Ardingly 15 Bargain Hunt

Today, Bargain Hunt is in Ardingly, West Sussex,

home to the stunning 16th century Wakehurst Place.

Well, without question,

the most impressive antique on this site is this great redwood.

Planted in the 1800s,

and now towering over the mansion at well over 100 feet,

it is officially the United Kingdom's tallest Christmas tree.

Well, I suspect our teams will not find anything quite so tall

and as grand, but they might find something as old

at the fair down the road.

Well, let's find out.

Let's go bargain hunting.

We're here at the Ardingly International

Antiques and Collectors Fair.

With 1,700 stores across 44 acres and one hour to purchase

three antiques, our teams really have got their work cut out

in the hope of making a profit at auction.

Let's take a look at what's coming up.

It's all about animal instincts today.

The Reds try to sniff out a deal.

Why do you like it so much?

It looks like our dog. Eugene.

-Right, OK.

-You're not sold, are you?

-No, I am now!

-I love him!

And the Blues look like they're going on safari.

-Why don't you have a look at the camel?

-Do I have to?

Do I have to?! But you're not so happy on the camel.

Well, he also picked out a rhino over there.

Oh, gosh, you're going around the world.

And, boy, do things run wild at the auction.

170, 180 with me. 170 in the middle, 170. 190...

-Yes!

-45!

-Are we all done?

Well, before all that,

we have two married couples battling it out today.

For the Reds, we've got Dawn and Karen.

And for the Blues, we've got Rebecca and David.

-So, hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

-Hello.

First question, to the Reds, so, you girls are actually both policewomen.

-Yes.

-And did you meet on the job?

Or should I say, in your case, on the beat?

-We did meet on the job.

-We did meet on the job, yes.

-You did.

Nine years ago.

Yeah, we got a call to a man with a knife

in a block of flats, and I was a sergeant at that time,

so off I went, running across to the flats,

Dawn was just freshly in the police,

and she came tottering along behind me.

We de-armed him, took the knife off him,

-got him custody, and that was very first meeting.

-Yeah.

-No romantic meal, or anything like that.

-No.

-No.

So, don't mess with you two.

-Definitely not.

-THEY LAUGH

But what do you do to wind down?

-We like exercising, don't we?

-Lots of exercise.

-Yeah.

And marathons, I've run three marathons.

And I've run two.

And we've got one more to go next year, and that's it, no more after that.

-One more.

-It'll be the last one.

-Can't hurt anyone, can it?

I'm just interested to know what your tactics are going to be

from a Bargain Hunt point of view.

I'm going to listen to everything that Dawn says,

which is pretty much right, and go with what she says.

-Is that...?

-I may be the sergeant at work, but...

-No, that's on film now, that's...

-LAUGHTER

Good to know. Anyway, turning to the Blues, Rebecca and David.

Tell me, Rebecca, what do you do for a living?

I'm an art teacher at a secondary school.

And is this something that you set out to do?

No, I didn't really know what I was doing, to be honest.

I was at art college, doing a foundation year, and then,

I just sort of flipped and went mad and I ended up at university

doing archaeology and prehistory, kind of by mistake,

kind of turned into a maritime archaeologist,

without really realising who I was applying to!

And they trained me to dive and doing sketching and measuring...

Fascinating stuff. But David, what about yourself?

Well, I'm a solicitor, dispute resolution solicitor,

so, you know, running cases through to trial and worrying about

whether we're going to win and, you know, it's quite exciting.

And you're both quite well travelled, I believe.

Yeah, we do quite a lot of cycle touring...

-Do you?

-..we've cycled in China and New Zealand.

Now, I was intrigued to learn that you two invite total strangers

-into your home to stay overnight.

-Yeah, we do.

We have cycle tourists come and stay with us,

and when they get there, like on Tuesday night,

and you've got someone from Uganda who's travelling the world,

it's just brilliant.

-It's something we get a lot out of and actually love doing.

-Uganda.

He must be shattered by the time he gets to your place.

He is, yeah. We give him a big dinner.

You've got to work as a team today,

so what are your tactics going to be?

-I think look for, sort of unusual items, really.

-Yeah.

Yeah, I don't necessarily always agree with what David likes

and vice versa.

I think that's going to work, we're going to end up with a variety.

Or a massive bust-up.

-THEY LAUGH

-One or the other.

So, here you are, Blues, here's your £300.

-And for the Reds, there's your £300.

-Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Off you go and find your experts. See you later.

-See you later.

-Thanks.

-OK.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these marriages are,

as I think, made in Heaven.

So, let's meet our experts.

Trying to find the perfect catch for the Reds, it's Charles Hanson.

And stepping up to the challenge,

it's Richard Madley with the Blues.

Dawn, what's your plan? What are we buying today?

We're going to look for something maybe police-related, I think.

I was thinking perhaps the bronze, or possibly a little Delft?

-Mid-century modern, I think.

-Mid-century.

-Yeah.

What I really, really would be excited to see is a little bellarmine jug.

-20th century.

-Yeah, definitely, yeah.

-We are modern people.

-Yes, we are.

-Come with me.

OK, teams, 60 minutes starts now.

GONG

DOGS BARK

They're gorgeous. Right, anyway, guys, your hour has started.

Let's go. Come on! Come on!

-This way.

-Yeah.

-That way?

-Round here.

-Round to the left.

-Round to the left. We're going that way.

-This way, yeah.

Every direction is the right direction

when you've so much to choose from.

You can't possibly go wrong.

Or can you?

-This is all quite pretty.

-Yeah.

-You know, maybe to you it's slightly too antiquey.

-Yes.

Knowing your taste now. We've got some really lovely objects.

-Yeah.

-Yeah. And some lovely owners. Oh, hello.

KAREN LAUGHS

Now, Charles, keep your charm for the negotiating.

How are you doing, Blues?

What have you seen? Something large? Something impressive?

Oh, actually, he's quite nice, as well.

Ah... Ah! What have you got here?

Well, it's an 18th century French...

-18th century French.

-Like ones we've seen on holiday.

-Quite heavy.

-Quite heavy, yeah?

-We can see the quite price is quite heavy, as well. OK.

-On we go.

On we go, indeed.

Well, there's no hanging around for the Blues.

And what's Dawn spotted?

-That Denby dog!

-The Denby dog!

I love it! I've got three of my own at home.

You haven't?! Really?

I haven't got that colour and this one is bigger than mine.

-Oh, really nice. How much is he?

-140...

-Oh! He's a lot of money!

-Any chips on it or anything?

-He's lovely and heavy.

-Why do you like it so much?

-I just love the style of it.

-He looks like our dog. Eugene.

-A real dog?

-Yeah, we've got a French bulldog.

-Bulldog?

-And it looks just like him.

-Right, OK.

-You're not sold on it are you?

-No, no, I am. I am.

I love him, I absolutely love him. But he's too much money.

He's a good dog in the window with a good retail price.

I might have to come back and buy him myself.

THEY LAUGH

Aw, I think that's what you call puppy love.

Now, are things spicing up for the Blues?

Hold it there, let me have a look at this.

-You hold it there for me.

-Isn't it cute?

-Yes, isn't that cute?

-Silver pepper siften...

-Sifter.

-And I can't read the other bit.

-It was made in...

-1897.

It looks like to me, Birmingham, 1897, and the all-important

question is how much is the asking price?

-BOTH: 63.

-63?

-That's quite a lot for such a...

-Well, don't be...

Don't be put off by that.

Small collectable pieces of silver are very much in vogue.

Let me just have a look at that.

It's important to look with silver at the hallmarks

which will tell us a huge amount.

So we have the Lion Mark and above the hallmarks

are the maker's marks.

CSFS, which I've come across before,

they were a small silversmiths, well, not in stature,

-but in the things that they made.

-Oh, that's quite nice!

Ask the gentleman nicely what his friendliest price might be

-and see what he says.

-Yep.

-Give him your best smile.

-OK.

-OK.

I was wondering what your best price on that might be?

The best I could do would be 55. And that would be it.

-I think it's a nice little item.

-OK.

And it's always nice to get one under the belt early on

and then we can relax into it and find a bellarmine jug

and a piece of Delft, yeah? Good.

Thank you very much indeed, sir. We would like to take it if we may?

-What did we say?

-55.

-Thank you, business is done. We've got a deal.

Yeah.

Great job, Blues, first purchase in the bag and only ten minutes gone.

Nice to see the Reds have an eye on the time, too.

I like the little pocket watch there, that's nice.

-But I don't know what their...

-Is there treasure?

-Yeah.

-The little pocket watch, that's quite nice.

-Yeah, that's pretty.

I've always liked pocket watches. I wore one on my wedding day.

Shall we have a look at it?

-Yeah!

-May we browse the pocket watch, bottom shelf?

-Yeah.

Thanks a lot. What we've got here, team, is a very nice late

19th-cum-very early 20th century Swiss jewelled lady's pocket watch.

-So, it's seen some history.

-Yeah.

-There's one problem.

-Oh, the hand!

-It's missing the hand, but the hands are there.

-Oh, I see.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

The condition of its working order isn't so important because

it's a good looker and a standard watchsmith could get this working

-quite easily, but it is nice. Good spot.

-I like it.

-I'm not 100% sold, to be honest.

-OK.

Only because it's busted.

We can always come back and talk to the dealer.

-I mean, the hour is very young still.

-Yep.

-Yeah.

-Are you OK to hold it for maybe half an hour?

-Yeah, absolutely.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Come on, guys. Let's go.

Well, time and tide wait for no man or woman for that matter.

Handbags, on the other hand...

-Well...

-Oh, my God!

-Very fashionable.

-It is quite specialist.

Come on, she's looking really quite enthusiastic.

Can I just look at the price just to log it for later.

Of course. Have a look at the price.

THEY LAUGH

-Right, I'm getting it. It's 48.

-Oh, you're getting it?!

-No, no.

-No, no, no, no.

-48. We'll just log that one. It is beautiful.

-I'd like that for myself.

-Mm... Quick, there's more items over here.

We might be back, yeah.

Nicely avoided, David.

Now, could the Reds bag their first item

with something Dawn has spotted?

I think it's a tabletop, actually.

I've just figured out, I think there's some table legs missing.

-But it's really striking.

-It's really interesting.

Do you know, and I almost know nothing about it, what do you think?

-It's different.

-Different.

It's quirky, which is what Dawn's taste is.

-40s, 50s, maybe?

-I'd go 40s to 50s.

-Sir, excuse me?

-Yes, mate?

We are just quite interested in this decorative,

-what I think may have been a table originally?

-Yes, sir, it is.

What's nice about it, if you notice bottom left-hand side,

it's actually signed, so it is a signed peace.

-Oh, yeah.

-Yeah.

-Signature!

-I see. It's got a signature on it.

-How much is it?

So I could give you all the legs,

one of them is slightly damaged, to try and help you out, I'll do 60.

-60?

-And I'm being...

-50?

50? What if I said 55? 55. I'll shake it 55.

-55. Charles?

-It's a gamble. It's a punt.

-Go on, then, 50.

-Oh, awesome!

Thank you. Good man, thank you very much.

Well done, Reds.

First item bought and now you're level pegging with the Blues.

But don't forget those chair legs.

So, 25 minutes gone and the Blues

are also looking for their second item.

-I like that walking stick.

-With the dog's head?

-The dog, yeah.

It is quite fun, yes. It's got a look about it.

-Do you want to have a look?

-Yeah, have a look, have a look.

You can imagine it having general appeal.

-General appeal, yes.

-Oh, Crikey!

-Oh, 240!

-How many?

-240.

-Well, you see, you guys have got all the taste.

-Yeah.

But not the money.

-The price is 130.

-130?

-130?

-Oh! Ooh! From 240 to 130.

-Yeah.

-Is that...

-Without even asking.

-I think it's beautiful.

It looks really well carved to me.

It looks like a greyhound or a whippet

and I imagine that is carved walnut.

It gives you a bit of a stare.

-Well, he's got glass eyes.

-It's still fair.

It's... Look, it's at the top end, it's at the top end,

but the dealer came from 240 down to 130.

-Shall I go and ask the dealer if he will accept...

-£100.

-..that one price.

-I'm agreed on that.

-Yes.

If it's a yes, we'll have it, if it's a no, we can walk away.

-OK, yes.

-Yeah.

-Leave it with me. No, I haven't done the deal yet.

While Richard sorts out a deal for the Blues,

it looks like the Reds have spotted yet another four-legged friend.

-It's a Denby dog.

-It is a Denby dog. It's a small one!

Well, hopefully, I suppose when it comes to size, the bigger they are,

the more expensive, and the smaller, they might be now in budget.

I mean, look, look.

-It's so cute.

-Look at him, he's happy, look at him!

-He is quite cute, isn't he?

-He's really cute!

I mean, he is cute, he almost says, "Look, don't leave me."

I would hope he might be 1930s in date.

-And he's just, as you say, quite a rarity in size.

-Yeah!

-What would be your best price on him?

-What have I got on him?

-25.

-18.

-Oh, God. That's your very best price?

-That is.

-OK. OK.

In auction, again, if it came in to me,

I'd guide him between £15 and £25.

-£18, he could make a tenner, he could make 30.

-Yeah.

-But if you like him...

-It's heart over head, isn't it, for me? No. No.

-What have we got to lose?

-Money.

Make your minds up, ladies.

-No, I don't think we'll make a profit on him.

-OK.

-OK, say goodbye, see you, see you, doggy!

-ALL: Bye! Bye!

So, it's a no to the cute dog.

Meanwhile, Richard's back with price news for the Blues.

-Guys, we have a dilemma.

-Go on.

His very best price is £120.

-Right.

-So it's half the ticket price but you know what?

-We would have bought...

-We would've bought the most beautiful item here.

-..a good object, wouldn't we?

-If we go down, we go down in flames.

-Well, are you prepared to go down?

-Let's go for it!

-We'll go down!

-I'll come down with you.

-We're going down! We're going down with the dog.

-THEY LAUGH

-Sold.

Well, that's 2-1 to the Blues with half the time gone.

Whilst our teams continue shopping, let me pop outside and show

you how Sussex inspired one of our most famous authors -

Lewis Carroll, creator of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland.

Catriona, welcome to Bargain Hunt,

you're the collections officer up in the Museum of Guildford.

And you've brought along a selection of items

all relating to Lewis Carroll.

-Why?

-Well, Lewis Carroll actually had a connection to Sussex.

He had a holiday home in Eastbourne and also

he visited his sister down in Brighton very regularly.

There are some theories to suggest that part of Brighton

was the inspiration for the rabbit hole because there's

a tunnel in Brighton that connects various places

so he was a regular visitor to Sussex.

So, tell me a little bit more about the items that you've picked out.

You've actually brought along a couple of books.

These are special because they were signed by Alice Hargreaves,

who is Alice Liddell, as was, and Alice Liddell is probably

who Alice was based on

-so they're early 20th century copies.

-OK.

By this point, Alice Hargreaves was very well known

and quite famous and used to attend all kinds of events.

She attended a centenary event in Guildford in the 1930s, so, yes, she's very famous.

-So, Catriona, this collection is on view to the general public?

-It is.

We've got a series of things from the collection at the museum.

So, starting with these which are magic lantern slides.

So, these are...

Oh, lovely, let me get it. Yes, be very careful, don't worry.

-Yes, of course.

-Oh, yes, that's a classic, isn't it?

The Mad Hatter's tea party. So, lovely thing!

-This dating to when?

-So, this is from the late 19th century.

Now, I have to say that I love this...

-well, what I'm assuming is a biscuit tin.

-It is a biscuit tin.

-And when does it date from?

-This dates from about 1891,

1892, and it's a very interesting object because it's one of

the first big commercial ventures that Lewis Carroll was involved in.

He'd met a lady called Miss Manners when he was in Croydon.

Her family produced biscuit tins and she suggested that he

allow some of the images to be put on this tin.

But when he found out that they were to contain biscuits

and advertising labels, he was just horrified.

He thought it was very improper and very abhorrent and eventually

he allowed the tins to be produced, but when he sent the last batch

to his child friends, he insisted that the biscuits be taken

-away before they were sent out which I think it's really sad.

-It is sad.

-But obviously it sent him crackers, didn't it?

-Oh, very good.

Yeah, anyway, sorry about that.

Well, listen, thank you so much for spending the time to show us

these wonderful things.

You're very welcome.

Back to the shopping,

and the Blues have two items and the Reds have one.

They're both covering good ground

but it looks like the Blues want to step it up a gear.

A little bit before your time, but I know...

-Oh, I remember Raleigh!

-Eh? And you are both keen cyclists, aren't you?

It's got a real look to it as well, I like it.

I'll bet you it's got a real price as well.

-Right.

-I quite like that one.

-£450.

-Well, I just have fancy taste.

-THEY LAUGH

Great taste.

Way out of your budget, Blues.

Now, could it be time for tea for the Reds?

What a gorgeous caddy.

-Lovely.

-It's circa 1840...

-Yeah, I like it, I do like it.

-Do you?

-Yeah.

-Why? Why? I like the wood.

-The history.

Yeah, the history, the wood.

The history behind it, it's a pretty-looking object.

So, as you open it up, you would open your divisions,

you might have your green or bohea tea in there,

your black tea would be in there and then you would mix it to how you

would want the brew to taste and your butler might do that.

What I like is you've got the...

a very good maker there of new Bond Street, so it's, you know,

high-end, affluent marketplace.

-What do you think?

-Good thing, that. Good thing.

-Is it too much for us?

-I'm going to look at the owner again.

What's your best price, please?

Well, very... And this is the really best price, is 210.

Is it 2.10 already? Is that the time? Sorry.

That's the price, sorry. Sorry.

I think this game just got very serious.

Think about it, OK?

It's whether you go for the big spend now

and then we're home and hosed or...

-I like it.

-If you want to go for it, we'll go for it.

-Oh, golly.

-Yeah.

-Come on, come on.

-Let's stir those tea leaves, OK? Seek the fortune.

-Yeah.

210, we'll take it.

-All right. 210.

-210. Going, going, going, sold.

-Thank you so much.

-Thank you.

-Thank you so much. I love it, thank you.

Well, that stirred things up a bit.

And now that's 2-2 with less than 15 minutes remaining.

Back with the Blues, could Rebecca be brewing up their next deal?

-Rebecca's found this teapot.

-I found a teapot.

-I had my eye on the camel in the distance.

-The camel? The camel?

-Hmm.

-I just think he's got a charm about him.

-I don't know.

You love all animal stuff, though, like animal ornaments.

-You see, he is distinctive.

-BOTH: Yeah.

-Now, the teapots...

-Too common?

-Well, there's three of them

-and you can take your pick.

-Actually, yeah, maybe you're right.

I'm happy with that, I'm happy with that.

But you're not so happy on the camel.

-Well, he also picked out a rhino over there.

-Oh, gosh, you're going around the world.

Do you want to have a look at him?

Well, yes, of course, we'd like to have a look at him.

We'd also like to have a look at the price tag.

I think that is quite an important...

65.

I don't know how much carved rhinos normally go for, so...

-65.

-The camel's 45.

-The camel's 45.

-Camels are cheaper than rhinos.

-BOTH: Yeah.

Why don't you have a look at the camel?

-Come on. Come on.

-Do I have to?

"Do I have to?" We got a reluctant sell here, David.

-I knew he would want to go for some weird animal.

-Rebecca...

-I prefer him to the rhino.

-Do you?

-You prefer him...

-I detect a reluctance, David.

-Shall we say maybe?

Let's just say maybe and have a little look around.

Let's say maybe, we can always come back. OK?

So, the Blues have agreed to disagree but you'll have to see

eye to eye on something soon because time's a-ticking, isn't it, Charles?

We have got nine minutes to go. Nine minutes, nine by 60 is...

-I don't know.

-However many seconds. It's not a lot.

-No, it's not a lot.

No. So, let's move, OK? Let's keep the faith, keep believing.

You'll have to get moving, Reds. You too, Blues.

Mm... What have they found now?

It probably dates from the first half of the 19th century.

What slightly concerns me is that the top is unfinished.

That would intimate to me that this might be part of something larger.

So, the price of £65

reflects the fact

that it might be adapted.

Whereas, our rhino and our camel are still available.

We've got four minutes left. We do need to make a decision.

I think we'll go for the animals because it just looks a bit

uninteresting and we don't really know...

Cos it's got the dodgy top...

I agree with you on that, so, what about the animals?

-I'm quite interested in the silver pig.

-Not another animal.

-Shall we go and have a look?

-The silver pig?

I know you haven't seen it, I just spotted it when you were

looking at the rhino which I wasn't such a fan of.

-Just have a look and we'll see what you think between them.

-OK.

We haven't got long though, so, shall we?

OK, but can we agree we're going to buy either a rhino or a pig?

-Yeah, agreed, agreed.

-Yeah. OK. OK.

-Done, let's go. Thank you.

So, with the Blues in agreement,

could the Reds have found their final item?

There are some wonderful things here, aren't there?

Some really nice objects.

-And we've got how much left over? £40?

-£40.

-£40.

Ideally less cos I need some money left for home time.

Are you seeing anything that draws your mind?

Anything that you think, wow, I must have?

What's that egg? Upside down egg?

Egg. That's a little Mauchline ware, isn't it?

How nice.

So, there you've got your thimble on the inside

of that Mauchline ware eggcup

which obviously celebrates Crystal Palace,

it will date to, what? 1900, 1910, so it's a little Edwardian,

almost in a tweed,

-but it's quite pretty, do you like it?

-It's a bit too much, I think.

-It's priced at how much?

-59.

-And it could be...?

Erm...

I could do 45.

-Yeah, we are five pounds out. And a bit more.

-Yes, thank you.

You couldn't do 39 and leave me a pound?

-It's silly, for pound, isn't it? 39.

-Are you sure?

-Aw, bless you!

Shall we say going, going, gone?

-Yes!

-Shake her hand. We'll take it. For £39.

-Thank you, that's really kind of you, thanks.

-Sold. Very grateful.

Thanks, madam, and we've got the egg.

Good jobs, Reds, you have all three items in the bag.

I hope the Blues aren't far behind you because time's almost up.

-OK, this is the pig.

-The pig.

-The one I was talking about.

-OK.

I mean, I'm really into sewing and I just think it's a beautiful thing.

I mean, it's a little bit dented there, but I just

think he's got a real personality and it's useful and I like objects

that actually have a use rather than just sit there as an ornament.

-I'm worried about the price and the time.

-Right, OK.

It's priced at £65.

Shall we ask the stallholder what the best price on the pig is?

Yeah, bit concerned about the damage,

-so, what's your best price on that?

-55.

-How about going to 50?

-It's a special price.

Thank you, I really appreciate it.

-We've got seconds left, shall we have a deal?

-Yeah.

-Right.

-Your pig is sold!

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Thank you, thank you.

Congratulations, Blues, you join the Reds with all three items purchased.

That pig really saved your bacon.

HE PLAYS ACCORDION

Well, according to me, time is up.

-I'm thirsty.

-Me too.

-Yeah?

-And I'm hungry too.

Hungry and thirsty, I think tea and biscuits are called for.

-Yes!

-Yes, sounds good.

-Come on, let's go then.

-OK.

So, let's remind ourselves what the Red team bought.

Dawn loved the design of this artist-signed table, and paid £50.

Their budget took a hit with this Regency tea caddy, bought for £210.

And will this egg-shaped thimble case,

costing £39, EGG-cite the bidders at auction?

-Ladies, have you had something of an arresting day?

-We have!

It's been brilliant. Really enjoyed it.

-Mr Charles Hanson has been your anchorman today, has he not?

-Yes!

-Absolutely amazing.

-When it comes to best buy? You tell me first.

-Tea caddy for me.

-What about you, Dawn?

-I like the table.

-Very retro.

It's very retro.

I don't think it's probably necessarily going to make any money.

I've got a good feeling about the last buy, the little sewing egg.

-The Mauchline ware.

-I've got a feeling that might do quite well,

-potentially.

-Well, I've done some totting up,

-and I know that you have spent, out of your 300, £299.

-Yes.

-Now, you've got to give me...

-One whole pound.

-One whole pound.

I've got every confidence, when I pass this over to Charles -

there you go - Charles, if ever there was a man

who could magic something out of nothing, you're that man.

I live a dream, and the dream is to turn £1 into

something quite exciting, exhilarating, for a worldwide

market to really chew on, so that pound might go a long way.

-They've got every, every confidence in you.

-Absolutely.

-Yes, we have.

-I hope so.

-But meanwhile, let's see what the Blue team bought.

They begun with this 19th century silver pepper caster,

bought for £55.

Next, they walked away with this walking stick at £120.

Finally, they picked up this silver-plated pig pincushion

for £50.

I don't know how you contained yourself, Richard.

Were they difficult to keep under control, or...?

No, I think perhaps they got a false sense of security,

being so comfortably ahead with the two buys in the bag.

But we went down, and we had 43 seconds left!

Well, the main thing is you've got three items,

so I'm just interested to know which is your favourite item?

I think my favourite is the dog's head walking stick.

Maybe the little silver shaker.

-Profit-wise, I'm going to go walking stick.

-Walking stick.

It's risky, but that's what I would go for.

-OK, so by my reckoning, there is a little bit of money left over.

-£75.

-£75 there. Richard.

-Thank you, Eric.

-As always, in Madley we trust.

Thank you. We were looking for a bellarmine jug,

and then we changed to some Dutch Delft pottery, so I think I'll do

exactly what we did today and buy something completely different.

Right. And as he wends on his merry way, we're now off to the auction.

Well, we've travelled just down the road,

and we are in Bellmans auction house,

and I'm joined by Jonathan Pratt,

no stranger to this programme, as you all know. Jonathan, welcome.

Let's have a look at what the Red team have bought today.

I'm going to start with a 1960s rectangular table with an

interesting ceramic tile top.

Yeah, functional, bit of alternative decoration.

-Absolutely fine.

-Colourful.

Colourful, yes, functional, useful, if you like that sort of thing.

-Where are we when it comes to price?

-£20 or £30, I've said.

-Pushed the boat out there, they paid 50 for it.

-Ooh.

We'll watch, wait and see on that one.

-Next, something which is, for me, more classical.

-Absolutely.

Sarcophagus shape, but coromandel tea caddy.

What date do you want to put on it?

This is Regency, so it's that very early part of the 19th century.

Great wood. The canisters inside are very nice.

Although, the glass jar here in the middle, it's very nibbled glass.

I don't think it's the original one.

Apart from that, the quality is there.

-OK.

-If you're going to buy a Regency tea caddy,

that's the sort of one you'd want to buy.

How much is somebody going to pay for it when they come along

-to the auction?

-Sensibly, I've sort of sat around £80-£120.

-Right. OK.

The alarm bells ring at this end of the table,

cos they paid £210 for it.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that the quality will out.

But meanwhile, let's look at an egg,

Mauchline ware, from up there in Scotland.

They set up quite an industry, didn't they? Producing all sorts.

They produced the Tartanware and the Mauchline ware, these printed wares.

It's got a good subject on the front, and there are collectors

of this sort of thing. I rather like it, actually,

and I've put £10-£15 on it.

OK, we're in a similar scenario

-because they went and paid £39 for it.

-Ah.

Let's go and see our bonus buy because it looks to me as though

they're going to need it.

I just want to know what you managed to get for £1 at that antique fair.

It was a daunting hour, it was highs and lows, it was big spend,

-but cometh the hour...

-Cometh the man.

-Cometh the man.

Time was ticking, and that market is really buoyant today.

-Hello!

-Hello!

-Look at those.

-I love watches!

-You've got here two period,

elegant gentlemen's wristwatches.

They're not silver, they're not gold, but come on,

to buy two really cool, classic wristwatches for £1,

and have that one thrown in, it's not bad, is it?

-I think you've done very well.

-Thank you.

-Well done.

-So, how much do you think that they might make today?

-Well...

-Well...!

I feel surely, they're worth between £20 and £30.

How you managed that, I will never, EVER comprehend.

Ladies, you may think this is a bit of a no-brainer.

You don't have to make that decision now, but let's go and find out what

our auctioneer thinks about these three rather interesting watches.

So, here is that bonus buy. Not one, but three wristwatches.

Gosh, look at all that. There we are.

You got them?

Mechanical wristwatches are quite fashionable.

Funnily enough, it's something of their parents that they WILL wear!

-Yes!

-Here, you've got a Liga...

That one actually still works, and that's quite nice.

It is a good movement.

These are less of interest, a little steel Sekonda,

and this, obviously, one from the '50s,

with a subsidiary second style. As a little group of watches,

I think the money is there with those two predominantly -

and that one particularly cos it still works.

And that's a key point. £25-£35 for the three.

Well, Mr Charles Hanson went out and paid the princely sum,

for all three, of £1.

-What?!

-Yes!

-No way!

-Yes.

-Oh, lucky boy.

Let's have a look at what the Blue team have been buying.

Starting with a silver pepper caster.

It's modelled in the 18th century style.

It is Chester hallmark 1897, by Saunders and Shepherd.

Quite a nice silver maker.

I rather like it because it is silver that you can use.

I think it's going to chuck quite a lot of pepper out,

but if you like your pepper, it would be perfect.

-What do you think it is going to fetch?

-I would have thought £60-£90.

-OK, that's got to be a good start. They paid 55 for it.

-Good.

Um, number two object

is the hardwood walking stick with the dog's head handle.

I rather like this, it's quite a nice country thing.

Well, it's a hound of sorts, greyhound, Borzoi...

-Saluki, maybe.

-Saluki, maybe.

It's nice quality. I've put £30-£50.

OK. They stuck their necks out there, at £120.

-HE CHUCKLES

-It's got a lot of running to do there.

Let's hope it's a greyhound!

Very good!

Item number three - it looks like a plated pig pincushion from here.

-People love pigs, people collect them.

-They do.

It needs a little bit of work,

-it just needs the back area sorting out a little bit.

-That's true.

-He may need a good polish.

-Yep.

-Little piggy, I've said £20-£40.

They paid 50 for it.

So, I think we're going to have to go to the bonus buy here,

if we're going to save the Blue team's bacon.

So, Richard, reveal all, when you're ready.

Well, I've bought something that I think will please David. Rebecca...

-It's not that rhino, is it?

-Not that what?!

-Oh, you haven't!

-Oh, no!

-You know I love it already! You know I love it.

As I thought, I might please one and disappoint the other, Eric.

-Yeah.

-However, it's a well-carved model of a black rhino, now extinct.

Would you like to know how much I paid for it?

I think you probably remember how much it was priced at.

-Was it 75 or 65?

-65.

-It was indeed. And I bought it for £50.

-That's pretty good.

-That IS good.

Oh, look, I got a positive!

-Positivity!

-So, now you're going to ask me...

-How much do you think...?

How much do I think it is?

I think if we get a 10% or 20% profit today, we've had a good day.

-Yeah.

-Is that it?!

-Yep!

The good news is, you don't have to make your minds up now. OK?

Meanwhile, let's go and find out what our auctioneer thinks

about our black rhino.

Well, Richard has really come up with the goods here,

by finding a quite, I think, well-carved figure of a rhino.

Yes, he's pretty well done.

Anatomically, you've got... The skin is all rough, and he has a big horn.

Is this made as a tourist piece,

you know, when people visit Kenya or somewhere out in Africa?

It's a good size, it's nice quality, it's a fun thing.

-£30 to £50.

-30 to 50.

That man Madley went and paid £50 for it.

-Yeah.

-It's not a bad buy, that.

-I think it's got potential, wouldn't you agree?

-Yeah.

He's still got the horn, so he's all right.

So, Jonathan, you're going to be up there in the rostrum,

-wielding the gavel.

-Absolutely.

-OK. Well, in JP we trust.

85, 90. 95, where's 100?

100 dead ahead.

Are you sure? It's £100. Fair warning.

So, what is the feeling here at the moment?

-Optimistic, excited.

-Optimism, excited.

-Can't wait.

-Never been to an auction.

-You've never been to an auction before?

-This is the best way to do it.

-What a way to start going to auction.

-And what a leader to have.

-Quite right! At your service.

Thanks, Charles.

The first item that is coming up is the rectangular table. Very 1960s.

The estimate is 20 to 30.

But let's see how the crowd react, cos they are the people who matter.

254.

A 1960s rectangular table with abstract design. A cool thing, this.

And 20, 30, £30 I have to start with.

-Good start.

-Great start.

Come on. £30. 35, 40.

-With me, 45, 50 with me.

-Yes!

-Broken even.

55, 60 with me. 60 commission.

-£60? £60, anyone else now?

-Come on!

At £60, I'm selling. Last chance, everyone, at £60, all done.

-£60.

-Ah, £60. OK. Good start,

£10 profit. OK.

Our next item coming up

is the Regency coromandel tea caddy.

-It's a lovely thing.

-Lot 256.

Regency coromandel tea caddy of sarcophagus form.

I've got 100, and straight in at £120.

-Quite right.

-£120. Looking for 130 now, though.

£120, looking for 130? 130, 140.

150, 160. 170, 180 with me.

-190.

-It's a cracking box.

And I'm out now. £190. At £190.

Fair warning at 190.

It was either going to race away or fall. What a shame.

You are in a minus-20...

But you're only minus-ten collectively.

So, we now come to the next lot.

It's going to be the Mauchline ware egg. Here it comes.

Lot 258, Mauchline ware egg-shaped thimble case.

-Four bids I have.

-Four bids!

-35, got to go straight in at £45.

-We're in business!

-£45. Looking for 50.

That's what I'm talking about!

45, any more? At £45, are we all done?

-Selling at £45.

-45!

OK. You're plus-six, which takes you to minus £4 collectively.

I think this is a bit of a no-brainer,

but when it comes to the bonus buy, ladies, are you going to go with it?

-Yeah!

-Yes.

-Yes!

-We trust the man.

-We trust this man.

-OK.

-All three watches cost the princely sum of

-£1. Correct.

-And the estimate is 25 to 35.

-Ooh! Nice!

-Thank you very much.

1950s Liga gentlemen's gold-plated mechanical wristwatch.

And another two watches there as well. Start me at £10 for it?

There's 10. Straight in at a tenner. 10, 15 anywhere?

-Where is the other bidder?

-Ten in front, 12 now. 12.

-Here we go.

-15.

-18.

-Go on!

-18, 20, yes?

20 is bid. I will go 2.

22, 25... 28 next?

25 here. Looking for 28.

-28.

-Yes!

-30.

30. £30, down the front at £30.

Selling 30, all done?

-Yes!

-£30!

OK... Loss...29, over...

so collectively your total

is plus £25.

-Yes!

-Yes, come on! Come on, team!

That can be a winning score, ladies, OK?

-But remember, not a word to the Blues, OK?

-Correct.

-Hello, Blues.

-Hi.

-What's the mood of the moment?

-Really nervous.

-A bit of excitement.

-Yeah! Excellent.

That's what you want, get the adrenaline pumping,

everything else. So, you've got your first item coming up now.

-It's that little silver pepper caster.

-Yes.

-Yeah.

Nice object, let's see how it goes. Here it comes.

Lot 280, a silver pepper caster of 18th century design.

And with this, start me at £60.

Straight in, £60.

30, then?

Got to be worth £30. There's £30.

Back of the room. Who's got 5 now? Lovely little caster here.

£30 is bid. It's gone quiet.

35 in front. 40. At 45.

-50.

-Come on.

-55. 60.

-You're in profit.

-65, 70.

75, 80.

80 at the back of the room. Any more at £80?

No other interest, then? It's £80

and selling.

£80. Very good.

You start off with a £25 profit there.

Now, your next lot is your hardwood walking stick.

And I can start at £30 on the book with me.

35, 40. OK, so I've got 40 now.

And 5, and 50, and 5, and 60.

65. I'm out. 65 in the room.

Commission's out now at £65.

70. 5.

-80.

-Come on.

-5, 90.

-5. 100.

-Come on.

And 10. 120, 130,

140, 150,

160, 170.

170 in the middle. 170 now.

£170.

So, £170. A £50 profit.

So, you're already plus £75

on your first two lots.

The next item is

your silver-plated pig pincushion.

Great little thing, this. Nice little chap, this.

-I've got two bids on the book.

-I'm really nervous.

-Who is a pig lover?

-£20? Put your hand up. £20.

-Come on.

-Who's got 5?

Surely worth another fiver?

25, 30 with me. 35, and I'm out now.

In the room, £35.

-Looking for 40, though. Any more?

-Come on.

At £35, lady's bid.

Selling, then. Last chance, everyone else. £35.

Ooh, 35 is a minus-15, but you're still

-in a plus-£60 position, OK?

-Good, good.

So, we've now got the big decision on the bonus buy.

-And we're talking rhinos.

-Yes.

-I can see there may be a problem here.

-Well, I just think it's pig versus rhino.

-Let's go for it.

-Let's go for it.

-You're going to go with the gamble?

Excellent, all right.

-Well, it cost £50. The estimate from the auctioneer is 30 to 50.

-Hmm.

I know. So again, everything to play for.

Lot 290, a carved hardwood figure of a rhino, with rough textured body.

-Start me at £30. Start me £30.

-Come on.

£20, then. £20 is bid. Thank you.

25 standing. Madam, would you like to go 30?

30. 35. 40.

-45. 50.

-No way!

55. 60.

65. 70. 70, seated.

Bid at 70 seated. Any more, anyone else?

Lady's bid, 70, all done?

£70! £20 profit, which collectively gives you plus-£80 in total.

-Not bad.

-Excellent.

-I think you should pat yourselves on the back.

You know?

And you're never going to think of rhinos in the same way again,

-are you? Well done, Richard. Well done, you.

-Well done.

Well done, Blues. OK, just to remind you, not a word to the Reds, OK?

-Is that understood?

-That's understood.

Well, my first concern is that we've all had a good time. Yes?

-ALL:

-Yes!

-Yes, that's what I need to know.

There is some good news for both of you, because you're both in profit.

-Yes!

-It's always nice to know, that, isn't it?

Well, it's now my duty to tell you who the runners-up today are.

So, by turning my back, I have to tell you, Reds,

it is your good selves.

-Ah!

-I'm sorry to say it,

but what I CAN tell you is you're going home with £25. OK?

-It's worth having, isn't it?

-Better than a poke in the eye.

It IS better than a poke in the eye.

But we can't have everything in life, can we?

But in your case, Blues, it looks like you have.

You're walking away with £80 worth of profit.

So it was a convincing win at the end of the day.

So well done, you, and well done, Richard.

-It goes without saying, well done, Charles.

-Thank you.

-OK.

Meanwhile, you can follow us on our website or on Twitter,

but better still, join us next time for some more bargain hunting. Yes?

ALL: Yes!