Portobello/Kingston 16 Bargain Hunt

Today, we are in Kingston upon Thames,

the ancient market town where several Saxon kings were crowned.

And where they seem to be stockpiling

all the red telephone boxes everyone else has discarded.

And where, just round the corner, there's an antiques centre.

So let's go Bargain Hunting.

Will the Reds and Blues unearth any

gems at the Kingston Antiques Centre today?

It's big enough, with over 100 dealers.

Well, our teams have got a juicy £300,

and just one hour in which to spend it.

Care to see a snapshot of how they got on?

There will be some heavyweight decisions.

Do you like it?

I don't dislike it.

I'm not sure I know who would...

Who would wear it.

Some even heavier items.

Do you reckon you could power lift it?

Is it heavy? Guess not.

Well, it's not heavy for me.

But will it all pay off with weighty profits?

5, 70.

-Yes.

-£40. With you at 40.

My God.

Meanwhile, let's meet the teams.

For the Reds today, we have Dean and Sally - good friends.

And for the Blues we have Bow and Reid - a married couple.

Great to see you, hello. ALL: Hello.

Now, Dean, you're an actor, aren't you?

-I am.

-How did you two meet?

Sally came to see me play Gary Barlow in a Take That musical.

-What...

-I love Gary Barlow. Love him.

-At the Manchester...

You love Gary Barlow, what about Dean?

Well, he's all right. But I actually love Gary Barlow.

-Do you?

-Yeah.

-Can you give us a bit of a song?

-A line?

-Oh, it's a bit too early for that, I think.

-Is it?

-Yeah.

-Give us a note.

# I guess, now it's time for me to give up.

Oh. Oh. That'll do, that'll do.

Wonderful. It's going to be a very musical shop, isn't it?

And other roles?

I'm currently playing Shrek in Shrek the musical.

How long does the make-up update?

Two hours. A day.

Two hours. How long does it take to get off?

-As quick as possible.

-30 seconds?

Yeah, it's about... It's about ten minutes.

Now, Sally, you are a rare breed, aren't you?

-Am I?

-You certainly are.

Bank manager turned actress.

-Yes.

-I can't imagine any bank manager I'd ever had acting.

I was a fairly unusual bank manager I think you'll probably find.

-Oh, I wish you were my bank manager.

-I know, 20 years.

Now, Sally, give me some of your latest roles.

I've recently finished in the West End in a play called East is East...

-Yeah?

-..with some magnificent people.

I've worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company, which is beyond and beyond again any expectations.

I love the Royal Shakespeare Company. And look at my tie!

-Perfect.

-My Royal Shakespeare Company...

-It was meant to be.

-It was!

-It was meant to be.

I wore this specially for you.

-Thank you.

-No, you've got a love of antiques anyway, haven't you?

-We love the show.

-Yeah?

-We absolutely love Bargain Hunt.

So what will you be looking for with your shopping?

-We want things that...

-Yeah.

-..that we, perhaps, would like in our home.

And somebody else is likely to like them at the sale, aren't they?

-Yes, absolutely.

-Exactly.

-Well, good luck with that. BOTH: Thank you.

Now, our Blue team are married couple Bow and Reid.

Now you've come here from New York, haven't you?

We have... Just five months ago.

And are you enjoying it over here?

-I love London.

-Do you?

-I love the UK.

-Yeah?

-So much rich culture, architecture - I love the architecture.

-Yeah.

And I can have afternoon tea absolutely anywhere I want.

That's wonderful, and you're a fitness man, aren't you?

I am. I do powerlifting.

-Powerlifting?

-Powerlifting.

So, I squat, dead lift and bench.

What's the difference between a squat and...

-So, a squat, you have the bar on your back...

-Yeah?

..and then you go all the way down so your hips are below your knees.

-Yeah, right.

-Then you come back up.

-Yup.

-So, and then, a bench...

-Yeah.

-..the bar is on top of you.

And what sort of weights are we talking about?

Around 110 to 207 kilos.

207... What do you weigh?

-66? Around 66.

-That's three times your weight, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Like an ant.

-Like an ant!

-Like an ant.

-With less legs?

With less legs.

That's fantastic. Do you get involved with this, Reid?

-I don't.

-No.

-I tried to get him involved. I tried to.

You work at Imperial College, don't you?

-I do.

-Yeah.

-I work at Imperial.

As a fundraiser?

As a lead international fundraiser.

A lead international... So you go round the world, begging for money?

-Yes.

-Which is the most generous country in the world?

The United States.

Oh, you would say that, wouldn't you?

And who is going to make the decisions?

-Are you going to argue?

-He will.

-He'll make the decision, I'll...

-You'll... you'll do the haggling.

-You'll just rubber stamp them, will you?

-I'll do the haggling.

-You'll do the haggling? You're the finance man, aren't you?

-Yeah.

-You're the finance man.

-He is.

-Fantastic.

-Right, chaps. I've got £300 for you.

-Oh, thank you.

-Spend it wisely.

-Thank you.

Now, you thespians.

Here comes a 300 thespian pounder.

Off you go, have a great shop.

Shopping with actors, actresses and powerlifters - wonderful.

Let's meet our experts.

Brimful of bargains, it's the cat in the hat, Thomas Plant.

Plus fans favourite, that very nice Natasha Raskin.

Dean, Sally, what are we going to do?

I'd like something sporty and shiny.

I'm looking for jewellery, and maybe something animal themed.

-Animal themed?

-Yeah.

I'd like something that's not too expensive that's going to make some money.

-I'm just looking for quality.

-Quality?

-So, that fits.

And more than anything I want a golden gavel.

Oh, look at you. That's a plan, let's go.

Right, teams. Your 60 minutes starts now.

BELL TOLLS

Well, the sign promises us antiques.

-Antiques.

-Ooh.

-So, let's hope we find some. Now, after you.

Right, we're on the clock, we're on the clock.

-Oh, here we go.

-Go on, Sally, in you go.

OK, we've got an hour...

-We've got an hour.

-..that's it.

We are in.

-Let's go.

-Oh, so much stuff.

Good job, too. But don't be daunted.

Is jewellery the kind of thing that you'd buy as a gift?

Do you often, sort of...

-No.

-Do you wear any jewellery yourselves?

I heard that you were really good with jewellery, so...

Did you? Where did you hear that?

-I'd like to meet this person who said that.

-The internet.

-So, strategy.

-Yes.

-Have you got one?

I'm not sure we have, now we're here.

Ha-ha! I'm just going to sit down.

-Off you go.

-I'm not sure we have.

We just want something - three lovely things.

We had... We had one until we walked through the door.

Crikey, Reds. Not stage fright.

Now, can Natasha justify her jewellery guru status?

There's a lot of...animal themed jewellery here.

Mm-hm. Mm-hm. I don't know how I feel about those animals, though,

to be honest with you. I think they're all a bit too modern.

-Uh-huh.

-But, you know, modern doesn't necessarily...

Just because it doesn't have age doesn't mean it doesn't have style.

-That's true.

-That's what I say, but...

It might just not be the stuff to convince people to bid.

I mean, what about snuff boxes and things?

I mean, do they float your boat? You can say "No, I hate them," you know.

It doesn't float my boat, but does it float other people's boats?

-Cos if it does, I think...

-Yes, if it floats other people's boats.

-It's quite interesting, but...

-Why don't we come back?

..maybe not the most exciting thing to get into.

-I think we'll come back to it.

-OK.

Meanwhile, Thomas is trying to inspire our actors.

What do you think of this, here.

I really like that because of that beautiful panel at the top.

It's got a panel to it, hasn't it?

-Uh-huh.

-I've not seen one at all.

-No, nor have I.

-I like that, can we check it out?

-Yep.

-Let's have a closer look.

Steady, Thomas.

Now, that's rather good, actually, isn't it?

-I quite like that. I know it's brown...

-I do like that.

..and there's a bit of damage there, look.

Bit of damage. The fret's been broken.

And a bit of damage there. Is the...

Is the glass in good nick?

-Glass is in good nick.

-And is that Venice?

-What are your thoughts?

Well, it is Venice, cos that looks like the Doge's Palace, doesn't it?

-It's not going to be a Canaletto though, is it?

-No.

It's expensive, isn't it?

Well, I've got an opinion in my head what I think we should pay for it.

-Mm-hm.

-And what do you think we should pay for it?

-Oh...

-I bet... I bet you're in three figures.

-No, two figures.

-You see, there is... There is damage.

-OK.

-With the damage.

-I would say, probably, about £70.

Shall we... Shall we find out the price?

-Yes.

-I think we need to.

-Yeah.

-I think we do need to.

-Yes.

-Yup. Excuse me, hi.

-Step forward, Matthew.

Yeah, now we've got this rather nice mirror.

-Mm-hm.

-How much is it?

-It's 85.

-85?

Oh, sharp intake of breath, there.

-It's too much.

-It is too much.

What... What could you do?

65?

Mmm...

Bit more? Bit more?

-55.

-Little bit more?

What about 50, 50's a much rounder figure.

50's a nice, round figure, isn't it?

-OK, we'll do 50 on that.

-50?

-Yup, 50.

-Great!

-Thank you.

-Perfect, thank you very much.

-Brilliant.

-Good job.

-Thank you.

Who needs a plan, eh? See object, buy object.

Maybe not those two, though.

Are those German shepherds? I'm not very good with dogs.

-I'm a cat person.

-Long-legged corgis.

-Yeah?

-No.

-Is that right?

Oh, my goodness. You're really getting into England, here.

Talking about Corgis.

That is an understatement.

The Reds have got something equally questionable in mind.

What have you... What are you looking at?

-I love the colours.

-Look at that awful bangle, there.

-It's an... It's a retro look. Come on, let's...

-No.

Let's, let's go to the back.

OK, let's do that.

Phew. Retro swerved.

-More jewellery?

-It's sterling silver, and it's enamelled,

and it's on a silver chain.

-Oh, right?

-And I just think it's really cute and quite graphic.

I don't know if it's your cup of tea, but it's only 18 quid.

I think it looks like something that might sell for ten.

-Really? I...

-It's something...

Something you'd find in a mall.

-Yeah.

-I think we can safely say you're dismissing it.

That's one way of putting it.

Now, Sally's got something similar in mind.

Yeah... I do, I do like that.

-I think it's lovely.

-Do you want to ask about it?

We could ask about it.

-Tom... Oh, he's gone.

-Where's he gone?

-Thomas!

-We lost him.

We could come back to that, couldn't we?

Yup. When you've found your missing expert.

But at least the Reds have already bought something.

-Unlike the Blues.

-It's a lot harder than it looks.

It is, it is.

Time is ticking. You've already had nearly 15 minutes, you know.

And we still need to buy three of our items.

Maybe we should just get the ball rolling and grease the wheels,

and take a look at the snuff box again.

Because that's... that's...

I think that's a pretty safe start.

Back to the snuff, eh?

Ah, Thomas has returned.

There's a nice little brooch in there,

but I'm not sure how old it is...

-OK.

-..whether it's very antique.

-An enamel butterfly.

-Yeah.

-Do you know when we first started?

-Yeah.

-And I said let's get an idea...

-Yes.

-I think let's just get a feel for it.

-Let's get a feel.

-Yeah.

-Let's go walk around.

Let's soak it up.

It's very relaxed.

Now, could the Blues be close to parting with some cash?

It is quite opulent that one, actually, isn't it?

-With that...

-What kind of stone is it?

-I'm not entirely sure.

-Did they just glue that on?

-Does it look a bit glued?

-There's...

A little residue on the side.

-I don't know...

-There is, there is.

I think it is glued on, actually.

I think that quality was something that you mentioned before.

-Mm-hm.

-So we want to try to stick with something...

-Yes.

-..maybe in its original state?

-Mm-hm.

OK. What about the animal themed box at the back, there?

-Oh, that's pretty cool.

-It is quite gorgeous, isn't it?

Let's have a wee look at this,

cos it just looks quite sweet, and nice quality.

-It does.

-I reckon it's Russian.

The Russians are right into their lacquered boxes.

-Mm-hm.

-And I think it's a really nice decoration.

-That midnight blue is very Faberge, actually.

-Mm-hm.

Very soft of slick, and harking back to a really opulent era.

But this is likely made for the tourist trade.

This is like for tourists from the 1990s?

From the 1970s? Like something from...

-It's like something you'd find in Time Square?

-No, not quite.

It's difficult to age exactly. Because they are still being made,

-and still being produced.

-Yes.

But I just love the colours, love the theme.

-25 quid, I can see the price peeping out in the box, there.

-Yes.

-People would like to buy that for their wives, or something.

-Yes.

-So we shouldn't buy it for more than 15?

-I say max 15.

-At the...because you have to make...

-Something like 10 to 15.

-Shall I call Marion?

-Yeah, let's call Marion.

OK, while I'm doing that, you have a think.

With that sort of advice, how could they fail?

Aye, aye. Thomas has his eye on something.

What are those vases like up there?

Because Oriental's in, isn't it?

It is in, yeah. They're not that old, actually,

but they look all right.

-Quite decorative.

-Mm-hm.

There's another one. Sal, do you want to reach up for the other?

-Yeah.

-Can I get...

-We should do that...

-Oh, look at that.

-That whole powerlifting thing.

-What are they, £500?

-£240.

-Oh.

-And they're not that old.

-What are they? What sort period are they?

-20th century, probably.

-Oh.

Put them back, quick.

Don't drop them! Ah, now what's the price on that box?

So we're thinking, we'll take it for eight.

She doesn't even know the full price.

I don't know what's on it yet.

-Whoops.

-It says... It says...

It says seven on there.

Naughty.

It's marked up at £25.

But there's, um... There is a bit of damage here.

And here.

Now, if the dealer was here she'd say 20 is the best.

-Oh. No.

-How about 15?

-I'll go a bit lower.

-What do you think?

Can you do 12?

I'll do 14.

-BOW:

-Meet her in the middle.

Go on, then, 13.

Let's do 13.

-Unlucky for some, but lucky for us.

-OK.

-We'll do 13.

-Yay.

OK, that's lovely.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you so much.

They got there, finally.

Now, while they rummage on,

I'm nipping out to learn a bit more about this historic London borough.

At the local museum,

they have a department dedicated to the fascinating tale

of one particular Kingstonian -

Victorian photographer and motion picture pioneer,

Eadweard Muybridge.

As a young man, Muybridge emigrated to the USA and,

after taking up photography, he became fascinated by

animal locomotion.

In the 1870s, he was hired by an American racehorse owner

to take photos to try to prove once and for all whether galloping horses

really do take all four hooves off the ground at the same time.

He not only succeeded, but later copied those stop motion images

onto discs, to be viewed on a device of his own invention.

The zoopraxiscope.

Amazing, isn't it?

Created to help illustrate Muybridge's lectures,

this marvellous machine is the missing link between

the magic lantern and the movie projector.

The man from Kingston definitely got there first.

But just remember, things also go at quite a lick on this show.

So, let's get back to bargain-hunting.

It's one buy each, with half an hour to go.

OK, guys. The downstairs area is our oyster,

so which way are we going to go?

-Why don't we go to down right here?

-Right there?

-Yes.

-OK, I'll follow you.

-Blues on the march.

Reds on the dither.

-Is that a carving set?

-It is a carving set, yes.

Silver handled French carving set.

-Oh.

-Yeah, and there's another one there,

which is a silver handled carving set, and grape shears.

It's not practical now, though, is it?

Well, it is and it isn't.

It's not practical, but, you know, Dean...

-Dean.

-It's an antique.

-It's an antique.

-I know it's an antique. I know.

-Let's turn around and walk off.

-OK, come on.

-We are in the wrong area.

-This way, please.

Crumbs. Now, could the Blues have something to pin their hopes on?

What do you think about that?

Do you know what I think this is?

I think this might be actually for mourning.

OK, so it has a little bit of a sad a twist to it.

I think what you've got here is the deceased.

And I think when you twist it around,

I think you can either put a picture of somebody else, or a lock of hair.

Reid, look at that face.

-Hair.

-You hate it.

-You could put a hair there.

Well, there's no hair in it.

You could put their tooth there, too.

You could put whatever you like.

The mind boggles.

Put their tooth... And when you wake up in the morning...

Would people pay more if there was hair in there?

-They might actually, because...

-We can stick our hair in there.

-Yeah.

I think it's a lovely thing.

But I tell you what, the price tag isn't scary.

48.

I reckon, if we could get that for 25?

Time for Matthew to call the dealer.

Dean, meanwhile, has found something he might be quite keen on.

-You like the spoons?

-I like the spoons.

And I recognise the name.

-What's the name?

-David-Andersen.

Yes. So, seminal Norwegian designer.

That's silver enamel, so popular.

And we soaked it up in the, sort of, 20th-century.

And... And that would depend on enamel, and how good the enamel is -

-the condition.

-Yeah.

-And the enamel is really good on this blue one.

-Mm-hm.

The colours are just beautiful.

-Yeah. They're very pretty.

-Now what's the price?

-180.

180, right, OK.

If we go in at sort of 130, is that...

-Is that...

-No, you have to get them, you have to work really hard.

Right, so... Right, so, less than 130.

You have to start low.

Yup, rhymes with Oslo.

Any news on the mourning brooch?

I've spoken with the dealer, they can't quite come down to 20,

-but they could do 26.

-26, OK.

Can you meet us in the middle?

Can you meet us in the middle with 23 or 24?

Tell you what, we'll do 24 for you.

What do you think? Shall we do it?

-Shake hands.

-Yeah.

-I think so.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Thank you very much, that's very kind.

I think 24 quid, a real bit of Victoriana.

Can we go wrong? Well, of course we can.

But we'll try not to, we'll try not to.

Meanwhile, the Reds are anxiously waiting on word from the dealer

about their Norwegian spoons.

Well, she'll actually go to 130 on those.

That feels on the limit.

It does... It is on the limit. It is...

We've got 20 minutes left.

-Yeah.

-20 minutes left.

You can park these for 20 minutes.

Let's do that, let's do that.

20 minutes, eh. No need to get desperate...yet.

It's been indecision after indecision.

No, we definitely don't want that.

I have a bad feeling about it, really.

We don't really want...

-Oh.

-But can we touch any more items?

Can we pick any more things up?

Can we make any more bad decisions?

Oh, don't worry. The Blues have issues, too.

-What about dolls?

-Oh.

-Dolls.

-Creepy.

You would have that in your home?

Slightly creepy, but people like...

-No.

-People... People who?

No dolls.

These gentlemen need to start making some decisions.

Don't think they really know what they like.

Maybe they just don't know their English antiques.

But then again, do any of us?

Good point. Follow your hearts, teams.

Do you like the compact?

-Yeah.

-Yes.

-And you like the brooch?

-Yes.

-Big mug's eyeful, isn't it?

So, you know... You've got...

-An enamel.

-There's a little chip on the bottom of it.

-Just there.

-Does that matter?

-Well, a little bit, yes.

-But it's not as bad as it could be.

-It's very pretty.

Little pretty thing in here, and... That's £95.

We can ask what the best deal on that is.

-Yes.

-Yes.

-What do you think of the big brooch?

Look at that, with its gorgeous pink stones in it.

I love the pink. I'd like to know what the pink stones are.

-Well, they'll be paste.

-Would they be in quartz? Oh, right, OK.

Do you like it?

I don't dislike it. I'm not sure I know who would wear it.

Has anybody said to you that

you two could be the most indecisive people...

-We thought we were really decisive.

-..I have ever met.

We were going to be all over this.

-Really decisive.

-But we're struggling somewhat, aren't we?

Oh, come on. Pull yourselves together.

Go and see Matthew.

-Hello, sir.

-Hi there.

We would like to know your best price on that, please.

We could do 65 on that for you.

-65... Could you do 50?

-Could I do 50?

OK, yes. We could do 50 for you.

If we can squeeze another five, I think it might be a goer.

Probably we could meet a little bit halfway and say 48.

I think that's a decent offer.

-Sal, what do you think?

-Hello.

-48.

-We've got it below 50.

-48?

-Yes. Four eight.

-Yeah.

-Come on, let's do it.

-Definitely.

-Oh, hallelujah.

-We've done it.

-We've got 12 minutes left, and we've just managed

to buy the second item, with 12 minutes to buy another one.

-Let's go.

-Come on.

Quickly, quickly, quickly. Let's go.

That leaves both our teams searching for their final object.

What do you think about this big candleholder?

It's quite cool, isn't it? It's got real French Gothic sort of appeal.

-And is only £30.

-£30.

It's only £30.

Now, the only reason I can imagine that it would only be £30

-is cos it was made...

-Recently?

-..approximately three hours ago.

-Yes.

-However, it has a really cool look, don't you think?

-Look to it, yes.

-Is it heavy?

-Do you reckon you could power lift it?

Is it heavy? Guess not.

Well, it's not heavy for me.

That was easy enough.

I think it's missing a few hooks.

-Is it missing a hook?

-Are those the hooks there?

Yes, Oh, Reid. Well spotted. Perfect.

Oh, I love it when a lighting fixture comes together.

Now, remember the butterfly that Sally spotted earlier?

So we've got an enamel brooch, your butterfly, you like your butterfly.

-Yes.

-Sweden.

-Yeah.

-Marked on there. Now it's in gilt metal...

-Right.

so it's not a precious metal at all.

-No.

-So, therefore it would be reflected in the price.

-£28.

-Yes.

You've got your last item to buy.

-Mm-hm.

-Yeah.

-I think we need to move on.

-I think Dean-o is right.

-Yeah, I think he's right too.

And I think that could be the best reserve we've got,

but I think we can find something better.

But we'd want it under a tenner.

Well, for not much more,

the Blues may be about to acquire some heavy metal.

I mean it's really up to you.

It's obviously very, very competitively priced already.

-Yeah.

-So, you know, the dealer might say, "Oh, get on your bike,

"it's 30 quid, I'm giving it away."

Sorry to interrupt you, there.

-But, yeah.

-Did you hear me just say,

"The dealer might say, 'get on your bike'?" I hope you didn't.

-They have priced it to go.

-They have.

But they have said they will take another five pounds off for you.

-Mm.

-They'll do it for 25.

-It's a bit...

-I was thinking 15.

15?

What about 20? If we meet in the middle.

-Yup.

-What do you think?

-I think 20 is fine.

-You sure?

-Yeah.

-No, I'm not sure.

-Not sure?

-Oh, you'll make a profit at 20.

-30?

-You'll make a profit.

-OK, fine.

-Are we going for it?

-Sure.

-OK. You know that means.

-It means we've bought all three items.

-Well done.

-Thank you so much.

-Thank you.

I think what we should do is tally up what we've bought,

and meet Matthew back at the counter.

Well, at least they have Bow to carry it off.

Pricey Gong, anyone?

-It's a hell of a gamble.

-And it will...

Yeah, but it will be going on the internet.

It will be going on the internet.

Maybe that's we need to do.

Because we've played it quite safe up till now.

-Come on, Thomas.

-Marked up at 295.

-Yeah.

-You can have a go...

-Yeah?

..at buying it for 200 quid.

Is that going to sell for £200?

It might do, it might not.

-It might bomb.

-Yeah, exactly.

Might totally bomb at £50.

-And then I'm not happy with that.

-Then you're not happy.

So therefore, if you're not happy you go with...

-I want to go and ask him the best price on the butterfly.

-OK.

Could they finally be about to buy it?

Would you take a ridiculous offer for the butterfly?

Without insulting anyone?

The dealer will take 20% off.

So she'll do £22 for it.

Could you round it up to 20?

Yes.

£20. I mean that's not unachievable,

and I think you might find more people to go on it.

People love butterflies.

-Yes.

-I think we've made our decision.

-Right, come on then.

-Buy the butterfly.

-£20?

-Thank you.

-Thank you very much.

-Appreciate it, thank you.

Right, teams. Your hour has passed.

-Go pay them.

-We've exhausted him.

-I'm exhausted.

-We all need to take a seat.

No, you can go pay them.

Off you go.

What a gent. Now, let's see what they've bought.

Just through the door, they picked up this Edwardian mirror for £50.

Much, much later, they plumped for a shiny compact for £48.

And with time running out,

they decided on the Swedish butterfly brooch for £20.

Dean and Sally, was it like being on stage?

It was worse than being on stage.

-It was so stressful.

-Was it?

-So much pressure.

-Didn't this man calm you?

-He was great, but we were useless.

-Why? Why useless?

-We were useless.

-Indecisive, I think.

-Yeah.

-What do you like best?

-I love that mirror. I think we bought a mirror.

The first buy within five minutes, and it's beautiful.

-You're in agreement with the mirror?

-I'm very much in agreement, yeah.

I like all our items but I particularly like that mirror.

-Biggest profit?

-I think from the mirror.

-The mirror?

-Yeah.

-I think so.

-So, what did you spend in total, Dean?

-£118.

-Yes, wasn't a great deal, was it?

-Not a lot.

-And that's going to leave Thomas with far too much.

-I know.

Hand it over. Wonderful.

-182.

-Thomas, there you go.

-What are you going to buy?

-Do you know what, I have no idea.

I really want something which

reflects these two marvellous thespians.

Well, good luck with that.

-A thespian purchase.

-Absolutely.

-Wonderful.

-Marvellous.

Meanwhile, let's have a look at what the Blue team have bought.

After some dilly-dallying,

they bought this lacquered box for £13.

Next, they picked up a

pinchbeck portrait brooch for £24.

Then, they somehow acquired a

mighty wrought iron chandelier for just £20.

Bow and Reid. What did I give you?

£300.

What did you spend? 57?

-BOTH: Yeah.

-We were trying to be frugal!

And you succeeded, wholeheartedly if I may say.

-There was a strategy, strategy.

-Is there?

-Yeah.

Well, Bow, what's your favourite item?

I liked the Victorian brooch.

Reid, What's your favourite item?

My favourite item is the large chandelier.

What's going to make the biggest profit? That?

-I think so.

-I think so.

-And what do you think is going to?

-I think so as well.

Right. Let's have all that money.

£243 of pure heaven.

-243?

-Yes.

-Bring it home.

-You're the expert. We trust you.

-We trust you.

You Americans. You know how to lay it on, don't you?

I don't know what I'm going to buy,

but I think I'm going to buy something...

Cheap and cheerful. I'm sorry, I can't help it.

So, while Natasha goes off to buy something cheap and cheerful,

we're off to the auction room.

South of the capital in Selsdon, with Catherine Southon.

-And here she is.

-Well, thank you for that.

It is lovely to see you.

Dean and Sally have been out with Thomas.

And this is what they've bought.

Well, I mean, had this not had this wonderful Venetian scene in it...

-Yeah.

-It probably wouldn't have ticked many boxes, I don't think.

But in this mirror, it just looks the part I think.

What I like about your description here.

-Mm-hm.

-You haven't called it Edwardian, have you?

-No.

-You've called it Sheraton Revival.

-Exactly.

-And that description really does help.

-You've put a punchy estimate on, haven't you?

-Well, I have, yes.

I've put 100 to 150.

Dean and Sally bought that for £50.

-Did they?

-Yeah.

They did... I think they did really well with that.

Now, what about the second object, here?

Now, when I first saw this...

-Yeah.

-..I loved it.

-Mm-hm.

-I love a bit of guilloche enamel.

-Yeah.

And this is beautifully done, lovely colour, lovely decoration there.

But if you look quite closely at it, the top of it is silver.

-Yup.

-The bottom of it is not.

I'm not sure if the top and the bottom started off life together.

I've put £30-£50 on, which...

-Yes.

-..is quite low.

Well, they've gone to the top of your estimate at £48.

Now, what about the third object?

I love this.

-Do you?

-I'm not a brooch kind of girl, but this is beautiful.

The quality of that enamel is super.

It's not signed, sadly.

-It is Swedish.

-Yes.

-But it's not signed.

I mean, had it been by Andersen...

-Yeah.

-Had it been by Jensen...

-Into hundreds, wouldn't we.

..we would be talking big money, but it is of that quality.

-What sort of estimate will be put on the brooch?

-30 to 40.

-Yep.

Well, they only paid 20.

If by any chance they don't have your enthusiasm for that item,

they always have the bonus buy up their sleeve.

-Look at that.

-Is that the lot?

-That is amazing.

-Look at that.

-So this is a fabulous...

It's very exciting, Thomas.

Oh, it is, isn't it? And, you know, it's a butler's tray.

So, it fits round your tummy rather well.

-It does, doesn't it?

-You're meant to say, "What tummy?"

-It's fan shaped, with wonderful curved handles.

-Ooh.

Beautiful engraved base.

-It's got a lip to it so your drinks don't fall off.

-Oh.

So, where was it made, Thomas?

In the good old United States of America.

-Oh, looks a bit American, doesn't it?

-It's flash.

-It is flash.

-It is very flash.

It is... Do you know, this was marked up at over £350?

-No way.

-Yeah, yeah. It was, like, £380.

-Give it to Sarah, she's dying to feel it.

-Give us a go, give us a go.

-It's very heavy.

-I had to work really hard to get that down.

-And you spent the lot?

-The lot!

-£182.

-I'm not surprised.

I think there's a question you need to ask of Thomas, here.

So, you spent the lot.

-Yeah. The lot.

-And how much do you think it's worth?

Hmm...

Go on.

-It's plated.

-Make it more than 182, Thomas.

See, thing is. If I had this, it's got to be worth £200-£300.

-But how much is it going to make?

-Speculative.

It's got to be worth £200-£300.

-Oh, I'm going off it.

-You're going off it?

-You can't go off it now.

-I'm not sure it's going to make a profit.

Oh, well, let's hope Miss Southon doesn't go off it when she sees it.

Thomas Plant had £182 to spend.

And he spent £182.

Isn't it splendid?

You know what? It is.

It's such an impressive piece, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-And if a butler came to me with that tray...

Gosh, I'd be a happy girl. I mean,

it weighs a tonne, it's a hefty piece.

-Yeah, yeah.

-I mean, imagine if that were silver, and not silver-plated.

-Oh, don't.

-The only downside is, it is slightly worn in the middle.

-Yes, I can see that.

-So, perhaps it has been, you know, well used.

It might have even been re-plated at some time, but, you know what?

I don't care about all that. It's a good, honest piece.

What have you put on it? As an estimate.

Well, I haven't quite gone up to £182, but I put 100 to 150,

-and it could go that way. And I really hope...

-Yes.

-..it does.

-I hope, for their sake, that this takes off.

Meanwhile, Bow and Reid have been out shopping with Natasha.

Well, we kick off with this object come here.

What do you think? Yes. It is just a papier-mache box.

-Yes.

-It's probably Persian. It's 20th century.

-Yeah.

-It's lacquered.

-We'd like it to be 18th-century and Russian,

-wouldn't we?

-Yes, but I'm afraid it's not, Charlie, sorry.

-What about a price?

-10 to 20?

-Yeah, well they paid £13,

-so I don't think they were buying it as a fine work of art.

-No.

They bought it because they liked it.

-Yeah.

-Now, what about the portrait brooch?

It would be great if it was gold, but it's not.

-Yup.

-It's pinchbeck, an alloy of copper and zinc.

-It was very popular in the Victorian era. It is reversible.

-Yup.

-So we've got a picture on both sides...

-That's an advantage, yes.

..which is quite nice. But how often do we see these? Quite often.

-What about an estimate?

-30 to 40 on that.

Yeah, well that's very fair. They paid 24.

Finishing all those little insignificant items,

-what about that tiny object in the corner, there?

-Yeah, well.

Funny you should say that. When I saw that, I thought... Hmm...

I was horrified. But actually, you know what? I love this.

-So do I.

-I think this is fantastic, and in the right setting...

In the right home...

-Mm-hm.

-..it would look amazing.

I mean, this is one of those things that could go either way.

-It might only make £40...

-Yeah.

..but it could make hundreds, in the right place.

I have put £50-£80 on.

-How they did it, I do not know....

-What?

-..but they paid £20 for it.

-No.

-They did!

And when Miss Southon has turned that chandelier

from £20 into hundreds of pounds, just to add a bit of spice,

they might be going with their bonus buy.

Let's have a look at it.

Do you think she spent big? Do you think she's blown it all?

-God, I hope so.

-You hope so?

-I hope so.

-Good.

Well, let's see if she has. It's very small.

-Oh, we knew it!

-We knew it.

-We knew.

This wee birdie.

Come on. It's so cute.

-Now.

-Yes.

-When we saw it, your exact words about it were,

"That's something you'd buy in the mall."

Well, I just wanted to...

I was offended because what I saw was,

not contemporary, but modern silver enamel jewellery.

So, when we saw it in the cabinet it was face up,

we couldn't see the marks on the back.

But it's hallmarked silver, and there's a maker's mark.

EJC. I got excited.

And I looked up. Could I find anything?

No. But...

I did find one small entry with the exact same maker's initials.

Exact same font. EJC.

I knew I was on to a winner, because it said made pendants, exclusively.

And exclusively between 1972 and 1979.

But do you remember what the ticket price was?

It was fairly inexpensive.

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Mm-hm. It was £18.

-Yes, that's about right.

-How much did you get it for?

-12 quid.

-Ah.

-Ah.

12 quid for a piece of marked silver enamel jewellery.

That's got to make 20 quid, Charlie.

I think it's got to make 20 quid.

You think it's going to make 20 quid.

You are not quite sure whether it's going to make 20 quid.

-We trust you.

-I trust you.

Does the auctioneer think is going to make 20 quid?

Do you like it?

It's a little blue tit.

-Yeah.

-Isn't it?

I don't think it's terribly old. Well, in fact, it's not.

-It's hallmarked Sheffield.

-Yeah.

-1970s.

-Yeah.

-Silver chain.

This is silver, with all this little enamel, there.

-Yeah.

-Very simple, nice stylised bird.

What do you reckon it's worth?

£20-£30.

Yeah, but they only paid £12.

So, it's quite an interesting mix, that lot, isn't it?

-Oh, yes.

-Can't wait for the auction.

70.

130.

150.

Suppose you two don't really have time to go to salerooms, do you?

-Always acting.

-No.

-I've never been to an auction in my life.

Neither have I.

Oh, my... What do you think?

I've been to a cattle auction.

-I'm enjoying the performance side of it.

-Are you? Yeah, I'll bet.

It's got real atmosphere, hasn't it?

-It's theatrical.

-Yeah. Anyway, that wonderful mirror is coming up now.

Let's have a look.

Who will give me £50?

£50 to start this.

Thank you. There's a lady with style.

£50.

Any more at £50?

Come on, there must be another.

-Come on.

-£50.

Come on, £50. I don't want to sell it that cheap.

It's not going to go up to more than that...

£50, then.

All done. £50.

-That is steal of the year.

-You are joking.

-I'm gutted.

-That was our winner.

-It was our winner.

-Always look on the bright side of life.

-I'm gutted.

-You haven't lost money.

Don't be gutted, darling.

-Think positive.

-No but it...

Shh, here comes the guilloche enamel white metal and brass compact.

And we've got interest straight away on the internet at £30.

This is lot 142, £30.

£30.

5. 40 net.

5. 50.

You're into a profit.

£50 on the internet.

Do you want to bid another? £50, thank you anyway.

£50.

5 now. 60.

5. 70.

No? Thank you anyway, £70.

I have £70 on the internet.

£70. All done.

-£70.

-Well done.

-That'll do.

You are up £22 on Bargain Hunt.

22, that'll do. That'll get us a bag of chips on the way home.

And the butterfly. I think you stole this as well.

-What do you think?

-I love this.

-The enamel's in great nick.

-Lovely enamelling, isn't it Thomas?

-It's gorgeous enamel.

-Yeah.

Who's going to give me £30, please?

£30. Lovely quality brooch, this one.

£30 is bid.

30, come on.

Do you want to have a flutter?

£30. No, are you sure?

£30? I have your bid, sir, at 30.

-There must be another at 35.

-There it is.

5, 40.

5, 50.

5, no more?

55. Lady's bid, right at the back.

At 55.

Any more? At £55.

Anyone on the internet?

55, then. All done.

Selling then. 55.

-That's plus 35.

-Yes.

-We'll take that. We'll take that.

-Do you know...

-Brilliant.

-..you've made £57?

-That'll do, that'll do.

-I don't care about the mirror any more.

I mean, that's about a week on the West End stage, isn't it?

Oh, mate. A week?

That's a month.

Now look. You gave this man £182.

-I know.

-Just remind me, how much did he spend?

£182.

-What do you think?

-I...

-Do you go with it?

-I love it. Do you love it?

-I love it too.

-But that's a lot of money.

You came off the boil a little bit, didn't you?

No, well, I love it. Only, when he was a bit evasive

in his answers to how much it'd make...

I mean, it's plated, but I'm not sure... I don't think we should.

-Are you game for it, or are you not?

-No.

-No, absolutely not.

-Absolutely not?

-No.

-We love it.

-Costs £182.

And if we'd made a loss, then maybe we would.

-If I tell you that Catherine Southon...

-Yes?

..has put 300 to 500 on this tray...

-You are kidding me.

-I think you'd be lying.

You're quite right.

THEY LAUGH

No, she's put 100 to 150.

OK.

What shall we say?

£80?

Come on, £80 for this.

50, then. £50 is bid, thank you.

50... Come on.

Somebody else. £50.

5, 60, 5...

One more?

Do you want to go another? 70.

5. No?

£75, £75, and this is a jolly nice tray.

-That's a steal.

-It is.

Selling, then. 75.

Well, it's rather good that you haven't lost £80 to £90 to £107.

-Yes.

-Because that would have rather negated...

-It would.

-..your substantial £57 profit.

So, you've made £57.

Now don't go bragging about your £57 profit to the Blues.

Because they may have made more than £57.

-Oh, don't.

-Anyway, shh.

Mums the word.

-Pleased with your lots?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-For the most part.

-That was a bit guarded, wasn't it?

-Natasha, they don't seem that buoyant.

-I'm worried about that.

Well, you're kicking off with that lacquered box. Here it comes.

And I already have, on the internet...

The grand sum of £10.

£10, I have.

£10. 12,

14, 16,

18, 20,

5, 30.

5, 40... No?

£40. With you at 40.

£40, then.

I will sell at 40.

£40.

Unbelievable, well done.

-Oh.

-OK...

-Do you know how much money you made on that?

I can't figure it out.

-£27.

-Wow.

-Here comes your pinchbeck brooch.

£20, anyone at £20?

Yes, internet.

£20. You're bidding 5?

25, I've got.

I will sell at 25, then.

30, now.

No, you sure?

On the internet at 30. No more?

-£30?

-Fantastic, new bidders on the internet.

£30, then. All done, 30.

-That best not be your friend from New York.

-Plus six!

You've multiplied your profit, right up to £33.

And here comes this fantastic chandelier.

Well, the internet's starting

me already at £50. Thank you, £50.

Yes!

£50, any more at 50?

It's a great piece for £50.

£50, any more at 50, then?

£50, then.

All done.

£50.

-Yes!

-Well done!

I love it. Well done.

-What's our total?

-Spent 57, made 63.

You've doubled your money.

You could be good at this. This is all right.

-Hang on.

-That's crazy.

There's a chance to make even more.

-Hmm.

-Hmm.

-Or...

-Or is there?

-Lose a bit.

-We trust you.

-We trust you.

-You've guided us through all this.

-We trust our expert.

You want to go with this pendant?

-Yes.

-Yeah.

-You do, you sure?

-We can go.

-I mean, it only cost £12.

And the auctioneer rates it at 20 to 30.

So, we're in with a sporting chance.

It's modern, but it's a charming little thing.

And you all want to pay me £20 for it, I'm sure.

£20. Come on, ladies and gents, whose bid?

Thank you, £20, I have.

22, 25.

28, 30,

5, 40.

£40, any more at 40, then?

Maybe we should?

I will sell. £40, then.

-Oh, gentlemen.

-Oh.

-Jeez. So good, I love it.

-You are so good.

I'm so pleased for you.

Well, I've done the sums.

You've made £91.

I mean... Riches indeed.

-Having said that, it might not be a winning score.

-You never know.

People have lost with a lot more than that in the past.

-Sad face, sad face.

-Sad face.

-So, just keep it to yourselves, chaps.

Dean and Sally, Bow and Reid.

Have you noticed something about me?

Am I slightly shorter than I was?

If I am, it's because my pockets are bulging with cash.

-Oh.

-Bulging.

However, I am slightly listing to the left.

ALL: Oh.

Because I've got more money in my left pocket

-than I have in my right pocket.

-Hooray.

-Gutted.

But you did so well, and you were a whisker away from a golden gavel,

you really were. But you've still won £57.

Which is... Look at it all,

it's coming from every possible angle, here.

-Ooh.

-Look, 55.

-Thank you.

-And somewhere, a two pound piece.

So, well done, Reds. I mean, under any normal circumstances,

a £57 profit would be a winning score.

But we've got these Blues.

And they were on fire today.

Because you have made £91.

I mean, that's a lot of money.

I've got a pocket full of money for you.

Look at that, there's even a £50 note in there.

You've done so well.

And don't forget the one.

However, forget the money.

Because today is a very special day.

You have won the Golden Gavel award.

-Look at that.

-I'm so pleased.

One for you.

And one for you. And well done, wear them with pride.

But I have to say, team,

it comes to a pretty pass, really.

When people have to travel all the way across the Atlantic

to show us how to play our own game.

But you've done that extremely well, and we're proud of you.

Now, don't forget to have a look at our website,

and indeed to follow us on Twitter.

In the meantime, join us for more Bargain Hunting.

Yes? Yes.