Ardingly 16 Bargain Hunt

Today's Bargain Hunt is coming to you from Ardingly in West Sussex,

an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The village has a population of about 2,000 people.

But when it hosts the International Antique and Collectors Fair,

the population booms when both dealers and visitors

head here from across the globe.

So our Red and Blue teams are ready to do battle,

anxious to seek out that perfect find.

So let's not wait any longer.

Let's go bargain hunting.

Ardingly is the biggest fair in the south of England,

quite literally with hundreds of stalls to keep our two teams busy.

Armed with £300, they have one hour to buy three antiques

which hopefully will return them a profit when they sell on at auction.

First, let's see what's coming up.

It's fighting talk from the Reds.

It depends if you want to win or not.

We do. That's the whole point. We really do.

The Blues sniff out a bargain.

I smelt a deal!

But who will come out on top in the auction?

Will it be the Reds?

Yes!

Or the Blues?

Nice work, there we go.

Well, that's all for later,

but now let's meet our two teams about to do battle.

For the Reds today we've got mother and daughter Tina and Hannah.

And for the Blues we've got good mates in Gary and Michael. Hello.

ALL: Hello.

So, Hannah, I believe you're journalist.

Yes. Straight out of uni and straight into the industry, which is quite good.

I do a lot of social media stuff, which is quite fun.

You get to see the news as it's coming in and see how people are reacting to it.

It's quite interesting.

Mamma, Tina. You've had a long career in retail, I believe.

Over 20 years. I now work for a large retail firm.

I'm the clothing manager there.

Is that a little bit like a little girl in a toffee shop?

It is really good because you get to see all the latest fashions coming in

and the clothing and you get to arrange it

and dress the mannequins and things like that.

We do set things at Halloween time.

I do great big theatrical displays and things like that. I absolutely love it.

But what do you do to unwind?

I used to do a lot of dancing.

When I was younger I used to do a lot of ballroom and Latin

and we did competitions and that sort of thing.

I absolutely loved it.

I'm hoping to get into more dancing when I get a bit more free time and I would like to take up salsa.

You've got those Latin moves, have you? You've got the rhythms, have you?

-Absolutely love dancing.

-Fantastic. What about you, Hannah?

What you do when it comes to chilling out?

I really like taking the dog for a walk.

We'll go for big, long walks and I will take my camera because I love photography.

So, ladies, tactics.

We've got a bit of a plan called the three P's.

The three P's is our plan.

It's something that is pretty, practical and perfect.

So you know, no cracks in that.

We are looking for something pretty special.

OK. Now to the Blues.

I believe you two have been lifelong friends,

so how did you actually meet?

We actually met on a taster day for school.

We were getting ready for big school and we all got invited along

for the day and I saw what I thought was a pretty girl across the

playground with her lovely perm, and it turned out to be Gary!

He thought it made him look like Ryan Giggs.

From that point, our friendship blossomed, the perm went and here we are today.

-Gary, you work in recruitment?

-I do.

-Tell me a bit more.

I'm a recruitment manager for an education division in Kent.

Michael actually works for the same company as well.

Gary, I believe you've had another career.

Yes. Before I got into recruitment I was in the Royal Navy. Did five years there.

Served on HMS Gloucester for a couple of years. Really enjoyed it.

-Did you see the world?

-Yes. I've seen quite a bit of the world actually.

So, Michael, what do you get up to when you're not hanging out with Gary here?

How do you relax?

I'm a keen footballer and I still play football myself.

My eldest boy, Harry, is a keen footballer

so I'm involved with the coaching of his football team as well.

You also do quite a bit of charity work I'm told.

Yes. My middle son, George, was born with Down's syndrome.

So we do a lot of work locally to try and raise awareness

and raise some money for a local charity group that we take part in.

-So that's very close to my heart as well.

-Of course it is.

So you've heard the tactics. Come on, boys, what have you discussed here?

-We're just going to hope for the best, I think.

-Oh, right.

To be fair, we've both got a quite a keen eye in a bit of a bargain,

-so hopefully we can...

-Transfer...

-yeah, some of those skills to today.

But before you do all that, you've got to find yourself

with £300 to spend, haven't you?

-So here's £300 for the Blues.

-Thank you very much.

-And £300 for the Reds.

-Thank you.

So this is the bit where you scoot off

and you go and find your experts.

See you later.

So the three P's or hoping for the best?

It will be interesting to see which one comes up trumps.

So let's meet our experts.

Always serving up a treat, it's Charles Hanson for the Reds.

Hoping to be in perfect tune from the Blues, it's Richard Madley.

Great, so what have we got on our shopping list this afternoon, then?

I'm thinking pocket watch or some form of military memorabilia.

I want to find something practical, useful but really good quality.

Something nice and easy on the eye.

Something very beautiful, sculptural.

Maybe a figurative or something along those lines I think.

-Something a bit quirky. Maybe a perfume bottle.

-Really?

So no time for catching Z's.

Teams, your 60 minutes start now.

I'm quite quick. Follow me.

I think I know where we can start, so come with me.

And with just seconds gone,

the Reds have already spotted something they like.

-Quite a nice stool that. Pierced...

-Is that quite old?

Yes, I would say that stool would date to around 1870.

-It's all wooden.

-It's rosewood. Or Chinese hardwood.

These were made for export out of the Eastern world to the West

and they're popular today because they are well-made

and at £95 it's priced at... What's it worth?

On a good day it could touch £100 or maybe a bit more.

It's quite nice.

I like all the intricate work on the woodwork, which is lovely.

I think that's a bit expensive.

I think so but we're seeing things

and that is always a mental note and food for thought for later.

Right, come on, team.

It's a no to the stool but the Blues may have found something

to propel themselves into the lead.

-That has really taken my eye, that has.

-That's a good spot, isn't it?

-Where is it from?

-Do you think we should ask the stallholder?

It's come from a seaplane, a sea-landing craft.

Because of the size of the structure I think it's post-war

and it's got a very nice blonde colour.

Normally they're dark wood. Lovely item.

It caught our eye, certainly. Indeed. So I've got to ask the question.

What is the asking price?

It's been in my living room. My wife loved it.

But she doesn't love it any more, though?

She doesn't love it any more. But I've got it for 450. £450.

-It's way out of ours, isn't it? Unfortunately.

-Way, way out.

Which is a shame.

Perhaps a sky-high price for the lads,

but Charles has found something to pitch to the Reds.

-That's nice. Look at that.

-What have you found?

-Isn't that nice?

-What is it?

This is some type of old, perhaps fruitwood funnel which you

may have used to filter whatever liquid into a bottle of some sort.

But I wonder how early it is? Isn't it wonderful?

It's very tactile, which is nice.

Yes, it is tactile and that's the joy of often, I suppose, antiques,

kind of giving you enjoyment by just holding them

and just imagining who it belonged to.

-Do you want to try?

-I like the inside, that's quite cute.

-Madam, how much for the little funnel please?

-It's £10.

-£10.

I think it's an interesting funnel.

-I think it's 18th-century.

-You can see it's got age.

I'm just wondering if it would make any money.

It might make £25 or £30 but again you must love it. OK, I like it.

Another one to think about.

A real piece of history, thank you. We might see you later.

Something for the back burner, maybe?

So with ten minutes gone, no items bought for our teams,

but are things about to heat up for the Blues?

-That is nice.

-You like that?

-That's American, I assume.

It looks like American, it's not one of ours.

Will that be of an interest?

In America these sort of items are collectable.

Over here, it would be an acquired look,

but at the same time I would quite like to know how much it is.

-Yeah, definitely.

-Shall we find out?

-Yes, let's ask. Who's in charge?

-Hello, about your fireman's helmet.

-Fireman's helmet.

-American?

-Yes.

Probably about 1950s, I would say, by its style.

-Can I just ask about the price?

-We've got £180 on that one.

That's eating into the budget quite a lot for one item.

And it is our first item, as well, so it's difficult.

Have a think about it. We're here for the afternoon.

-Thank you for showing it to us.

-Cheers.

Another item rejected by the Blues,

but could mum Tina put the Reds in the lead with this find?

I love the wooden chest.

Look at that. That is lovely.

-That is really nice actually.

-Really nice.

-Gosh, what a nice size.

-Normally they're a bit bigger.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Look at this studded decoration there.

-Is that someone's initials?

-Exactly.

What I like is you've got these pine struts over the dome lid with

the iron latches here. And I'm just really keen to open it up.

-Yes.

-So am I.

-Go on. Have a look inside.

-It's got the tray.

-Stunning.

-Oh, wow.

-That is beautiful.

Yeah, it is nice.

-Oh. Wow.

-It's really deep actually.

-It's lovely. It is deep.

It is, isn't it?

And I'm quite convinced, actually, Hannah,

-that's the original interior as well.

-Yeah, it looks it.

It's a bit shabby but that's almost part of its charm, isn't it?

-Yeah. Shabby Chic.

-Shabby Chic. It's gorgeous.

-Brilliant.

I would date it to around 1880.

Like a travelling trunk, which it is, with a tier inside.

The carrying handles appear to be original too.

-Shall we find out how much this is?

-The price? Yes.

-What's the final price between friends?

-£170.

-That's too much. What's your very best price on that?

-150.

Could you not take a bit less? Say 120?

-ERIC: Go on, see what you can do, Charles.

-Yeah, and between friends?

-150.

-Right.

-What would you put that up at auction?

-Exactly...

I would guide it, honestly, £100-200.

I'm almost sitting in the middle at 150, saying it could lose 50,

it could make 50. Do you agree? It's up to you.

-I really want to get it.

-I think, yeah, I think we should get it.

-I really want to get it.

-We're going to take it.

-You can have it for 150. Agreed.

-Yes, please.

-Shake his hand. Thanks a lot, sir, we'll take it.

-Thank you.

ERIC: So, 16 minutes gone and it's the first item to the Reds.

But the lads have found something just mint.

-I think you've got more of an eye for that sort of stuff with your pub at the end of your garden.

-Yeah.

I've got a fruit machine, yeah, but...

You've got a fruit machine and a pub at the end of your garden?

-Fruit machine in the pub. Got to do it properly, haven't you?

-Excellent.

-That's the sort of stuff I would imagine being in your pub.

-It is retro.

It's a nice retro item but I'm concerned about the size of it.

Let's go and have a look. The Rotamint.

It's German, so you put your mark in, I'd imagine, at the top.

-The wheels spin round and...

-Like an old fruit machine.

-Yeah.

You've got the combinations down the side that you would win from.

-I love that.

-Yeah.

-The blue looks like the original and...

-Flaked off, has it?

-Paint over the top of it.

-Yeah.

Yeah. It looks as if it sort of dates from the '60s.

-It's got a 1960s look about it, so if it's got damp and some of the paint's flaked off...

-Yeah.

I mean, it's got a ticket price of £200,

which obviously is a lot of money - within our budget.

-But should we just enquire?

-Hello, how're you doing?

-Yeah, very good indeed.

We're interested your wall-mounted game priced at £200.

Is there much movement in that?

Yeah, the best price we can do on that would be about 150.

Knock 25% off.

This is our first item, so would you take 125?

-Erm, yeah, I will. It's late in the day.

-I'm happy with 125.

-Do you think 125?

-Yeah, it's a good decorative item.

-It's going to stand out. It'll be the only one.

-It's a statement.

It certainly is! It'll be the only one in the auction room.

I think we'll be pushing it at auction but why not?

-Let's go for it, shall we?

-Shall we go for it? Go for it.

-125.

-Go on. Oh! He's straight in there!

-He went straight in there.

-I went straight in! I smelt a deal!

-Great, excellent. 125 it is.

-Thank you.

-Great. Here we go.

ERIC: Well done, Blues. 19 minutes gone and the score is 1-1.

But can Charles kick a conversion with this item?

That's quite cute, isn't it?

-Yes.

-He's a rugby guy.

He will have held a rugby ball and obviously it's been lost over

the years and they've put that little football in glass,

which is quite a nice Art Deco group. Really caught my eye.

See, I like that but I like the ones with the ladies with the

silhouette, which I think would be more popular.

-Yeah, the men aren't so good, are they? Looking?

-No. Sorry.

-Come on.

Thanks a lot. I know when I'm not wanted.

We still love you, Charles!

And Gary has finally found something from his wish list.

-Here we are, Grovesey. This is you.

-There we go.

-The military you were looking for.

-Some shells there.

-Shell cases.

-Brass shells there.

-This phone as well.

-Yeah, I like that.

-Really like that.

-To have the original box is a nice touch.

Is this everything intact? There's nothing missing?

-No, nothing missing at all.

-Is there any markings or anything on it?

-From where it's from?

-Well, it's English.

-That's all I can tell you about it.

-Second World War?

-I would think it is, yes.

-But could it hang in your bar at the end of your garden?

No, because then my wife would be able to contact me and tell me

-I've had too much.

-That's true.

-No phones allowed.

-You don't know the rules.

-We can see a ticket price of £50 on it.

-Yeah.

-Could we ask you what the friendliest price could be?

I would like 40 for it, if I could get it.

-£40.

-As I am ex-military myself, would you take 35?

-I'm a very patriotic man and I say yes.

-Thank you very much.

-Shall we do that?

-I'm happy with 35 if you're happy with 35.

-Excellent.

-Shall we shake on it?

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Much appreciated.

Excellent. You've got a deal. Thank you very much indeed.

At 2-1 to the Blues, there's still more shopping to do.

But for me, it's time for tea.

Now, this is the first big buy of my life way back in 1971.

I bought this coffee cup and saucer for £14.10s.

My take-home pay for a week, after tax, was £12.10s.

When I told my grandad, he wanted to get me certified.

So, why on earth would I want to pay that sort of money?

Well, the simple truth is that this is 18th-century porcelain.

It had been made at a factory called Caughley, which is in Shropshire.

And it was made in around about 1785.

But the one thing that I noticed was that it was in absolutely mint condition.

All the gilding is there. It's not rubbed.

And that is so important when it comes to collecting.

The pattern itself is called the Dresden flower pattern.

Influences in the 18th century were coming from France

but they were also coming initially out of Germany.

Way back in the 1970s, people used to collect something called trios.

So you needed a matching tea bowl.

And I've been looking for a tea bowl for my two pieces for the best part

of 40 years and then not so very long ago

I was at Newick and hey presto! I find the matching tea bowl.

Paid £10 for it.

I know what you're thinking - what's it worth now?

Well, I don't mind telling you I think I'd be lucky to get more than £100 for the entire trio.

Not much of a return, you might say, for what was, way back then, well over a week's wages.

But am I bothered? No, I'm not bothered at all.

I just get a buzz from touching it and feeling it.

So be warned - do not think when you're buying antiques that they're always a good investment.

No, you've heard it before - buy 'em because you love 'em.

Back to the shopping.

After almost 25 minutes, the Blues have two items and the Reds have one.

ERIC: What have the Reds spotted now?

DEALER: We've got some 18th-century silver salts.

Excellent maker, Robert Hennell. London maker.

-Very famous in the Georgian period.

-What could they be, best price?

-120 for the pair.

-Aren't they nice?

-They are.

-That one to you.

-Just have a handle. These would date to around... What are they?

-1772.

-That's quite early, isn't it?

-It is.

-Early George III.

He was the mad King George.

They are highly pierced in that neoclassical style of oval outline.

You've also... What's nice, you've also got a cartouche with initial on as well.

-Talk to me.

-I like them.

I just think they're a little bit expensive.

We've got hardly any money left.

We've still got two more items to get.

If I said to you, sir, would you do them for £100?

I'm afraid I couldn't. No.

115 would have to be the best price on those.

-You wouldn't say, "You're in the den at Number Ten" and do 110?

-OK.

How much would you put on if these came up at auction?

I would put them in at £100-150. Up to you, ladies.

-Depends if you want to win or not.

-We do!

That's the point, we really do!

-They think it's all over. Is it?

-It nearly is.

-Is it?

-Yeah.

-Mum look at daughter.

-We've got to do it.

-We will.

-Daughter, mum. Look at me. It is now.

-Definitely. It is.

-Yeah.

-Thanks a lot. Give him a handshake.

-Thank you.

-ERIC: Well done, Reds.

That's two items down after 30 minutes.

I'm impressed. Obviously, Mum's got this great desire to win and be

competitive and I think daughter's got her mum's ability to

really see quality, so it's going well. I'm very impressed.

They're making a good pair.

Meanwhile, the Blues, also on the hunt for item number three,

have found two tempting tantalus.

-Two tantaluses, if that's the plural.

-Tantali, maybe.

I suggest that we ask the prices of both. Excuse me, sir.

Could we enquire about the price of the two division tantalus

and the three division tantalus?

The three division tantalus is £275 and it's mint,

in very good condition. There's your three bottles.

-It's way beyond our budget.

-We haven't got the money for that.

-We've spent it already.

-So we are spent up for the three division.

-Now, the price on the two division?

-125. It needs a lock.

-Ah.

This part needs to be looked at.

-Right.

-But it's OK. They're Victorian. They're both Victorian.

-Yes.

-We said, "No damage..."

-You're absolutely right.

-"..whatsoever."

We should avoid things that are damaged because to go to auction

held together by an elastic band,

that is not the best way to start, is it?

-It doesn't look appealing to us, let alone somebody who wants to bid on it.

-Fair enough.

Well, the Blues know their own minds and with 15 minutes to go,

the Reds are returning to the stall where they made their last buy.

-What's caught their eye now?

-With the little dog.

-May we browse that, sir?

-You certainly can.

I think when it comes to dogs and collectors of small silver,

that takes my fancy. Just, Hannah, why did you like that?

-I mean, we've got a dog at home.

-Called...?

His name is Charlie and I love him. It's just really cute.

The dog's so little and I like the little cane there.

What I like is if you look really closely,

the quality of almost the dog's fur, you can see it picked out in detail.

-Is it hallmarked, importantly?

-I don't know.

-It's heavy.

-Yeah.

-It's quite heavy. And I like that.

It's hallmarked 925, so we know it's sterling silver.

But on the back you've got a maker's mark or a Dutch mark.

So I would say that's Dutch. Probably in age, could be 1930s.

Could be that age. Early 20th century. And it is solid silver.

That's quite attractive because it's got the canine feel and to you

it reminds you of Charlie.

-I like it.

-It's lovely.

-How much is it?

-45.

-45.

You know what, everyone's clearing away, the day is nearing an end.

I just wonder if the dealer could do it for a very special price.

-Go on, have a go.

-How much is your best on the little dog?

-Cos it's end of day, I'll do it for 35.

-35.

-Could you do it for 30?

-Yeah.

-OK.

-Yes! Yes! I will take it.

Shake his hand. Thanks a lot, sir.

ERIC: A great mother-and-daughter team. Well done, Reds.

All three items in the bag.

Still at the tantalus stall, you only have moments to go, Blues.

You've got three minutes left.

Is the sandalwood card case viable at £40?

-45.

-45.

-45.

-People do collect visiting-card cases.

-I do like that.

It has got some damage to it but I think if this gentleman is prepared

to let us have it at £40 then I think we are limiting our liability.

-Yeah, that's nice.

-We're in the last couple of minutes so if we could do...

-Would we be able to do that at 40?

-Sure.

-Done! £40. It's a deal. Deal?

-I'm happy.

-Do you want to do a little package with that?

It's a sandalwood information book on Jerusalem.

-Pictures, pressed flowers.

-Could you put the two in for £50?

-I can do 55.

-For 55, we'd do it.

-We can put the two... Go on, 55.

-Done.

Crikey! That was close to the wire. Teams, your time's up.

We made it. We made it with three seconds to spare.

Let's see what the Red team bought.

They loved this 19th-century travel trunk and paid £150.

These Georgian silver salts set them back £110.

And this silver canine with lady cost just £30.

Now, I'm looking at you two ladies

and I'm thinking practical, perfect and pretty, yes?

-That was your mantra today, wasn't it? Did we stick to it?

-Kind of?

I think mainly we did, yeah.

-So, Hannah, what was your favourite object today?

-I dunno.

-Maybe the salt cellars. They were very pretty.

-And what about yourself, Tina?

My favourite is the first one, the chest. That was just beautiful.

What do you think's going to make the biggest profit?

-Probably the little silver figure.

-Definitely.

-The little Dutch silver figure.

-The little Dutch silver figure.

So, the other thing I remember about the three P's, after that was,

"We're not going to spend very much money." Yeah?

You spent, out of your £300, £290. Yes?

So let's hope it was money well spent but in the meantime,

-who's got a tenner?

-I have.

-OK. Thank you very much indeed.

Like all money, it doesn't stay in my hand for very much time.

-I'm going to present it there to Mr Hanson.

-Thank you.

-Thank you, Eric.

-You're a man that likes a challenge, aren't you?

I think you've just got to believe.

Believe in history, dig deep and where there's trash there's

also treasure and for £10 I'll find it ,I'm sure.

You will find it, yes.

So let's remind ourselves what the Blue team bought today.

This German games machine cost the lads £125.

And Gary's military telephone set them back £35.

Finally, this engraved card case and souvenir album cost £55.

Now, I'm not sure if you had two seconds left or three seconds left

but either way, you were pushing your luck today.

-We was always in control.

-That's the main thing.

-I almost believe you.

I really do. So come on then, Michael, your favourite object?

The sort of fruit machine-style gambling machine.

-That would be my favourite, definitely.

-Right.

-What about yourself then, Gary?

-Mine was the field telephone.

Obviously, I'd come here with an idea of something military and that was a real striking piece.

So, when it comes to the one item you bought today

that you think is going to give you the biggest profit...?

I hate to say it but it'll probably be Gary's choice with the

-telephone, to be honest with you.

-Think so?

-I couldn't agree more.

I'm much better than him at everything.

Having said all that, you spent a reasonable amount of money. £215.

-That's right.

-Correct.

Which means that one of you two has got £85 to give to me,

which I in turn will give to Mr Madley.

You'll know what to do with that, won't you?

Some key words were used in today's shop and one of them was

"sculptural" so I've taken that in mind and I'm going to go out

-and find you something that might just tick that box.

-Brilliant.

-Right. On your way.

-Good luck.

-Let's go.

Meanwhile, we're now going to see how things pan out at the auction.

Well, staying in Sussex, we've travelled cross-country and

arrived at Bellmans auction house, where I'm met by Jonathan Pratt.

-Hello.

-Hello, Eric.

-Let's start with our Red team, shall we?

First purchase was a wood and ironbound trunk.

You know, it looks the part. Very sort of 19th-century.

The downside, I have to say, is because it's got a domed top you can't really use it.

You've got to put stuff in it so that it goes in the corner.

Flat tops, you can actually still use them

like a coffee table or something like that.

It's got the right style but they just don't perform as well

as the brass-bound, you know, proper rectangular ones.

-So I'm being a bit mean, I think, on the estimate for that.

-How mean have you been?

-£30-50.

-They paid £150 for it.

-(Which is a lot of money.)

Shall we skate over that one and move very swiftly to number two?

A pair of George III silver table salts. Robert Hennell.

-Good maker.

-Good maker.

Nice sort of pierced border with a little cartouche on the front

and ball and claw feet. Glass liners.

Exactly as you might expect. My feeling is they're worth between £100-150.

-They got them for what I thought was a relatively bargain £110.

-Yeah, I think that's good.

Staying with a silver theme brings us to item number three,

which is a small silver little group - of a lady feeding a dog.

It's a nice little decorative object, isn't it?

I suppose there are plenty of people who are going to put it in a cabinet or whatever it might be.

It's very typically sort of Dutch. That sort of area, isn't it?

They made lots of small little bits of silver and we were

importing them for over 100 years. I quite like it.

-To quote how much on it?

-£30-40.

-OK. They paid £30 for it.

-Good.

-Well, let's take a look at the Red team's bonus buy.

So, Hannah and Tina, I only had £10 to give to Mr Hanson here.

So, Charles, reveal the bonus buy.

When you say £10, you can also say 1,000 pence,

it sounds far better. So...

-BOTH: Oh.

-This is a suite of jewellery.

Abalone shell. Earrings and a brooch here with an almost abstract design.

Asymmetric form.

Almost Scandinavian delivered but the mark says Schott,

which basically is a German mark.

And I think they've got great style.

-I like the colour but I can't see anyone wearing them.

-Really?

-Are they clip-on?

-Yeah. Clip-ons.

When it comes to collectibles, they've got style.

-What do you think?

-I mean, for a tenner, I mean, that was quite good value. But...

I can see these, in a good retail market, being about £75.

To me at auction, they should be worth between 30 and 50.

-But they cost me only £10.

-Now, ladies, let me... Right...

You don't have to make your minds up right now, but meanwhile let's go

and find out what our auctioneer thinks about the brooch and matching earrings.

Well, Charles has gone out there and he has purchased a brooch

with matching earrings. Apparently we're talking German.

Abalone shell. Style-wise, great.

It's almost like the Star Trek sort of thing, isn't it?

-It has that sort of, you know, on the lapel.

-True.

And that's where there's innovation in the '60s and '70s.

It's all very much to do with that sort of far-out sort of stuff, wasn't it?

It's not a lot of money but people do love their costume jewellery.

We're talking £10 or £15.

That tallies well with Charles because he went out and he spent £10.

I think there could be some room in that.

Let's hope that the market rises to such a degree

they can at least double their money.

Now let's have a look at what the Blues have come up with.

Our first item is the Rotamint.

The first question I have - does it work?

I'd be very surprised if that can work.

Looking at the insides, it's a real electrician's project.

This is German, I think mid-last-century slot machine.

Drop in the money and the wheels spin and it determines down here what you're going to win.

But at some point, for whatever reason it may be,

someone has stuck this red adhesive tape all over it.

It's left it with this really sticky residue on and it needs cleaning up.

It's the working ones that will sell the best, so for me it's £30-50.

-They paid £125 for it.

-Do you know what,

they can sell for that but that's ones that actually still work.

So let's have a look at item number two.

This is a military field telephone.

I just think it's remarkable, looking at it,

how technology has come on in the last 80 years or so.

I mean, this would have been used between the wars.

This one's circa 1936. It's a type F, mark 2 military telephone.

It's by the Siemens company, who are obviously still making phones to this day.

Nice piece of history. Ornamental.

I think there are people who collect this sort of thing. I've gone along with £20-40.

Well, they paid £35 so they're in with a sniff on that one,

aren't they? Item number three, it's a double act in actual fact.

There is an Indian sort of card case, elaborately carved,

and then a souvenir from Jerusalem.

We do see a lot of this sort of thing in the business, don't we?

Yeah. I mean, it's in olivewood as you might expect.

The dried flowers inside, some of them are missing.

It's not complete and there are one or two condition issues.

And that's been partnered up with this other box,

this card case which, like you say, is Indian, sort of carved sandalwood.

It's an easy wood to carve. Nicely done.

He is also suffering a little from condition issues

so my feeling is it's a bit weak as a lot and so I'm saying £10-20.

They paid 55 for it.

A certain amount of prayer is going to be needed so let's have

a look at the Blues' bonus buy.

Figurative and sculptural were two terms that kept coming up

so I went out and bought something which encapsulates both.

-LAUGHS

-I've got a load of them!

And reminds me of how we finished with seconds to spare in our

-buying that afternoon.

-What is it?

-I'm lost for words.

-What is it?

This is an Art Deco chrome figure of an athlete. Could be either of you.

Dated 1923 and awarded for the 100-yards dash in 1923.

Let's have a feel.

-It's old.

-It is old.

-It's heavy. How much did you pay for it?

There you go, how much did I pay? I paid £18 for the figure.

Is there a market for someone else's success?

I think there's a modest profit left in that.

I bought it with profit in mind.

It was priced at £30, we've got it down to £18 and I'm hopeful

we could perhaps go on to make £6-8 profit.

Listen, folks, you don't have to make your minds up at this very moment in time.

Meanwhile, let's go and find out what our auctioneer thinks about our potential winner?

-So, this is what Richard came up with.

-Ah-ha! Look at that.

Try and work out what, from the pose, he's doing - but it says it on the front.

And it's a running trophy. 100-yards handicap.

So he's breasting the tape, is that right?

He's just coming to the finish line, yeah, exactly like that.

Yeah, you know, it's 1920s.

We can see it's been coveted, "Oh, look what I won."

And it's been rubbed for so many years,

all this ebonising has worn away on those bits.

There's a little bit of damage on this arm up here, sadly.

However, there it is, you know.

It's not...

It's not going to fly away, but certainly, at around £25, £35,

I would have thought, it's, you know, it should stand to profit.

-Oh, very good. Cos Richard paid £18 for it.

-Excellent.

-So you're the auctioneer today?

-I am indeed. Looking forward to it.

And so is the rest of the nation.

45. 50.

Tenner, I'll take.

£100, there.

State of excitement. Are we up for this, are we?

-Yeah.

-Yeah, we've been waiting for this.

-Excellent.

And you been to auctions before?

-Never.

-Never?!

-First time.

-Yeah.

Oh! Well, there you go.

What a way to start, with this man on the right there.

-Just soak it up. Just feel the atmosphere.

-There you go, exactly.

So the first lot that's coming up is your ironbound trunk.

OK, now you paid £150 for this, yes?

-Good luck, guys.

-OK, here we go.

-Hold tight.

Lot 306, a wooden ironbound canvas trunk,

19th-century one, this, with a domed top.

Inside, there's a lift out tray as well.

Starting on the book with commission,

-35 to start.

-Oh, really?

35 to start. Let's go higher than this, though.

£35, who's got 40?

-It's got to move a lot.

-£35, who's got 40?

-With me at £35?

-Oh, no, the room's dead.

Surely we'll have 40, come on, where's 40?

-Loads of things you can put in this!

-I don't believe it.

-£35. No other bidding?

-Surely not.

-At £35, and selling, £35.

-Oh, no!

-35 it is.

-Oh, no!

£35. Yes.

I'm sorry, ladies.

--£115.

-Oh, I don't believe it.

-OK. Well, everything to play for.

-Yeah.

-Exactly. Hold tight.

Now, the next lot they've got coming up are those lovely

George III silver-framed salts.

You paid 110, hopefully we're on the up. OK, here they come.

308.

A pair of George III silver-framed salts.

-London 1772, by Robert Hennell.

-Amazing name.

Start me at £100 for these.

£100 for these?

Start me at £100.

Surely worth £100. 60, then?

-60, you've got to love £60.

-No!

-I don't believe it.

£60? 60 at the front.

Thank you. 60's bid. Now, where's five?

1772 by Robert Hennell!

65. 70.

They're really good things. £70.

75? 75!

They are good things.

Good auctioneering. That's good.

80 at the front. He's bid 80.

Any more at £80?

Selling them at the front, then, at £80, all done at £80.

All done at 80.

-80, it is.

-Oh!

So, £80 sold.

-30, I'm afraid, on that one.

Which has now taken us to a collective -145.

Now, the next lot that we've got coming up is

the Continental silver model of a dog and an elderly lady.

Cost £30. OK, here it is.

Lot 310, a Continental silver small model of a dog and an elderly lady

on a cobbled street there. 25, I'm bid. £25.

-25, five down.

-Looking for 30 now.

Be a nice little gift, this.

-Come on.

-It is a nice thing.

£25, I'll sell.

It's all quiet now, at £25.

No!

-Oh, no!

-Thank you anyway. 25!

We're so far from the golden gavel, aren't we?

We couldn't be further if we tried!

So that's -5. Collectively, we're now at -150.

-So I think we need to talk bonus buy, don't we?

-We do.

Brooch and matching earrings. Cost £10.

-Might as well, so...

-I think we have to.

-Lot 316.

-Here we go.

We have a German abalone shell brooch

and a pair of earrings to match.

-Starting bid is at £10.

-Come on, let's go.

Start me at £10 for them.

You'll look lovely in these at a tenner. There's £10.

-Yeah!

-15?

15... 18, I'll take.

-18 standing.

-20!

-20. 22?

-I'm a happy man.

It's £20 seated.

Any more at 20?

I'm still looking back at you.

£20, and selling, all done at 20.

Thanks for coming.

-Well, if nothing else, you're ending on a high note, aren't you?

-Yes.

£10 profit means that we've reduced the deficit

-to £140.

-Yes.

-OK.

-So, ladies. No talking to the Blues.

-Yes, OK.

-Yes, all right.

How are you feeling, Blues?

-Yeah, good.

-Terrible.

-Well, you've got everything to play for, yes?

-I hope so.

Your first lot is your German Rotamint slot machine,

for which you paid £125.

Here it comes.

Lot 332.

It's a 1960s German slot machine.

The Record.

Good bit of style.

Start me at £40.

Starting at £40 for this.

-Good-looking thing, this.

-Please...

30, then. The Rotamint, come on.

£30? £20?

£10?

Ten is bid.

15. 20.

25. 30.

£30.

-35. 40, there.

-New bidder.

45. One more. I'll try him again.

£40. At £40.

No, it's £40 behind the pillar. £40 behind the pillar.

Any more? Fair warning, selling at £40.

-Thank you, £40.

-That's painful.

-So...

-That is worth far more than £40.

I'll take full responsibility for that as well.

-£85 to start with.

But our next lot is the military field telephone.

-Yeah.

-You paid £35, quite reasonable. Here it is.

Lot 334, a military field telephone,

type F, mark 2, by Siemens Brothers And Co Ltd, circa 1936.

I've got £20 on the book. With me at £20?

Make a good ornament, this.

£20, who's got five?

-Waving. 25, 30.

-Yes, come on.

35, 40.

£45.

At the back of the room, £45,

where's 50?

-50.

-50. New bidder.

-55. 60.

-Here we go.

60 now, at the front, there. £60.

One more, anywhere? £60 down the front.

At £60, all done.

That's quite cosy, there we go.

-+25.

-Yes.

-The rolling total is now -60.

The next item is the olivewood souvenir album from Jerusalem,

and the Indian card case, for which you paid £55.

Lot 336. Olivewood souvenir album of Jerusalem.

You've got the sandalwood carved card case there, too.

Bids I have...

£10, I have to start.

With me at £10.

Looking for 15. With me at £10?

This is sandalwood!

Ten with me. Come on, £12?

12. 15.

18, 20.

25, 30.

£30 commission, then, on the book.

30. Five anywhere else?

£30 it is. At 30, selling 30...

We're in a -25 situation there.

And collectively, we're now at -£85.

So, bonus buy?

-Yes.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, let's have it.

All right.

Just to remind you, we're talking about a chrome trophy,

cost £18, yeah?

Here it is, fellows. Pay attention.

Come on.

Lot 342, 1920s chrome sports trophy.

Start me at £20. £20. Pretend your grandfather won in that race.

HE LAUGHS

£20. Ten, then? Come on, £10.

There's ten, thank you.

Ten. 12, I'll take.

Ten is bid, who's got 12 for it?

Ten with the lady.

Selling, £10. Lady's bid.

No other bids. At a tenner.

I'm selling, fair warning, thank you.

342.

-Richard?

-Oh, no, no, no.

--8.

It gives us a -£93.

But it could have been worse.

-I'm lost for words.

-It could have been -100.

Could have been, yeah.

You don't know yet whether that could be a winning score.

Oh, yeah.

-But I have to say to you, now, not a word to the Reds, OK?

-Yeah.

Not a problem. Trust me. Don't want to say anything to anyone.

Well, well done, teams. It's all about taking part, is it not?

-It is, yes.

-I know. And I know we never, ever lose.

We only have a runner-up.

But when it came to the winning score today,

I've got to tell you that you were both in the minus.

But some are more minus than others.

So turning my attention to the runners-up,

-I'm going to go in this direction.

-Oh!

THEY LAUGH

I am going to go in this direction. Ladies, I did feel for you.

It all went wrong from the word go, didn't it?

I mean, there you are with your wooden trunk,

it was a hefty loss, wasn't it?

And you never really recovered from that. But full marks.

-You did manage -£140 at the end of the day.

-Yes. That's a good one.

-But you have had fun?

-Yes.

-Oh, I loved it.

-Excellent. All right.

-Well, turning my attention to the triumphant Blues...

-Unbelievable.

Yes, it was. But you also got off to a grim start, didn't you?

-What with...

-Yeah! We don't want to dwell on that, though.

..with your Rotamint. But either way, you pushed through.

-You ended up with a -£93.

-We're happy with that.

So full credit there.

Full credit, also, to your good self, there, Richard.

I'm not sure they'd agree with that bit, but...

But you were there for moral support.

But either way, congratulations. Meanwhile,

you can keep in touch with us both on Twitter and on our website.

But better still, join us again for some more bargain-hunting.

-Yes? ALL:

-Yes!