Oswestry 23 Bargain Hunt

Legend has it that this stronghold in Shropshire once protected

something very special, a mythical Christian relic

that is said to

hold tremendous power and has been searched for, for centuries.

So, was Whittington Castle, near Oswestry, home to the Holy Grail?

Well, we don't have time to investigate all that

lark, do we? No, we've got a fair to go to,

down the road in Oswestry, so let's go Bargain Hunting, yeah!

On Bargain Hunt, our teams seek their own Holy Grail,

the golden gavel.

But will our teams succeed in their quest?

Let's find out, let's check out what's coming up.

-The Reds seek a rare gizmo.

-I'd love to find a rhubarb forcer.

-A rhubarb forcer.

-Oh, yes.

-The Blues find time for a sit down.

-It's a rocking chair.

-THEY LAUGH

-I should have brought my knitting.

-And at the auction, both teams find a way to relax.

-Who needs a massage?

-£10.

-THEY LAUGH

-Yes!

-You're a genius.

-What fun, eh?

But before we dive into all that, let's meet today's Bargain Hunters.

Well, we've got some top teams on the show today.

For the Reds, we have a couple, Ray and Jenna.

And for the Blues, mother and daughter, Ruth and Sarah.

-Hello, everyone.

-Hello, Tim.

-Very nice to see you.

-Now, Ray, you were in the Navy.

-That's correct, Tim, I was.

-And you were also a hero.

-I wouldn't say that, Tim.

I was on a warship in Mobile, in Alabama.

Behind us was a Viking replica ship.

The gangplank to that ship collapsed into the water.

About seven or eight people fell into the water,

and I jumped off the back of my ship to try and help to pull them out.

-You fished them out.

-I did indeed, Tim.

-You are a hero indeed.

-Superman!

-You would do it, Tim, I'm sure.

-I'm sure I would.

With my water wings on. Anyway, you also like to get wet, too, don't you?

-I do, Tim. I've taken up surfing in my middle age.

-Oh, good for you.

-Got your own board?

-I'm afraid not. I hire them.

-Do you?

-Yes.

Do you stand up on them, or do you do them on your tummy?

-For a very short time I stand up, Tim.

-Yes, it is quite a business.

-Then I fall off.

-Now, Jenna, you like antiques, darling?

-I do.

-What do you know about them?

-Not a lot.

I just know what I like, what I don't like. I like Art Deco.

Do you? It was your love of antiques that brought you together, wasn't it?

Well, that's another reason for loving antiques.

Yes, indeed, that's how I met Ray.

When we were wandering around a fair one day and I kept bumping into him.

-Were you chasing the same pot?

-No, I don't think we were, no.

It was just wherever we looked, where I seemed to go, you were there.

-And we kept falling over each other.

-Was that deliberate, Ray? Be honest.

-I was stalking, Tim, I'm afraid.

-You were stalking?

-I'm afraid so.

So you went around all these stands, and wherever you saw a stall

that she was looking, you felt you had to go and pick up a plate.

-I'd hide behind the stall and jump out, Tim.

-Would you?

-Yes.

So who is the boss here today? Who is going to take charge of this shopping business?

You might think it would be me, Tim.

Jenna would let you think that, but when it comes down to

decision-making, almost certainly the last word is going to be Jenna.

-Is it?

-Mmm.

-OK. Are you hanging onto your money? Are you going to spend the lot?

-We're going to spend as much as we can, Tim.

-Are you? That is music to my ears.

-Good luck with that task.

-Thank you.

-Now, Ruth,

you are a religious education teacher.

I actually teach teachers how to teach religious education.

-I'm a teacher trainer.

-You're a teacher trainer, you are a teacher of the teachers.

-I am.

Brilliant. Now, you have to travel a bit.

When I'm not working, my other hobby is going on holiday.

And you get a bit misunderstood when you are on holiday, don't you?

-Usually by wild animals.

-Is it?

-It is.

-You don't get on with them?

They don't seem to get on with me.

So there was the occasion when I was in Barbados with my husband,

and he decided to take a video of me

being chased by a very angry mother monkey.

She dumped the baby, by the way, and she went to chase both of us,

but my husband, Brian, in his wisdom,

-decided he was going to head for safety behind glass.

-OK.

Closed the doors.

What does an angry she monkey get up to when she's ditched her baby,

can't find your husband, but can only spy you?

-Goes for the legs.

-Does she?

-Yes, she did.

-Did she? Did she bite you?

I ran a little bit too fast for her.

And I think she remembered the baby, so turned around and went back.

-But your husband has got all this on video?

-He has.

-Lovely.

-Must be a scream.

-I've tried to destroy it.

THEY LAUGH I bet.

Now, Sarah, we often ask people on Bargain Hunt what their

hobbies are, but that might be a bit difficult with you?

I was dreading you asking me this because I've got a short attention span, so I have lots of hobbies.

At the moment my favourites are Olympic weightlifting.

-If my mum was the size of a bar, I could lift her. I...

-Really?

-I mean, how many pounds can you left?

-Ten, 11st. I know it is 82 kilos.

Can you really? Gosh.

Another impulse thing, decided to walk the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

I started doing a bit of training for that about two years ago.

And it has just carried on.

-So you went out walking and came back as a weightlifter.

-Yes.

Well, this is an interesting one, isn't it?

Now, the other thing I'm really intrigued by is your hair.

What exactly... What's the shade of this?

Is it what I would call cantaloupe?

SHE LAUGHS

How do you describe your current colour?

I think the hairdresser, when he did it, called it peachy,

-but it changes every six weeks or so, my hair colour.

-Does it?

-Yes.

-Every six weeks you have a new colour?

-Yes.

-Something different.

You love living life on the edge, don't you, Sarah?

This is going to be such fun today. Now, for £300 apiece.

Here we go, there's the 300 smackers. £300.

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

And very, very, very good luck. I always did like a cantaloupe.

Ha! Fabulous teams require fantastic experts.

She'll think outside the box, Anita Manning joins the Reds.

And he'll be let loose on the Blues. It's Richard Madley.

-What do you want to buy?

-I'd love to find a vintage watch.

-Oh, right.

An old Rolex or something. Or a rhubarb forcer.

-A rhubarb forcer.

-Oh, yes.

-What is a rhubarb forcer?

-I believe it makes the rhubarb sweeter, is that correct?

-Yeah.

I'm a bit of a magpie, so anything shiny.

I want to spend as much as I can on one quality item

-and then maybe a little bit on some tat.

-Oh, love it!

Feeling the pressure?

Teams, your time starts now.

-WHISTLE BLOWS

-Shall we make a start here?

-I know the place just to start. Come with me.

-Excellent.

We've only just begun and we have a Bargain Hunt first.

-Anita Manning stumped.

-A rhubarb forcer.

We are looking for a rhubarb forcer.

How to you make a rhubarb forcer?

-I don't even know what a rhubarb forcer is.

-THEY LAUGH

Good luck, Anita. Meanwhile, around the corner,

the Blues are drawn to something more traditional.

-A little chest of drawers. It is lovely.

-STALLHOLDER:

-It is 250.

-It's 250?

-It's an apprentice piece.

-Is it?

It looks Victorian to me, from here.

They are often referred to as apprentice pieces, which is

a nice term. What have we got on top there? Burr walnut that top.

Satin with cross banding, a chest, two short, two long drawers.

250 for...

What does... I think it is very pretty.

I could imagine that in my little cottage.

Is there any chance for something a little bit cheaper maybe?

Normally I wouldn't let it go any less than that,

-but I will do 10%, but that would be my bottom line.

-225.

-RUTH:

-What do you think, Richard?

It's practical, it's well made, it tells a story.

-It's got a lot going for it.

-I'm getting a very warm feeling, Sarah.

-What about you?

-Yeah?

-I like it.

We haven't spent much time looking round.

Should we look at one more stall and come back

-if nothing springs out?

-Yes.

It is early days yet, but we know it is here.

Let's hope no-one else buys it while you have a nose elsewhere.

I notice Jenna has an eagle eye.

-I quite like the jug.

-Aha.

-Nice shape to it, I really like the shape of that.

But I also like the shelves at the bottom, Anita, they are nice.

Very nice.

I know that the jug is at £10, so I would imagine that is silver-plated.

-Will we have a wee look at the wee shells?

-Yeah.

-Yes, they've got hallmarks on them.

-All right, we've got an expert here.

We've got an expert.

Hello, I wonder if we could have a look at the wee shell.

-Are these wee salt dishes?

-They are salt cellars. Aren't they lovely?

-Go on, have a feel.

-These are pretty.

-RAY:

-They are hallmarked, you're right, Jenna.

-I do like those.

-They are lovely.

The dealer has dated them. They were made in Chester in 1907.

-They are Edwardian.

-What would they be used for, Anita?

They would be used for salt, and it may have been that they would

have had a blue liner in them at one point. For the salt.

And they sit on these three little round ball feet.

So that's quite pretty.

And they are the type of thing that could sit on a lady's dressing table.

And she could put her earrings or her rings, so they are still functional.

-What would be your absolute...

-STALLHOLDER:

-What is on them?

55 on them.

Probably do them at 45.

I still think you've got room for movement in there.

-JENNA:

-About 40?

-STALLHOLDER:

-We could do them for 40.

-JENNA:

-40. Right, well, I like them very much.

And if your darling likes them, you like them. Are we all happy?

-Yes, I really am.

-Shake that woman's hand.

-Thank you.

-STALLHOLDER:

-I hope you win.

-Thanks for your help.

-That's no problem.

You don't mess about, do you, Reds.

One item down in no time at all. That's excellent.

So, Anita's team are on the hunt for buy number two,

-while the Blues are playing catch up.

-Oh, you see these over here?

-If these were cheap.

-Cheap, yeah.

-They're a nice decorative.

-Really?

-They are fruit.

-Fruit, yes. Fruit boxes.

-Just for fruit boxes?

They are fruit boxes, all the way from South Africa,

by the looks of it. South African apples.

I could just see them in someone's kitchen or utility room,

-looking a bit rustic, just pile some things in.

-Yes.

-They have got that look about them.

-What's that, then?

-The battered box look?

-Here is the man himself. And the price is?

-Buy one, get one free.

-And get one with a hole thrown in.

THEY LAUGH

£5.

I can't... I can't knock £5.

I don't even want to say is that the best price you can do.

-Can we afford £5.

-We can afford

-£5. OK.

Do you think they will sell?

You're never going to go wrong at a fiver, are you?

I mean, an auctioneer has got to say, "Ladies and gentlemen,

"give me £5 to start," aren't they?

So, I'm sure we will get our money back on them.

Fingers crossed then, Ricardo.

For a fiver, you can't go wrong, and I like them.

-I think that we might make a profit.

-We are buying at this level...

-So that we can...

-..so that we can buy the one good lot that we've seen so far. Agreed?

-Agreed.

-Agreed. Agreed, agreed. Deal. Sold, sir.

Thank you very much indeed.

So, you've bought some boxes for a fiver,

but now you are after those drawers for 225.

From the ridiculous to the sublime, eh, Blues?

It is almost in the condition that it would have been, made in 1800 and...

-STALLHOLDER:

-About 1880.

-1880.

-There you go. Mid-Victorian.

-I love the wood,

and it's something you could use.

It meets what I wanted. It's small, it's wooden, it's old.

-STALLHOLDER:

-You don't find many of this sort of quality around, and those

people who do have them tend to hold on to them for a long, long time.

I think we've just got to have it, haven't we? It's... Agreed?

-Absolutely, yes.

-Then...it's sold!

Gosh, £225 on one item. I like it.

And so does our stallholder. Look at that.

THEY LAUGH

I say, steady on.

Didn't they do well?

They came out with a tactic to spend a lot of money on one lot,

-and they've done it.

-I'm happy with the items we've got.

-A little bit risky, but I don't mind that.

-It's a lot of wood.

I've got to say. And Sarah has had her way so far.

So, shiny it is.

So, we've had just under 20 minutes, which leaves the Blues with

plenty of time to find their third and final buy.

The Reds are still on the hunt for item number two.

One here. This caught my eye. It has that sort of songbird quality.

Listen, it is a very, very good choice.

And these things, they're 20th century, what we call vintage now.

And vintage is a very popular area.

The young kids are looking to the '50s, '60s, '70s.

I mean, I remember those times, you know.

But for these young ones, it is the olden days.

So it is a good choice there. And these things, really, are such fun.

This one, we have a sort of teak,

-and I would say that is plastic.

-Yeah, yeah.

How much is it?

The ticket price says 35 quid.

It is not a bank breaker, is it?

We can speak to the dealer just now, but it is up to yourself.

-It is a good choice.

-On the clock here, you've got 35 on the ticket.

I mean, obviously we're going to auction with it.

-What would be your absolute best price for it?

-I could do it for 25.

25. I think I'm looking at about 20, £20.

Yes, I could do 20. OK, then.

That's really fair of you. You've got a deal, I think.

-Are you happy with that, Jenna?

-I am, yes.

-You can't get better than that.

I think it is a good item.

I think you've sort of fallen in love with it yourself.

Yes, it caught my eye straightaway. Yeah, so I think...

Thank you. Thanks.

So, the vintage clock ticks all the boxes for Ray,

and with the deal done, we approach the halfway mark.

They are whizz kids. There's no mucking about.

If they see something they like, they go for it.

I think we'll look at a couple more expensive items.

-Maybe a bigger plateau.

-Go for broke.

-Yes, spend a lot.

-Yeah, definitely.

-Blow it all.

-SHE LAUGHS

So, there's no mystery as to what is coming up, then.

Our teams have just under half an hour to find their final items,

and what will they be?

What's fun about coming out to these antique fairs is that

occasionally you come across stuff that is a complete mystery.

What do you make of this little chap? It's made of bone.

Bovine bone, so it has come from the abattoir.

It's been engraved.

And it is actually inscribed with two names.

On the one side it says "Dawson", and on the other side it says "Ann".

The area inscribed with the names has, underneath it, a little scratched

design of an ear of corn,

and I think it was probably made between about

1820 and 1850.

Now on the end, we've got

a shaped brass plate that sits on a hinge, and if I give it a tweak,

the brass plate comes out and reveals a pricked end.

That pricky bit is complete, and at the other end,

I fancy, there was another pricky bit that's got snapped off.

And when I grip it with my thumb and forefinger,

that brass-pricked blade remains

absolutely firm and rigid.

So it's designed to be held in the hand.

It could have been used as a sewing accoutrement.

Is it used perhaps in the kitchen?

If you were incising some delicious pastry bake.

The answer is, who out there knows? And if they do know,

perhaps they would like to volunteer that information.

The second mystery object, though, I think is a little easier.

What we have here is a silver-plated object.

It opens like this, and inside is a spring.

Down at the opening end are a series of teeth that look pretty

vicious, but when I close the clip, it's a very gentle grip.

But for what purpose?

My theory is, that it is connected with the dining room.

And I just so happen to have with me a bowl

of delicious looking lettuce.

Now, in smart society, at the end of the 19th century, which is

when this thing was made, you would very gently and carefully

pick up the individual leaves elegantly and neatly from bowl

to plate, and satisfy the social etiquette

of dining at that period.

Isn't that fun?

The putative lettuce lifter could be yours for £20.

And the bone and ivory, what I'm going to call pastry scratcher,

would cost you £60.

And at that, I'd scratch your eyes out.

So there's no mystery as to what's coming up, then.

Our teams have just under half an hour to find their final items,

and what will they be?

-Hats, hats!

-Oh, do you love hats?

-Hats!

It is a rocking chair!

-I should have brought my knitting.

-THEY LAUGH

What does it feel like to be wandering around this fair

with two beautiful and glamorous women wearing fabulous hats?

-I feel like a Hollywood film star.

-ANITA LAUGHS

Now, I do like that. And you're going...

No, Sarah, it is plastic.

That's just me, yeah. It is old, I just like that.

"Rug making made easy."

I love rug making, it is one of my favourite hobbies.

THEY LAUGH

I think you're spinning us a yarn there, Jenna.

Meanwhile, what are the Blues after?

Well, let's hope it's not something eclectic, eh, Mr Madley?

That term eclectic, I keep hearing that. Eclectic.

To me that means totally unfocused

and I haven't got a clue what I want.

THEY LAUGH

Any other gripes while we're at it?

Decorative? That's an interesting term, decorative, isn't it?

That means useless!

LAUGHTER

Yes, absolutely, indeed!

What, like, sort of two wooden apple crates?

LAUGHTER

You may have a point there, but for now, let's get back to business.

You've got 20 minutes left, teams.

Aladdin's cave!

Grab some lamps.

And if I were you, I'd be wishing for lots and lots of profit at the auction.

Lots of nice things here, lots of interesting things.

You see that brooch there?

Is that a diamond check on it?

We could, we could enquire about the price.

The little bar brooch with the rubies and the diamonds.

That sounds pricey, and you've only got £70 left in the kitty.

And now a moment of reckoning.

WOMAN LAUGHS

The price has faded.

The price has faded. It's a term

that I've not heard in 38 years of auctioneering!

The price has faded.

Well, the price certainly hasn't faded on this 1930s Rolex, eh, Reg?

225. The trader will not have bought this cheaply. We can ask him.

Is there any movement on the Rolex?

Not a great deal, I'm afraid. 200's the best I can do.

It's just the name that sells it at the end of the day.

Sorry about that, darling. You were thinking along the right lines.

Don't waste time here, then, Reg.

Back to the blues, and what's the word on the brooch?

My very best price is 75.

SHE GASPS

Ah!

We have a chance, do we?

We've got £70.

So, I need one pound,

therefore you've got... £69 is the maximum you've got.

Aye-aye, the stallholder knows what's coming and

while we wait to see how low he can go, let's check in with the Reds.

Do you like Art Nouveau?

-Yeah, I love it.

-Anything you fancy?

Actually, there's that great statue at the back.

I quite like the style of it.

It has that sort of Art Nouveau, Art Deco decadence about it, you know?

You like a bit of decadence?

Oh, who doesn't? Who doesn't? You know what I mean?

This girl is outrageous. She is, she is a dancer.

Although this is in the style of Art Deco,

it's still quite an attractive piece.

-It could have been made in the '50s or 60s.

-What's the price on it?

It's 195, but I could do you deal on that.

That's what I like to hear! Talking of which...

At risk of not being able to feed the dog...

-Oh, poor old Buster.

-..69 would be OK.

Ah! I don't even want to think about that.

I want to shake your hand. I'll feed your dog for you!

LAUGHTER

-He'll have your hand off!

-THEY GUFFAW

Hang on, what exactly are you buying?

We've got a Victorian nine carat gold

diamond and ruby bar brooch, probably made about 1890.

We've got you your shiny thing, Mum, are you happy?

I'm quite relieved after all of the brown!

-It's lovely.

-Yeah, I'll shake your hand on that.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

I like to say thank you.

Bravo, Blues, that's your shop done and dusted.

Right, what do I buy for £1?

LAUGHTER

The £1 bonus buy challenge strikes again.

We'll need to have a think about this one, Richard.

Maybe a brew will help.

Ruth, Sarah, two teas.

And biscuits for Buster.

Cheers, Buster!

BUSTER BARKS

-ALL:

-Cheers!

So, while the Blues relax,

the Reds are still uhmming and ahhing over the statue.

Will it be item number three?

Now, when I look at the hands here, the detail is good and,

if we look at detail in the face, that's not too bad.

-It is heavy.

-Weighty, isn't it?

And that's what we're looking at. I think, if you like it...

-I do like it.

-..you should have a blast at it.

-You mentioned a deal, sir.

-Yes.

Well, it's normally 10%, but I could do 20% off, for you.

-I'll do it for 150.

-We really want to win, you see, that's the thing.

What about 135? Because we're lovely.

That's a very good reason!

I could do it for 145.

140?

Yes, that's fine.

Well, shake the man's hand.

-You're a gentleman, sir.

-I'll put a bow on it for you.

-Oh, please, yeah!

REFEREE'S WHISTLE

Time's up. Let's check out what the Red team bought, eh?

Our duo got off to a speedy start

and bought a pair of Edwardian shell salts, for £40.

Time will tell whether this vintage sunburst clock was a shrewd buy.

£20 paid.

And in third place, they got this cast figure for £140.

-Well, you were very excited there, well done.

-Thank you, Tim.

Brilliant. You spent £200?

-We did.

-Good, I'd like £100 of leftover lolly, please.

Thank you very much.

Now, Jenna, which is your favourite piece?

The statue. The statue, yeah.

And do you like that, Ray, as much?

I concur, Tim. The statue.

You do. Lovely.

Which piece is going to bring the biggest profit?

-I think the clock.

-Yeah, we both think the clock, yeah.

They're so agreeable with one another!

-Anita, what a dream team. £100.

-Absolutely wonderful.

Good. And what are you going to do with the 100, Anita?

Well, I spotted something that I really, really like

and this pair are such a stylish couple,

I'm hoping that you will love it as much as I do.

-No doubt.

-I'm sure we will.

OK. Well, anything you pick, Anita, I'm sure will be fine. And good luck with that.

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

They certainly couldn't say no

to the BOGOF deal on these wooden fruit crates.

They bought one for a fiver and the second was free.

They splashed the cash on this miniature chest of drawers,

parting with a whopping £225.

And finally, Ruth was fed up with wood, so she went for some sparkle.

The ruby and diamond brooch set them back £69.

You are terrific, you two, aren't you?

What did you spend in total?

We spent £299.

THEY LAUGH

-Yes! I'll have the one pound, please.

-There you go.

-Thank you, Ruthie.

OK, well, that's magnificent. Which is your favourite piece?

I like the apprentice drawers. I think they're really beautiful.

OK, and do you agree with that, Mum?

I do, but I prefer the brooch.

-Will it bring the biggest profit?

-I think so.

Yes? Do you agree with that?

I agree with her, actually. I think we got a bargain.

OK, well, this is a magnificent effort, Jimbob. I give you...

LAUGHTER

..with pleasure and pride, your one pound coin.

Don't spend it too quickly now, Son!

Well, thank you, Tim. A cup of tea is £1.50. I've checked.

Coffee is £2.

So, I can see myself just standing in the middle of the field, saying,

-"Has anybody got anything for a quid?"

-Yes.

-I'll see what I can do.

-All right.

Well, it is a challenge,

and I've no doubt you'll rise to it, Richard, and good luck.

But you better buck up,

because we are very shortly heading off to the auction in Whitchurch.

We're setting up camp at Trevanion & Dean

and our auctioneer is a familiar face. It's Christina Trevanion.

-Welcome.

-Thank you. Aren't we lucky?

As are Ray and Jenna,

because they're going to have an experience today.

Two shell form salts, tin, silver, but hallmarked locally. Yes.

Yes, Chester Hallmark which traditionally sells very well

with us here, because it's 20 miles away, so people do like it.

-Does it come with a box?

-No.

-Does it come with the spoons?

-No.

Oh, shucks. OK. Well, sweet little things,

originally would have had little salt spoons with them.

-What do you want, blood?!

-Well, if you wouldn't mind...!

THEY LAUGH

OK, how much?

-We'd put £30-£50 on that.

-Perfect, £40 paid.

-Oh, great.

-£20 apiece.

Next is the electric wall clock in the manner of the 1960s,

this kind of starburst thing.

-Do you like it?

-Do YOU like it?

Erm, well, it does hark to a moment that I'm very interested in,

which is the '60s, but it ain't '60s. It's...

A bit later, isn't it?

I love this slightly apologetic juxtaposition of ultra-modern

and funky, and Roman numerals.

Yes, I know. It is an unhappy mixture, really.

It is, sort of going, "I'm so sorry for being so sort of radical.

"I'll get some Roman numerals in there."

-But it is a little furnishing gem of its type.

-Yeah.

-And not expensive.

So, what might you get?

It's a nice example of its time, of what it is, we'd put £20-£30 on it.

Perfect, £20 paid. So you are in the peach position.

Next is Mr Chiparus's figure, not!

I worry about these things

because they come over in a container and there's loads of them about.

I just hope nobody gets fooled by them in 20, 30, 50 years' time.

No. There is absolutely no mistaking this.

This is after Demetre Chiparus.

There is nowhere near the quality you would expect of his work.

And also, the original of this bronze which is the Starfish Dancer,

she's actually standing with her arms crossed at the top, like this.

But she is a nice example of her type

and she's decorative, she's great.

I mean, the original went for, what was it, 144,000 euros?

Mm. With the bronze and ivory and all that stuff, yeah.

As you say, a different animal. How much?

We have put £80-£120 on her.

£140, they paid. So they paid in that kind of frame.

They haven't paid much for the first two items and if that bombs, they're

going to need their bonus buy, so let's go and have a look at it.

£200 spent, right?

Good sum of money. £100 to Anita.

What did you buy, Anita?

Oh, I say. That is stylish. Isn't it?

Bought this little Vesta case.

It's for holding a little match card,

but what I like about it is the decoration and the design of it.

It's from the early part of the 20th century,

and it has this Art Nouveau influence.

-It's a pretty looking object.

-I like it.

I like the Roman gentleman there, as well.

-And it's silver.

-It's silver, yes.

-We like silver, don't we?

-Yeah.

-Much did you pay for it, Anita?

-I paid £45.

-45?

-Yeah.

The thing with the book matchboxes is it's a bit untidy in your hand.

You know, Vesta, to go in your waist clip pocket.

And that's just a smart way of carrying that book match about,

-really.

-I do like it, a lot.

Anyway, think it through, because right now, the audience at home,

we're going to find out what the auctioneer thinks about it.

-There we go. Look at that.

-Yeah, sweet, isn't it?

-Very, very sweet.

-Sweet?!

We call it a little Vesta case. You would have had your book matches

in there, obviously, and you would have opened it up, tucked your

matches in and it would have hidden that sort of cardboard covering.

The design is interesting, isn't it?

Yes, hugely so. We have called it Secessionist style.

All these little banks of squares here instantly points that that sort

of Vienna secessionist movements of the late 19th, early 20th century.

And this typical sort of Roman warrior head here.

It has had a little repair to the little sort of clasp area there,

but nonetheless, sweet thing.

So how much?

We've put £30-£50 on it.

-OK, well, A Manning paid £45.

-Good.

And, being from Glasgow, of course,

she's passionate about any of that turn-of-the-century looking stuff.

-Absolutely, Glasgow School, yes.

-It might take off. Mightn't it?

-I hope so.

-We live in hope. Perfect.

That's the Reds done, and now for the Blues.

-We've got these two crates, which don't...

-Oh, are they in the sale?

Yes, they're in the sale. They're not going out to the skip!

-£2.50 each, they cost.

-Not bad, is it, really?

Not really. I mean, I think they've gone from shipping fruit

into some rather greasy industrial process,

because they've been in somebody's shed, haven't they?

They certainly have, yes. And they're not going to hold a lot,

to be perfectly honest, because there's very little base to them.

I have seen these used in people's kitchens as sort of rustic,

shabby chic-y type stuff,

so I'm hoping that we might find a home for them at maybe £20-£30.

Really?

-Gosh!

-£10 apiece?

OK, well, they only paid the £5, so that's good.

-Next is the miniature chest of drawers.

-Yes.

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

-I love this.

-Do you?

-Yes.

Pollard oak there, walnut carcass, boxwood stringing.

Beautiful little apprentice piece,

whittling away, practising his trade.

Learning the art of veneering.

Could be. So, what sort of estimate have you put on it?

Well, we've put an auctioneer's estimate of 80-120.

It's a come-on, isn't it, really?

It is, exactly. I think it's worth that any day of the week.

£225 the team paid, though. So they really did go strongly for it.

-Gosh, yes.

-And they went on and spent out extremely well,

by going with this Edwardian brooch.

The particular thing I like about this is the hidden symbolism in it.

Forget-me-nots, you've got a little locket,

you've got diamonds are forever,

you've got rubies for passion and love,

so there's all sorts of symbolism in here that we just don't get in jewellery these days.

And I think it's a really sweet little example.

Again, it's hallmarked for Chester, so a nice little local piece.

1903, typically Edwardian.

But you don't see girls, much, wearing old granny's jewellery,

like that much, do you?

No, but they should! I get terribly cross about this. People don't wear brooches enough.

And they should. I think it's lovely. But, no, you're right.

Brooches, sadly, aren't the best of presents.

Putting your commercial hat on,

it's not the most stylish thing to buy to turn into a profit, is it?

Well, it depends what they paid. What did they pay?

-They've paid north of £60. £69.

-Oh, gosh. Well, we've put £30-£50 on it.

That's what I mean. It's about half-price.

-Anyway, let's have a look at the bonus buy, eh?

-OK.

£299, which is brilliant.

£1 for poor Richard to go and find his bonus buy with,

so, big challenge there.

It was indeed. What does a man buy for a pound?

I found you something.

-Oh, wow!

-What is it?!

THEY LAUGH

-What is it?

-Yes!

-You tell me what you think it might be.

-Oh, yes, I like your...

-Am I on to something?

You are, with...I like your action.

-It's not a...

-Massage thing?

Massage thing.

They're very, very good.

I bought you a treen massager.

Oh, that's nice! That's worth £1!

Well, there you are. We're set up in business.

So there you are. I don't think we're going to go too far wrong, are we?

And is there any age to it?

THEY LAUGH

Get on the reserve!

You want a lot for your pound, don't you?!

It's got a bit of age to it.

At least a year!

Nobody knows. But we should be OK on it.

I think you did a good job for a pound.

Let's find out what the auctioneer thinks about Richard's purchase.

Now, CT, if you had a pound, and you were challenged with going

and finding a bonus buy, would you pick that up?

-Yeah, the man's a genius.

-Isn't it good for one pound?

I like that very much. And it really works.

-It really works.

-It's terribly relaxing.

-Ooh, my Lord!

-Aren't you relaxed now?

I think so. I wasn't tense before, but anyway...

So just tell me, how do you carve a piece of wood like that?

You bung it on a lathe, right?

-You spin it on a lathe and that makes the outer bit.

-Mm-hm.

-But then, how do you get the inner ball in there?

-Absolute magic!

There will be a turner somewhere

who will tell you how you do it on your lathe,

but for the lay person, it is a mystery.

-It is terribly cunning.

-Oh! Terribly cunning.

What might it bring, this little massager?

Well, we've put £15-£20 on it.

I'd give you that any day of the week. It really works.

-And I love it.

-It gets the Christina seal of approval.

CHRISTINA LAUGHS

You taking the sale today?

Yes, very much so.

Very good. We're in safe hands.

£100, 110, 120, at £130.

When was the last auction you went to, Jenna?

I've never been to one.

-Have you not?

-No.

-How about you, Raymondo?

-12 years ago, maybe.

-You're not a regular, then?

-Oh, goodness, we aren't, no.

Every 12 years!

Well, let's hope you get the 12-year itch today.

First up are the little salts.

Very, very lovely, and here they come.

Lot 135, we've got the pair of silver Edwardian shell salts,

Joseph and Richard Griffin, Chester 1907.

Bid me £20 for them?

For the salts. 20 is bid. 25, 30 online. Go five, sir?

-35 is bid on the front row. At £35.

-OK, you paid 40.

-More bidding online.

Go five, sir?

Oh, go on. One more!

-One more!

-Yeah!

It's only a fiver!

-What's a fiver between friends?

-Go on.

I've got £40 online. Go five.

Go on.

Gosh, she's trying very hard.

He won't be persuaded.

We'll call it a day at £40.

Really tried. £40 is a wiped face. Very nice.

-No shame.

-Good, good, good.

-Now, the sunburst clock.

136 is the Piko 136 is the 1960s sunburst wall clock,

Piko one, there it is.

Bid me £20, and 20 is bid straight away online, at £20. 25.

More than this, come on.

25, it's climbing. And 30 now, where's five?

At £30, I have...

£30, we're in profit, we're in profit.

£30 I have, against the wall. Online, I will sell at 30.

-Yes!

-£30. £30 is plus £10. Excellent. Well done.

Now, Starfish Dancer. The risky one.

We have a magnificent and very beautiful Starfish Dancer

after Demetre Chipa-rus, or Chipar-us,

after and I've got interest at 75, £85.

A bit more. It's not enough.

90 is bid online. 95 with the internet.

100 is bid online.

-Clears my book, at £100 at £100, 110 with you,

-110, bit more.

I need more, I need more.

I'm looking for 120, 120 is bid. 130, sir?

Go on. It's only money. 130, surely. Go on.

-Yay!

-At £130, selling to my room bidder at £130.

-Ah, gosh.

-Never mind.

£130. So it's minus £10. You were £10 up.

You only went £10 down, and now you've got nothing.

What are you going to do about the match case?

Are you going to go with that?

Yeah, absolutely right. Yeah, we trust Anita.

-We think it's beautiful. We love it.

-We're going with the bonus buy.

£45 it cost, the auctioneer's estimate is £30-£50, which is

right in the middle, so you've paid the price in the middle,

so it looks good to me. Here it comes.

The silver Vesta with the little

Secessionist view on the front there.

Early 20th-century, and interest here at 35, 40, five, here with me.

Bid's in line at £45. With me at 45.

Looking for 50 now. 50 is bid.

-55 here, sir. Go 60. 60 is bid.

-Well done, that woman.

£60, front-row bidder, then. At £60.

I can see you hovering online. 65 is bid.

-Look at that.

-Are you sure?

-Anita, you are fantastic.

If we're all done, then, selling to the internet at £65.

£65. That's +£20.

-And there you are. You are plus 20.

-Trust Anita every time.

Plus £20. Well, there you go.

-We loved it.

-You're all upset?

-I'm not upset. Emotional.

You have cherries on your feet and you buy old fruit boxes.

I mean, are you a couple of fruitcakes or what?

Those two fruit boxes, right,

I don't know what they had to do with South Africa

but they're £5 invested.

The auctioneer loved it. She thought they were shabby chic.

She could see them in a Shropshire kitchen and she's put £20-£30.

Oh, wow! Well done, Sarah!

Starting off, then, are the fruit boxes and here they come.

The two fruit boxes or crates with their labels showing there.

Quite magnificent, these. Bid me £20 for them.

£10 a crate, can't be bad. Bid me £20. Where's 20 for them?

No-one? 10, then.

Bid me 10, somebody. 10 is bid.

-10!

-Mad.

15, I have. 20, madam? 20 is bid.

They know style when they see them.

Internet bidder, where are you?

You've gone. It's at £20 in the room.

That's just amazing.

At £20.

-There we go.

-Good spot.

-£20. +15.

-Shall we stop now?

Lot 157, this much-admired little Edwardian miniature

chest of drawers. I'm going to have to start it above estimate.

I've got bids in line here and I have to start it at 140.

With me on commission at 140.

140!

-150, 160, 170.

-Keep going.

At £170. 180.

-Close.

-Are you sure?

-Not that close!

Looking for 190 now.

It's at £180. If you're all done...

No, don't be done.

-190.

-Yes!

I've got £200 here. Looking for 210.

At £200 here. If we're all done, with you, sir, at 200.

-That was better than...

-Listen, girls, you've done very well.

That's only -25.

Seriously, you were £15 up on those old boxes

which means now you're only -10.

-Now, here comes the brooch.

-158, now.

We've got this little Edwardian, ruby and diamond, nine-carat,

little yellow-gold brooch there. I've got £20 straightaway with me.

-Oh, shame.

-At 30, I have.

Clears my book at £30. 35. Thank you.

At £35 with you.

-Struggling a bit.

-It is.

-Where's 40 now? At £35 I have with the gentleman.

-Oh.

All done at £35.

Dear, oh, dear. That's -£34

and you were £10 down before which means you're -44

which is not as bad as it might have been.

-No, and Richard's going to wave his magic.

-Am I?

Am I going to massage some bids out of the crowd?

-So you're going with the bonus buy, then, for a pound?

-We have to.

Of course. And who wouldn't, frankly? Brilliant thing to find.

I can tell you now that the auctioneer's estimated £15-£20

-on the £1 buy.

-Very good.

-Well done.

That could get you partly out of trouble.

Lot 162 is the treen massager.

-And it works.

-And it works!

Who needs a massage? £10. £10.

Bid me five. £5. Five is bid. Thank you.

I'll take six if it helps with anyone.

Six, I've got a massage interest online. £6, I have.

Will you go seven, madam? Seven is bid. Thank you.

Looking for eight. At £7, I have in the room. At £7.

If you're all done, I will sell at £7.

£7 is +£6. It's a very good profit, I have to say.

-Which means you are -£38.

-Oh, dear.

-Yep. -38.

But, listen, it could be a winning score, -38.

Don't say a thing to the Reds and all will be revealed in a moment.

Thank you very much, girls.

It was quite a chasm between our teams today.

In fact, I can hardly believe

that we've been shopping in the same place

such is the difference between them

and the runners-up by a good old chalk today, I'm afraid,

are the Blues,

who have been such sports about all of this. -£38.

Best thing you did was going with your bonus buy. Well done, Richard.

Your treen massager for a pound. Made £6. How about that?

You sent out the right mess-age to our audience,

that it is possible to spend a pound and turn it into £6

so congratulations on that.

It started out so beautifully, didn't it, with those old crates?

-Oh, absolutely.

-Who could believe those rotten old boxes

made a profit of £15? That was so cool.

And then I'm afraid it didn't do so well.

Anyway, let's not dwell on it. Did you have a nice time, Ruth?

-Fantastic.

-Did you? Was it good for you, Sarah?

-It was lovely, yeah.

Thank you for keeping us so entertained.

But the victors today are absolutely F-A-B because they go home with £20.

20 whole smackers.

And what a rollercoaster it was, wasn't it?

You wiped your face, you made £10,

you lost £10, you wiped your face in the total

and along came Anita with her £20 profit.

Bless her on the silver Vesta case.

So it all came out stinking of roses.

-Thanks, Anita.

-Thanks to Anita.

-You guys were wonderful.

-Hail Anita.

Thank you very much. I hope you've enjoyed it, though.

-Marvellous. Marvellous.

-Well, we've loved having you on the show.

Now, what you have to do at home is to have a bird's eye at our website

and, of course, join us soon for some more bargain-hunting. Yes?

-ALL:

-Yes!