Portobello/Kingston 15 Bargain Hunt

Today, we're in London, down by the Thames.

So before we get ready to rummage,

let's have a quick tour of the river they call liquid history.

Upstream, we have Henry VIII's Hampton Court

and also Runnymede, where they signed the Magna Carta.

And downstream, we have the Houses of Parliament.

Remember the Gunpowder Plot?

And also St Paul's Cathedral surviving the Blitz.

And over there, we have the Kingston Antiques Centre,

where we are going today.

So let's go Bargain Hunting!

A short stroll from the river is Kingston Antiques Centre,

where the Reds and the Blues will be battling it out for bargains.

Our teams have got £300

and just one hour in which to spend it.

Will history be made?

Yes, if our hard-working experts have anything to do with it.

Here I am, on my knees for you.

THEY LAUGH

Not that they are always listened to, of course.

I'm never buying anything antique again.

I'm going modern from now on.

Never mind that.

What about the money?

Yeah!

-Are we in profit?

-Yes!

But that's all for later.

Let's meet the teams.

Today, for the Red team, we have father and daughter David and Liz.

And for the Blues, we have good chums Matthew and Bruno.

-Hello, everyone. ALL:

-Hello!

-Lovely to see you.

-And you.

-You look as if you are really ready to bargain hunt.

-We are ready.

-Absolutely.

-Fantastic. Now, Liz, you trained in musical theatre,

-is that right?

-That's right, yeah. I've just recently graduated

from GSA, which is the Guilford School of Acting.

-Oh, wonderful, well done.

-Thank you.

-Have you had a role recently?

Yes, I've just have done A Christmas Carol,

which was at the opera house in Blackpool.

Oh, that sounds exciting. What were you playing?

I played Scrooge's mum.

Scrooge's mum? You must have a very good make-up artist. Scrooge's mum!

Do you have a dream role?

-Probably Glinda in Wicked...

-Glinda in Wicked.

-..is a dream role, yeah.

-David, you're not trained in musical theatre?

-No, sadly not, no.

You wouldn't want to hear me sing, that's for sure.

-He's lying.

-I won't ask. But you've got a little experience of your own,

-haven't you? A little moment?

-Yes, I have. Yes, yes.

We once went to a local theatre

and we unfortunately got sat in the front row of the theatre,

and I think that is always a mistake.

I got picked on to go on to the stage

-and I had to dress as Snow White.

-You had to dress as Snow White?

Yes, absolutely. And I was given the kiss of life by Mr Blobby.

That's a bit disappointing, isn't it?

So that's my one claim to fame, I was once kissed by Mr Blobby.

Now, your other main love, really, lies a bit northeast of here.

That's right, yes.

-I think you are referring to the Norwich City Football Club.

-I am.

-I am a season ticket holder.

-Are you?

-For my sins, yes.

-Many of you?

About three, yes. We wander around and pretend we're a crowd.

So what will you be looking for while you are shopping?

I think we will be looking for items of quality, if we can.

-Quality, yeah.

-Absolutely.

-Buy quality.

-Yes.

-Keep that in mind.

-I am.

-Now, Matthew and Bruno, how did you meet?

-We met through work, didn't we?

-Yeah, that's right.

We've known each other for a couple of years.

-Now, you are a creative technologist.

-I am.

-And I haven't got a clue what that is.

-Don't worry, most people don't.

Explain in very simple terms for me.

I get to go out and work with a lot of children,

hundreds of children from around the world, and I teach them

-how to programme, how to learn to code.

-Wonderful.

All over the world? Where have you been?

I've been to Sierra Leone, Kenya, Israel.

Next week, I'm going out to New York to go

-and teach more schools over there.

-Crikey.

-Marvellous.

-It's an amazing job.

-Bruno, you're an industrial designer.

-That's right, yeah.

-What do you like designing? Anything?

-Everything and anything.

Unfortunately for the people I live with,

I tend to make an enormous mess on a regular basis,

building all sorts of sculptures and all sorts of stuff.

-Large sculptures, small?

-Very large, very large. They take up...

-What, life-size?

-Well, yeah. Metres high.

-My goodness me!

They take up the whole of my lounge at the moment.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-You must be a delight to live with(!)

-Sorry, guys. Yeah.

-You also like broken objects, don't you?

-Yes. Yes, indeed.

I'm told that you like photographing something rather strange.

-It's a sort of odd hobby of mine.

-Tell me what it is.

I do like to collect photographs of broken umbrellas.

-Broken umbrellas?

-Yeah, that's right.

-Do you break them yourself?

No, absolutely not, that would defeat the whole point.

-You have to find them broken?

-Yes, course. In the street,

when it rains, people leave them out, don't throw them away.

-I might have something for you.

-Oh, goodness, what?

-Hold on a moment.

-Oh, my Lord! Where did you find this?

-I have for you a broken umbrella.

-Thank you so much!

Are you excited by that one?

-Incredibly.

-It's got colour, it's got prongs.

-Incredibly exciting.

-This is like...

-It's a fine specimen.

I just ask one thing, when you photograph it,

-send me a photograph of it.

-I absolutely will. Yeah, yeah.

I'd love a photograph.

-Sign it for me.

-It took me hours to break that umbrella.

-Now, what will you need to go shopping?

-Money.

-Money! Yes, in one.

-£300 we're going to give you.

-Wonderful.

-And we're also going to give you £300.

-Thank you.

Off you go. Have a great time.

And while they're shopping, let's hope it doesn't rain.

Now for the experts helping our teams today.

On call for the Reds, it's Thomas Plant.

Starring for the Blues, we have Natasha Raskin.

What are we going to buy?

I'm going to be looking for novelty bits of silver,

-possibly.

-Novelty bits of silver. What about you, Liz?

I don't know, maybe if I can find something theatre-related.

Matthew and I love chairs.

If we can get a nice little chair in there, that'd be fantastic.

I think something industrial, maybe a nice lamp.

OK, I like being surrounded by men with a plan.

All right, teams, your 60 minutes starts now.

-WHISTLE BLOWS

-Here we go, guys.

-OK.

Let's get in here. Because one hour is on the clock.

-Believe me, it's going to go quickly.

-I know!

If only they knew that their rivals have already spotted something.

I saw a box that took my eye when I came round here.

-Yeah, let's have a little look.

-See, I think that is really cute.

-So what do you think it is?

-It's got fabric on the inside.

-Fabric and...

-Like a kind of sewing...

-Exactly.

-It's a work box.

-Yeah.

-A sewing box. It's quite plain.

-It's only £48.

-It's a £20 to £30 lot, maybe £10 at auction.

-Is it?

-100%, yeah.

-Oh!

-I like it, but it's not really what you're looking for.

-OK.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-Sorry.

-No, that's all right.

I've sort of put the mockers on, haven't I?

-SHE LAUGHS

-No, don't worry.

Sound advice, Thomas. Now, do we have a possible Blues buy?

Yeah, I love that. See, it looks like a guard's lamp?

Well, I think it says...

Do you know, I could say to you, "I think it is a real..."

It tells you on the side here. It's £72.

At auction, they probably don't want to pay much more than 35, 40.

-Let's keep it in mind, I like that one.

-Definitely.

-Keep going?

Yeah, definitely.

Just one thing as well. I love these wee place name holders.

They are so cute. And this even comes with wee name places there.

M for monsieur.

So you could actually have monsieur or madame and then the name.

-That's kind of cute, isn't it?

-It's really sweet.

I think that they are something, the kind of thing...

-Maybe not your cup of tea.

-Probably not, I'd say.

You don't seem to be too excited.

-It's interesting.

-If we come across a stallholder,

-we might ask.

-Yeah, absolutely, let's do that.

-Let's move on.

-Early days.

-A lot to see. I want to follow you.

-Brilliant, all right.

-I think you guys know what you're doing.

Know what they want, certainly.

And what will Thomas make of the Reds' latest discovery?

-So, you found a little box.

-Yeah!

Not a lot.

-Right.

-Not keen, I can tell, Thomas, by the expression.

It's a lot of money!

-It is £58.

-Yeah, it is a lot of money.

-I have to say, I like your style, but it is too much.

-Yeah, £20.

Well, it's not even a fiver.

-Isn't it?

-Oh!

-Yeah, I'm sorry.

-No.

Oh, dear. Elsewhere, the Blues may just have found something

that fits their bill.

This really stands out for me.

Oh, wow, yeah, this is interesting.

OK, that is seriously slick, isn't it?

Well, I did say lamp and I did say industrial.

I have to say, it is sort of a storm trooper

-of the lamp world.

-Yeah!

And then a big red button. It is like a nuclear button, isn't it?

-It's a bit serious, isn't it?

-It's nice.

-I know.

You can feel like the prime minister and press the red button.

And hopefully, the auction room will erupt...

-And not the lamp.

-..with bids. Yeah!

Yes, but what about the money?

Now, Matthew's holding all the cards here

cos he's standing on the right side of the price tag.

-Shall I have a guess?

-Why don't you have a guess?

Go on, what do you think it is?

What do you reckon someone is asking for that?

-I'm going to say maybe 200?

-I think you're not far off.

-I think it might be more.

-You're both going to

-have a nice surprise. It's £145.

-Is it?

-145, OK.

How do you feel about that, Natasha?

I feel wonderful. I feel ecstatic. My goodness.

I think that's exactly the kind of thing that buyers

-love at the moment.

-I think we should go for the cheeky offer.

-Cheeky offer, let's do it.

-Shall we say £80?

-Feeling confident.

-Let's do £80. Let's see if they'll do 80.

-£80?

-And go from there.

-What is your technique like?

-Are you going to go softly-softly?

-No, straight in.

-Low.

-Straight in?

-Low, low, low. The worst...

As my dad would say, the worst they can say is no.

-Exactly.

-We want them to say yes!

She's right. Thomas finally seems a bit more enthusiastic

about a Reds' find, however.

Look at these cameras at the back, Dad.

-Cameras are dead popular.

-Yeah?

-Cameras are really popular things.

And these here are quarter plates,

so these are plates to be putting in the back of the cameras.

-I like the look of that. Can we look at it?

-The mahogany.

-The mahogany ones, the mahogany and brass quarter plates.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, you like those, do you?

-Yeah. Can we?

-Yeah.

Could we have a look in this cabinet, please?

Promising. Now, cheeky offer time.

Matthew, your namesake, has an idea.

Yeah, so we think this is something...

You know, it's in a sale, you want to maybe get rid of it.

Right. We'll take it away.

We're thinking maybe around the £80 mark, though.

It's probably a little bit tight for us on that.

We could maybe do it for 90.

-Meet me in the middle, 85.

-85?

-Um, yes, OK.

-Wonderful.

-Excellent, thank you.

-Thanks so much.

That was brilliant. Thank you very much.

Shaking all around, I think, because that's a good price,

isn't it?

Almost half! Cheeky pays for the Blues.

Well, that was amazing.

-Full steam ahead - 11 minutes.

-Yeah, not too bad.

Let's keep going at this pace and before you know it,

we'll have half an hour to just mill around.

-To browse.

-While those Reds are stressed out, I'm sure.

-Exactly.

Learning the rudiments of early photography, actually.

What, so these would slip in the back of the cameras?

In the back, and then you've got one exposure, bang,

turn it over, and another exposure.

-Right.

-Do you get that?

-Yeah.

-The old mahogany bellows.

-And they put them in the back.

-In it goes, yeah. Out it comes.

You can imagine he's looking in, says, "Smile."

That's why everyone looks so miserable in their photographs.

-They had to wait forever.

-Forever!

You've got different sizes of plates, haven't you?

So it's for different sizes of cameras.

So what would people use these for these days, then?

-Well, they are collectors' pieces.

-Yeah, just as collectibles?

-Just to collect, yeah.

-And how much have they got on each of those?

Well, they are 12.

-That one is eight.

-Eight.

-And that one is 12.

24, plus that, makes 32.

-32.

-Yeah.

-And you know, you've got little numbers here.

-Three and four.

-Thornton and Pickard.

-They were a good maker?

-They were a really good maker.

-Yeah?

-Let's do it.

-Yep.

-You like them?

-I like them, yeah.

If we could get the three for £20...

-I mean, I think that £20 is where you want to be, really.

-BOTH:

-Yeah.

Bit of history, and photography is dead popular.

Love it. It's good to go.

Do you want to ask? Yep, let's go and ask.

Time to talk to Marianne.

There's three here. These come to £32.

What is the best on these?

-25, really, I think.

-Hm.

Well, that's a good offer. We were hoping for 20.

22.

-22...

-That's...

-You couldn't do 20 for me?

Go on, 20 for us.

-Go on then, 20.

-Yes?

-Yeah!

-Yes?

-I think we'll have them.

-Thank you. Yeah, let's do it. Thank you.

-Marianne.

-Thank you.

-Thank you, Marianne.

One each, nicely balanced.

I really like this. What do you think of this?

Wow, yeah. That's really curious.

Early vintage postal scales, brass with ceramic.

I've never really seen a scale like that before.

It's an interesting object, isn't it?

I tell you what, it's an interesting bit of design.

-It's stylish. It's £48.

-£48, OK.

-I think at auction it's £20 to £40.

-OK.

But, you know, scales for some reason are still quite popular.

We were pretty good with our pricing last time.

If we keep going the way you've been...setting the example so far.

Yeah, we're quite hard-nosed.

-Shall we go and find Matthew? Shall we go for that?

-Sure.

-OK.

There he is. A-ha.

-Oh.

-I think Matthew is going to be following us around,

thinking, "Are they going to spend some money?"

The boys really like these scales.

I can certainly speak to the dealer for you.

I mean, maybe the dealer would be happy to keep his box

and we could say, for the scales, we'll offer you...

-20 quid?

-£20?

-£20, yeah.

OK, we'll see what we can do.

-That would be lovely. Thank you so much.

-Thanks.

So, while Matthew has a word with the dealer, the Blues steam on.

We are still on the clock.

OK, I'm going to follow you because you guys have a great eye.

I love this.

I sort of feel like we are not, you know, consulting you enough.

Not at all. I've decided I'm never buying anything antique again.

I'm going modern from now on.

Hopefully, Matthew can deliver on those scales

and the Reds can pick up a sweet deal of their own.

What about these?

These are Georgian sugar tongs. They are silver.

Quite nice, the sugar tongs, with acorn finials there.

And this decoration we call bright-cut.

-They are probably 1780s, about 200 years old.

-Oh!

You know, for your sugar. Are they nips or tongs?

-I would call them nips.

-Yeah, they look more like nips.

-They called them tongs.

-Right.

And I've got a funny feeling that these are tongs,

and I think nips are hinged.

-Is that right?

-Like scissors.

Well, that's cleared that up.

They're not hallmarked, so to speak.

They have got a lion passant,

but they haven't got a date letter or assay mark. £38.

-If we can get it down to 20...

-I think if we can get it to 20,

25, we've got a good chance with those.

-Shall we send your dad off?

-Yeah, go on, Dad.

-Is he all right?

-Yeah, he'll do it.

-Are you good at this?

-He's good, yeah.

-I'll try.

-We'll go look at something else.

-Use the charm.

So while David heads off, the Blues have some news.

He can do the scales with the box for £30 for you.

-Oh, wow, OK.

-£30? OK.

-What do you think?

I think it's definitely one to keep it on the to watch list.

-On the cards.

-Yeah, definitely.

If we're running out of time, you know, round the end, maybe we can...

-Bear it in mind, I think.

-OK.

-We'll keep it in my mind.

-Would you mind terribly keeping it aside for us?

-Thank you.

That's absolutely lovely. Thank you so much.

They may well be back for those.

CRASH

Well, there's another thing I've broken.

Oh, steady on, Thomas.

But while those two have fun, David has got work to do.

-Well, we really like these Georgian sugar nips.

-Right.

Or tongs.

They're marked up at £38.

We'd really look be looking to pay around the £20 mark for them,

-if we could.

-Won't do £20, that's too low.

-No? Is it?

-Yeah.

I'll go to 25.

OK, I'll have a word with Liz and Thomas and see what we think.

-OK, thank you.

-OK, thanks.

Now, pay attention, you lot.

Right... I've had a word with Marianne.

-Sorry.

-That's all right.

-We're playing.

-We weren't being serious.

-Posing.

The best she will do for these at the moment is 25.

I did try to get them for 20, but she won't budge.

25 is the lowest she'll go. What do you think, Thomas?

-I think we should have them.

-Yep. Let's go for it, shall we?

I don't know. I don't know whether they'll make any profit.

No, I'll tell you what, let's do it because I got the photography

thing, so if you get these, these will be your buy.

-Let's go for it.

-Yeah, let's go for it.

-And then we'll go for one...

-Final...

-..final, big item.

-Bazinga.

-Let's get something a bit more meaty.

Bazinga? Sounds good, whatever it is.

-Yeah!

-Come on, let's go this way.

-OK.

Second item down with just over 20 minutes gone.

Have the Blues found an antique? Ha! Not likely.

So what have we got here?

What do you think is going to be inside? It's got to be a typewriter.

-I thought it might be a typewriter, yeah.

-It is.

-It is not just any, it's a Gabriele 2000.

-Yes, of course.

Isn't that the kind of look that people go down now

-for kitchenware and things?

-Ooh!

-Oops!

You break, you buy, Matthew.

(Especially as the dealer is lurking close by.)

This is my typewriter. I've got £48 on it. I'd probably go down to 40.

40 is the best price on that. Right, OK.

-I don't know. Is that another one to think about?

-Yeah, I'd say so.

I would potentially say that.

-Would you mind if we put it behind?

-No.

-Then we can come back to you.

-Absolutely.

-Thank you very much.

Well, they're not short of possibilities.

But while our teams rummage on, I'm taking a tea break.

This is an interesting advertising sign

which I found in a boot fair some time ago.

It is enamel on metal.

And it is advertising Nectar Tea.

When did we start drinking tea?

Well, the story I particularly like is of the early Chinese

emperor sitting in the garden

and one of his servants comes out with a cup of boiling water.

And just before he sips it, a leaf blows off a tree and lands in it.

Then, when he takes the sip, "Ah!" It tasted of something.

And hey presto, it was the first cup of tea.

By 1750, it had become our national drink.

We have been drinking tea ever since.

This is enamelled.

Enamelling started with the ancient Greeks and the Romans.

It is basically applying molten glass onto metal.

This gives it a really strong finish.

If you chip it, of course, you expose the bare metal.

And then, of course, the elements can get to it.

You might get some rusting.

I love it because of its shape and I love it for what it depicts.

Rather than just a standard square sign, this is in the form of a cup.

And these signs become extremely collectible.

Some of them can make thousands of pounds.

And this, although it only cost me a few pounds,

I saw one sold the other day, and it made £300.

Not a bad return on a small capital outlay. I'll drink to that.

Now, with just 25 minutes to go, the search is hotting up.

Oh! What a mess.

-We're not here to shop.

-No, not for ourselves, Liz.

Can't just buy clothes.

And Thomas is extending his vocabulary.

-What word did you use before?

-Bazinga.

-Bazinga, what is this?

Like, bazinga is when something happens,

like you have a breakthrough.

Well, it's about time we had a bazinga then.

And the Blues may well have found something else on their list.

Do you know what? At 22 quid, what you have there is an homage...

-It's obviously not a Thonet chair...

-Sure, of course.

..but an homage to a very classic design.

But in such a nice, subtle... It's not in your face.

Something that might do well, you think?

I think that might do all right.

I much prefer the original non-painted one.

-How do you feel about that?

-Yeah, absolutely.

-Fischel child's Bentwood chair, needing TLC.

-What does that mean?

Needing TLC! So it might be a wee bit rickety.

-Rickety. And it might need...

-Shall we have a look?

-A wee bit of a shoogle.

-Ho-ho! It is rather...

-It is very shoogly.

-'It certainly is.'

-15 quid, something like that?

Let's try, then we've got money to buy something big after.

-Yeah, yeah.

-Let's go for it.

-So, OK... Hello, Matthew.

-Matthew, hi.

Poor Matthew, he's been put through his paces here.

We were hoping something straight down the middle, like a tenner.

-We could do 15 for you.

-Let's do 12.

Cos I really think... You know, it's in quite bad nick.

-You couldn't sit on it.

-I can't quite do 12.

We could take a little bit more off, say 14.

All right. You drive a hard bargain.

-Done.

-Let's shake on it. All right.

-Done?

-Done.

-Happy with that? OK.

Well, we've about ten minutes to go.

Both teams are still an item short, so what's the plan?

Really hope this last item is their choice,

they've engaged with it and they go for it rather than me leading.

They've stuck with what they wanted, design classics,

a chair inspired by Thonet and a mid-century lamp. Just the job.

Maybe so, but it is all still to play for.

-So I think this next item...

-Yeah.

-..has got a be a what?

-A really good item.

-What is it called? A gaz...?

-A good one?

-A gazinga?

-Bazinga!

-Bazinga.

-Bazingo?

-Bazinga.

-There's some lovely jewellery down here.

-OK.

Yeah, and there are some lovely bits of silver.

Here I am, on my knees for you.

THEY LAUGH

Hoping and praying you buy something amazing.

That's the spirit, Thomas!

Meanwhile, with five minutes left,

panic seems to have broken out elsewhere.

-Let's go.

-OK, where shall we go? Which way? Which way?

Time's running out, so we need to be close by.

Time for Natasha to step in?

Do you know what, I might enquire about...

I don't know how you felt about them, but the wee name card holders.

Did you hate those?

-Back from the beginning.

-If they were really cheap?

Enquire, see what we can get on that.

OK, you keep looking, I'll keep looking.

Not exactly a ringing endorsement, Natasha.

And what has David got his eye on?

I actually quite like those bookends.

They're quite cool, aren't they?

-Yeah.

-They are nice.

-There is something about them.

-Very different, yeah.

-Well, he is a Canaries fan.

I think they're probably budgies, though.

-These are made out of alabaster.

-What is alabaster?

Alabaster, it's a hard stone,

but it has that waxy appearance to it, doesn't it?

It is quite cold to touch.

-Yep.

-And it is quite easy to carve.

And I suppose one would call it almost like a poor man's marble.

Yeah.

-But I love the birds on it, cos it's very Art Deco.

-Mm.

So we're looking at the 1920s.

1920s, about 100 years old then, nearly.

-And they are small enough to be collectible.

-Right.

-They are a lot of money.

-Yeah, they are.

-There are a LOT of money!

-165.

-And they are too much money.

-Yeah.

Do you want me to go and have a conversation

-and find out what we can get them for?

-Yeah.

And at the other end of the spectrum...

They are a tenner!

-That is cheap.

-They are cheap. I think it gives us two options.

-Yeah.

Are you up for a bit of jeopardy with the scales?

I think Matthew has been sold on the scales from the very

-beginning.

-You are keen on the scales?

-I like them.

Well, I like the fact that you seem to really know what you like.

-No, I do like that.

-I'm glad it comes across that way.

No, I do really like it.

And you are impressed by good design and quality,

-and that is a lovely thing. And it should sell itself.

-We hope.

Shall we go for the scales?

-Let's do it.

-OK, let's do it.

-Let's do it.

So the scales for £30 instead of those apples for ten.

Let's hope they're right. So, what news on the budgies?

-Yeah, what did you get?

-What do you think?

-120.

-No!

-Less?

-Less.

-95.

-Less.

-SHE GASPS

-They're £78 if we want them.

-No!

-Yeah.

-What do you think of that?

-I think they're very good.

-I think we're going to go for the bookends.

-£78.

-You're going to do those, are you?

-Yeah.

-Promise?

-Promise.

-Yep.

-That's it, done.

-Yeah?

-Done, yeah.

-100%, you're happy?

-Yep, we're happy.

-Yep.

-I think you've bought some really nice things.

-OK.

-Well done.

Bazinga!

So, with just one minute to go...

-Still there?

-Still there.

-As promised by Matthew.

I think we've got just enough time to meet Matthew...

Thank you so much for keeping those aside. ..and to do the deal.

Who wants to be the money man, Bruno?

-Can do, yeah, sure. How much did we agree was it again?

-30.

-30. Not ten, you sure?

-THEY LAUGH

-Good try.

-ALARM CLOCK RINGS

Right, teams, your 3,600 seconds are up.

-Hopefully the scales will be tipped in our favour.

-Hey!

Oh, my goodness.

So... Let's just see what the Red team have bought.

Some collectable mahogany photographic plates for £20.

The bright-cut Georgian sugar tongs for £25.

And those cool alabaster budgie bookends for £78.

David and Liz, was that easy?

-Not as easy as we thought, but it was real good fun.

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

-You enjoyed it?

-Yes.

-Did he look after you?

-He was so good.

-He certainly did. It was good fun, yes.

Did he give you any advice?

Yes, he did. We didn't always take it, but he gave it.

What was your favourite item, David?

-I think the little alabaster bookends.

-Yeah? You like those?

-Yes, I did. Yes.

-Liz, your favourite lot?

-Probably the sugar tongs.

-Oh, the sugar tongs!

-Yeah, they've become my favourite. Yeah.

What is going to make the biggest profit, Liz?

(The sugar tongs.)

-The sugar tongs. David, what do you think?

-Yes, I agree.

You agree? Are they right, Thomas?

Not to sound like a scratched record, but yes.

All in agreement, that's marvellous.

Now, you didn't spend a huge fortune, did you?

-No, only £123, unfortunately.

-£123. That means...

-We tried to spend more.

-..you've got 177 to give to me.

-177, yes.

If my maths are right, Thomas.

Oh, this fills me with terror, giving this man so much money.

Thomas, good luck with it. What are you going to do with it?

-Well, I am a guardian for this sort of money.

-Yeah.

-I hope to spend it...all.

-We want you to spend the whole lot.

I'll try.

And in the meanwhile, let's see what the Blue team have bought.

That gigantic 1970s uplighter for £85.

Bruno's slightly shoogly chair for £14.

And Matthew's postage scales for £30.

Matthew and Bruno, have you enjoyed yourselves hugely?

-Definitely.

-Absolutely.

-Good. Was it easy?

-Not at all.

-No.

-You found it hard, did you?

-Under the pressure, you know.

-Oh, dear.

Did you find them easy to manage?

I wouldn't say I managed you, you sort of told me what to do.

-You knew...

-We were a bit stubborn, I think.

-What was your favourite lot?

-Favourite lot, do you think?

-The lamp.

-I think the lamp, yeah.

-The lamp.

Is that going to make the biggest profit?

-I think it will.

-To the right buyer.

Yeah, if the right buyer is in the room.

You love the lamp, it's... Are they right?

I don't know, it was so space-age.

If I were in the auction room, I'd be bidding someone up,

and I'd want to win it.

So if you spent 129, you must have £171 burning a hole in your pocket.

It's burning a hole right now.

-Let's have a look at it.

-Hand it over to you.

-Very good.

Somewhat reluctantly, I shall pass it over to this young girl,

who will have no trouble spending it all.

So while Natasha decides what on earth to do with her money,

we are off to the auction.

South of the capital at Selsdon,

we have come to Catherine Southon's salesroom.

Lurking in the middle of Surrey is one of Bargain Hunt's

favourite auctioneers.

Miss Catherine Southon. Hello.

-Hello.

-How are you?

-Very good. Thank you for coming.

-Wonderful to be here.

-Are you excited by our goods?

-Very.

Well, Liz and David, ably assisted by Thomas Plant,

they went out to spend big, and here is the result.

Well, I will be interested to see if they actually spent big in the end.

Well, let's start with the camera plates. What do you think?

Lovely quality, nice mahogany

-and brass with those lovely little roundels there.

-Yeah.

And we've got a great name on them.

-Thornton-Pickard.

-Thornton-Pickard. Always good for the cameras.

I think they are going to excite people.

I mean, I have put quite a come-and-get-me estimate on them.

We'll see what happens.

-What's your come-and-get-me estimate?

-It's 20 to 40.

Very reasonable.

-Cost 20.

-OK, so they are not spending big at the moment.

No, they're not. Sugar tongs.

Yes, I mean, they are Georgian sugar tongs, George III, bright-cut.

They're at every fair. They're at every auction.

I've been rather mean. I've put £15 to £20.

They didn't pay far too much for them, in my opinion,

just at the sort of top-end. £25.

Well, that's OK. We might creep there.

What do you think of the bookends?

I think they're actually rather smart.

They are 1930s. People like their birds.

People like their 1930s. I think these will do well.

-Estimate?

-40 to 60?

Hm. Paid a chunky 78.

Ah, that's where they spent their money.

-That's where they spent their money.

-Right. We might get there.

But if those birds don't fly, they'll need their bonus buy.

-David, where is Liz?

-She's got an audition this morning.

-Exciting!

Yes, but she should be here for the auction.

She's getting a cab straight here, so she'll be here for the fun.

Fingers crossed.

-We'll keep our fingers crossed.

-Yeah, absolutely.

-Did you enjoy the shop?

-Yes, it was good fun, real good fun.

-Was it?

-Yep. Thomas looked after us, so that was great.

-You spent £123...

-Yes.

-..which left him with quite a lot.

-Yes.

-177.

-I thought I would need to make you a profit.

-Absolutely.

So I bought you a fabulous little Art Deco pin tray.

Cold-painted spelter figures of fawns, of little baby deer,

polished onyx.

It's something you have by the side of your bed or on the

mantelpiece as you walk in, put your rings, your watch in, etc.

But I don't think they are going to be bronze.

-Well, we'll find out with the price.

-The price I paid, yes.

So how much did you pay for it, Thomas?

-All of £30.

-Wow.

So that does seem a good price.

And what do you think it will make in auction, then?

I think you've got a chance of making £40 to £60 on it.

-HE GASPS

-I think you're definitely going

to make a £10, £20 profit on that.

Yeah? That's fantastic. No, it seems a good buy. I like that.

I really like that.

-What is Liz going to think of it?

-She'll love it, I think.

-Will she?

-She will really enjoy it.

-Good.

-She will really like it, yeah.

Well, who knows, if Liz likes it,

Catherine Southon might like it as well.

-Right. Is this ticking your boxes?

-Sort of yes and no.

-The good side is, yes, it is a pin tray.

-Yeah.

Because you might look at that and think perhaps an ashtray or

something like that, but it is a bit twee. I'm just not sure.

What about an estimate?

-I've put £30 to £50 on that.

-Yeah.

Well, that again fits in beautifully with their purchase at £30.

-That's good.

-They're not going to do too badly, are they? I think.

-No.

-And Matthew and Bruno. The uplighter.

Um...

-OK, let's be positive here.

-Yes.

-Maybe in a cool, sort of trendy London home.

-Yeah.

-This in the corner.

-Would it look good in your sitting room...

-You're doing a bit of a groove.

-..Miss Southon?

No, I don't think that would fit in.

But I think somewhere, in the right setting... I think

they've got imagination. It could have a good look.

Come on, let's have an estimate.

-I think I was a bit optimistic.

-Mm-hm.

Because we said 40 to 60.

-Punchy. Paid 85.

-Oh!

-You never know, though.

-No.

-What do you think about the Bentwood chair?

Rather nice. But I wouldn't put a child on it.

Well, you certainly wouldn't put an adult on it. Would you?

-SHE LAUGHS

-I wouldn't put an adult on it, no.

-It has got a bit of a wobble on.

-It has got a wobble on.

It is a little unstable.

-I think great for teddy bears.

-Estimate?

-20 to 30.

-Hm, well, they only paid £14.

-They did better on that than that.

Yes, I think you're absolutely right.

-Let's move swiftly on to the scales, the parcel scales.

-Yes.

I like parcel scales. Something like this, I think, is rather nice.

It's pretty good quality.

I don't think that it started life in this box.

-No.

-It doesn't fit in the box very well.

And I think they're just of different eras.

It's pretty simple, it's got a lovely scale.

-The scale is nice quality. It's a good piece.

-What about an estimate?

-30 to 50.

-That's OK. Paid 30.

They might be doing all right on the table here.

But with the uplighter,

it is just possible that they will need their bonus buy.

-You gave her £171 to spend.

-Yeah, a heck of a lot.

-Yeah.

-How did you get on?

Ever hear the expression, "How do you like them apples?"

-BLUES:

-Ah!

-SHE LAUGHS

Look at you. Look at them.

I couldn't convince you in the shop, But I want to try,

because, Charlie, gents,

there are six of these name placeholders, and how lovely

to have the original packaging, which Charlie obviously hates.

I'm not sure about the original packaging.

It does give you a little clue as to the age. Sorry, lack of age.

They're not terribly old, but they're novel, they're fun.

-And how much were they, ten quid?

-Yeah.

-That's a buy.

And what did I spend on them?

I got an extra pound off.

-You got a pound off!

-THEY LAUGH

I think they've got to make money, and they've just... They're fun.

-You hate them, right?

-No. Well, no.

Are you convinced they'll make some money, then? If you...

Do you know, at £9, they've got to. Right? I would have thought.

-With the right taste.

-Well, there's not a lot of risk there, is there?

Does the auctioneer think there is much risk attached to these?

Well, Matthew and Bruno left Natasha with a fair chunk of money.

And this is what she spent it on.

I quite like these.

The downside is they are really modern.

But how cute to have these little menu holders in the form of apples.

-Yeah.

-They are pretty heavy, pretty weighty.

-Yeah.

-There's no precious metal there.

-No.

-You've got your little place cards there as well.

-What are they worth?

-I think £30 to £50.

-Oh!

To the right person.

-Natasha has done it again!

-What has she done?

Paid £9!

Bring it on. She did well.

-She's a shrewd buyer, that girl.

-She is.

Now, let's see if the punters at the auction like the price.

Phone at £50. Thank you. 5.

90. Selling then.

All done at 600.

Well, you two. And I am saying two because you're back with us, Liz.

-Yeah!

-She's very excited. How was the audition?

-Very good, thank you.

Marvellous. I just hope that the auction is going to be

-as good as the audition.

-So

-do we. If not even better.

-Yeah.

-Are you happy with your purchases, Liz?

-I think so.

-I think so.

We're just a little bit concerned,

possibly, about the bookends, but we'll see.

Well, we don't start with the bookends, so let's get these

camera plates out of the way.

You paid just 20. And here they come.

Three in the lot. And £20, please.

£20. £10, then. Thank you.

-'£10.'

-In the front row.

-'£10.'

Come on! £10. You're all sitting

'on your hands. £10.'

I will sell these for £10.

-This is a bit of a struggle, isn't it?

-It's a struggle.

-'£10 then.'

Selling then. £10.

THEY GROAN

-Gosh!

-Oh, gosh!

-You're only down a tenner.

-Off to a good start(!)

I have to say, Liz, you'd have been better off at the audition.

THEY LAUGH

Anyway, never mind. Sugar tongs.

£10 for these, please. £10.

'Bright-cut tong.'

Thank you. £10 is bid. 12.

15. 18.

'20.'

5. Are you sure? 25.

-At £25.

-'Lady's bid'

at £25.

-That's exactly what you paid.

-That is, yes.

Any more at 25? Go on.

-Coin the phrase...

-Come on.

'All done then. No more.'

-Washing their face.

-25...

-Well...

-You know...

Plus/minus nothing.

-You've got your bookends.

-Oh, God!

So you are only down a tenner.

-Come on, bookends.

-Come on!

Who's going to give me £40 for these?

They are good quality bookends.

£40, they're lovely.

And they are sturdy. Thank you, sir. £40.

-It's already at 40, that's a good start.

-Straight in.

£40. Any more at £40?

Come on. They're struggling again.

-One of these things where...

-£40. No?

-One person bids. Oh, no.

-It's struggling.

40. 5. 50. 5, yes.

-60.

-Oh, yes!

-Yes!

-Yes, come on.

70. 5. Sure? One more.

Go on, one more, you won't regret it. 80.

-Yes!

-'Well, thank you, sir.'

85. No more?

85, back of the room.

'£85.'

Are you sure? 85.

-Surely. One more.

-85 then.

I will sell. 85.

-LIZ SQUEALS

-Yes!

-So we're even.

-I always said they were good.

Do you know, you made £7.

You were down ten, so you are only down

£3.

So, now the dilemma.

The great man has done this presentation of the pin tray.

I haven't seen it. So I'm going to let you decide

cos I haven't seen them.

-It's quality.

-Yep. OK, no, I trust you.

-I paid £30 for them.

-Yeah, let's go for it.

-Yeah, let's go for it.

-We like them.

-No pressure, Thomas.

Here they come.

Who's going to give me £30 for this cute little piece?

-Come on. 30?

-Oh, come on.

Come on. Come on.

-30, thank you. £30.

-In at 30.

-5.

Yes!

40. One more? No? Shakes her head. £40.

Come on, one more.

£40. Any more for £40? No more?

'£40 then.'

Selling then, £40.

That's plus £10.

You're £7 up overall, Liz.

-It's all been worthwhile, hasn't it?

-Yes!

-£7.

-Yeah.

-That could be the winning score.

-It could be.

First things first, just don't mention it to the Blues.

Well, chaps, are you at home in the saleroom?

-No, feeling quite uncomfortable.

-Uncomfortable?!

-He means nervous.

-You've never been to a sale?

-No, not really.

Ah!

-There's a lot of people here. I'm told...

-Very discerning buyers.

-Yes.

-A fair percentage of them are here for that uplighter.

-Excellent.

-Yes.

Here it comes.

How cool, how retro.

I'm sure you have all come here today to buy just this.

LAUGHTER

£40. Come on, £40.

-Oh, no!

-Come on!

-30 then.

-Yes.

THEY GROAN

'£30. I don't want to keep going down, but I will if I have to.'

£30.

-I'm biting my nails.

-20 then.

-BLUES:

-Oh!

£10.

'It's got to be sold.'

£10! Well found.

£13. I'm going up in pounds.

£13. Oh, come on. 14.

(We're getting there.)

16.

'Come on, sir, carry on.'

16. It is the lady's bid behind you at 16. 18.

-20.

-20!

'£20. Lady's bid at £20.'

I will sell at £20.

'£20, £20.'

£20...

Bargain! Bargain!

-£65 loss.

-Oh, no!

Right, the little Bentwood child's chair.

I'm looking for £20, madam.

Shall we say 20 on that? That's very cheap.

£20?

No? £20,

-'thank you.'

-Yes!

-20!

20. 22.

24. 26.

28. 30.

It's selling, yes!

Come on. Madam, don't shake your head.

£30. Back of the room. £30.

-Oh, that's a bargain.

-'Do you want another?'

Why not. 35.

-Yeah!

-'40 now. £40.

'Back of the room at £40.'

Any more at 40?

Now, this is a design classic, that's why.

At the back at £40.

I will sell at 40 then.

£40...

-Oh, fantastic.

-That's plus £26!

-That's really nibbled into your £65 loss.

-Oh, no.

You're only down £39. Here come those lovely scales.

Anyone? 30 is bid. Thank you, sir.

£30, straightaway. We have £30.

-Fantastic.

-Pretty good.

Great condition. £30, any more?

'I will sell. 5.'

-New bidder.

-40.

-Yes!

Sure? At £40 then.

40, shakes his head. £40. Gentleman's bid at 40.

-£40.

-40, so made a tenner.

You are only down £29.

So the big dilemma is, do you go for this particularly

deliciously packaged set of menu holders?

-I think it would be rude not to.

-It's got to be done.

-Are you gambling?

-Yeah, we're going to do it.

It's a hell of a gamble, isn't it?

Cos you paid over-the-top for these, didn't you? You paid £9.

-Right, here it comes.

-Here it comes.

And I would like, please, £30.

-Yes, come on, let's see it. Yes!

-'Thank you.

'£30 I have straightaway.'

We need more, though. We need more.

Anyone bidding around here? £30 I have.

-Come on.

-Come on.

-35. 40. Against you, net, I've got 40 seated.

-40.

-'5.'

-I can't believe it.

-'50.'

-£50! Are we in profit?

-Yes!

I've got 50. 5.

60 now.

5. There are cute. 70.

-BLUES:

-70!

-'£70 seated.'

75. No more? Thank you anyway.

On the net at £75 then.

Thank goodness for the internet.

-That's absolutely amazing!

-'75...'

-Yeah!

-That's a profit of £66. 66.

-No-one saw it coming. No-one saw it coming.

-Fantastic.

-Well done.

-Frankly, guys,

is she the greatest thing that ever walked?

-She knows her stuff.

-God! Well, you made a stunning profit of £37.

When you speak to the Reds, which of course surely you will not, but if

you do, don't brag about your £37,

because they may have made more.

Liz and David, Matthew and Bruno.

This has been like a really good tennis match

that goes right down to the last point.

-ALL:

-Ooooh!

-Oh, it was.

It was just incredible.

And I have to say that both teams have made a profit.

-Hey!

-Isn't that fabulous?

However, the Red team have made a slightly smaller profit.

-REDS:

-Aw!

You have made £7. THEY CHEER

-Many have done worse.

-Absolutely.

There is a crumbled up old fiver and a crisp £2 there.

-Lovely.

-Well done.

-Thank you.

-Well done.

You can be proud of yourselves.

But not as proud as the Blue team.

Take a bow.

But I have to say, it's not so much about the Blues, it's

-about your expert.

-Definitely.

Because until that bonus buy, you were losing. By some margin.

-Oh, they were. Oh, they were.

-Those apples...

It was Natasha's apples that brought home the day

because £9, let me remind you,

they sold for 75.

So well done, Natasha.

Because in my pocket here, I've got...

-Look, £35...

-Look at that.

And two.

Don't forget to have a look at our website

and to follow us on Twitter.

-Meanwhile, join us for more Bargain Hunting, yes? ALL:

-Yes!