Peterborough 9 Bargain Hunt

We're at the East of England Showground

and I'm in the driving seat today.

MUSIC: Water Music, Suite No.2 by Handel

Sir Henry Royce, the man behind this superb Rolls-Royce, was born

here in Peterborough. So, with that in mind, let's go Bargain Hunting.

Henry Royce formed a fantastic partnership with

Charles Stewart Rolls.

And that's what we need on Bargain Hunt, successful partnerships.

So, let's take a little sneaky peek

at the journey ahead.

On today's show, the old ones are the best for the Reds.

-I like the old one.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Probably because we're of similar age!

THEY LAUGH

And the Blues have expensive tastes.

-That is beautiful.

-A beautiful thing. Out of budget. Put it back.

-OK.

-Well done.

But just who will come out on top at the auction?

-Ooh! The excitement of it all.

-£35.

Equal! That's all for later.

Let's meet today's teams.

We've got four lovely ladies here today.

For the Reds, we have a mum and daughter team, Amelia and Rosie.

And for the Blues, we have two great friends, Amy and Rebecca.

-Hello, everyone.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-That was very bright, wasn't it?

Now, Amelia, you work in sales. Does that mean

you're going to be driving a hard bargain?

I do like a good haggle, so I'll certainly try

-my best to drive a hard bargain.

-Oh, do you?

-You love haggling?

-Oh, absolutely. Yeah.

-What sort of sales are you involved with?

-Software,

-for a software company that I work in.

-I don't understand software.

Let's move on. Now, you're a car freak, aren't you?

I love motorsports and cars, especially drifting.

You're sliding the back end of a car out, so, like you're

skidding it, but doing it in a controlled way.

Now, Rosie. You're a retired customer services rep, aren't you?

-I am.

-How long have you been retired?

-Or is it a secret?

-Two years. Two years.

-Two years!

And what you do you do with yourself now?

-I've taken up art classes.

-Have you? Watercolours? Oils?

I've tried acrylics oils, pastels, soft pastels.

Any good at antiques?

Well, I used to have a collection of nearly 150 teapots but...

-too much dusting, so they had to go!

-You kept your best ones, did you?

I have a 1760 blue and white from

-the Dutch royal house from 1760.

-How fantastic.

-I've still got that.

Well, the great thing about any collection, if you

are paring down a collection, the thing to remember is keep the best.

Get rid of the other bits and bobs and keep the best.

-Who's going to be in charge today? AMELIA:

-I'm always in charge.

-ROSIE:

-As I've said, I always do what I'm told.

Isn't that true with all mothers and daughters?

The daughter is always in charge. And what about tactics?

-Well, if we don't fall out, we might do well.

-Have you ever fallen out?

-Never.

-Daily!

And on that note, thank you very much indeed, Reds.

-Now, off to the Blues. We have great friends Amy and Rebecca.

-Hello.

-You're both police officers? Is that how you met?

-Yeah.

I joined the police force ten years ago

and Rebecca was already a police officer on the shift that I joined.

-Right.

-So, we became friends from there, really.

What's your specific role in the police force?

I work in neighbour policing, and Amy's a detective.

-You're a detective?

-I am, yeah.

-So you're quite intellectual, are you?

-I'd like to think so.

-Most of the time.

-Now, Rebecca.

When you're not on the beat, what do you like doing?

Well, most of my time is spent with my children, to be honest,

which I enjoy doing, and spending time with them,

-and taking them places.

-Marvellous.

Now, going on to the antiques. What do you like?

I like perfume, so I like the perfume bottles.

-Oh, do you?

-Yes. I do.

I've got 15 perfumes on the go at the moment,

and I'll probably keep about five of the bottles.

-15 perfumes on the go?

-I like to have a nice choice in the morning,

when I get up. What do I want to smell like? So...

Hang on. Hang on. Oh, I like today's.

What about you, Rebecca?

I don't know too much about antiques,

but I like a good nosy round the shops.

I don't live that far from Lovejoy country,

so there's lots of antiques round that way. So I like to have a look.

-I like jewellery, I like fashion.

-Lots of things?

-Yeah.

-Are you going to be "spend, spend, spend?"

-Yeah, definitely.

-She will.

I'm going to have to rein her in a little bit.

Is that the way it's going to work? So, who's going

-to be captain of the team?

-Probably Amy.

-Me.

-Who's going to be superintendent?

-Probably me.

-You?

Now, if you're going to go shopping, girls, what will you need?

-ALL:

-Money!

-Absolutely, and I've got it.

I've got 300 smackers for you, girls.

And superintendent, I have £300 for you.

Off you go.

Whoosh! Away! I think this looks like being an absolute belter!

So, all the teams need now are their experts.

Hoping to put the P into profit

for the Reds, it's Philip Serrell.

And she won't be lounging around for long.

It's Christina Trevanion for the Blues.

-So, what are we looking for? Amy?

-Something small and pretty, I think.

A perfume bottle, maybe.

-Right, because you're a bit of a perfume fan, aren't you?

-Yes.

For me, it's not anything specific.

I know what I like, so if something catches my eye that's a bit

-different...

-What do you like?

-I like military items, I like

-vintage items, clothing.

-Yep.

-So,

-what do you think? Jewellery, silverware. Something a bit quirky!

Girls after my own heart! I love it.

-Is there a plan?

-Well, we'll have to see what we like, I think.

Quirky, maybe, and a bit different.

Right, teams. Your time starts now...

BELL DINGS ..and they're off.

-Come on. Let's get going.

-Let's go!

let's see if we can find a modest Ferrari, or something.

Good luck with that.

'Ello, 'ello, 'ello. What have we here, then?

Oh, there's a little policeman!

Hey, this looks like a really quirky shop, doesn't it?

-And the police sign over there.

-Where's that?

-Just there.

Oh, yeah! Very appropriate.

A bit of a police sign going on.

So, what would that have gone on originally?

Maybe a fence, or something?

-VENDOR: Back of a motorbike.

-Back of a motorbike.

-A police motorbike?

-That's pretty cool though, isn't it?

The blue is very fitting.

Maybe we could take this off and make it a necklace.

-Would you wear that, Becks?

-It's a bit big for me.

I do like my big and chunky, but it's a bit on the big side.

You did say you wanted some jewellery.

-I'm coming up with some good stuff.

-I'm going to continue looking

-if that's all right.

-OK. fair enough.

A wise decision, I think, Blues.

Now, Reds, are you about to clean up with your first item?

-Do you mind me enquiring about these suitcases?

-Yeah?

-Do you know about them?

-They're not suitcases, more boxes, aren't they?

-Boxes.

-They are laundry cases, So, when people would

take their laundry to Wolverhampton,

that's how they would get it back.

Apparently, in 1890s, 1900s,

it was the biggest place that employed women in England.

-Oh, right. So there's a bit of history to it, really?

-That's right.

That's what they're most known for.

And are they coming as a package?

You could have them separate if you like.

-What are you talking about, price-wise?

-£35 each.

-Can I just say something to you?

-Go on, then.

If you look at those, the one at the front looks to me

-like it's quite cool, 1950s, early

-'60s. The other one's modern.

-The other one is 1980s. I like the old one.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Probably because we're of similar age.

Speak for yourself, please!

But I think that's a quite a cool thing, though.

-People like them for displays, decor.

-Can we have a look at this?

-Any holes in it, or bumps, or...

-You're welcome to have a look.

What's the very, very best on it? This is the painful bit.

I know, very, very painful. £30?

See, that was said as though it was a question, wasn't it?

-Not a statement.

-I was trying to be very polite.

Well, you'll probably say no to £20, will you?

-I will say no to £20, I'm afraid.

-Would you meet halfway, though?

-That's what I was going to say. £25?

-£25?

Have a look. Have a look,

and make sure you're actually happy with it before you agree on a price.

Right, let's just have a look. As I say, what we're looking at here

is a very expensive cardboard box.

-That's about what it is.

-Has it got any dates on it?

-1951.

-You were spot on!

-Yeah.

-Yeah, we'd like to take that, please.

-Yeah?

-25, is that all right?

-That's fine.

-Thank you, very much.

-Good luck with it.

-Thank you!

So, that's one box for the Reds

and it looks like the Blues have found a box of their own.

-Want to have a look at this? Christina?

-What's that, darling?

-Altrincham Police, 1936.

-Oh, wow. How appropriate.

I'm not entirely sure what it would have been used for.

Perhaps a notebook? And some...

I'm really surprised that you've just taken the cover...

I would have expected a hinged lid.

Really beautiful oak box, which possibly would have been...

I mean, there's still a card in there,

but I would have said it probably would have been a cigar box,

because it's obviously a presentation piece.

You've got this lovely shield on the front here,

which has been engraved.

Altrincham Police, 1936.

So, 1936, just coming towards

the end of the Art Deco period, and we can see that by its form,

if you look at that lovely chamfered top on there.

-Now, any moulding missing, if you have a good look around it?

-No.

-OK. How much is that?

-I've got £45 on it.

I think, really, if you want to make a profit on it, you want to be

-nudging it towards the £20 region.

-Would you take £20 for it?

-Definitely not.

-What's the best price you could do us?

The best price for me or the best price for you?

-The best price for us?

-The best price for you,

-probably £30.

-Meet us in the middle at £25.

-Could we just nudge you that £5 less?

-Ooh. The pain.

-You are pushing, but you have a deal.

-Thank you, very much.

-Have we just bought something?

-Yeah!

Well done, girls. Speedy Gonzales.

I'm going to have to watch you two, I can tell.

-Right, let's go.

-OK.

Speedy indeed. And for just £25.

Now, both teams have ticked a box, quite literally.

So, it's one apiece with just over ten minutes on the clock.

Well, Reds. What's next?

I think we should look for something

different, and this is certainly different.

-I'm not too sure I know what it is.

-I was about to say,

do you know what it is?

It's got Eton College here, 1927 football club.

All the players.

ECFC? EC...?

-Eton College?

-Eton, maybe?

-That would be nice, wouldn't it?

All those names.

Well, it's got the wall game over here, so it probably must be.

-It's worth a risk, maybe.

-So, if you buy this, what you do with it?

-Oh, yeah.

-Well, I think someone who's interested maybe has possibly

been to Eton, or has contacts, or whatever, might be interested.

What you don't want to be doing is buying a Dalton jug,

-that... Everybody can look up the price of a Dalton jug.

-Yeah.

I've never seen anything like this in my life before,

So, what's it worth? I haven't got a clue.

It could be cheap at £150. It could be cheap at £50.

It could be cheap at £300. I really, really don't know.

But I think it's such fun.

-How much is this, please?

-£150, sir.

What's the absolute finish on it?

It needs to clear £120. The best price.

-So, £120 is it.

-Absolutely.

-Can I ask you to do a favour for us?

Could you just hang onto it for us for about 35 minutes?

-Yeah, that's fine.

-Right. Let's go and have a think.

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

CHARLIE: I'd keep that one in mind, then, Reds. Now, Blues.

Are you BOBBIN' along nicely?

A sewing machine. Yeah.

It's slightly difficult thing to sell at auction,

to be perfectly honest.

And they don't tend to sell for a huge amount of money.

Having said that, that is probably the most beautiful case

-I've ever seen. And, darling, it's a Premier.

-Premier.

It's not just any old sewing machine, it's a Premier.

No, it's nice that you've got this mother of pearl inlay on here.

It's a lovely thing. How much have you got on your sewing machine?

£75 because it's quite unusual and the case

has been restored.

What would be your very best price on it, Johnny?

-To give me a small profit, £55.

-£55.

At auction you're probably looking at £30-£50.

-OK.

-OK.

-OK. What do you think?

-No, then.

-No?

-Yeah, it's no.

-Let's move on. Come on, girls.

Back on the beat, then, Blues.

But with nearly 30 minutes left,

you might need to turn on your blue lights.

So, Reds, what's the plan?

Now, then. Let's just take a bit of a rain check.

We've bought the first two.

That case, which I thought was really, really lovely. I liked that.

The "but" is, we've only got six minutes before that bloke

puts his Eton College thing back on his floor,

so, I think we need to decide, do we want that, or don't we?

-You like it, don't you?

-I like it.

It's that kill or cure thing.

I think it's a nice... I like it because you can't put a price on it.

You know, that could make £50.

It could make £200 and it could make anywhere between.

But I think it's a fun thing.

And I think the fact that you like it means to me that I'd buy it.

-And it's a bit different!

-Yeah.

-Maybe we should go for it, then.

Yeah, OK.

Go and seal the deal, then, Reds.

Hello? What has our detective sniffed out?

Oh, look! Perfume bottles!

-Now, who was the perfume fan?

-Me.

-Amy.

So, we've got some perfume bottles here and if we look at construction

of this, this is a moulded glass piece rather than

a cut glass piece,

so instantly it says to us that the

quality isn't as good as it could be. OK.

And the reason we can tell it's a moulded glass piece

is that we've actually got a seam line down there.

So that has been made in a mould, molten glass,

pressed together in a mould and then that's how it's been made. OK.

-All right.

-I don't like the look of it.

-No. I don't.

-OK. All right.

Let's move on.

And the Reds are back for the Eton display cabinet.

Hello.

-Thank you.

-You'll have that?

-Yeah, we'll have them.

-Thank you very much, indeed.

-Pleasure.

-We just bought them.

-Thank you. Yay!

-We'll be back later on.

-Right, on to the next now, then.

-Right on time.

Crumbs! No fuss with that buy. £120 for their second item.

-Maybe the Blues can smell a profit at this stall.

-Right.

-That's really nice.

-Heh. Look at this.

Oh, my goodness.

-AMY GASPS

-It's got the little stopper thing.

Yeah.

We've got a magic stopper. OK. So this,

even just not having a really close look at it,

the perfume bottle we were looking at before,

it's kind of the bicycle of the perfume bottle world.

-This is the Rolls-Royce.

-Is it?

This is the piece de resistance.

Look at this fabulous decoration. I'd say it's got to be Victorian.

And that cover there, engraved with a lily.

Language of flowers - Lily, I think, is for remembrance.

-Amy likes lilies. That's her favourite flower.

-Ah!

And solid silver again.

We've got these hallmarks on here. Nice thing.

What have we got on that?

-Ooh!

-What is it? What is it?

-Did you want to spend big or spend small?

-Spend small.

-What is it? Ooh.

-£160.

Ouch!

What would it make though? Do think it would make anything?

You pay for quality and quality always sells.

I mean, at auction I would put it at maybe £80-120.

It's a beautiful thing. But what do you think of it?

-I really like it.

-I really like it.

-What would be your

very, very best price on that beautiful scent bottle,

my darling?

Oh, she's looking cross.

No, it's the sun!

I'm bedazzled!

How about £110?

-Excellent!

-Because I was going to ask her.

-CHRISTINA MUTTERS

-OK!

Oh, Blues. You can haggle better than that!

Let's have a little chat about this, shall we?

That's why she's the expert, and I know nothing.

If we can try to nudge it under the £100,

I'd be a very happy bunny.

Is there any, any, any chance we could nudge it

under the hundred?

£98.

-£95.

-£95.

-Come on, £95.

-Brilliant. You're an angel.

Well done, Christina. Show them how it's done.

Perfume bottle got! Well done.

And that, honestly, is the nicest perfume bottle I've ever seen.

-Really?

-It is beautiful.

-Oh.

-Well done, girls.

-Yes!

-Right. Come on.

Let's go.

So, that's two in the bag with 20 minutes left on the clock.

Are you pleased, Christina?

It sort of started a bit hesitantly, and then suddenly, that was it.

Done. Decisive. And another one. Done. Decisive. And I love that.

That's great. It makes life a lot easier.

I thought we were going to be ditherers, but we're not.

-Phil, are you as optimistic?

-I think they've done really well.

Bought two bits early on. Decisive. Job's done.

Splendid. Now, it looks like the Blues have got their hands

on some silver.

-Now, that is rather splendid, isn't it?

-It is. I do like that.

That is beautiful.

Beautiful thing. Out of budget. Put it back.

Oh, lawks. You tell 'em, Christina.

-I've spotted this here.

-I saw that one, as well.

Is it a...?

What do you think that is?

Is that for the end of a necklace?

-Is it a pendant?

-Well, potentially, today.

So, how to open it, well, normally...

I'm going to give it to you.

Stop breaking the merchandise!

There we go. Well, this is interesting, isn't it?

Press that middle bit.

Oh, look at that.

What do you think that's for?

Clicking how many people go into a club?

Oh, Amy. You're so classy.

So, basically, when you were a Victorian lady or gentlemen,

you would carry around your sovereigns.

-So, like the plastic pound holders?

-Yes.

-Oh, of course.

So, obviously you'd put maybe three or four in there,

and as you spent them, which we are, liberally, it would

spring up, and then you'd close it up

so nobody could see how many coins you are carrying on you.

-Oh, OK.

-What's it got on it?

-It's got £110.

-OK, so £110.

-So at auction it would be maybe £30-£50.

-OK.

OK. So, if nothing floats your boat, what's our plan?

We've only got ten minutes left and I'm feeling a little bit antsy.

I know. I know.

I think, well, I haven't liked anything

as much as I like the sewing machine.

-Ah. OK. The one we saw at the start?

-With the box.

I love the box, as well, with it.

So, given that we've only got ten minutes, then let's go get it.

That's very unusual. The sewing machine's floating your boat.

I know. Totally unlike me.

I don't mend stuff and sew stuff, but I like it.

-OK. All right. Let's go. Let's hope it's still there.

-Yeah.

-Yes.

Off you go, then, Blues.

Now, Reds. You also need to bag your final item.

-Is that a post office bag?

-That's right.

And most people think they are doctor's bags.

-Gladstones, aren't they?

-That's right.

You can see this heavy lined leather interior. Nice and secure.

Nice and sturdy.

After all these years, to get that.

Is that about 1950s?

-It would be earlier than '50s.

-Yeah?

You can tell by the actual fittings and the construction.

-You could use it as a handbag, couldn't you?

-I could.

-I would, as well!

-How much is it, that's the key?

This wouldn't be out of the way at around about £75.

-It's the "about" bit, isn't it?

-Yes, yes. What would be your best price?

If we were talking about cash and giving me

-a little bit of profit, we'd be talking about 60.

-OK.

-About.

-It's that would "about".

-55 or 60?

-I was thinking 50.

-It's too near to what it cost me.

-55?

If it's going to help you,

and you're definitely going to get more than 55.

I'd love a pound for every time someone said that to me!

-You really like that, don't you?

-I really like it.

Really like it, but will we make any money?

I think it'll make between probably £30 and £60.

-That would be the top end.

-Yeah, but you like it, that's the issue.

-I do really like it.

-What I think you should do, hang onto it.

This gentleman has nice things on his stall.

Let's look at the rest of his stall. Hold on to it, don't let go.

Thanks very much.

I wouldn't wait too long, Reds, time's ticking on.

Come on, girls, let's go, we're running out of time.

So, Blues, put those blue lights on and sew up your final item.

-Ah, I see it. It's still there.

-Yes, it is.

-Hello.

-Back again.

You've had a good scout around

and obviously you've made a good decision.

-Well, not as yet.

-Would you take 40?

I can't do that, I'm afraid. I would be making a loss.

-Obviously, I do have a few overhead costs myself.

-Sure.

What would your very best price be, Johnny?

Well, it's going to be 50 because I paid the lady 45 for this, you see,

and that just gives me a little contribution towards my costs.

-I'm trying to help you out as much as I can.

-We appreciate that.

I think at 45, we stand a fighting chance

and then you don't have to lug it home with you.

And you've got space in the van to buy something else with that 45.

It's a very kind offer.

Very kind offer and I see where you're coming from

but I'm going to decline on that

because I have to be a bit more disciplined about my costs.

-Oh, my goodness.

-48?

-Well, I tell you what.

-Everybody loves a trier.

For your efforts and your sheer determination,

I'm going to say yes to 48.

Yay! Thank you.

A big improvement on your haggling skills, Blues. Job done.

Yes! Fantastic, well done.

Reds, you need one more item.

Right, we've got about three minutes left

and we've spent £145 on two items.

What are your thoughts?

I've just seen that gramophone there and the gentleman on the stall

says it's £150 and is in working order, but he is open to offers.

It's your decision.

Time is ticking!

I think we should probably go with the bag

and then you've got some left-over dosh to find something nice.

£200 you spent, three items.

The thing is, I think we bought three items all of us like,

-haven't we?

-I think so, yeah.

-We're happy.

-Off you go.

-OK, brilliant.

Did you ever think that you'd come out and buy a box,

-a perfume bottle and a sewing machine?

-No!

-The Blues can celebrate as they've finished.

-Let's go.

The Reds are also about to finish, if that bag hasn't been sold.

-It's still here.

-Phew!

Thank you very much.

I hope you do very well. KLAXON

Right, team, the race is over.

Your time is up.

I think you've done really, really well

and just by the skin of your teeth.

-Oh, thank God for that.

-Let's go.

-Come on then. Thank you.

-Bye.

Let's check out what the Red team have bought.

First up at £25,

will the Reds be hung out to dry with this laundry box?

Next up, will they have something to show with this display cabinet?

£120 paid.

Finally, will this £55 GPO bag deliver a first-class profit?

-How was it, girls?

-Interesting.

-Interesting? Wasn't it awesome?

That's the sort of answer I want. So, what's your favourite lot?

I really like the Post Office bag we got. I really liked that.

-You really like that?

-Yeah, I'd take it home if I could and use it.

Wonderful. It won't make you much more profit, will it?

What's going to make the biggest profit?

I think the laundry box we got is going to make the biggest profit.

Excellent.

-So, mum, what's your favourite lot?

-A difficult choice.

We bought this rather large thing.

I think it's got Eton memorabilia or...

-How much did you spend, girls?

-£200.

-So you've got £100 for Uncle Phil?

-We have.

-Hand it over.

Philip, you lucky chap. What are you going to spend it on?

Looking at those, Charlie,

I'm going to try and find some blue suede dancing shoes!

Well, on that note, let's go and find out what the Blue team bought.

Our girls in Blue hit the beat and paid £25 for this police box.

Next, they followed the scent

and sniffed out this perfume bottle for £95.

Finally, their shop was all stitched up with this sewing machine at £48.

Well, well, well, you were so focused, you two.

Discipline of the police force, I suppose.

Now, what's your favourite lot?

-The police box.

-The police box. I would expect that.

-Yeah.

-What was your favourite?

-I think I'm going to go with my perfume bottle.

-What's going to make the biggest profit?

-I think the box.

You think the box?

I was pointing because I was going to say the perfume bottle.

So, perfume bottle and the box. What's their best buy?

-Ah, the perfume bottle.

-Without a shadow of a doubt?

By a country mile. I mean, we did pay quite a lot for it

-but it is the piece de resistance.

-Oh, how wonderful.

-Well, how much did you spend?

-168.

-So, you've got for me 132.

-I have.

-Come on, let's have it.

-There you go.

That's far more than most people would risk with Christina.

There you go, my dear. What are you going to do with it?

We didn't really tick any sparkly boxes, did we?

Which is what you wanted, girls,

and I think that gives me quite a lot... Look at that!

-That is far too much for a girl like you.

-I'm a bit over-excited!

Now, we're off to somewhere rather special.

Today I've come to Blakesley Hall,

built in 1590, which makes it one of the oldest buildings in Birmingham.

It was constructed with darkened timber and wattle and daub infill.

It was then rendered in lime and painted white.

The man that built this house

on former farmland in the Birmingham suburb of Yardley

was Richard Smallbrook.

He was a wealthy merchant

and this is a statement of his new-found wealth.

Now a museum,

the house forms part of the urban sprawl of England's second city.

There's a fascinating history

and I've come to meet Steve Spencer to find out more.

What a wonderful building!

So, what was the house like when it was first built?

It was modern and fashionable.

It was at a time when English domestic architecture

was moving away from the medieval style

and the central fireplace and one big room.

What specific external features have we got here?

Well, you have a lot of use of oak.

The more oak you used in a building, was a sign of your wealth.

Richard Smallbrook was very much showing off.

He was the nouveau riche of Tudor England, if you like.

The new money.

And the chimneys, brick chimneys? A statement of wealth?

A statement of wealth. Brick was very expensive.

They were just starting to use brick in the design of these homes.

-Well, here I am, a merchant and look what I've done.

-Exactly.

-Perhaps we could go inside?

-Yes.

The Smallbrooks lived here until 1686.

After that, the building passed into the hands

of another local family who rented the adjoining land

to a succession of farmers.

The house and farm fell into disrepair

but the house was renovated in 1899 and then bought at auction

by Thomas Merry, a Birmingham paint and varnish manufacturer.

When he died in 1932, the house was put up for auction again

and in 1935, the house became a museum.

What a magnificent table! Is this original to the house?

Not original to 1590.

This table dates to around 1630, which is the time the house

was occupied by the granddaughter of Richard Smallbrook, Barbara,

and her second husband, Aylmer Folliott and their 12 children.

There was huge attention to detail with regard to the

outside of the house and the opulence of it all.

Is there the same sort of attention to detail inside?

Very much so. We have very high ceilings in this room

and throughout the ground floor. We have plastered ceilings.

In a farmhouse, the ceilings would be lower,

you'd see the floorboards above.

We have chamfered beams as well.

And also, we have a long gallery on the first floor, which again,

is very unusual for a house of this style.

The long gallery is somewhere where they would entertain.

They would hang paintings and they would even exercise and dance.

Steve, thank you so much for all that history.

Absolutely fascinating.

Well, this house and its contents have been auctioned many times

over the years.

What I want to know is,

how are our teams going to get on at the auction today?

We've come to the lovely cathedral city of Lichfield

and who do we find here? None other than Richard Winterton. Richard.

Charlie, delighted to have you here.

Now, we're going to kick off with the laundry box

here from the Wolverhampton Steam Laundry Limited.

-What do you think of it?

-It's a decorative piece, I suppose.

We're not far away from Northampton so we have half a chance.

So, what do you think the box is worth?

Well, we haven't actually put a guide on it,

which means we think it's under a £10 note.

Yeah, they didn't pay a lot.

-They paid £25 for it, so this might get there?

-Yes, it'll be close.

Now, the next lot is a screen of various Etonian College

library rules but the one thing I have noticed about this,

there are some good games on there.

There are, Charlie, but I think it's one of those,

the market will decide.

I just don't... It's very difficult to place.

I do notice that there's a Douglas Hume on there.

Probably the father or uncle of the Prime Minister.

It gives it a certain cachet, doesn't it?

But you haven't put an estimate on it?

We haven't. Will we get £30 or £40?

I don't know, Charlie. I don't know.

Well, I hope you get to £30 or £40, because it cost them 120.

-Ouch?

-I think it is.

Unless we have two Etonians wanting it and away it goes.

It's one of those unknown items

that the internet will help along, we hope.

Now we come to a more standard object really, the Gladstone bag.

It's got GPO on it. Was it a Post Office doctor, do you think?

Could well be.

Imagine what you like to try and get as much money as we can.

It's an interesting item. It's quite badly worn.

-What estimate have you put on it?

-We think it's under a £10 note.

Cost?

-55!

-Yeah.

Again, it's how much towards that to limit the damage, I think.

The Red team are going to need you like you've never auctioned before!

-We will try.

-I'm sure you will.

Now, it's just possible that they will need their bonus buy.

In fact, it's likely to be inevitable.

Let's see what Philip has bought.

-Well, girls, somehow, you managed to spend £200, didn't you?

-We did.

Not sure about the items, but we definitely did.

Anyway, this gave the great man £100. What have you done?

I wanted to be colour-coded.

-Oh, wow! What's that?

-It's a...

-What?

-It looks like a coal scuttle, or something.

-A leather fire bucket.

-Oh, OK.

-Right. And it cost me £50.

And I just love it. New handle. Have a look.

-Would that be from the fire station, or someone's house?

-Country house.

Oh, right.

When do you think it was made, or...

Probably the back end of the 18th century, I would think.

These used to be really popular.

They've fallen a little bit out of favour

-but they used to be £200-£300.

-What do you think it will make?

-I think, if we have a half decent day, it's £50-£80.

-OK.

-But it's just a nice thing.

-We think it's fine.

What does the auctioneer think about it?

Well, Philip has made a shrewd investment. By Philip's standards.

And there is the bonus buy. What do you think?

I can't see the word "fire" on it, which is a slight concern.

But it's a good object that will just sit in a conservatory, outside.

-It's commercial.

-It would make a fun wastepaper bin. Wouldn't it?

-Correct. That's perfect.

-Really, a talking point.

If you were chucking your bits of paper into there. Philip paid £50.

We've gone 20-30. If it's going to make them any profit, not sure.

Yeah. Well, that's it for the Red team

and now let's have a look at what the Blues have bought.

The first lot is an oak stationery box.

Now, there's a bit of history here.

-Because Amy and Rebecca are both policewomen.

-OK.

And, if you look at the top, it says Altrincham Police.

-Mmm.

-What do you think?

-I love it, as an object.

I like this sort of thing. I like usable things.

I love the oak side of it.

Sitting on your desk, put your pens and pencils...

I just love that sort of thing. OK, it's a great piece.

I don't think the police sign on the top

will give it any lift to the price.

I think, as an object, it's great.

-We've gone 20 to 30.

-Splendid. £25 paid. We are OK on that one.

-Might make a profit.

-No, it's good. It's good. Nice object.

-Looking good for the Blues.

-Yeah.

Now, whether it will look quite so good after the next lot...

We've got a silver-topped perfume bottle here.

What do you think of that?

Different. For perfume collectors, it might mean a bit more than me.

Because it's different and it's slightly ugly it might...

The top is a strange-looking thing.

We've only put 20 to 30 on it

because that's what they usually come to.

Yeah. I think you're usually a pretty generous man.

-I think here, you've been a little bit tough.

-Do you think?

-I do.

-OK. £40.

-I'm liking 40 or 50, really,

-but it's nothing like the £95 paid.

-Oh, Charlie, oh, dear.

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

-It is for that one.

Let's move on to a sewing machine.

We like a sewing machine that's got a bit about it.

This is quite a standard sort of thing that you would see.

-I know it's got a lot of age.

-100 years old.

Yes, it's a bit of history.

But that doesn't help with the money.

You know, we've gone 20-25. That's what they usually make.

They have paid £48. For a sewing machine like this.

So, I've got a feeling they might need their bonus buy.

-Well, girls, exciting shopping?

-Definitely.

-Marvellous.

-And you spent £168.

-We did.

That left young Christina with £132.

Rather too much, I would have thought.

-What did you do with it, Christina?

-Well, darling, old habits die hard.

-A ring!

-Wow!

-I like that.

It is a silver-gilt, it's not platinum, or gold,

dress ring, which is in the belle epoque style. French style.

Early 20th century. Late 19th century.

Set with, obviously, three stones, within the stone set surround.

-There we go. Have a little look.

-Lovely. Very sparkly.

-I like the shape of it.

-Yeah.

-That's fabulous.

-It's not diamonds.

It's not diamonds. No. And that was reflected in the price that I paid.

-How much did you pay?

-What do you think I paid for it?

-Ooh. £132?

-I don't know, to be honest. I really wouldn't.

-I spent £25 on it.

-Yes. That's good.

-I would hope it would fetch, maybe, £50-£70.

It's quite effective.

You don't have to make up your minds now.

You've got plenty of time to think about that.

Meanwhile, let's see what the auctioneer thinks about the ring.

Well, here we have the bonus buy.

And, I have to say, if you don't know anything about diamonds,

what a lot!

I like this lot, you know.

To the purist out there, you know, they'll think,

"Nah! It's a bit of old tat."

But it's got the look. You know, just because they're not diamonds

and it's not gold, I think, is irrelevant.

I think that's one of the best costume jewellery pieces

I've seen for a long time. We've got 30 to 40 on it. And it'll make that.

Christina only paid £25. I mean, I could see that really taking off.

-It's got that look.

-Charlie, I think it's a great object.

I really, really do think it's a great object.

-Will you be taking the auction today, Richard?

-I will be, yes.

Splendid. We'll be in very good hands, then.

I'm getting quite excited about this.

15 bid. 20. 30. 35.

-Are you excited, girls?

-Absolutely.

-We can't wait.

-You can't wait.

-Have you ever been to an auction before?

-Not like this.

-I have. Not this one. Car auctions, but not ones like this.

-Car auction?

-This is nothing like a car auction, is it, Philip?

-Not at all, Charles.

-Not at all.

-OK, girls, here comes the laundry box.

Laundry box there.

Wolverhampton Steam Laundry Ltd.

Nothing on my book to start us. Where are we going to be?

Tense moment.

£8, I'm bid. £8, I'm bid.

15, I'm bid, internet.

-£15, the internet.

-Internet!

-It's the internet!

-£20, internet.

-Come on, come on!

-Ooh! the excitement of it all.

£20. The internet at £20.

Anyone from Wolverhampton in the room? Come on!

£20! All finished.

Sold at £20.

-Well...

-You've only lost a fiver.

It could be a lot worse. That's less than the cost of cleaning a sheet.

Here we go. The Eton College rules.

Ooh! let's see what happens with this.

The framed screen now.

Various Eton College library rules on there. Nothing on my book.

So, where are you going to be? I'm in your hands. £15, I'm bid.

-How much?

-£15.

-This needs to go a bit. Come on.

At the 15 bid.

Oh, dear. Oh, dear.

-£20.

-Only 100 to go.

-£20. Internet going to let us down?

-Oh, no!

Obviously, Eton boys are not sitting there watching the internet today.

Finished and closed. £20.

-Girls, that's just a cool hundred you've lost there.

-Never mind.

Down 105, at the moment.

What about the Gladstone bag? It's coming up now.

GPO, the Gladstone bag. Always popular. £8, I'm bid.

£10, 15, 20, 25, in the room.

25, £30, the internet.

-It's coming on.

-Come on!

It's coming on. It's a rare lot this, isn't it?

£40, the room.

-Now we're going.

-Just 15 more. Come on.

£40 on the room. All out? Sold at £40!

Goes at 40. Thank you.

-Oh, minus 15.

-Another loss.

-Minus 105. You're only down £120.

If you say it quickly, that's not a great deal.

-What's the opposite of a golden gavel?

-Yes. We want one.

Come on, now, think. Do you want to go with the fire bucket?

-I think we should.

-Do you have faith in the fire bucket?

-Absolutely.

-I like it. Again,...

-You're going with it? Here we go.

It's coming up right now. Come on, bucket.

19th-century red leather fire bucket there.

Bit of interest on this.

-Bit of interest.

-£20, I'm bid. Five, 30. Five, with me at 35.

Creaming along now.

35. £40 in the front. £40.

-Come on. Go on.

-At £40.

Come on. Just two more.

-You're all out here at 40. All finished? 40!

-Think that's it.

£40!

-It's been a really good day, this, Charlie.

-This has been a cracker.

-In a nutshell, girls, you have lost £130.

-Is that all?

Now, I don't want a word to the Blues because,

believe it or not, this could yet be a winning score.

Charlie, we're not going to mention this to anybody,

let alone the Blues!

-Right, girls, are you excited?

-Yes.

-Very excited?

-Yes.

-Ever been to an auction before?

-Never.

You could not be in safer hands than the great Christina.

Oh, my goodness!

She will guide you to profits untold.

So, first up, the stationary box.

The oak stationary box there.

Police, 1936, on the front.

Where are we going to be? Nothing on my book.

I'm in your hands. 20?

10? £8? 8. 10.

15. £20.

-25.

-Equal!

-30. 35, the internet. 35, the internet.

-Internet!

-£10 profit. That's fantastic. Big gosh!

£35!

Plus a tenner!

You know how to make money. Gosh!

I should give up that policing lark.

Here comes the scent bottle.

Now we go across to the perfume bottle. Now.

Silver-topped. Hinged top with it there.

£10, I'm bid.

15. 20. £20, I'm bid.

£20 I'm bid. With me. 25. 30. 35.

35 on my left. £40, the internet.

-45, the room.

-Getting better.

45, the room. 45, the room. On my left at 45!

You're all out? All done?

Minus 50 plus 10 means minus 40.

Don't worry about that.

It could be a hell of a lot worse.

Stop laughing. Think sewing machine.

Moving now to the sewing machine there.

The Premier sewing machine.

Commission bids are left.

15, 20, 25!

25, not bad.

It's halfway there.

25, 30 in the room. 30 in the room.

-Internet, you are out now.

-We need some more sewers, don't we?

Sold, then,

at £30.

You've lost £58.

Which, in these terms, it's not too bad.

-Now, do you want to go with the bonus buy?

-Absolutely.

-Yes.

-Were going with it.

-Do you like it?

-Yes. We like it.

-We have faith in you. We're going with it.

-On that result, really?

-Yes.

-No.

-I have to say, I think you've done the right thing.

-Here we go.

-I don't think I can watch.

-This is the moment.

What a fab little silver-gilt ring.

You'd never know this wasn't the real thing.

Bit of interest on my book.

10, 15.

£20. 25, £30. 35. £40.

-£50 with me.

-Double your money!

At 50.

£50!

Yes!

-Well done.

-That's a huge result. That's plus 25.

You were down 58, which means you're only down £33.

Oh, God! That's OK.

Stunning, stunning work!

Never mind. I wanted to make some, but never mind.

-Girls, not a word to the Reds.

-No.

And we'll find the result pretty soon.

Well, Bargain Hunt can be a lot of fun, can't it, girls?

-Yes.

-Absolutely.

The only sad thing about Bargain Hunt

is that somebody has to come second.

Yeah. It's a great shame, isn't it?

-But one of you has come second by some margin today.

-Oh!

You've had a few losses. The odd sprinkling of a profit.

But today's runners-up are, without doubt, the Red team!

It really was the Eton lot, wasn't it? To be honest.

That turned into an Eton mess. It really did.

But, never mind, you've had a lot of fun.

You've lost a lot of money!

And, the Blues, don't look too smug,

because you haven't made a profit either, have you?

You've lost £33.

But you did find a profit in that wonderful bonus buy.

So, thank you, Christina for the bonus buy,

which doubled its money.

It cost £25, sold for 50. You've been wonderful contestants.

If you want to find out more about the programme,

have a look at our website.

In the meantime, join us for more Bargain Hunting.

Yes! ALL: Yes!