Elsecar 17 Bargain Hunt

Hello, Bargain Hunters. I've found the perfect way of getting to today's location.

This is the Birkenhead,

which travels on the Elsecar Railway in South Yorkshire.

And I'm travelling down the track to the Elsecar Heritage Centre,

which is brimming full of antiques and collectables.

So, let's go Bargain Hunting!

We've disembarked at the Antiques Centre. So it's full steam ahead for our Red and Blue teams today.

They have £300 to spend, but just one hour to buy three items

which will hopefully make a profit at auction.

Let's have a look at what's coming up in today's show.

The Reds embrace the Bargain Hunt experience.

-We're feeling the pressure now.

-Yeah.

This is what Bargain Hunt's all about.

Whereas the Blues haven't quite got the gist.

I really do like that.

-I wouldn't buy it.

-Oh, you wouldn't buy it?

-No, I wouldn't buy it.

But will it all come together at today's auction for the Reds...

Sold.

LAUGHTER

..or the Blues?

£25.

And I find out how tough it was to work in Stockport's hat making industry.

People got mercury poisoning from this.

And that's where we get that saying, "Mad as a hatter".

That's all for later, but let's meet today's teams.

Way up there for the Reds we have friends Dan and Sam.

And for the Blues we have friends again, Anne and Olivia.

Hello, everyone!

-ALL:

-Hello!

You're in fine voice today, folks!

So, Sam, I believe you two became friends at a fancy dress party.

Tell me about that.

We met at university and it was a fancy dress party for Halloween.

I was in black shorts and just red body paint and some horns.

I went as a devil.

And then I was having a few drinks and then I just looked across

the room and there was this six-foot-four guy who was stood

there and he had a long wig on, green face paint,

and he went as Mrs Frankenstein, I think.

-Yeah.

-And we've been mates ever since.

So, Dan, you worked at the student radio station together?

Yes, so just after we met on the Halloween night,

we started doing the student radio together.

And then I went on into radio full-time,

I work for two radio stations in Manchester.

I work with the presenters, I help them come up with ideas for what they're going to do on air.

-Are you the brains behind the whole thing?

-I like to think so, yes.

LAUGHTER

Actually, part of the reason why I'm wearing the hat today is

because of something that happened on air.

Yesterday was our charity day and I got convinced to let

a six-year-old cut my hair.

-So, I don't actually have any left.

-Aw!

SHE LAUGHS

Just this patch.

-It's kind of not bad!

-Thanks!

-And if it's for charity, it's fine.

Absolutely, yes, absolutely.

So, Sam, you didn't carry on with a radio career. What do you do now?

I'm the digital marketing manager for a property company, so

I get to travel round the country, at lots of different developments,

manage the website, social media.

It's a really varied job, very exciting.

-And thankfully I get to keep all my hair as well!

-So what about tactics?

We've got a tactic to go with two low-priced items and then

maybe one wild card item where we splurge

a bit of cash on something that we like the look of.

Dan's quite sort of thrifty with money and I'm a bit of a...

A bit wild with the cash.

Oh, that's wonderful, boys. Now, let's go over to the Blues.

Friends Anne and Olivia.

So you two met through your love of amateur dramatics?

Yes, about ten years ago I joined Haslam Theatre Company and

Olivia at the time was prompting the play that I was in.

But she was a very,

very noisy prompt and kept distracting everyone.

-Was she a nuisance?

-She was a nuisance, yes! Yeah.

But a lovely nuisance, and then we became friends because of that, didn't we?

And firm friends. Yes.

What about your day job, what do you do in your day job?

I'm a drama teacher, I do mainly supply, sort of aged from 11 to 18.

And I'm also an examiner for GCSE and A-level drama.

So Olivia, you work in real life dramas,

tell us a little bit about what you do?

I do, I work for the police. It's not that dramatic!

I'm a caseworker in a Magistrates' Court and I compile files for

the magistrates.

So girls, what are your tactics?

Well, we're quite evenly matched, aren't we?

-I don't think we'll argue too much. But we do like very different things.

-Yes.

We like to go for quality,

and we don't intend to spend too much money, but get something nice.

-So you want quality, cheap...

-Yes.

-Doesn't everyone!

-Yeah!

-Perhaps we need to rethink that!

If it's good quality, we'll spend the money.

But we are definitely going to win.

-Well, if you're going to win, you need some money. £300 for you.

-Thank you.

And £300 for the boys. Your experts await. So off you go.

Boys versus girls, it's the battle of the sexes!

So all our teams need now are their experts.

Hello, hello, it's Kate Bliss with the Reds.

And hoping to hit the right note with the Blues,

it's Jonathan Pratt.

Do you know, I can feel the keenness between you two!

So, what are you going to be looking for?

I'm a bit of a watch collector, if I'm honest.

I don't know much about antiques, but I've got an eye for fashion.

Ceramics, maybe Art Nouveau.

I've been advised that jewellery does well,

so I'd love to find a little brooch or something like that.

-Perhaps kitsch.

-OK.

-I do like something a little bit...

Kitsch, unusual, Art Nouveau...

Let me get this straight.

Jewellery and fashion?

Not what I was expecting, guys, not what I was expecting!

Time to rock and roll, teams, your time starts now.

DISCORDANT STRUM

Let's crack on.

-Come on, let's go and have a look.

-OK.

-Great.

Best of luck, teams.

Hey, guys, there's loads to get stuck into here.

Oh, Sam, I've found you some fashion!

THEY LAUGH

I've already got a pair like that!

I think Kate's going to have fun with these two.

Heading upstairs,

looks like the Blues are doing a spot of Christmas shopping?!

-She's obsessed with Christmas.

-Oh, are you?

-Start shopping in January, don't you?

-Yeah, usually.

Well, you need to get cracking in your Bargain Hunt shopping.

You're on the clock! Reds, are these on trend?

Actually, military is in.

-It's a nice bit of...

-Is it?

-I read it in a magazine. Really. Genuinely!

-You're the fashion one!

-If you read it in a magazine, it's got to be true.

-What do you reckon, Kate, is military in?

-Well, I tell you what, I like these jackets.

-These are regimental jackets.

-OK.

-But a little bit niche perhaps, for us.

-You could buy it for yourself though, maybe.

-I know.

-There you go.

-What do we think about that?

-It would go with your shoes!

-Let's move on!

-Definitely your colour, Sam!

Anne, what have you spotted?

I've no idea what it is.

-Is it a fire extinguisher?

-Yeah, sort of, yeah.

It looks like it's lost its hose and quite a lot of paint, though.

Fire buckets are better, because then you can use them as a wastepaper bin or something.

You've got to have ornamental and useful value.

-Put coal in them or something like that.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

Jonathan's put out that idea! Reds, watches were on your shopping list.

With watches, really, and timepieces,

if that's what we're looking for for you, Sam,

really we want a really good name. Rolex would be good.

But also a precious metal in the case is really going to push

the price up.

-OK.

-And, you know, those are selling really well.

The vintage watch market is really buoyant at the moment.

-So if you can find the right thing, I think we could be onto a winner.

-OK.

Heed Kate's advice, Reds!

Olivia, what have you spotted?

-I really do like that. I wouldn't buy it.

-Oh, you wouldn't buy it?

No, I wouldn't buy it. But I might have it in my house.

-Why wouldn't you buy it if you like it? That doesn't make sense.

-Well, not to sell on Bargain Hunt.

You're not here to window shop, Blues,

you've had over ten minutes already.

Reds, are these fashionable?

-Do you like these cufflinks?

-Very nice. Blue ones.

-Can you see the price on those?

-Yeah, that's £55.

You'd best bring in Carl from the Antiques Centre

so you can have a look.

-Blue suits are in.

-Blue suits!

-They are.

-Are you the fashion adviser now, Dan?

-No, definitely not.

All I know is that blue suits are in.

Now, this looks to me as if it's set with lapis lazuli, which is

a hard stone used in jewellery and it has this beautiful blue colour

which I think is super on here.

But then I'm looking at the actual white metal and we've got

a stamp here for 950.

Now, that's quite interesting.

950 can be a standard for platinum,

which is probably the most expensive metal, if you like.

But it can also be a continental mark for silver.

So quite a high grade of silver.

-I think it's worth asking what the best price would be on those.

-Yeah.

What do you think it would fetch somewhere in the region of at auction?

-I think we could certainly be looking at £40-£60.

-OK.

-They come in the box as well, which is rather nice.

-Mm-hm.

-Oh, here's Carl.

-Listening in!

-Hi, Carl.

-CARL:

-Hiya.

-We're very interested in your blue cufflinks here...

-OK.

..listed at 55, but what best price could you do for us?

-We'd go to 45 on those for you.

-Would you listen to 35?

-Could I make a quick call?

-DAN:

-Could we make a quick call? Do we have time to make a call?

-Yeah, of course we do.

I think so, yeah. That would be really kind.

-CARL:

-I'll make a call for you.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Let's see if Carl can improve on the price.

Blues, is anything catching your eye?

I quite like the shape of that chair.

-That's a lovely shape, isn't it?

-It's a really nice shape.

-Yeah.

I mean, the thing to do is sit on it and see if it's comfy.

-But we have to buy something soon.

-Shall I sit on it?

-Do take a seat, Anne.

-I will, thank you!

-Is it comfy?

-No!

Well, it's wise to try before you buy.

So, Reds, will you be buying these cufflinks?

-CARL:

-His absolute death price is £40.

-DAN:

-Happy to do that?

-Happy to shake your hand, Carl, on that.

-No problem.

-Thank you.

-Cheers.

-First deal of the day.

-Now you're going to bully me now and want that box as well!

-Oh, yeah.

-Does it not come with it? Sorry, we thought it came with the box.

-This is...

-It does now.

-Yeah, Carl!

-Carl, you're a gent, thank you so much.

-Cheers.

-DAN:

-Thank you.

-CARL:

-Thank you, mate. Thank you.

Phew!

-I think that box will make all the difference.

-Do you?

-Yeah, absolutely.

-Excellent.

I hope so, Kate.

It's taken nearly 25 minutes, but the Reds have finally bought something.

Blues, any chance you might do the same?

I really like that small vase, is it glass?

Yeah, it is glass, funnily enough. It's glass on metal.

-So it's cloisonne.

-Ah, OK.

-Which is, it's a melted sort of glass

laid onto a metal to produce a decorative pattern.

So we'll have a proper look at that. That'd be great. It's £75.

Oh, right. Do you think there's any age to it at all?

There's certainly some age to it.

But is it as old...? You know, it's 20th century.

How much do you think it'll make at auction?

The old ones can make a lot of money.

That's cute, you know. I'm only...

-Because you like it because of the colours.

-Yeah.

-And because of the size and the design.

-Yeah.

And it's in nice condition. So looking at it as a decorative object,

it might make a small profit.

Ask Carl what his best price is, then, Blues.

-CARL:

-Most of the traders have a standard discount of about 10%.

-OLIVIA:

-Right, which would make...?

-68.

-CARL:

-Yes.

-68.

-CARL:

-You know, I would've said 65,

but I'm more than happy to go and do my best, phone them up.

-OLIVIA:

-Yeah, if you could.

-Shall we try that?

That would be brilliant. Thank you so much.

-OLIVIA:

-Thank you.

Fingers crossed for you, Blues.

Surprise, surprise, the Reds have found another watch!

-Rolex. We've got a Rolex.

-That one's a Rolex, is it?

Yeah, but it looks a bit tatty. £1,250!

-Ah, that might be a Rolex, then!

-Yeah.

Too expensive for this game.

Blues, does Carl have a better price for the vase?

-We've got to 55.

-Have we?

-Mmm.

-That's £20 off, isn't it?

-That's fair. £20 off.

-Go and ask him what percentage that is.

-Yeah, but that's very good.

-I was looking at 50.

-Shall we go for it?

-Because we are running out of time, aren't we?

-I think we should.

-Yes.

Thank you very much. I think we'll accept that, thank you.

-CARL:

-Thank you.

-And we didn't ask you!

You don't need to! Thank you very much. Good.

One down, two to go.

30 minutes left now, teams, and you both need two more items.

But it's turning into a watch hunt for the Reds!

This is quite worn, guys. It's an Exactima.

-Is worn a good thing, or...?

-Well, no.

-Some collectors like them in really good nick.

-Yeah, yeah.

What sort of price are you looking for, Carl?

Is this the pound table?

-CARL:

-Not quite!

-I'm pushing my luck.

-CARL:

-What we'll say, we'll make it a £5 table.

-OK.

Do you think we should come back and have a look?

We're still sort of early on in our search.

-I tell you what, shall we bury it?

-Yeah, so nobody else can get it!

-So nobody else can find it!

-Hide it for us, Carl!

LAUGHTER

-Is that a plan?

-That's a great plan, it makes sense.

-Let's stash it. OK.

-But we might come back and see you.

You are naughty, Kate. Blues, what's next?

Children's miniature Victorian trunk.

It looks entirely the part. How much is it?

-72. It's quite a lot. We were going to get something cheaper things.

-Yeah.

-Shall we come back to it?

-Can we come back to it?

-Yeah.

Let's put it down.

I sense Jonathan wants you to actually buy something, Blues.

Kate, how are we doing for time?

Guys, we've got about 20 minutes and we've still got two things to buy.

-The pressure's on but don't worry, I believe in you.

-OK, good.

I've just spotted this.

-This is a Gladstone bag.

-Nice.

But I actually was just looking at it in the cabinet and it

looks as if it's in really nice condition. What do you think?

-Yeah.

-I think that's great. I think it looks quite fashionable.

Let's ask the fashion guru. Sorry.

It looks in decent condition.

Why is it called a Gladstone bag?

Now that is a very good question, Dan.

It's called a Gladstone bag because the guy who invented this

was a huge fan of Gladstone, the Prime Minister at the time.

You've got to watch the condition of these.

The seams often go, they get worn on the bottom.

I really like the fact that this one's got its original studs.

-65.

-We've got a little bit of money to play with.

We didn't want to spend that much, I don't think.

Don't let him hear cos we ain't got much time, mate.

-We kind of need to get this done.

-OK, where is he?

-What's the plan?

-What figure have you got in your head, guys?

-I want to ask for 40.

-OK, what do you want to ask for?

-30.

-Good. I like it.

Let's go with Dan first. I want to see who wins. Come on.

Me too, Kate.

What are you thinking, Dan?

I would love you today if you could give it to us for nearer 30.

I'll put my neck on the block and I'll say 40 but that is it.

-That would be good for us today.

-I'll do 40.

-Yeah, OK.

-Yeah?

-Excellent. Thank you very much.

-Fantastic. Thank you very much.

-Welcome. Thank you.

-Great.

-Excellent.

-Purchase number two.

Yeah.

You know what, guys? You've got really good taste. I love it.

Two down now, Reds.

15 minutes left and is Jonathan starting to feel the pressure?

So we've got to buy something else now.

Have you seen anything else you can think of?

I did actually spot something upstairs.

-It was a large cheese dish...

-Right.

-..with a mouse on it.

-OK.

-It wasn't a lot of money.

-Let's go and find it.

-OK.

-Quickly.

Yes, put your foot down.

Now, does Kate think this box will contain a profit?

It is coromandel wood which is a really exotic wood.

The tricky thing is you can see this is inlay in the wood

and it's just lifting here.

We are pressed for time now. Is it too desperate to get it or...?

Well, the price tag's 48.

Do you want to have a really quick look around just in case?

I would like to. I don't want to just jump on this.

All right, let's go.

Ten minutes for a quick scan then, Reds.

Olivia, sell this cheese plate to Jonathan.

-It's functional, it's novelty.

-Yes.

-And it's certainly interesting to look at.

-Yeah.

Look, grab it, let's go downstairs,

get the right price and then we've got one more object to buy,

-which is going to be a lot easier having two under the belt.

-OK.

Brilliant.

Very masterful, Jonathan.

Reds, what's the plan?

Right, we've got two options, haven't we?

We've got the box...

-and we've got...

-LAUGHTER

Feeling the pressure, Dan?

Blues try and seal the deal on the cheese dish priced at £22.

The best price would be...

£15.

Oh, it's a bit more than we wanted to pay.

We were thinking a little bit lower.

£14.50.

-Can you do it for a tenner?

-Yeah.

Please?

Are you trying to get me sacked?

No, you won't get the sack.

I'm sure I will but I'll be glad of the rest.

-OK.

-We'll go for a tenner.

-Thank you very much. Thank you.

Finally, second item for the Blues.

Less than ten minutes left, teams, and you both need one more item.

What about this, Kate?

Yeah, I think I preferred the coromandel one, actually.

-You want something large?

-Yeah. Something a bit different.

-Feeling the pressure now.

-Yeah.

This is what Bargain Hunt's all about.

Certainly is, Sam,

although I'm not convinced the Blues are feeling any pressure.

-Big jewellery is really fashionable at the moment.

-Yeah.

-Large statement.

-It's a bit of a punt, it's not very old.

It's in silver, but the gemstone is labradorite.

I'd be tempted to go for it cos it's something different.

Your eggs aren't all in one basket.

You've got a piece of ceramic, piece of, you know,

and a piece of jewellery.

So...yeah.

-I like it. Don't you?

-Yeah.

-And I think it's very fashionable.

So you've got 65 on there. Let's go straight for the jugular here.

40.

How about 35?

-Whoa!

-Oh! Thank you.

Fantastic. I didn't see that coming.

Job done, Blues.

-Let's go and relax.

-Cup of coffee.

-Yeah.

-You've really done it.

Reds, five minutes left. One more item to find.

12 quid. No, stop picking radios.

-You guys are falling out.

-He's lost his hair

and he's losing his head.

Stay focused, boys.

Think we should go back down to the box?

I think we might have to.

Fellas... Where have they gone?

-Got to go back up there, now.

-I thought...

-Yes, back up!

Three minutes left.

Sam, Dan, quick!

What we have is a little decanter label saying "Port"...

-OK.

-..in silver, but we also have

a little decanter label saying "Brandy".

They are English silver. What are you thinking?

-Yeah.

-Tell me your first thoughts.

-Well, I like port and I like brandy.

-There's one for each of you.

Yeah, absolutely. Do I match brandy?

THEY LAUGH

Let's talk price, then, because they're each marked at 25.

-OK.

-OK.

-OK?

So I think we need Alan. Alan? Where is Alan?

-Alan?

-Alan.

-Ah, hello.

-Here he comes.

Alan, are you feeling happy?

Obviously. THEY LAUGH

We really like these decanter labels for port and brandy.

They're marked at £25 each.

But we could do with a really good deal.

If we took the two, what could you do for us?

£30.

What about 25?

28 - you're really pushing me, now.

28, you're pushing me.

I mean, you seem like a nice man. You're happy today, Alan.

We'll take 28, that's fine.

So that, gents, by the skin of our teeth, is our three pieces.

-Get in.

-Oh, my goodness!

CLOCK CHIMES

That's it, teams - time is up.

So, how are you feeling?

Slightly relieved, to be honest with you.

I genuinely didn't think we were going to do it.

He was faffing, though, wasn't he?

You've just got to listen to me.

You've just got to believe, guys, what did I tell you?

Come on, put it there.

-Well done, well done, well done.

-Come on. Hopefully, we'll win this.

Let's check out what the Red team bought.

First up, our Reds, Sam and Dan,

bought these blue cufflinks for £40.

Next item in the bag was this bag,

£40 paid.

And in the remaining few seconds,

they paid £28 for these decanter labels.

Well, you guys, did you have a great time?

Did they behave themselves?

-Absolutely not!

-LAUGHTER

We weren't that bad, surely?

Now, Dan, tell me - what is your favourite item?

I think I really liked the cufflinks that we bought.

Are they going to make the most profit?

I think we may have found ourselves a little bit of a gem, there.

Sam, what's your favourite item?

My favourite item is also the cufflinks,

probably the only thing we agreed on on the day.

Carl gave us a really good discount and for that reason,

I think we'll also make the most profit on them, as well.

So, boys, you spent a modest £108,

so I would like you to give me £192.

Thank you. Don't forget the coin.

Kate, 192 smackeroos.

That's a lot of money, but you like spending money, don't you?

Do I ever! This is serious. Look.

-I know.

-I'll see you, Anita. See you, fellas.

LAUGHTER

While Kate rushes off,

we're going to have a look at what the Blues bought.

First up, friends Ann and Olivia

took their time to buy this vase,

bought for £55.

Next, kitsch was the shopping list

and this cheese dish fitted the bill,

just £10 paid.

And finally, will this necklace

carry a pretty profit?

£35 paid.

Well, girls, did you have a lovely time?

-Yes.

-Really enjoyed it. Really enjoyed it.

-Really lovely.

You really, really enjoyed it.

Really, really, really, really!

Olivia, what was your favourite item?

I think my favourite had to be the cheese dish.

-Really?

-Because it was fun

and it did look like a huge piece of cheese with a mouse on.

LAUGHTER

Is it going to make the most profit?

I don't think it will.

I think the vase will, cos that's very pretty.

Uh-huh. Ann, what about you?

My favourite is the vase.

It's so elegant and very pretty, and well made,

so I think that'll make the most profit as well.

Well, you've bought your three items for £100.

-Could I have £200, please?

-Yes, you may.

-£200 to you, Jonathan.

-Whoa...

What are you going to do with all that dosh?

I've got a couple of things in mind. I might go big.

I quite like going big on...

Because you've been so mean.

-LAUGHTER

-Maybe, maybe.

So I probably will blow the...

I'll have a good...a good go at it, anyway.

While Jonathan goes off to try and blow the lot,

we're going to go to someplace really quite interesting.

So, before I head to today's auction in Knutsford,

I stopped off in Stockport to visit the town's Hat Works Museum.

You may have noticed that I love my hats.

As well as keeping you nice and cosy-tozy,

they can add a bit of glamour and style to an outfit.

Stockport was in its hatting heyday for much of the 19th century,

with at least 50 factories employing thousands of people.

This hat museum was one of them.

'Today, it's home to a recreated factory

'and a great collection of hats.

'Sue Lee is going to show me around.'

I always think of hatmaking as a very glamorous occupation,

but I believe that it was very hard work.

It was very hard work.

This is the planking kettle,

which is a big vat of boiling water with chemicals in,

to speed the shrinking process up.

So, we start off with the hood this size,

and it's very fine at this stage, so it's rolled in a cloth,

just to hold it all together.

Each person has their own job to do

and that's just putting it into the boiling water,

rolling it out with the planking pin,

until it's shrunk to this size.

It sounds like there were a lot of chemicals used.

We've got sulphuric acid in the boiling water,

but also, the fur has been treated with mercury,

and of course, people got mercury poisoning from this.

And that's where we get that saying "mad as a hatter".

So maybe not as glamorous as I first thought.

No, definitely not.

By 1859, the Industrial Revolution of hatting was starting to happen.

A forming machine was introduced into the factories

to form the basic hoods.

This mechanisation was time-saving

and meant that more hats could be produced.

So, there would be a lady stood up at the top, here,

weighing the fur out in precise amounts.

The fur comes along the conveyor belt

and is sucked on to the perforated cones,

and then they pull a lever and steam it.

So, the hood-making part of it has been mechanised.

You can make more hats, but it still has to be shrunk down.

Yes, and it still has to be shrunk down in the planking kettle,

because that wasn't mechanised until the 1930s.

Once the felt hoods were the right size,

they were ready for the blocking process,

where hats really started to look like hats.

The blockers stretched the felt over the wooden blocks,

made to various sizes.

After the finishing touches were added,

the hats were sent all over the world.

Of course, I couldn't visit the hat museum

without taking a wee look

at some of the 400 hats in the collection.

I love these miniature hats!

An apprentice would have the task of making a miniature, first,

to prove that he could do the job right.

And then you would be able to make any hats at all.

The other thing I like about these hats,

they were used for sales purposes,

so if you were buying a hat for someone,

you'd actually get a miniature hat with a gift token inside.

They've got something to open and then they could take

the gift token to the shop and buy...pick their own hat.

Tell me, why is there a Mini sitting there?

The Mini car heralds the end of wearing hats.

-Ah...

-So, when you could afford a car,

you're not out in the elements, so you don't need a hat on.

-Yeah - so hats went out of fashion in the 1960s, really.

-Yes.

Well, I think they're coming back again.

-ANITA LAUGHS

-I very much hope so.

Sue, it's been absolutely fascinating.

Now, it's time for our teams to hold on to their hats

as we're off to today's auction.

Today, we're at Wright Marshall auctioneers

with auctioneer Nick Hall.

Welcome, Anita.

Always nice to see you. Great pleasure.

Now, let's have a look at the Red team, first.

Their first item was this pair

of lapis lazuli and white metal cufflinks.

They are stunning, beautiful. I'd wear them myself.

Lapis lazuli is one of those luxury hard stones.

Now, I've catalogued them quite cautiously as "bearing a stamp",

cos it has got "950",

which, of course, should relate to being platinum.

It's not a full hallmark,

but it has got that magic number stamped into them.

I'm quite confident they'll do well.

-The boys think these are going to make the biggest profit.

-Mm.

What do you think, Nick?

Well, Anita, I've got 80 to 120.

Well, that's excellent.

They only paid £40.

Ho-ho! That's a great buy.

Their next item was the Gladstone bag.

Now, luggage and bags are, again, popular just now.

And it's a nice example, in pretty good condition.

I think, with a nice wax coat on it

to bring the life back to the leather,

it would look stunning.

-Yeah.

-I put 30 to 50 on that.

Well, that's not bad.

They paid £40, so, we're sort of striding between.

-Mm.

-We go back to a more traditional item

in their third lot.

The two decanter labels.

What do you think?

Nice that they're in silver, not plate, and of course,

we famously do a lot of high-end fine wine sales, here.

So consequently, we have a lot of wine aficionados and buffs

coming to the sales, viewing, bidding, buying.

So hopefully, they'll pick up on that and they'll do quite well.

And they'll like them. Estimate on those?

-30 to 50.

-Well, they only paid £28.

They've done well. You could say they've got it IN THE BAG.

SHE LAUGHS

They may not need their bonus buy,

but we're going to have a look at it anyway.

Sam, Dan, you left Kate the magnificent £192.

Kate, did you spend it all?

Not quite, but I had a good go.

I know you had an eye for watches in the shop, did you not?

-We did, yeah.

-Absolutely.

-And we searched,

-but we couldn't find the right one.

-SAM SIGHS

But I am hoping that I have found the right one.

THEY OOH

-Excellent.

-So, a little pocket watch, as you can see.

It is very slimline.

If you hold it in your hand, it's a very thin little watch.

You may see it's got a name on the dial, there,

which is Oris, or "Oaris."

It's a Swiss brand, associated with luxury,

a very well-known name in watch manufacture.

And, of course, the Swiss are the best at making watch movements,

so we have quite a luxury object, here.

How much did you buy it for?

Well, you left me 192.

I paid...

45.

-Wow.

-Nice.

-ANITA GASPS

-Well done. I'm happy with that.

-Are you?

How much do you think it would get at auction, though?

Well, gilt-metal pocket watches can range from, sort of, £30-£50.

Because this has got the Oris name on it, I think it should top that.

-OK.

-Excellent.

You don't need to make up your mind

whether you're going to take it at the moment.

Wait until your first three items have been sold.

But, in the meantime, let's find out what the auctioneer thinks

about Kate's luxury timepiece.

Kate bought this rather stylish pocket watch, Nick.

What do you think on that?

Very decorative, very Deco, of course, isn't it?

Gold-plated rather than solid gold.

Would appeal to a lot of chaps, a lot of dealers, you know.

-Get a lot of paddles in the air bidding on this, I hope.

-Yeah?

What's your estimate?

-30 to 50.

-30 to 50.

-Well, they paid 45.

-OK.

So there is a chance of a profit, there.

That's it for the Reds. Let's go on to the Blues.

Their first lot was this Japanese cloisonne enamel vase.

I think it's an absolute beauty.

Stunning. Super quality.

Of course, the thing that is key with this cloisonne,

be it Japanese or Chinese, is condition, every time.

That type of high-fired enamelling is virtually impossible to repair.

What is your estimate?

Well, I put 60 to 100,

but I think even that might be a little conservative.

It's a good thing, and I'm expecting a lot of bids online for this.

-They only paid £55 for it.

-Really?

-Yeah.

-That is a stunning buy.

-A good buy.

-Very good.

So, in total contrast, we're going from a quality antique

to something which is really just a bit of fun.

Well, there's a bit of a market for this kitsch.

I guess it's kitchenalia and kitsch

all in the same thing, really, isn't it?

It's a bit of fun, absolutely right, and there is a market for that.

Estimate?

Well, I've only put a lowly 10 to 20 on it.

Yeah, well, they only paid £10 on it.

So that may be a...

I think there is profit in that, I really do.

Their third item was this silver necklace.

-It certainly is a statement peace.

-It's stunning, isn't it?

The ladies will love it.

I think the Knutsford ladies, the ladies that lunch,

the Cheshire set, I think, will be bidding on this.

Ah, yeah. It's lovely. What's your estimate on that?

Well, I've gone 50 to 80.

There's quite a lot of silver in there.

They paid 35, so there may be a profit in that.

-Another good buy, really.

-Yeah.

So, again, they may not need their bonus buy,

but we're going to go and have a look at it anyway.

Now, you had something in mind, Jonathan.

Was it still there when you got back?

It was still there, and...

Cos you'd been so mean, you'd only spent £100,

I thought..."We can't do this."

So, there it is. And you think, "What's that?"

-THEY OOH

-Right?

-Yeah, what is it?

-OK.

-It's a little tea strainer.

-Yes.

Chinese, made in sterling silver with a jade...carved jade handle.

The Chinese market is very strong. Jade is very popular.

It's got this...

They're buying their silver back at the moment.

They seem to be making quite good money at auction.

It is very pretty.

How much did you spend on it?

How much did you leave me?

BOTH: 200.

-I spent £200 on it.

-Ooh!

-Right.

LAUGHTER

That's quite a lot. Well spent!

But it was with quite a hefty discount,

-I have to say, you know?

-OK.

Can I ask how much you think it might make at auction?

That's the thing - I've bought something that's very speculative.

It might only make £100. It might make £300.

You don't need to make up your minds right now.

Wait until your first three items have been sold.

But, in the meantime, let's find out what the auctioneer thinks

of Jonathan's oriental tea strainer.

What do you think of this, Nick?

Beautiful, isn't it? Stunning thing. I love it.

It's got this super quality chasing, embossing, and piercing,

all the way round the rim,

and they've even cast that little snib, there,

that attaches to this jadeite handle.

Estimate on that?

Well, I've put 100 to 150.

Um...but it's the sort of thing that could double, treble your estimate.

You just don't know. The Asian market is that hot.

It is more of a guesstimate than an estimate.

Jonathan paid £200.

Hm. That's fair enough.

I think it's probably a sensible punt.

-You're our auctioneer today.

-I am, yeah.

I'm looking forward to that,

so you'd better get yourself off to that roster.

I will do. Thank you.

£20... Thank you, madam.

29 bid. At 20, five...

Five, seated...

GAVEL BANGS

Now, have you boys been to an auction before?

-I've never been to one before.

-No.

-You have never been?

-First time.

-Now, you loved the cufflinks.

It was your favourite item.

You both thought that they would make the most profit.

You paid £40.

Let's hope you can make great profits on that.

Coming up right now, guys.

£100 for the lot. 100. 80.

60. Come on, £60.

Bidding online?

100 online.

-£100!

-£100.

Anything in the room?

I've got £100, again.

The bid's online for 100.

At £100.

Maiden bid, online, at £100.

Anyone else? Nobody else.

£100, the hammer is up.

All sure and done, now?

£100!

-That's a brave maiden bid!

-Wow.

You are now...

+60.

What a terrific start!

Well, your next item, the Gladstone bag.

-You were a wee bit worried about it.

-Yes.

But here it is.

£30. Nice vintage leather Gladstone bag,

at 30 only, surely.

Where are we? Where are those bids at 30?

-There we are, there we are.

-30 I have. At 30, now.

Any advance anywhere else on 30?

Bidding online? At 35, thank you.

Don't shake your head, you're supposed to nod!

It's nice leather.

-40, back in.

-Yes!

-At £40 - thank you, sir.

40, I'm bid. The bid is in the room at £40.

Hammer's up once, twice, third time.

-With you at £40...

-GAVEL BANGS

That was a wee bit nerve-racking.

You've done all right. So you are still at +60, boys.

-Right.

-And your third item is coming up.

It's the two silver decanter labels.

-Yeah.

-You paid £28.

That wasn't a lot of money, Kate.

-Should be profit, there.

-Should be profit, there.

Here we are.

I've got commission interest.

I can start the bidding straight in at 10. At 20.

At 30. At 30 I'm bid. Any advance? 30 I'm bid on commission.

It's 30 now. In three places. 30 I'm bid, I'll take 35.

-Two? Go on, then, 32.

-32!

-32 I've got.

At £32. Any advance, anyone else?

I've got £32. All sure and done and selling?

Sold for £32.

That's plus £4 and your overall total is £64.

Well done, boys. Well done!

Now, your lovely gold-plated Swiss watch is coming up next.

It's Kate's bonus buy. Are you going to take it?

-We've got to take it.

-We've got to do it.

-I think we've got to.

-We've done really well.

Yeah, we've got a bit of luck on our side.

Are you absolutely sure? You're on plus £64 here.

-We've got to go for it.

-Why not?

We've given it the big talk and I think now is the right time

-to take it down, so let's do it.

-Yeah.

-Right, good luck, guys.

£45 paid.

The auctioneer estimated it at £30-£50,

so there is a chance of profit there.

And it's coming up now.

At 30 now. Come on, gold-plated, Art Deco.

Thank you, 30 I'm bid, right at the back. 30 I've got now.

-Maiden bid at £30. Going once, twice.

-Come on!

Third and final time. At £30, all sure?

All yours, sir.

Hard luck, boys.

Minus £15 on that.

So it takes you overall,

still in credit, at £49.

And that could be a winning score.

-Hopefully.

-You've got to promise me one thing.

-Go on.

-Don't say a word to the Blues.

-OK, my lips are sealed.

-You haven't been to an auction before.

-No.

-But you have.

-I have, yes.

-But it's quite a different thing when you're selling.

Your first item is coming up.

That beautiful Japanese cloisonne vase.

Let's hope we get plenty of profit.

I like this lot,

it's the fine quality Japanese cloisonne enamel miniature vase.

I'm going to start the bidding straight in here at 60, 70,

80, 90, 100.

£100 I'm bid. At 100 now.

Any advance with you where? 110 I'll take.

120, 130, 140, 150, 160 now, 170.

180, 190. Back online at 190.

The bid is at 200 with me now. 210.

At £210, the bid's online at 210.

Going once, twice, third and final time at £210.

-Sold.

-Yes!

-Yes!

-£210.

That puts you at £155 in profit

on your first item. Second item, a bit of fun.

A bit of fun, it was that crazy cheese dish

-with the wee mouse on top of it.

-It's so cute.

I've got commission interest,

I'll start the bidding straight in here at 10, 15, 20.

£25, the bid's with me. At £25.

Bid's on commission against the room.

All done at 25 and selling.

£25. That's plus £15 on that.

Your profit is £170.

Your third item.

That wonderful statement necklace.

You paid £35 for it. Here we are.

£30. Thank you, madam, 30 bid. They'll look great on you as well.

At 30 I'm bid. At 30 now. Who's got a five anywhere?

The bid's in the room at 30. Anyone else, any advance?

Once, twice, third and final time at £30, maiden bid.

£30. Aww!

You've lost £5 on the necklace.

But you're still in profit

to the sum of £165.

Now, you have to make up your mind now.

Jonathan spent £200,

but he's bought an exquisite item of some quality.

-We said that if we were in profit, we'd leave it.

-We'd leave it.

-Just to keep our profit.

-Right.

-You're definite on that?

-Yes.

-Yes.

I can tell you at this point that the auctioneer

has estimated it £100 to £150.

-Ooh!

-Ooh!

£60. 60 I'm bid, thank you. 100 I'm bid, thank you.

120, 130. Bids are all online now.

140, 150. At 150. 160, 170, 180.

Super, super quality silver thing. 190, 200, thank you.

200 I'm bid. 210, 220, thank you.

At 220. The bid's online at £220.

Hammer's up at £220...

230. At 230 now.

It's worth waiting that extra second. The bid's online at 230.

The hammer is up. Going once, going twice, third and final time.

Online at £230 I sell.

Well done, Jonathan.

That would have been another £30.

But, girls, I've got to say,

165 is wonderful.

But I have to say to you...

this could, or might not, be a winning score.

So you can't say a word to the Reds.

-Well, guys, did we have a good time? ALL:

-Yes.

Oh, we had a wonderful time!

And I have to say that both teams made profit.

-ALL:

-Ohhh!

Absolutely terrific.

But in Bargain Hunt, we have to have winners

and we have to have runners-up.

And today's runners-up are the boys.

-Oh, boys!

-Well done. But, boys, you've made a profit of £49.

Really helped along by those wonderful cufflinks.

-So I will hand over £49 to you.

-Thank you very much.

Well done.

And the girls have made a profit

of £165.

Well done!

Greatly helped by that fabulous Japanese cloisonne vase

at the beginning.

You made a wonderful profit on that.

Right, £165, there you are, girls.

I'm sorry we didn't go with the bonus buy.

Ah, it's your loss.

If you would like to find out more about Bargain Hunt,

have a look on our website or follow us on Twitter.

But best of all, join us soon for more bargain hunting.

Yes?

-ALL:

-Yes!