Ardingly 14 Bargain Hunt

Today's Bargain Hunt comes from Ardingly in West Sussex, a county

famous for its affiliation with the gentleman's game of cricket.

Howzat?

And there's nothing that THIS gentleman loves more than

knocking a few balls around.

It's a little like the game of bargain-hunting -

you need a keen eye,

you need patience and you need nerves of steel.

So, watch this.

Well, hopefully our teams are going to be bowled over by

their shopping experience today.

Time to find out. Time to go bargain-hunting.

We're here at the Ardingly

International Antiques and Collectors Fair.

Well, now that I'm more properly attired,

let me explain the rules of the game.

As always, we've got two teams ready to do battle

on this fantastic showground.

Now, each are going to be given £300 with which

they then have to buy three antiques within the space of one hour,

after which they send them to auction and hopefully make

themselves a tidy profit.

So, let's have a see what's coming up.

The Reds won't take no for an answer.

-31?

-No, 32.

-31.50?

-32.

-31.75?

-I've got four kids to feed.

And the Blues' choices are...pants.

He's £200?!

-I don't think that's going to make us any money, do you?

-No.

And it's smiles all round at the auction.

Yes!

50, 55. 60. 65. 70.

Well, that's all for later. So to our teams.

For the Reds, brother and sister Mark and Clare,

and for our Blues, father and daughter Grant and Ellen.

-So, hello. ALL:

-Hello.

So, starting with the Reds, Clare, what do you do for a living?

I work for the Salvation Army

and I'm a journalist on one of the newspapers called The War Cry.

I remember it well.

I used to buy it on a Friday night in a pub in Burnley.

Sounds about right to me.

-So you get to meet lots of interesting people?

-Yeah, I do.

At Christmas, I had dinner with David Suchet, had a chat with him.

I've interviewed Mary Berry, other people like the comedian

Tim Vine - he was great - and also Ian McKellen, people like that.

-So I love it.

-And what about yourself, Mark?

I'm a teaching assistant in a primary school.

I work in reception in the mornings, year six in the afternoon,

so a very varied day but I love my job. I love working in school.

So, what about your free time? What about you, Clare?

I'm a bit of a thrill-seeker, so I like to do all crazy activities.

I've done the parachute jumping and the bungee jumping and the

London Marathon and all that stuff, but my favourite is,

-I love the flying trapeze.

-Seriously?

-Seriously. Yeah.

-Do you have a trapeze in your house?

-I wish. I actually wish I did.

-Maybe I should look for one today.

-Well, there you go. You're my first.

You are definitely my first. What about yourself, Mark?

I love football.

I play every week, and I go to watch Leeds United, as well, for my sins.

All right. Let's get down to brass tactics. OK.

What have you come up with today?

I think we've got a rule that we're going to choose one item each

-and then one together.

-Yeah. So we've got a veto, as well,

so if he sees something that he likes and I don't, I've got a veto.

Right. I will leave you to consider further your tactics.

I'm going to turn to the Blues.

Grant, you spend an awful lot of time in front of a computer.

Yeah, that is because I am a web designer, so I design

websites for local companies, the normal ones,

fire safety companies, plumbers,

but probably the most unusual one I've done, I do one for

a company that has sniffer dogs to smell bedbugs...

-Hang on, hang on. Seriously?

-Seriously.

They can sniff out bedbugs in a hotel in about two minutes,

-so it keeps the hotels clear of bedbugs.

-That's amazing.

But I believe you can never be labelled a couch potato?

Is that right?

No, I do like my exercise. I play football. I like the odd challenge.

I've walked from London to Brighton.

And I came third in the London Marathon...

-in the fancy-dress competition.

-Dressed as...?

A man on a toilet.

-Seriously?

-Seriously. I was beaten by a streaker.

-OK. OK.

Anyway, Ellen,

-it tells me here that you are also quite into physical fitness.

-I am.

I really like cycling, and I've cycled from Leeds to Paris twice.

I don't know why I did it the second time because the first time,

it snowed and sleeted the entire way.

It was just headwinds and sleet.

And then I finished and decided to do it again.

-So, how long did that take you?

-Six days.

-Six days?

-Yeah.

Being in Paris, I happen to know that you're big on cheese.

I'm a big fan of cheese.

I spent a year living in France, and I was working in an Irish bar.

I had a lot of spare time,

and me and my friend realised just how much cheese we were eating,

so we started a blog about cheese called incredibriecheesy.com.

Now, between the two of you, who is the antique expert here today?

-That will be neither of us.

-Neither of us.

I'm going to go with my gut feeling.

-We'd like to go for the odd or quirky things.

-Mm-hm.

-Something that's a little unusual.

-OK.

-Well, you're going to need some money.

-Yes, please.

OK, so there you go, money honey. And there you go, more money honey.

-Thank you very much.

-So, off you go and find your experts.

So, a trapeze artist and a man on a toilet. Interesting.

So, who are our experts today?

Looking for the perfect catch for the Reds, it's Charles Hanson.

And ringing the bell for the Blues, it's Richard Madley.

What's on your shopping list?

I'm thinking that we should go for the ugliest items,

but don't tell the stallholders.

The ugliest items? Well, that's a first.

I've got my eye out for something sports related,

-possibly football related.

-I like your style.

I was thinking more quirky and unusual, rather than ugly,

but I don't mind ugly either. I think it'll work.

Lots of small, delicate, pretty things with detail.

-That sounds almost - dare I say it? - like you.

-Oh, thank you very much.

OK, teams, 60 minutes starts now.

ALARM RINGS

Follow me, guys.

Come this way.

You've got a lot of ground to cover, teams. That dog has the right idea!

Right, first to the Reds, who are already finding it

a little overwhelming.

There is too much to take in.

-There is a lot to look at.

-Just breathe the antiques.

-I quite like over here. Those nice candlesticks.

-Yeah.

-Please, may we?

Thanks a lot. Here we are, team, look.

-Oh, they are heavy.

-They are heavy.

-I quite like that, though.

-I do.

-I like how they look.

-I like the design of them.

-Well, they're quite organic.

-Yeah.

And tactile. There's a phase called the Art Nouveau,

and Art Nouveau was the birth of the 20th century, when we saw

this great impression made by Paris and we loved all things organic,

and if we could put "in the manner of Tiffany" in the catalogue,

it might just get buyers humming, thinking they're quite special,

and I think they've got potential to run a bit.

-I think we need to find out how much he wants for them.

-Yeah.

-Give him a quick shout.

-Excuse me.

-How much would we be talking for these?

-For the pair?

-The pair.

-I've got £75 on them.

-75...

-75.

-I think we've got to go a bit lower than that, haven't we?

-Yeah.

If they came into my auction,

-I would guide them probably between £50 and £80.

-OK.

-Would you take, sir, 50 for them?

-Here are two beaming smiles.

Cheeky!

-You know you've done your good deed for the day.

-Go on, then.

-Brilliant.

I know what they're worth.

Well done, Reds.

Ten minutes gone and one item in the bag.

And the Blues are on a mission to find something...unattractive?

Oh, I like these Buddhas.

I like them, so maybe that means we shouldn't go with them.

-It's too nice?

-Yeah. I would like that in my room.

Maybe the duck with the boots is more what you're looking for.

Does he come with the pants and the hat?

But what's this?

-£200.

-He's £200?!

Oh, I don't think that's going to make us any money, do you?

He'd get a reaction in the auction room.

Maybe he'd be undercover!

The Blues are still to make their first purchase,

but the Reds are on the lookout for item two.

I think Clare has found something from her wish list.

This is quite pretty and small. £12. Is it just like a little...

-I think for stamps.

-See, that's quite pretty.

It reminds me, Mark, of what we just bought, in a funny way.

-Look at the style of it.

-Yeah.

-I don't think it's got great age.

-It might be 1930s.

-I like it, but I'm not sure.

-You can always say to the nice man over there...

-Hello.

-Hello there.

Would you like to save this for me for half an hour,

-for me to have a little browse?

-Certainly. Will do.

-Thank you very much.

-That's really kind.

With this stamp box on hold, the Blues are still searching for

something they wouldn't want in their own home.

-Always scanning the area.

-That's hideous.

It's kind of Andy Warhol-style attempt, with the dots.

I thought she had measles.

I think the decoration could be of a slightly later period.

She is plaster.

She's French and dates from the end of the 19th century,

so it's that sort of Belle Epoque period.

Maybe 1890-1910.

She's signed. Could you perhaps translate the signature for us?

SHE SPEAKS FRENCH

Oh, Ellen, your French is magnifique!

I think with something like this, price is everything, isn't it?

-Shall I go and ask Fiona?

-Yes, that would be excellent.

-Yes, let's have a try.

-Let me do that.

I like the fact that it's French, but I do think it does look

a bit like I could have done that painting.

-Well, I'm thinking...

-But sometimes that's what art is.

Here comes Richard with news from the stall holder.

-The price that the dealer was asking for it was £80.

-Ooh.

But we moved from 80 to 60.

Then I asked him if £50 would buy it, and he has said,

"Yes, it would."

-I'm happy to go with it.

-Let's get it.

-It's a bit of fun.

-It's fun.

-Deal.

So both teams have one item in the bag,

and Clare looks like she's flapping a little.

CLARE GASPS

Guys, don't worry, we've only had 20 minutes.

-We've got loads of time.

-I'm a flapper.

-She is a flapper.

Shall we look on here?

Good idea.

Right, I like the look of this. Oh, look at this!

-I just like that.

-Why do you like that?

-Because it reminds me of playing.

-As a young girl.

-Yeah.

And it's French. I think if we can get it for cheap pounds...

TILL DINGS

..then I'm sold!

That's not such a big ching-ching, then, is it?

Well, the Reds like it, but what about their expert?

Yeah, I love you both, but I don't love that.

Don't you?

I don't love it.

Right, enough chit-chat. Let's get down to business.

Excuse me, good woman. How much for the cash register?

-It's 20.

-20?!

-Oh, that's not bad.

-That's good.

Would you be prepared to come a little bit lower, say to 15?

-Go on.

-Yes!

-What's 15 in French?

-Quinze.

Yeah, OK, for that, you can seal it.

-Ooh-la-la.

-Ooh-la-la.

But I don't know! I do want it, but I feel I see more.

Would it be possible to hold it for 20 minutes or so?

Yes, of course.

-Let's keep looking, shall we?

-Yeah, we will. We love it.

Charles isn't convinced.

-I saw that face you pulled.

-Sorry, I'm only joking.

Let's see if Richard can be a little bit more encouraging

with the Blues next item.

25 minutes gone and it looks like Ellen has spotted something.

What about this little table?

Probably not that little table, but I know what you're thinking.

-You're thinking of an occasional piece.

-Yeah.

-Yeah, indeed.

That is part of a nest of tables - we've only got one.

But if you're looking at nests, as I stand here now, to my left,

-to your left...

-Are you looking at the round ones?

Yeah, do you want to go and have a look at them?

Yeah, let's go and have a look.

-These...

-They're actually quite nice.

These date from, I would think, the 1930s, they could even be later.

-This is a quarteto of tables.

-Oh, OK, so they just...

You could put yours there,

I'll put my teacup there, and my granny would put hers there.

-Good morning.

-How you doing? Are you well?

-Very well, thank you.

-The owner.

George, we're interested in your quarteto,

how friendly could you be in the term of pounds?

Well, that's four tables, innit? A tenner each.

How close to £30 could we be on them?

Do you want to meet in the middle?

35 quid?

I'm not totally sure about these at the moment.

I'm not convinced, either, I'm afraid, George.

Oh, George.

There you go, I've sold that, haven't I?

-After all that...

-After all that...

-Could we do this, George,

could we just put them on hold?

Perhaps we could come back to you then if we still want them?

-OK.

-George, you've been a gentleman.

-No problem at all.

Thank you very much.

Good luck. Hope you find something.

So whilst the teams continue their shopping, I have a question for you.

Take a look at this. What do you think it is?

Well, let me tell you. It's called a betel nut cutter.

I bought this around about ten years ago.

In this country, in the UK, whenever we have visitors, the chances are

that we offer them a cup of tea or a cup of coffee upon their arrival.

But if you just happen to be visiting somebody,

let's say between India and Malaysia,

there's every chance that they may present you with a tray

of nuts wrapped in green leaves,

quite often referred to as betel nuts.

Technically, it's the leaves which come from the betel tree.

The leaves themselves, they act as a breath freshener.

As for the nuts, well, they act as a mild stimulant.

In actual fact, the nuts themselves are from the areca palm.

They are simply called areca nuts.

You need a betel nut cutter to cut them.

The detail is just absolutely stunning.

Not just the mane but the saddle and the tail.

I love the way those legs develop

into those two very, very slender hooves.

I look at this as a piece of sculpture.

Date-wise, I'm told it dates somewhere between 1850 and 1900.

When it comes to prices, they do vary tremendously, depending on age.

I paid £10 for this.

I've noticed that on the internet,

they tend to be selling for upwards of £80 to £100.

Having said that,

I still think that they offer pretty good value for money,

because, you know, here's an area of collecting that you can set about

without necessarily breaking the bank.

Back to the shop,

both teams have one item in the bag with 25 minutes left.

The Blues are struggling,

but the Reds may have nipped this one in the bud.

So what you've got here are a pair of Georgian... Ah!

Not nose nips, they're not nose nips.

They're sugar nips.

Basically, Mark, back in the heyday of when sugar was

a lovely commodity for your afternoon tea,

you would use these to...

-One lump or two.

-Exactly.

I like this detail on the end here, this kind of shell feature.

What I'm looking for, I'm not... Oh, I am seeing it now.

Is there a hallmark or anything like that?

-Yeah, it's there. Can you see, there, a lion?

-Yeah.

They'll be about 1780.

How much do you think these would sell for?

How much do you think they would go for?

I think, first of all, you've got to ask what the best price is.

OK. What's the best price you could do these for, please?

35.

Could we push you down to 30?

No. I've got four children to feed.

Oh. There's not much comeback to that, is there?

As soon as you play the kid card, what do we do with that?

- 32. - Very generous.

What about 30? Go on.

-31.

-No. 32.

-31.50?

-32.

-31.75.

-32.

I think we could take those for 32.

£32.

Shall we say, going, going, gone?

-Sold.

-Thank you.

Good job, Clare.

We have still got over £200 left.

Obviously Clare is taking this elder sister lead.

I'm hoping Mark might just come of age, find the back of the net,

do a few kick ups and find the ultimate sporting highlight

and I'll have 20 minutes.

Well, you're 2-1 up on the Blues with 20 minutes left,

but it looks like team captain Richard has found something.

This oak cabinet catches my eye. It's got a tambor front.

How is that tambor running?

Shall we see?

-It is working.

-It is working. Ah.

Do you think it would make a difference

that it hasn't got the key?

Yes, I do. I think that's why it's probably still here today.

I imagine if it had the lock working, it would have been sold.

But I'd like to enquire anyway.

The best I could do on it is 220.

THEY GASP

Oh, that's pricey. But something's caught the Red team's interest.

-I like that, you know.

-That's nice.

What, the little...? It's got a sort of charm about it.

It's a really nice piece of kitchenalia.

Of course, if you wanted to keep spices, it's quite sweet.

-I like that.

-How much is it, guys?

Well, it's listed at 48.

But we can get that down a bit.

-Can we talk about the...?

-Hello, madam.

-Hello, good afternoon.

-How are you?

I'm very well, thank you.

Good to see you. My only concern with this is, how old is it?

It's definitely old.

In fact, it was mahogany, brown-y, when I got it,

but I couldn't sell it that colour.

-Madam, your best price?

-£40.

Any room to go a little bit lower than 40?

There's hardly any room at all, really.

You wouldn't go down to 35?

I'd do 38.

-How many minutes have we got left?

-15 minutes to go.

I think we should hold it and keep looking.

Would you be willing to hold that for us for ten minutes

- just while we have a look around? - Yeah, that's fine.

Not another item on hold!

Thank you very much.

Back with the Blues at the same stall,

something else has caught Grant's eye.

Is this the sort of thing that someone might want to put

in their garden? You could put candles... I presume that's what...

Yeah, it's Asian root art,

so they sculpt the root to make it into a decorative object.

What, they actually make it grow that way?

Yeah, they kind of sculpt it and then this is flattened on the top

so you can display items in the garden or in the home.

Oh, OK.

It's a really interesting piece.

What's the price on that?

-70.

-I was thinking more like 30.

THEY LAUGH

But you knew I was going to say that.

Very bottom line would be 50.

You're robbing me.

Is that all right?

Go on, why not?

Well done, team. You needed that deal.

Also, now looking for their third and final item are the Reds,

and Clare's not getting any less bossy.

Charles, get over here!

Sorry! I'm just...

And so you should be, Charles,

but has Mark found the sporting item he was looking for?

I think it might be bowls, because "Ends" in the middle.

I think each turn, they change ends each time.

I think it might be crown green bowling.

-He's on it.

-I'd like to find out how much it is.

-65.

-There you go.

-65.

It's a lovely object.

I do like it and I haven't really picked out any items yet, until now.

But I think it's more expensive, and the white drawers were only 32.

-I think they will do better than this.

-Look at his face.

Do you want to win? White drawers! White drawers!

-Let's go for the white drawers.

-Do you think?

-For 32...

-Are you happy?

-I think they'll make more profit.

-Yeah, me too.

-Come on.

Let's get them.

Sorry, Mark, but the boss has spoken.

Meanwhile, the Blues are finding this really hard going.

-It's not easy, is it?

-No, it's not easy. No, there's nothing...

The trouble is I don't know what I'm looking for, Richard.

We've got our banker there.

I think if we stroll at this pace,

we will be at the nest of tables stand when it's closed...

So shall we get a move on?

Let's pick up the pace, let's get a wiggle on. Shall we go and buy them?

-Yes.

-Yes.

-Come on, let's go.

The Reds are already at a sprint,

and it's back to one of the many items they put on hold earlier.

We'd like to make a sale on the white chest of drawers.

-Thank you very much.

-We'll take it.

32.

-No, 38.

-Oh, sorry!

38, you little monkey.

That was a genuine mistake.

-Is that OK?

-Yeah, 38 is great.

Thank you, thank you so much.

Congratulations, Reds, that's all three items.

The Blues have picked up the pace and are heading back

for the nest of tables.

-It's still here.

-Yay.

-Good afternoon, George.

-All right, then, how we going?

We're going to settle.

We're going to buy your quarteto of tables for £35.

I'll be the first person to shake your hands.

By George, they've done it. Well done, Blues.

That's all three items in the bag.

I hope you do well on them.

KLAXON SOUNDS Teams, your time's up.

And we're going to make loads of money!

THEY CHEER

Loads of money!

Let's see what the Red team bought.

First they picked up these Tiffany-styled candlesticks for £50.

And what a sweet purchase. These Georgian sugar nips were £32.

Finally, they picked up this miniature drawer set for £38.

Clare, you really enjoyed yourself today.

-Oh, gosh.

-You did.

-Yeah. I did. I loved it. I'm a bit bossy, aren't I?

Well, I wasn't going to say that, but you're quite right.

But, having said that,

you put your fair penneth in there, didn't you?

I did, yeah, in the end, when she let me get a word in.

Yes, exactly.

Three items. Dare I ask you... Favourite item?

Well, I really did like the sugar nips, but I think,

at the end of the day, I really prefer the white chest of drawers.

Are we both in agreement?

Well, I think my favourite item was the candlesticks

cos they're very bold, very stylish.

I think that the white chest of drawers might do better at auction.

So you think that's going to make you the biggest profit.

I think so, because I think it's got quite a wide appeal.

-Just looking at the spend, it was a midway spend.

-Yeah, 120.

-£120.

Which means that someone's going to give me £180.

-There you go.

-OK. It's not going to stay with me.

-I'm going to relay that through to Charles.

-Spend it wisely.

Do you know, I'm quite nervous, because obviously trying to keep

brother and sister together in my purchase, so there's pressure, Eric.

Yeah, there is pressure,

but you're man enough to cope with all this, Charles.

-So go and spend it, go for it.

-Good luck.

-Bye.

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

This hand-painted French plaster bust cost £50.

They loved this unique tree root sculpture, also at £50.

And finally this nest of tables was bought for £35.

Well, your buying spree seems to have been somewhat measured

and, I think, relatively democratic.

Democratic, yes. Measured, hmm, not so sure.

When it comes to favourites,

I'm intrigued to know if you share the same ideas.

My favourite is actually your tree root, in the end.

The first one was my quirky item,

but I feel like we went out on a limb a bit there.

What about the one object

which is going to give you the biggest profit?

-Probably the sensible tables.

-Yeah.

Yeah, they might make a profit, whereas the other items,

I'm not so sure.

But I reckon the first two could just really go out and

surprise everyone, which was our tactic at the beginning.

Well, your total spend today is £135.

Which means that you're going to give me £165,

which goes straight to our man who knows how to spend money wisely.

I've seen many things that are ugly, eccentric, boring,

all of which we bought.

I'm going to go out there and find one that might encompass them all.

-OK, Richard, be gone.

-Thank you.

So, while Richard heads off to spend his money, let's go to the auction.

Well, we're staying local. We've come down the road.

We've come to Bellmans Auction House.

I'm in the good company of none other than Mr Jonathan Pratt.

You're going to be our auctioneer today.

-Yes, absolutely.

-Excellent, excellent.

Well, let's have a look at what the Red team bought.

I'm going to start with a pair of interesting bronze candlesticks.

Big on the organic, I think you'll agree.

Yeah, there's sort of a hint of...

Well, more than a hint of Art Nouveau plant form about them.

Something about the metalwork suggests that they were more

recently manufactured but, nonetheless,

decorative and will suit certain tastes.

Nicely patinated, but we both know that we are both older than

-that pair of candlesticks.

-Absolutely.

Purely decorative, but that still sells well.

Talking of selling,

what sort of decorative value have you put on those?

£40-£60.

That's OK. They paid £50 for them. They're in with a chance there.

Our second item is a pair of early George II sugar nips.

I like that sort of thing.

You look at a piece of silver from this date in the mid part of

the 18th century and the way that it's made and the craftsmanship,

the fineness of the lines and the way it's been cut -

it's a totally different era and totally different quality.

I really love them. I really do love them.

What do you estimate?

-£40-£60.

-Yeah, they paid £32.

-Did they steal them?

I mean, this is Bargain Hunt, and I think they've bagged a bargain.

I think so.

All right, well, on to number three. There it is.

A miniature chest of drawers,

obviously been painted in relatively recent times, yes?

I think its manufacture may be fairly recent, as well.

I think the handles have got some age.

I mean, it's not made yesterday,

but it's sort of mid-20th century or whatever it might be.

It's copying a Regency or early Victorian format,

but it's perfectly functional and, you know, ladies can keep

their jewellery in there and all sorts of things like that.

I suppose, conservatively, £20-£40 on it.

They paid £38.

It just might wipe its face, as they say.

I think it might do all right.

I've got a few little similar things in the same sale.

Thank you, Jonathan. So let's have a look at the Red team's bonus buy.

Well, Clare and Mark, I think I would describe your spend as

being somewhat middle of the road.

£120.

£120, which meant that I could then give Mr Hanson here £180...

A whopping £180.

-And he went forth and he's come up with a bonus buy.

-I hope so.

We had almost a bit of a trot, a bit of a canter,

a bit of a gallop in our journey.

Almost with that thought in mind, I bought this.

-You might say, what is it?

-A big stick.

Well, it's basically a horse measure.

This would be at the bottom of the horse.

-You would take it up like so to the wither, I believe, Eric.

-The wither.

The wither is the back of the horse.

A hand is four inches, so if you had a big horse,

-it might be a few inches high.

-Oh, OK.

-There we are. It goes like that.

What's wonderful is you've got the scale here

of the height of the horse.

-It might just be early Victorian, it could be late George III.

-I like it.

It's worn, Eric, it's tired, but it survived.

-So how much did you pay for it?

-It cost...

£60.

-Oh, I think that's quite a lot.

-I think that seems a lot.

It could race away with a gallop and make 150,

it could fall into a slow walk like a donkey and make £30.

If you've got a horse person there, they'll love it.

-A horse person.

-Think of our cousins. They'll love it.

To me, it's a fairly horsey sale room.

Yeah, OK.

Look, you don't have to make your minds up now, OK?

Let's go and find out what our auctioneer today thinks about

Charles's horse-measuring stick.

So here is Charles Hanson's bonus buy.

Make of that what you will.

Immediately, you can see

that it's got a lot of patina on it, hasn't it?

-You're not going to dispute any age on this.

-No, that's 19th century.

And it's made well. Great hinge. There's a scale on the inside there.

A horse measuring stick,

it's obviously been very practical and used all the time.

It's almost like a sliding dove tail, isn't it? It drops in.

It's a really interesting object.

-Probably a smart buy.

-What about the estimate?

-I'd put £25 to £35.

-Hmm.

Well, Charles went and paid £60 for it.

I think we both have a feeling that it's got potential.

-I think so, too. Yeah, definitely.

-OK.

Let's have a see what the Blues have come up with,

starting with a French painted-plaster bust.

We know this girl has been given something of a face-lift, if that's

the right term, some time in about 1958, from the looks of things.

I didn't want to go to mad on trying to date it.

-The painting looked fairly modern.

-Yeah.

She does look like a '50s lady,

but the marking on the back has a signature

and "depose" and "no 4", which is very typically circa 1900.

So, bearing that in mind, decorative though she is, I've put £40 to £60.

They paid 50, so they are in with an even chance on that one.

Item number two is the likes of which you will never see again.

Well, not identical, because it is a root wood sculpture.

When I was cataloguing it, I had it positioned slightly differently.

I thought they'd tried to make some sculpture looking like

an animal but, actually, now it's standing like this, it's got

these two platforms so it actually looks like it has a function.

That is quite clever.

So maybe my estimate might be a little bit mean now.

I've suggested £20 to £40.

OK. Well, let's hope its unique qualities lift it a little more.

They paid 50. Well, item number three.

We're looking at a nest of walnut tables.

Got a bit of age, that Art Deco sort of style about them, perhaps.

Good for a small flat or something like that,

and I'm suggesting an estimate of £30 to £50.

They paid 35 so, again, they're on the right side, aren't they,

-for making a profit?

-Yeah.

Well, they may not need the bonus buy

but let's have a look at it all the same.

So, Ellen and Grant, I thought that your three purchases were

-somewhat eclectic, yes?

-Yes, I think so.

-That's one word for them.

-Definitely.

-And the big spend was...?

-£135.

Which meant that I could give Richard here £165 to go out

-and find your bonus buy.

-Yes.

-OK. Richard?

Well, with that, I continued the theme of eclectic,

a mixed lot, and I went and bought you...

-Ooh!

-Yeah!

..a box of tricks.

It has got snuff boxes, it's got meat skewers,

it's got tops of decanters, a true eclectic mixed lot.

-I like that a lot.

-Yes, I like that.

And obviously, this is what we hope at the auction,

-that people will have exactly the same idea.

-This is lovely.

-Good.

-What did you spend on that?

-How much have I spent?

-I bought the whole lot for £20.

-That is fantastic.

-Great.

So, how much do you think it's going to make at the auction?

I'm hoping today that you are going to double your money if you

-use this bonus buy.

-Excellent.

-I like that.

You don't have to make your minds up now, OK?

So, let's see what our auctioneer thinks about this lot.

-So, this is Richard's bonus buy.

-Mm-hm.

It is a job lot.

You see this sort of stuff in boxes in auction rooms

all over the country.

You've got in here a pleated oval box with Croydon's crest on,

-and you've got a lead Britains-type...

-Crocodile.

All sorts of little bits and pieces in there.

Nothing is worth very much, but, cumulatively,

-we've got somewhere between £40 and £60 worth.

-OK.

Well, it looks like the lad did well, because

he went and paid £20 for everything you see before your very eyes.

-Excellent.

-Well, all positive stuff. You're our man with a gavel today.

-I am indeed, yes.

-Just go up there, Jonathan, just enjoy yourself.

45. 50.

Tenner I'll take. £100 on commission.

-Right, so, how are we feeling?

-I'm really excited.

-Excited.

I can't wait. I'm so excited.

I think we share your excitement, don't we, Charles? We really do.

-We really do.

-I really want to win.

-And what about auctions?

-Do you come to auctions ever?

-No.

-Never.

-First time?

-We're first-timers.

-Oh, you are? Excellent. Even better. Even better.

What a way to start going to auctions.

OK, first lot is the pair of bronze candlesticks.

You paid £50 for them.

-They are about to come up now, so let's watch and see.

-Come on.

Lot 202, a pair of bronze candlesticks,

modelled as an orchid flower on a leaf and bud base.

Very Art Nouveau design, these, and start me at £50? Start me 50?

£40, then. Surely worth 40? There's 40. Straight in at 40. Where's five?

-On my left at 40. I'll take five, though. Where? 45.

-Yes! Ooh!

45. Back of the room at £45. Sure you want to come back in?

It's the gentleman's bid at the back at £45? Anyone else now, £45?

-At 45.

-One more, one more...

-£50 on my right. 55.

-Yes.

Are you all sure now? Here at £55. Selling £55. All done?

Listen, it was a profit, but it was only £5. OK.

The next lot coming up is the George III silver sugar tongs.

-You paid 32.

-Come on, Goldsmiths, vibes!

-Here they are.

A pair of early George III silver sugar tongs.

Mid-18th century and I've got £20 to start.

25, 30, 35 here,

-35, 40.

-SHE SQUEALS

One more? 45, 50. 55 left now.

£50, one more.

£50, are you going to go one more, sir, at the front? £50, sure?

£50 and fair warning, then. £50.

That's £18 profit there, so you are now £23 ahead.

So, the next item is your painted miniature chest, OK?

You paid £38 for it. Let's see how we get on. Here it comes anyway.

Lot 206, cream painted miniature chest.

Early 19th-century style, this. Where shall we start? 20, I have.

20, I have, who's got five now? Surely worth five? £20 with me.

-25, 30 with me.

-Yes, yes, yes! More, more, more!

He's got the undercoat on, £35 and I'm out. £35. Any more at £35?

-40, I'll take.

-Please, please, please!

-It's £35, on the left at £35 and selling, fair warning...

-No, no, no!

Yes, yes, yes. 35. Listen. Minus £3, Look, listen.

You are £20 ahead of the game.

-Do you want to go with the bonus buy? Just yes or no.

-No.

-No.

-No?

OK, well, just reminding you, Charles,

-you paid £60 for that stick, didn't you?

-Yes.

Let's watch, wait and see, cos here it comes.

Lot 212, mahogany horse measuring stick, 19th-century.

Interesting lot, this, lots of patina. You can see the age on it.

Thank you, Jonathan. Starting at £20. Who's got 20?

-There's 20 in the middle there.

-Thank you. 20, where's five? 25, 30.

35, 40. 45, 50.

-55, 60.

-One more!

65, 70.

Oh, no!

It's still in the middle at £70.

-75. 80 bid.

-£80!

-Against you, 80, he's determined, knows what it is.

-Loves it! 85!

-Go on!

-90! 95!

-100?

-£100!

-100's bid. Thank you and selling, £100.

-He was going for it.

-You would have been another £40 better off.

So, in the final analysis, you have made a profit of £20. That's OK.

-That's good!

-Not to be scoffed at. Not bad at all.

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

-So, how are we feeling?

-Excited.

-Yeah, ready to make loads of money.

-Make some money?

-Yeah.

-You've brought a friend along with you?

-We've brought the lucky gnome along.

-The lucky gnome.

-Does it go everywhere with you?

-From place to place, yes.

-When we need the most luck.

-Place to place.

Let's see if he can work some magic for you today.

The first lot that's turning up is your painted plaster bust.

Obviously, the girl had a makeover sometime in the 1950s.

But that being said, you paid £50 for it.

Let's see, cos it's coming up now.

Lot 228, a French painted plaster bust of a lady wearing a bonnet.

Late decorated, so it's sort of early 20th to mid-20th century

in decoration.

Lovely-looking thing, this. Start me, £50. £30, then?

£30, nice-looking thing, £30? Kicking off at 30. Who's got 30?

20 then? 20's bid, thank you, on the left. Back up again...

£20. Who's got... 25. 25, in the checked shirt. £25.

-30, I'm looking for, though.

-Come on, come on, come on.

30. 35. Still here, checked shirt, £35. £35.

-Go on!

-£35 and selling. It's going. £35, thank you.

Minus 15, I'm afraid.

Everything to play for. Our next lot is described as a root sculpture.

You paid £50 for it. Let's see...

Lot 230.

We have a root sculpture of abstract bovine inspiration.

And for that, I've got to start with £40, straight in.

£40, on the book at 40. Who's got five, though? With me at £40.

£45, £50.

-Oh, 50!

-£50, still with me. 55, 60 with me. £60, commission.

£60. 65, 70 with me.

-75, 80 with me.

-80!

-Commission at £80.

And I'm selling at 80. Are you all sure now?

Fair warning, £80 all done. £80.

You lost 30, you went from minus 15 to plus 15.

OK? The tables are turning.

Now, the next lot is the nest of walnut tables.

Very sort of Art Deco, yeah? You paid £35 for them.

Let's just see what the Art Deco market is like in this part of the world.

Lot 232, a nest of walnut tables, circa 1930, and you've got

these little quadrant tables that slot in. Surely start me at £40?

£40 is bid. Waving.

45, 50, 55, 60.

65, 70. 75, 80.

80, dead ahead.

85, 90.

Still with the gentleman, then, at £90. Any more at 90? Fair warning.

Last chance, it is. £90, all done. £90.

-£90.

-Pretty good going.

You made yourselves there a £55 profit. OK?

-Which, collectively, gives us £70 in total.

-Yes!

-Excellent!

-The question now is, are you going to go for the bonus buy? BOTH:

-Absolutely!

-A great bonus buy!

-You only paid £20 for it. The omens are looking good. OK?

Let's go with the flow. Here it comes.

Lot 238, a collection of miscellaneous items.

All sorts in there.

Meat skewer, plated oval box with Croydon on.

Earrings, crocodile...

It's everything!

20, 20, I have, straightaway.

25 and 30. 35 and 40.

45 and I'm out now at 45. Do I see 50?

45 on the left. Do I see 50?

It's £45, then. On the left for £45. Any more? Fair warning.

-Selling 45, all done. Thank you, 45.

-45, OK, well done, you.

You did it!

So, a £45 sale there. And that gave us a £25 profit,

-so, collectively, you will find yourselves with a positive of £95.

-Fantastic! Excellent.

-Didn't expect that.

-Neither did I!

-Now, listen, pay attention.

Not a word to the Reds, OK? All right? Lips are sealed. OK.

But well done and well done, Richard.

Well, first things first, I need to measure the happy factor here today.

-Are we all happy? ALL:

-Yes!

-A good time had by all?

-Yes!

-Fantastic!

-Excelente!

-The good news is that both of you are actually in profit!

-Yay!

Yes! But some are in more profit than others, OK?

And on this occasion, the people with the least profit are

-the Red Team!

-Oh, no!

-Yes!

Going with that bonus buy would have helped you but not enough.

Not enough, OK?

But the good news from your point of view is you are going

-home with your profit, which is...

-20 big ones.

-£20!

-So, well done you and well done, Charlie.

-Thank you very much.

You can lead a horse to water, as they say!

OK, well, Blues, what do I say but well done?

-BOTH:

-Thank you!

I had to do a little bit of checking because you were

a team of three today - weren't you? - and not two.

-Yeah, the lucky gnome.

-We have to thank the lucky gnome for our success.

The lucky gnome! I checked the rule book and it is perfectly permissible.

All right. You came home with a profit of £95!

So, congratulations all round and especially to yourself, Richard.

And of course to yourself, Charles.

But meanwhile, you can follow us either on Twitter or on our website.

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

-ALL:

-Yes!