany and marquetry mural cupboard, lot 188.

The bid is here at £30.

At 30, I'll take 5.

At 30? 35, 40.

£40 it is.

On commission. 5. Commission's out.

At £45, back of the room at 45.

50 where? At 45. 50? Yes.

-Go on!

-50 here. At £50. 5...

£55, back right, then, at £55.

Selling at 55.

£55. That is 5 short of 60, that's minus £35,

which takes it to a grand total of minus £95, all right.

Which is not too bad, is it?

-It's awful!

-It's awful.

All right, you said it, it's awful.

So what about the bonus buy? Are you going with this toddy ladle? It's a no-brainer, isn't it?

-Definitely.

-It'll make £100, this. Yes? £100.

-Beautiful.

If it makes £100, you're out of trouble. OK. Happy with that?

Yes, please!

The 19th-century treen toddy ladle, various commissions.

Here at £40.

At £40. At £40 it is. At 40, at £40.

-He's doubled his money.

-At 40.

45, 50. At £50, now. At 50.

At £50, anybody else at £50?

I'm selling it. At £50, we all finished then at £50?

-At £50.

-Well done, Philip. Thank you very much. Could have made more,

but it made its £50. Thank you very much.

So that's now reduces your losses to only £67,

thanks to P Serrell.

You could have a winning score. With minus 67! SHE LAUGHS

That's the way it works, right?

You could walk away as victors!

-Yay!

-Just don't say a word.

-No, we won't.

Don't say a word to the Blues.

You haven't been to an antiques sale before, Kelly?

-I've been to a couple, but a long time ago.

-Right.

-What, when you were really, really young?

-Yeah!

-What about you, Alex?

-This is my first one.

-Is it?

-So hopefully it will be a good memory.

-Yeah, well.

You're going to be exposed if not, aren't you?

-One to remember.

-Exactly.

Anyway, first up is the sheep shearing machine. Here it comes.

I'm bid £35.

At £35 for the sheep shearing machine.

£35. Who's got 40?

At £35, 35.

Better than the estimate.

At £35, then, selling, selling, 35.

£35 then.

We're over, that's good.

It's a loss, you're over the estimate, though.

It's minus £15. Here we go now.

209, the early 20th-century set

of Berry and Warmington Ltd of Liverpool cast-iron feed scales.

£15 bid.

At 15. 20, where?

At £15 it is.

At 15. 20 at the very back. 25 now.

30 at the back, commission's out.

£30. At £30, the bid is at the back of the room.

At £30.

-Did I tell you you'd make a profit?

-You did.

-Yes, I did.

£30 plus £5.

Now, this joker... Frankly, Alex, anything could happen.

Blackstone and Company cast-iron hay rake seat of openwork form...

£20.

Blackstone and Company seat, 20.

At the back of the room at 20.

Where's 5? 25.

30.

35.

£35 now.

At 35, I'll take 40 if you like.

At £35.

Last chance at 35.

They've got no bottom, these buyers.

£35. That's it, £35.

-Minus £35, well, I don't understand that about that seat.

-No.

Because, I tell you, on another day that could be worth a lot more money.

-Yes.

-So, bad luck, Alex, with that.

-Now, what are you going to do about these chairs? £30 worth.

-Definitely.

-Are you sure?

-Definitely.

-You're going to invest in them?

-Yes, definitely.

-Yeah, believe in Ben!

Let's cross our legs and hope for the best... And here they come.

£10, who's got £10 for them?

A tenner?

Ten down here at £10, quite right.

-15, if you like.

-No money, is it? Come on!

At £10.

Last opportunity to purchase them.

15, yes?

20, 25, 30...

Quite right, £30.

-Well done, Ben.

-£30.

-That's a bit of justice.

-£30.

Well done, Ben. Wiped its face, no shame in that.

OK, fine. Bad luck, though, kids.

No profit back from those, so, overall, you are minus £35,

which, I have to say, could be a winning score.

So, say nothing to the Reds, all right?

Well, it's no secret that each team hasn't done particularly well

and nobody's going home with any profits or any cash, sadly.

But the team that is trailing by a chunk today,

I'm afraid to say, are the Reds...

THEY GROAN

..with a total score of minus 67.

And even after Philip Serrell's brilliant bonus buy,

which gave you a profit of £28,

which only clawed back the £28,

it's not enough to take you to number one position, I'm afraid.

-But did you have a nice time, Ali?

-Brilliant.

-Good for you, Phil?

-Yes, it was superb, very exciting.

-We've loved having you on the show.

Thank you for joining us. But the victors today are agriculture!

EVERYONE LAUGHS

No, seriously, Kelly and Alex, well done. You've won by only losing £35.

-It wasn't too bad.

-It's not too bad at all! Minus £35 is your number.

Not quite such a good bonus buy,

but at least a bonus buy that wiped its face,

so well done for that, Big Ben.

-Have you had a good time?

-Fabulous.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

Anyway. It's been such fun.

Why don't you both look at our website

and join us in for some more Bargain Hunting, yes!

-ALL:

-YES!