Leominster/Hay 5 Bargain Hunt

Today, we're in Leominster in Herefordshire.

This historic market town is playing host to our Red and Blue teams,

who are about to do battle.

So, with that said, let's prepare for some hard-hitting banter.

Let's go Bargain Hunting.

Here in Leominster, our teams are under pressure

to buy three items that will make a profit at auction.

But will they rise to the challenge and clock up a deal in time?

Let's take a sneaky peek at what's coming up.

There's tough talk with the Reds.

I didn't like yours and I want this.

I know why you like that...

Cos I've got taste.

And tough bargaining from the Blues.

£90, but don't ask for more.

-80?

-I said, "Don't ask for more."

-THEY LAUGH

-OK.

-OK.

And, at auction, disappointment for the Blues.

-Well, he tried for you.

-He worked hard.

-He really tried.

And tears for the Reds.

I'm going to cry.

While I visit the Royal Worcester Museum with an antiques legend.

That is my favourite teapot in the whole museum.

But, before all of that, it's time to meet our teams -

and can you feel the love in the air?

Cos I am surrounded by two pairs of lovely couples.

For our Red team, we have Adam and Kauri and for the Blues

we have Francis and Laura. Thank you for joining us.

-I hope you're well today.

-Yes, thanks.

-Very good.

-You are? Good.

OK, Adam, I'm going to start with you and the Reds,

because you and Kauri met seven years ago and I'm dying to hear

about these unusual circumstances under which you met.

We were at a friend's house party - I'd not met Kauri before - and...

probably midnight-ish, walked into the kitchen

and she was in there tucking into something.

So, I had a look over at what they were and they were biscuits

and then I clocked that they were dog biscuits.

And I broke this to her and it didn't seem to stop her and...

Love from there, wasn't it, really?

And you're all very animated now.

It's all smiley and good face.

However, you have a little bit of a more stoic hobby, do you not?

-Oh, poker.

-Yes.

-Yes.

You can't be all smiles then, can you?

No, no. Poker face on.

So, tell us about your poker face and your hobby?

I've played in some big events and I've won some money, as well,

-which is always a bonus.

-You've done all right?

-Yeah, it's good.

I'm up for gambling today. I'd like to...to buy more expensive items,

which would make a bit more than, say, a £20 item, where it might make £2.

Oh, right, OK. Are you hearing that, Blues, yeah?

-It sounds like they've got tactics.

-We'll give them that, it's fine.

Now, let's move on to your better half here, Kauri. But first of all,

tell us, what an unusual name. Where does that come from?

I was born in Sydney and it's a tree.

-It's a tree.

-So, apparently nice wood, so... Yeah, could have

-been worse.

-You've got a couple of wee ones at home, don't you?

-We have.

-And they must keep you busy?

-Yeah, they really do.

-They keep you running around?

-Aiden's nearly seven, Zach's four.

-Mm-hmm.

-Yeah, they're lovely.

What do you do with your spare time, when you get a bit of "me" time?

I like going round charity shops, collecting things.

I like a bit of DIY, I like to draw pictures, I like making things.

And this love of DIY and sort of doing things up, you took into your

camper van, didn't you, as well? Now, that's a passion of yours,

-tell us about the camper van.

-Yeah, we absolutely love it.

We both worked really hard on it, didn't we?

-Oh, God, yeah.

-Painting... We haven't been away in it for a while,

-have we? We've still got a lot to do.

-Now, what about tactics today?

As the Red team - not just Adam and Kauri, you're the Red team -

-what are you thinking today? Have you got a plan?

-Well, we've said

-we're going to get one item each, aren't we?

-Yeah.

-OK.

-And then a

-joint one.

-If we disagree, and then a joint one, so...

-And then a joint one.

-Yeah.

-Well, it sounds like a plan.

Good luck to the both of you. I'm sure you're going to have lots of fun.

-Thank you.

-Now, let's move on to our Blue team, Laura and Francis.

I believe congratulations are in order because you're newlyweds, aren't you?

-Yes.

-That's right, thank you very much.

-Lovely. So, how long have you been married?

-We've been married for six months now.

-(Oh, just six months.)

How lovely is that? Very nice indeed, congratulations.

Now, Francis, like Adam, you're self-employed,

so tell us about your career.

That's right, I'm a carpenter, builder,

building timber-frame houses, all sorts.

So, you physically build houses yourself, and is this something that

you've done for yourselves yet or are you planning to do?

We currently own a house in France.

Not one you built?

No, this is an old ruin I bought quite a few years ago

and we've been slowly building and renovating it as we go.

And how's your French?

OK.

So, can you haggle in French? Have you figured that out yet?

-I can haggle in French.

-Oh, you can!

-Yeah, it's not that hard.

-A-ha!

Well, what we're interested in today is your haggling in English -

that's what's going to be important.

And, Laura, over to you now, cos you've also turned your passion

into a career. Tell us about it.

-I have always loved cooking...

-Mm-hmm.

..and I started my own catering business about six years ago.

I did, I think, four weddings this summer as well as our own.

Now, you're in your finery...

-No, not...

-Did you get involved? Were you just overseeing?

-Yeah...

-I did it all in advance and we did have a couple of very helpful

friends do the sandwiches on the morning, cos we had afternoon tea.

That's absolutely amazing! So, would it be safe to say that, as a couple,

you've got a good eye from all this shopping you've been doing in France?

Do you reckon that's going to translate during the next hour?

Hopefully, we'll find that Faberge egg, as you always used to talk about.

-Yeah, maybe, the hidden piece...

-The hidden gem.

-And get a real bargain.

I hope that I find it first, if there's a Faberge egg out there.

-Well, maybe not literally a Faberge egg, but something...

-Something like that.

-The sleeper. You're looking for the sleeper.

-Yeah.

-We all are. Well, you won't be buying anything

-without some pocket money, so let me give you £300, Reds.

-Thank you.

And Blues, it wouldn't be fair unless I gave you £300, too.

Now, off you go and best of luck to all of you,

and let's hope this honeymoon lasts.

And helping the teams along the way today are our experts.

There's bullish Paul Laidlaw for the Reds...

..and Mark Ashley providing BEAR essentials for the Blues.

Kauri, you're into your retro and your vintage.

-Yes, I am.

-What are you looking for?

Something bright for the kitchen, maybe.

-OK, I like that.

-Something useful.

Let's just have a good look, everything in the shop.

Adam, you are the haggler, I believe.

Yes, I'm going to try. I want something manly,

something good, something cheap.

There's so many beautiful things around me,

I think we'll just have a really good look.

Right, teams, your 60 minutes start now.

And you're a poker player?

-Yes.

-So, get your game faces on and let go.

-It's a great day. It's on.

-Yes.

-Let's spend the money.

-Yep.

-Let's find some bargains.

-Let's go for it.

There are loads of treasures to dig through here in Leominster.

Teams, where do you want to start?

Are you interested in cabinets?

No, not yet.

You can walk round these aisles till the cows come home,

but you've got to get in amongst it.

Ah, good. The Blues have found something that's going begging.

-It's quite fun.

-That's rather fun, isn't it,

with the little dog on the top?

Looks like you press the tail or something and the...

Could it be that it's for something, like a money box or something, is it?

-Yeah, I wonder... Or cards?

-Cards.

-Pack of cards...

-It looks about the size to take playing cards, doesn't it?

-Yeah.

Seems the Blues don't want that doggy in the window,

but something's caught Adam's attention on the Red team.

My problem with that is it's post-war.

I can tell it straight away, because those are those are Sta-Brite,

anodised aluminium buttons, bearing the Queen's crown, introduced in '52.

And also, I would like to have seen a brevet, or wings, here,

-above the left breast.

-OK.

-This guy's ground crew. That's not for us.

-Right, OK.

-I like your style, though.

-Keep looking.

March on, then, Reds.

Now the Blues have found something promising.

Oh, I like the look of this, Laura.

-Yes.

-What does it do? Can you... What have you found out about it?

How does that work?

Yeah, so, this rolls back and you've got a nice drawer.

I suppose you'd keep your envelopes in here or paper.

-Yes, little, like travelling...

-Look at that.

-Oh, Francis, what a...

-Do you like this?

-Lovely.

-What a great piece.

-I think it's in really good condition.

It's obviously been used, but it's just got nice loved condition, hasn't it?

-Yeah.

-Yeah, it's honest. It's got a sort of honesty, hasn't it?

-Yeah, exactly.

£125.

Right, we'd have to try and negotiate a bit there.

Yes, we certainly would.

It would be nice if we could try and get it for under 100, wouldn't it, really?

-To try and...

-Yeah.

-But, I just love it. I think you've got a great eye.

You've chosen something that I think is really interesting.

Well, Mark certainly likes it.

So, shall we just think about this and see what else we can find?

That's one for the back burner, then.

So, are the Reds any closer to finding their first item?

Oh, this is all really old and brown.

Welcome to our world.

LAUGHTER

-Old and brown.

-Old and brown is what we do.

We dab that behind our ears in the morning!

Bit of Old And Brown for the antique dealer in you.

What are you looking at there, Adam?

It this old, Paul?

Adam, that is both old...and brown.

You're ticking all the boxes today.

Is this stationery box anything to write home about?

We have got brass mounts, keyhole escutcheon and a military-style,

countersunk handle to the base drawer.

Opens to reveal compartments for your stationery, your letters,

and so on. There was a pen tray there, which is now missing.

-OK.

-Let me tell you, so far as they go,

that's one of the of the best I've seen in many a moon.

-Really?

-How much is it?

-Ooh, 98.

£98. I'd want to be buying it for closer to 50-60.

Could be worth a shout, couldn't it? I'll go and get him.

What do you reckon, Kauri?

A wooden box is last thing I thought he'd choose.

Will Adam play his poker face?

Just wondering what you could do us on this box.

Oh, you've found something really nice, haven't you? And I suppose you want to know the best price?

-The best, best, best price, really.

-Save me putting my glasses on, how much is on it?

-That says £12.

-£75.

-No, 90!

-Cheeky.

What's the best you could do?

Cos I do really like it, but we need to make a profit.

How about if we do 75?

Would you do 60?

-Yeah, go on, then.

-You would. You're a nice lady.

-You're a nice man.

Nicely does it. First buy in the bag.

Well done.

Back to the Blues, and carpenter Francis has found something right up his street.

Ooh, look at these.

-That is pretty.

-Isn't that lovely?

Oh, dear, I think we might have to think about this one.

LAUGHTER

It's probably a bit niche to go to an auction.

They'd go well in my collection.

They would go well in your collection,

but I'm not treating you to them.

Ha! That's you told, Francis.

This'd look perfect in the motorhome, wouldn't it?

We're not shopping for that motorhome, Kauri.

Ooh, I'm scared of knocking the lot over.

Adam, don't let me.

20 minutes in, teams.

Now, what have the Blues found?

Well, what about this, Mark?

That's interesting, isn't it? Looks like the box that would have held

something like a scientific instrument or something. Or a surveying piece...

-It's quite heavy.

-Is it? I wonder if there's something in it.

-Have a look. Ah, now...

-Oh, yeah.

-It tells you on the inside there it was a navig...

A naval compass would have sat in there.

-Oh, right.

-And a gimbal mounted, you know...

-Yeah.

-But it's just the box.

A box without a compass - what's the price on that, then?

It's £46.

If this was to come up at auction,

how much do you think that would go for?

I think in an auction you'd probably put about £25-£30 on it.

And, of course, if someone's got the compass and you've got the box...

Oh, yes, cos we're likely to find that, aren't we?

Right, we'll go and do some negotiating.

Yeah, we'll give it a shot.

Come on then, Laura, you lead the way. Francis, after you.

Right, time to test your haggling skills.

I wondered what the best price would be on this box.

It's 46. I could let you have it for 40.

Well, I was thinking more like £20.

No, I can't do 20.

Oh. Oh, well.

The best, the very best, would be £35.

OK. Stan, I would like to buy it for £35.

Sold. Well done.

Congratulations.

First item purchased, Blues.

Onwards and upwards.

Paul, could I borrow you?

I really like that and it says "game set", I think, but that's all it says.

It should say "mah-jong game set", should it not?

-I can't really see, to be honest.

-And it comes in a delightful little case.

-But tell me what the problem is.

-That's the case that drew me to it.

-There's no lid.

-There's no lid. The price on that is 70...

£95.

-75, yeah.

-75.

Do you know, with its lid...

I think it's worth £40-£80.

-Oh, really?

-Without the lid, I think it's hamstrung.

-Right, where are we going now?

-OK, let's move on.

-Keep going that way?

-Yes.

-Good, we're on a roll.

And so are the Blues, who've found something

that might be useful on the pitch.

Seen this whistle?

-Or is it?

-Oh, GWR, that's interesting.

Great Western Railway... It's the Fat Controller's whistle.

-There's something else written on the...

-Your eyesight's probably

-better than mine. What can you read?

-I can't see, the reflection's...

Patent - Blair Street, Birmingham.

Oh, it's lovely. What a great thing.

-It's got a nice weight to it.

-Oh, I like that.

-It is nice, isn't it?

-Well spotted.

-Does it work?

-Yeah, give it a blow.

Do you think this...

I has got a nice sound.

I think I heard the train leave the station, didn't you?

-Yeah.

-That's brilliant.

-OK, they've got 28 written on the ticket.

I'm going to go and ask, see what the best they can do for it.

-I think if you can get it below 20, that'd be excellent.

-Yeah.

But I'd still think, if they have to stick at around 20,

I think we should have it.

I can see mileage in it.

I think you've chosen well.

It's your deal this time, Francis.

Just put your lips together...and blow.

Oh, well, here's the man.

Francis, do you want to take over negotiations on this one?

OK, we've found this whistle.

It's got 28 on the price tag.

-Yes?

-Is there much movement in that price?

Erm, there'd be a bit of movement, yes.

We'll make it 24.

How does that sound?

How do you feel about below 20, say 18?

I could make it 20 for you. That would be the very best.

-I think at 20 we'll go for it. Thank you.

-Good. Right, thank you very much.

-It's a deal.

-£20.

-Thanks very much.

Stan, it's a deal.

Excellent.

And, with the whistle purchased, it's Blues two, Reds one.

But are they about to equalise?

I want this.

-Why?

-What do you mean "why"?

Imagine that in a shop window.

-That's dear.

-Yeah, but it's phenomenal.

-It's not old, though, is it?

-Really?

-Yes, 100%...

What are you going to do with that? Have you got a shop window that you need filling?

No, I'm just being naughty. I love that.

-Do you really?

-Yeah, of course I do.

-Yes.

-Period, surely...

-Hat extension.

-1930s, with that base.

-You don't even need to have a

dress on it. Just like that, as a decoration, it's phenomenal.

Wait a minute - is the price phenomenal?

-No.

-98.

-Oh, jeez, it's enough!

-It's horrendous.

-£98.

That is going to lose the profit I make.

-Just going to put that...

-I'm sorry...

-Just saying.

-I didn't like yours.

-Just putting that in there.

-I didn't like yours and I want this.

-I know why you like that. I do know why you like that. I just don't...

-Cos I've got taste.

-I think you...

-Easy, Reds.

-I just think, at auction, it's not going to...

It's something you'd have in your bedroom, isn't it?

Well, I need it. So...

-If you can get that for, like, half price... (Just go low, though, for that.)

-OK.

-OK.

-Are you worried about this?

-I'm worried, yeah, I'm worried about it.

-Really?

-Here comes Steph to talk money.

Steph, this is what I've fallen in love with, but...

-But?

-It's the price.

-How much is it?

-£98.

How would we feel about 30?

-What?!

-I think

-30s... Too much?

-I don't think I'd feel happy about 30.

No, it's too much.

What would be your very, very best price?

42, for us, surely?

We'll do 42.

-42?

-Thank you so much. That's amazing. Thank you.

Well done. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Steph. We'll come again.

-Thank you so much.

-Pleasure.

-Happy face?

-Oh, so happy, yes. So pleased.

-Good, well done.

Now, the Blues have one more item to buy,

so what about that stationery box they saw earlier?

-Here's the guy.

-Here's the man.

So, Stan, what would be your best price on this writing case?

The ticket price is 125.

I could let you have it for £100.

-Right.

-We were hoping a little bit less than 100.

It could be £90, but don't ask for more.

-80?

-I said, "Don't ask for more"!

OK, OK.

£90 is the very best.

OK. Thanks for reducing that price.

-Jolly good.

-We're going to go for it. Thank you.

-Thank you, Stan.

Sorry we couldn't push you for more.

-We tried.

-You happy?

Yeah.

So you should be, Blues, you've bagged all three items.

With five minutes left, the Reds still have one more to go

and Kauri's gone all retro on Adam again.

Adam, I really like this.

-It's nice, I...

-Parrot cage - £68.

-Well...

-I don't know if there's a profit in it.

No, come on.

Hmm. What's Paul's verdict?

At this stage, do you want something that melts your heart

and you feel passionate about, or, with six minutes, five minutes

to go, do you just want something that's going to make you money?

-Yeah.

-What?

-That's the game.

-What is?

-Make money.

Yeah, but we can't find anything that we both like and agree on.

-I think Paul might have spotted something.

-Oh, here we go...

I've seen something. I don't think it's uber-sexy but I think it's profit.

-OK.

-OK.

-We'd better run. Go.

-Right.

MUSIC: Keep On Running by The Spencer Davis Group

A pair of sterling silver miniature salt or pepperettes.

They're a tenner, they're silver -

I guarantee you make money on those.

-It's them or the parrot cage.

-I'd rather go the parrot cage.

Right, let's go, let's do something.

OK, so we're going to be really cheeky now.

We were cheeky earlier.

We're going to kick it up a level. We like the parrot cage.

-OK.

-It's priced at 68 and we were going to be ridiculously cheeky

and go in at a tenner.

No. 40.

What about 18?

We'll do 30, and that's absolute death.

Bare minimum. I'll shake on 30, then.

-OK.

-30.

-My word.

-Yep.

-Thank you, Steph.

Steph, you've been a...total star. Thank you.

CLOCK CHIMES

And those 60 minutes are up.

I need to go and lie down now.

I know. I'm so dry.

Let's remind ourselves what the Red team bought.

Will the writing be on the wall for the walnut stationery cabinet,

bought for £60?

Next, the 1930s mannequin.

Price paid - £42.

And, finally, will the parrot cage, bought for £30,

make them a pretty profit?

Well, that was all a bit crazy, wasn't it?

Kauri, how did you find that?

-That was absolutely amazing. It was so much fun.

-Amazing?

-So much fun.

You just had to have that mannequin, didn't you?

I did, yeah, I love it. Absolutely love it.

So that's your favourite item, would you say?

-Definitely, yeah.

-So, Adam, what was your favourite item?

The stationery box, I think. I think there's a lot of profit in that.

So you think it's got a lot of profit in it?

Do you think it has the biggest profit in it?

I think so. I like the bird cage,

but I'm just not sure how that's going to go down.

OK, well, we know who didn't like the bird cage.

-Paul Laidlaw.

-Oh, yeah.

A little birdie told me you hated that bird cage so bad. Hated it.

Is there a bigger word than hate? Can we work on this?

So, after all that, what was the grand total? What did you spend?

£132.

OK, not too bad. Not too bad. So, that should leave me 168?

-Yes.

-OK, I'll be glad to take it off you,

and hand it straight over to the legend that is Mr Paul Laidlaw.

We're expecting big things here.

Are you going to do something legendary with it, Paul?

I can't do anything until I've got over the bird cage,

and that could take some time.

Well, Paul, you go have a wee lie down,

and we'll find out what the Blue team bought.

They're hoping the £35 compass box, minus the compass,

might find a buyer.

Next, can the train whistle attract attention?

£20 paid.

And, finally, can a £90 stationery box gets things moving at auction?

Well, Francis and Laura,

I commend you because that was a seriously simple task for you.

You just ambled along quite nicely, didn't you?

Let's hope it was that simple.

-You enjoyed that, I think?

-It was good fun, yeah. It was great fun.

So, what was your favourite item, Francis?

I think the favourite item was the brass whistle.

But do you think it holds the biggest profit?

Yeah, I do. I think it's got the best room to make some money.

Ah, you're quite confident with that.

-Yeah.

-That was a bit of a wry smile there from you.

Let's hope. Let's hope.

And what about you, Laura? Are you keen on the whistle too?

Well, I do really like the whistle,

and I hope that will make us the best profit.

-But I do like the compass box...

-The compass one.

-So there was a stationery box...

-..that I chose at the beginning.

..but this one that you prefer, the naval compass box.

-Yep.

-And are you both in agreement that the stationery box

could be a bit of a tricky one?

£90. That's a lot to claw back.

So, what did you spend in total?

We spent 145 in total.

145, leaving 155...

-Correct.

-Which you have right there.

-There you are.

-How good is that?

Mark, I'm looking at you now, kid.

It's going straight into your hand and what are you going to do with it?

Well, I've clocked a few things as we've been going round.

If they're still there, and that Paul hasn't bought them,

I'll see if I can get them, or one of them, anyway.

So, while Mark's off doing his shopping,

let me invite you to a place that's rather special.

Behind me is the magnificent skyline of Worcester, and I'm off to visit

a museum that tells the story of its famous porcelain - Royal Worcester.

Nestled almost next to the cathedral,

it's a name that's known across the world,

and one that's been associated with this city for 270 years.

It all began in 1751, when Dr John Wall and apothecary William Davies

invented a new recipe for porcelain, using a clay found only in Cornwall.

I've come to the site of the old Royal Worcester factory, now a museum,

to meet retired curator and Royal Worcester guru, Henry Sandon,

to tell me what makes this porcelain so unique.

The secret ingredient was this funny material, soapstone...

-May I have a feel?

-Soapy rock.

It feels soapy to the touch, which renders the body

able to withstand hot liquids.

What it meant was that, when you poured tea into a teapot,

boiling water, it didn't crack, but it made teapots like this...

And it's my favourite teapot in the whole museum.

Your favourite one in the whole museum?

So, was this an 18th-century design?

18th-century design.

But the problem was, of course, that tea was very expensive.

Because the tax was 100%.

Tax was enormous.

It's unfathomable, isn't it?

And only for the very rich.

Now, when you save the very rich,

a company can't very well sustain itself on just wealthy clients,

so how did they go on to appeal to the mass-market?

Well, they produced transfer printing from

copperplate engravings. This is a copperplate.

And, from that, you ink it up when it's hot, and then you take

a paper pull from it and put that on the piece of porcelain.

This is a mug, transfer printed from that...

-It's the same one.

-It's the same one.

It revolutionised the whole industry.

Royal Worcester was granted its first Royal warrant in 1789,

and has never been without one since.

As orders came flooding in, it became the chosen porcelain

for the rich wanting to show off their status.

Now, to my eye, Henry, this looks like another royal commission. So what do we have here?

-It's a service for the Prince Regent himself.

-No less.

But, interestingly, the factory sent him up to London a complete range

of different patterns from which he could choose.

-Like these?

-These are some of the hand-painted patterns that he could have if he wished.

Well, that's one of the benefits of being the Prince Regent.

You don't have to visit the factory and look at the pattern book.

-They come to you.

-Come to you.

-Direct.

And this is the one he chose -

beautiful, with the Royal and the Prince Regent crowns on the centre,

and absolutely beautiful, isn't it?

'To put a thin and straight gold line on a vase like this needs

'plenty of skill, not to mention a steady hand. After painting,

'the colour is dusted on in the form of powder.'

With mass production, Royal Worcester thrived,

moving from the country houses to our homes.

But, with competition from abroad,

orders declined at the latter end of the 20th century,

and the factory finally closed its doors in 2009.

But that wasn't the end of the story.

Restarted again under the auspices of Portmeirion,

and we're still going on, and so is the great museum.

So, from 1751 until 2009 we had Royal Worcester in Worcester,

and now we have this fabulous museum to really pay homage

-to that great British porcelain factory.

-Yes.

Well, I look forward to visiting again in the future, Henry.

It's been brilliant, what a wealth of information!

But now it's time to head to the hills, the Malvern Hills, that is,

as we see how we get on at the auction.

At £90, thank you.

Having made the short journey from Worcester to Malvern,

here I am with Philip Serrell at Serrell's Saleroom.

-How are you, Philip?

-Very well, how are you?

I'm very well, thank you. I'm delighted to see you.

-It's good to see you.

-We could talk for Britain, but let's stick to business, Philip.

-OK.

-Here we are, with Adam and Kauri's goods for the Red team.

Paul Laidlaw was in charge, and this smacks of Laidlaw, doesn't it, this stationery cabinet?

It's just a nice quality lot. There's a couple of bits missing from it, but it's nice,

and that should make £60-£90 all day long, I would hope.

-60 to 90?

-What did they pay for that?

-Your lower end of

-the estimate, £60.

-Really? Oh, home and hosed. Shall we go now?

60 to 90, I think you're bang on with that.

Now, as I said, this smacks of Paul Laidlaw.

-Yeah.

-But does this mannequin behind me?

-Yeah, well...

I have to say that doesn't remind me of Paul Laidlaw in any way at all.

-Well, I mean... In its shape?

-In shape, in colour...

And how do you reckon this is going to fare amongst your buyers? That's what I'm wondering.

The vintage thing is quite big. And I think that's quite

a cool accessory for someone who either has got a shop

and they want to display vintage items,

or put it in a bedroom, put jewellery on it.

-Yeah.

-Put clothes on it.

-You're thinking of ideas.

Yeah, I'm trying to...trying to think of anything, actually.

-And what do you reckon it's going to make, Phil?

-It's going to make £30-£50.

Well, do you know what? They paid £42 for it.

Now, Phil, I don't know if this is going to be your cup of tea,

but I certainly love this onion-shaped dome at the top -

it turns an ordinary bird cage into quite a dramatic, effective one.

Yeah, I've got a certain affinity with that.

Rather fancy, isn't it? I like it, I think it's got appeal.

I think it's £30-£50 worth all day long.

I think... What did they pay for that?

-£30.

-Oh, should be fine, then.

I think it should be absolutely fine.

-Yeah.

-You're not getting too exciting with your estimates, are you, Phil?

No, no, I... No, well, I've always been a bit coy.

You know me - cautious, cautious.

-Cautious, well...

-It's better to travel in expectation

-than arrive in disappointment.

-That is what they say.

Well, if there is disappointment at the auction, then these Reds will

need their Bonus Buys. So, let's see what Paul Laidlaw bought.

OK, Kauri and Adam, you shopped so well together with Mr Paul Laidlaw.

But let's find out how he shopped on your behalf.

Paul... Reveal.

Well, whether it will hold a candle or not to our cage remains to be seen.

It's certainly the antidote.

What do you think of...that?

SHE GASPS

-Nice.

-Nice?

-Not what I was expecting.

-OK.

-That looks really pretty.

Really pretty, I will take... It's better than nice.

-Can I take it out?

-Do.

-Enjoy.

-Oh, it fits.

Oh, like a glove. Oh, it's really nice.

-Yes.

-She wants it.

-Gold. And what you think...

What do you think the sparkly, white bits are?

-Diamonds?

-Are they?

They ain't CZ.

Oh, brilliant.

That is a diamond ring.

And what I like about it is the setting.

I think it's delicate, I think it has a period charm,

but I don't think it's old-fashioned.

Well, you actually left Paul £168 to spend.

Well, I had to add a tenner of my own money.

-That's very kind.

-That cost me £75.

Oh, that's good.

On the high street, £75 won't get you into the shop.

-I'm very happy with that.

-Yes?

-Love it.

-It's really nice.

-Oh, yes, we're shaking already.

-We're definitely having that, cheers.

Well, you don't have to decide now.

Don't get too carried away.

But I tell you what - Paul has sold that to me,

seems like he sold it to our team. But what will the auctioneer think?

Philip, here is what Paul Laidlaw bought.

I tell you, I wasn't expecting him to buy jewellery.

But I think that's going to make between £60 and £80,

£60 and £90, something like that. What did he pay for it?

He paid 75, and I think he's done well with that.

I think that diamonds could well turn out

to be Laidlaw's best friend.

You're full of them today, Phil.

OK, let's move on.

Here we are, Francis and Laura, a delightful couple -

you'll see them later on.

And this is our first lot, this is our compass box.

-Yeah. No, I have been mean with that.

-You have been mean with that?

-Yeah, I have been really mean with that.

-But it's got all the bits,

it's got its leather straps, it's got a nice gilded part inside.

Yeah... What it doesn't have is a compass! Which is fairly crucial to a compass box.

-But will it find its way to your buyers?

-Yeah.

I mean we've put £15-£30 on it. And, in retrospect,

I think that's going to be north of our top estimate.

You reckon? I think you're right. I think that's very come-and-get-me, isn't it?

-Because they paid £35 for it...

-No, that's fine.

-..and I think they've done really well.

Well, let's move on to our whistle.

-OK. Now, this is a lovely whistle.

-Yeah.

We've got a good description on this, we've got all the bits -

GWR whistle, J Hudson and Co.

We even know the patent and all that.

-I think that's going to make between £15 and £30.

-15 and 30?

Well, that's what they paid, because they paid 20.

In case that steams away, we might not have to rely so much

on this one, but it's a lovely stationery box.

This is a battle of the stationery boxes, isn't it?

Yeah, I think this looks good from a distance.

I think that's going to make around £15-£30, something like that.

-OK, well...

-What did they pay for that?

-They paid £90 for it.

But, do you know, I can understand...

-How much?!

-£90, and you know,

I think they actually got quite a lot off it, as well. I think they did quite well in the shop.

But it's one of these things, isn't it?

They might have paid a little bit too much for that, and in that case...

-They will need...

-..they might need their Bonus Buy.

So, just in case, let's find out what Mark bought for the Blues.

Well, I commend you, Francis and Laura,

because you almost spent half of the £300 -

£145 spent.

Which means that you left Mark Ashley running amok in Leominster

with £155. Mark, did you spend it all?

I spent £40.

Would you like to see?

-Yes.

-Here we go.

-Now, that's what I spent £40 on.

-Oh.

GIGGLING

What is it?

It's a drigug, and it's a Tibetan ritual item, a Buddhist item.

It's bronze and steel, and probably from the 19th century.

And it really symbolises the parting of the material from the spiritual -

so material, as in the body, to release the spirit or the soul.

So it's got a ritual meaning.

What sort of age as this piece?

I'll go for 19th century.

Got quite a weight to it, being made of bronze, then?

-It has, would you like to...?

-Yeah. Thank you.

The bronze piece is cast?

Yes, that's cast, absolutely.

Your predictions at auction - how much do you think...?

Well, I think 40 was quite reasonable and I'd like to think

it could double that. But do you like it?

It's quite an unusual piece.

I've never seen one before.

It could either bomb, or it could do very well.

And that's what I'm hoping for you.

-Fingers crossed.

-Fingers-crossed moment.

Well, everyone has their fingers crossed here.

Let's see what Philip Serrell has to say

about Mark's ceremonial flaying knife.

We get a lot of these in Malvern.

You had me for a second.

I've never seen one of these in my life before.

So, its official name is a drigug. I just wanted to check that...

-A what?

-A ceremonial drigug.

You sure it's not Scottish? It's very Scottish, that, isn't it?

It's got a guttural feel to it, doesn't it?

I've got to tell you, I've never seen one in my life before.

That's does hamstring you a little bit when you're trying

to put a price on it. So I mean... I'd put, I don't know, £15-£30?

They've paid £40 for it, but I'm quite convinced this could do well because...

Pizza cutter?

Ceremonial pizza cutter?

-Yeah, OK.

-No?

-No.

-Not going with me on that one?

-No.

Well, quite an interesting array of items we have here, Phil, and I

believe you're quite interesting when you're on the rostrum.

I have my moments.

Yeah, well, let's see Phil take the sale.

OK, Adam, Kauri, the moment has come, we're in the auction house.

-How are you feeling?

-Really excited.

Nervous, excited, all of it.

Yeah, I'm positive - that's the main thing.

-Great. And this is your very first auction?

-Yeah.

First up is the stationery box.

The auctioneer has estimated your £60 purchase at £60-£90.

-And here it comes.

-Brilliant.

-Take a look.

Lot number 148 is this really lovely burr walnut stationery box.

Start me off, £100 someone? 100 I'm bid, 100.

Thank you.

This is brilliant.

There's a bid at £100, seated.

At 100. Is there any more at all?

-I'll take that.

-Philip Serrell.

-Straight in.

.. at 100, and done, thank you.

£100.

You've just made £40 straightaway.

Here comes the mannequin.

Lot number 149 is a mannequin.

20 I'm bid. At 20.

And 5, 25. 30...

We need to make more than 42.

60 on the next bid.

70 now, sir, 70...

You guys.

80 bid. Just one more, sir?

90. 90 bid. At £90.

There's the bid...at £90.

Done at 90, and done.

£90. That's a £48 profit.

There's a gavel riding on the bird cage.

There is a gavel...

There's a gavel riding on the cage.

Lot number 150.

Well, the large, painted bird cage.

Give me £20. A miserly 20 anywhere?

At 20, 5,

30, 5...

40, 5,

50, 5...

60, 5.

I've got 60, 70 now.

80, is it? At 70, seated.

At 70.

£70, then.

It's still going. Hang on, we're on £80.

At 70 seated. 80, 90. £90 seated.

I'm gobsmacked.

At £90 and I sell, then?

At 90 and done. Thank you.

£90.

-You've just made, on the bird cage...

-He's a good man.

..a £60 profit. Let me do the maths...60 + 40 = 100...

£148 you are in front.

Now, we don't have a lot of time to decide whether or not you wanted a go of the Bonus Buy.

-£75? Would you?

-I can't say.

-I've done my bit.

-If it doesn't...

If we take a hit, will it be a big, massive hit?

-No.

-Go for it.

Let's go for it, yeah.

Lot number 154 is the really lovely diamond ring.

50 I'm bid, at 50.

50 bid, at 50... 50, 60, 70, 80...

-Yes.

-90, 100 here, 110...

We've done it. We've done it.

110, 120...

-A full 100.

-We've done it.

It's the Bargain Hunt dream.

-Look at it climb.

-140, 150.

150, internet's out.

160.

160.

-Are you joking?

-It's a lovely ring.

At £160 and done? Thank you.

-£160.

-I'm not that disappointed.

I've got a proposition - we should go into business together.

-Yes.

-Can I tell you how much you've made overall?

On your three lots, you made £148.

And then, on your Bonus Buy, you made an £85 profit.

Taking you to £233.

-That is absolutely...

-Well done.

I'm going to cry.

-You go have a...

-That's the best I've ever seen.

Oh, you're having a wee cry? Give her a hug, for goodness' sake.

Have a cry. Well done. I'm buzzing about the gavel more.

I've never seen such a profit in my day.

But it could be runner-up territory, you never know.

-Philip's doing well today, and those Blues could steam ahead.

-I tell you what, if that is...

So do me a favour...

-If that is, who cares?

-Yeah, we've got to go poker face, haven't we? You can't...

-I'm crying.

You dry your tears,

poker face on, and don't say a word to the Blues, OK?

-Yeah.

-Wow.

-Well done.

OK, Laura, Francis, Mark, the time has come.

How do you feel now that we're standing here in the auction house?

-Quite excited.

-Quite nervy.

-I can see that on your faces. Nervous excitement.

-Yeah.

Is this your first-ever auction?

-BOTH:

-No.

No. Ah, so you're an old hand?

The mahogany compass box is up first.

-Are you confident about it?

-Medium.

Here it is, it's going under the hammer right now.

Fingers crossed - we need to make more than 35.

Lot number 107 is this really interesting compass box.

30 to start?

£20?

15? 20.

20 bid. More now - 5.

One more? 25.

There's the bid at 25 in the room.

Net's out at 25.

At £25.

Who can I squeeze a fiver out of?

-30 anywhere?

-Come on, now.

At £25, 30 if you like.

At £25 and done. Thank you.

-Well, he tried for you.

-He worked hard.

-He really tried.

We're £10 under, but our next lot is our railway whistle.

You paid 20 for it.

Again, Phil reckons 15 to 30.

So we could do a little bit better with this one. Here it goes.

Lot number 171.

There we go, the train whistle.

Who's got £20?

20? Who's got a tenner?

£5 for a whistle?

-Here it goes.

-20 on the net.

-Bid at 20.

-20 on the net.

-Oh, on the internet.

-Good.

5 it'll cost you now.

You can take this back to Australia with you.

At £25 and done, thank you.

Oh, he is working hard.

25.

This time you have made a fiver,

which means you are still

minus five, but our oak stationery box could get us out of it.

-No!

-Or can it?

-Let's hope.

£90 paid, Phil reckons...

15 to 30.

But he's climbing - here he goes.

Lot number 172...

I've got £20 bid.

5, 30, 5.

35 - bid's with me at 35.

40, 5 with me. At 45.

-We're halfway there.

-At 50, 50 bid.

At £50 and I sell, then?

At 50 and done. Thank you.

£50.

OK, so it's a loss of 40.

Which means, overall, minus 45.

Now, what are we going to do about this drigug - this ceremonial knife?

We'll take the punt. I think so.

OK, so 100%, you're going to go with the Bonus Buy? Here it goes.

Now, there's a first for everything.

I have never, ever seen

one of these before.

Give me £20 to start.

25, 30 now.

30. And 5...

Go on.

40. One more.

-45.

-Oh, yes...

Bit more.

Just one more. 50, 50 bid.

50. Well done, Mark. Well done.

I sell then at £50. And done. Thank you.

The drigug sold for £50, so you made £10 profit.

That means, overall, you're minus 35.

But, as you well know, a negative score could be a winning score.

So, keep it very calm, go back and see those Reds, but don't say a word.

-Will you promise me that?

-We promise.

-We will, we promise.

Well done.

Adam and Kauri, Francis and Laura, experts...

this is the moment of truth.

And it's so brilliant on Bargain Hunt,

because you win some, you lose some - that's what they say.

And on Bargain Hunt we don't really have losers, we have runners-up.

And have you guessed who today's runners-up are?

The Blues. Oh.

It was close, and I'll tell you how close in a minute.

But let's see how you got on.

We started with that mahogany compass box,

we were so positive about it.

You lost £10 on that, made a fiver on your next lot,

lost 40 on the next one, and ended up minus 45.

But Mark Ashley came to the rescue a smidgen.

He made a profit of £10, and overall minus 35.

So, I've got nothing to give you, but did you have fun?

-It was a good day, a great day.

-It was a good day, wasn't it?

Well, thank you so much for joining in.

But our winners today with a profit of...

£233...

Adam and Kauri.

I mean, we started off with that stationery box - it made £40 profit.

But the star of the show was, Mr Laidlaw, the bird cage.

-60 quid it made.

-Amazing.

And then, talking of Mr Laidlaw, what did he do?

-£85 profit on his Bonus Buy, that ring.

-Unbelievable.

-It's amazing, isn't it?

-Unbelievable.

-Which means £233.

I'm going to give it to Kauri, cos she was crying.

Tears, so I'm going to give you £3, and then I have got £230.

-Thank you.

-It's just so cool.

But it gets even cooler.

Because when you make a profit on all three lots,

-you get this brilliant wee thing...

-Priceless.

..called the Golden Gavel!

And that's why I think there were tears.

There is one for you, Kauri, and here is one for you, Adam.

-Thank you.

-Please, pop at onto your fleece and wear it with pride...

-That's amazing.

-..because you earned those Golden Gavels.

You did a fantastic job, and did you have such a great time?

-Yeah, it's amazing.

-Beyond words. Beyond words.

Amazing. I think you'll be in shock for about the next three weeks.

-Yeah.

-Oh, my goodness. Well, we've all had a brilliant time.

What an amazing result.

But if you would like to know more about Bargain Hunt,

then the best thing to do is to visit our website.

In fact, you can keep up-to-date with the tweets on Twitter,

follow us at Bargain Hunt.

All the details are on your screen.

But there's one more thing I'd like you to do,

and that's join us next time for some more Bargain Hunting.

Yes? ALL: Yes!