Peterborough 16 Bargain Hunt

Well, you know me,

I'm not one to make a song and dance about anything,

but I couldn't resist the urge to shake my pompoms.

We are here at the East of England Showground in Peterborough.

We are ready, the teams are ready, so let's go Bargain Hunting.

CHEERING

Armed with £300 and one hour in which to buy three items,

our Red and Blue teams then hope to sell on for a profit when sold

at auction. But before we meet our teams,

let's find out what's coming up.

Charles is all fingers and thumbs with the Reds.

It's completely original...

-Oops.

-God, Charlie.

Sorry about that.

The Blues brave the elements.

We shall be as rusty as these pots.

I know, I know.

At the auction, the Reds get a gallop on.

220.

And the Blues are pumped up.

Yes.

Well, all that is coming up later, but let's meet today's teams.

For the Reds, we've got friends Sharon and Dawn.

And for the Blues,

we've got the father and daughter combo of Roger and Gemma.

-Hello. ALL:

-Hello.

So if I can start with you, Sharon,

tell me a little bit about how you girls met.

We actually met at my wedding.

Dawn's partner and my husband are brothers,

and we've been friends ever since,

-that's 22 years ago.

-So what do you do for a living?

I'm actually retired these days.

I was a midwife.

But I've just spent the last few years doing up our house, walking my dog,

and I've got a little room where I do painting and reading and drawing.

So you are a multitasker, aren't you?

I like to tell my husband that, yes.

Women like you are in demand, I can assure you.

Well, I don't seem to have a spare moment.

So, Dawn, what do you do for a living?

I'm a nurse and I work in child and adolescent mental health.

It can be stressful, but very rewarding.

In my spare time I do pottery, I'm a bit of a part-time artist.

You are being very modest, because I know for a fact you are an award-winning artist.

Yes, I won the People's Choice in an exhibition two years ago,

which was amazing.

I also do amateur dramatics.

-Do you?

-Yes.

My favourite thing to do is play the baddie.

And I have been told I've got a really wicked laugh.

Would you like to just give us a taster of your wicked laugh?

OK. We are going to win lots and lots of money!

SHE CACKLES DRAMATICALLY

Right, well, if you can do that again and come out of your shell,

that would be really good.

That's scary. Have you thought about your tactics?

Oh, definitely, yes. We are going to go for a cheap, a cheerful

-and we are going to go a bit...

-Indulgent.

-Indulgent.

-Good luck.

-Thank you.

Turning my attention to the Blue team.

And, Roger, I believe you are retired,

but tell me a little bit more about what you get up to and what you've

-been doing in the past.

-At the moment,

I'm in the middle of decorating my daughter's house,

cos she's moving into a little cottage.

I'm busy doing shop fitting through the nights for a company.

Landscape gardening, interior decorating.

So retirement is really nice.

LAUGHTER

You are an odd-job man, aren't you?

-Yes.

-You've lived an interesting life,

and I think the words "adrenaline junkie" come into the equation.

Yes, I decided to do a water-sport business in north Cyprus.

I've done rallycross driving with a world champion,

I've done powerboat racing with another world champion.

A few bits and bobs, really.

This is boys' dreams, isn't it?

-Oh, it was good.

-You've lived the dream.

Well, still trying, actually. I'm trying to get wing-walking at the minute, but...

-You mean...?

-Yes, to stand on a plane.

On the wings. That's the one I want to do before I finally retire.

Right, OK. All right, well, in the meantime, Gemma, I mean,

-how do you follow that?

-I don't, I'm not really an adrenaline junkie.

No. So tell me, what do you do for a living?

I'm a drama teacher and I recently took up the post as head of year nine as well.

-All right. Exciting stuff.

-Yes, very exciting.

Very satisfying, yes?

-Yes.

-But what do you do for hobbies and spare time?

So I love to go and see any types of musicals.

-Favourite musical?

-If I was going for a classic,

I would say Les Miserables.

If I was going for more modern,

I would probably say between Wicked or Billy Elliot.

All right, OK. Interesting choices.

Yes, very different.

You've talked about your tactics and what you've come up with?

-We've tried to.

-But we don't agree.

-No. All right.

-So it should be good fun, really.

Dad tried to say that he will pick two of the items and I'll pick one,

but that's not going to happen.

She's very good at bartering and I'm not so good.

-Oh, you are good?

-I'd like to think so, yes.

Well, before you can do any bartering, you've got to have some money, haven't you?

-Exactly, yes.

-So, hands out, because I'm going to give you £300.

-Thank you very much.

-And don't worry,

we're not going to leave you out, Reds. There you go.

So, £300 - this is the part where I send you off to meet your experts,

and I will see you later.

-OK.

-Lovely, thank you.

-Thank you.

Multitaskers, each and every one.

Watch out, fair.

And of course our two tremendous teams need two terrific experts.

Teeing off with the Reds, it's Charles Hanson.

And topping it off for the Blues, it's Caroline Hawley.

Right, then, teams, what are your thoughts?

-It's quite daunting.

-It is daunting, it's enormous.

This is nice.

OK, teams, 60 minutes on the clock, your time starts now.

-BELL RINGS

-Right or left?

-Left. Let's go left.

-Let's go right, then.

Oh, dear, you're going to have your hands full today, Caroline.

There are plenty of pickings out there in the antiques fair today -

just keep an eye out for those potential profit makers.

So do you often shop together, you two?

When I've got a year spare.

It does take me quite a while.

Right, well, you've got an hour.

You tell them, Caroline, and don't forget, that hour flies by.

This looks promising, though. What have the Blues spotted?

A tiny vinaigrette there.

-Yes, small, isn't it?

-Samuel Pemberton, I think.

How much is your vinaigrette?

-Sorry?

-How much is your vinaigrette?

-The little tiny one.

-Yes, the little...

-260.

-260?

Oh, right, 260.

-A bit out our budget.

-It's a gorgeous little thing.

Samuel Pemberton, great maker.

Look at the silver-gilt grille.

And there will be a little sponge impregnated in there for the scent,

-and the lady would hold it under her nose to stop the foul smells of the street.

-That's a cute idea.

What would be the best price you could do on it for us?

The boss says 180.

Oh.

Oh, that's tempting, team.

Gemma's eyes are lighting up, the boss has said 180.

Gemma is grinning.

-What do you think?

-150 to 200 maybe at auction.

It's too risky. Put it down, put it down.

-Put it down, Dad.

-I don't think it is.

I think that's really unique.

I think we should go for it.

No.

Oh, dear. I will not come between dad and daughter.

-I think we'll have to remember where it is and come back.

-Yes, I agree. OK, let's agree with that.

I like that.

OK, can we just leave it for now and then we'll...

hopefully we'll come back to you?

You could have trouble here, Caroline.

So a firm favourite for Roger,

but Gemma is showing early signs of restraint.

Hold your horses, Charlie,

Dawn has spotted a pair of modern cast-iron horse busts.

What are they worth? I will go and find out.

OK.

What do you think, then?

I can just imagine them sort of on a plinth or next to a big front door.

They could look the part.

Yes. I love the patina and colour.

This could be our extravagant piece.

It's definitely going to be the extravagant piece.

Oh, Charlie is back.

-Guess how much?

-Oh, go on.

-He normally retails for 240.

-Right.

He said he's quite happy to go at 160.

-What, for the pair?

-For the pair, that's £80 each, basically.

-OK.

-Do you think you could try and get a little more off?

-I can try.

-Go on, girls, crack the whip.

They might fall at the first hurdle.

You don't think they're going to gallop?

-But if you like them... Back in a minute.

-OK.

Good luck, Charlie, see if you can work your magic on the price.

Meanwhile, the Blues continue with the animal theme.

It's a wild boar, isn't it?

-What do you think?

-Is it going to resell again at auction?

Not at that price, I don't think.

Is it something you think you'd like to buy?

-I think it's more a joke present rather than a real...

-There's nothing wrong with a joke.

Yes, this is true. What's your lowest price that you would take on this?

£50.

Oh, no, see, I'm thinking more £20.

-No.

-No, then.

It's a no. No, it's a no, sorry.

That's some ruthless haggling, Gemma.

Now, has Charlie managed to do a deal on those horses?

OK, so what did you do for us?

-I worked my hardest.

-Yeah?

Right, best price - 150.

-Oh.

-OK.

-Too much, isn't it?

-Hmm... No.

-Excuse me?

-Is it?

-When it comes to financial gain, I would say au revoir,

let's leave them, but if you're keen...

I think it's worth a gamble.

If you've got faith in them, why not?

Do you think we could get them to have a gallop?

-A slow trot if you are lucky.

-I tell you what, at work,

I am known for my galloping skills.

-Oh, look out.

-Really, can you show me a little gallop?

-I can show you a little gallop, are you ready?

-Do you want to gallop with me, Charles?

-No, I will watch you first.

OK.

And she's off.

SHE WHINNIES

She's unbelievable.

-Crikey.

-Well, you have galloping skills, Dawn.

But do you have the gambling skills?

-You are happy?

-I am.

-Despite the gamble?

-Despite the gamble.

-And that gallop?

-Yes.

So, £150.

-Yes.

-That's half our budget.

-Yes.

The man is over there, and we are going to say, "Going, going, gone."

-Definitely.

-Sold?

-Yes.

Sir, we will take your very fine recast horse heads.

-Goodness me.

-Thank you.

It's a bold move, Reds.

You've blown a big hole in your budget.

One down, two to go.

I think if I follow you with a gallop, I will go the slow trot.

-OK.

-Come on, then, I will follow you.

Giddy-up, then, team.

That's one item down for the Reds.

What's the plan, Caroline?

So we've had 20 minutes already.

I think we should go outside to look at some more...

I think we get that first - one in the bag.

No, I don't think we do that.

Oh, not again.

I think we go outside to look at some outside stuff.

And then we can always run back.

-Right.

-Have you got your running shoes on?

-Yes.

-OK.

-Right, OK, outside.

So while the Blues venture outside for their first item,

the Reds are already scouting out for their second.

Oh, the cocktail sticks.

Yes, they are quite sweet.

A bit retro, a bit fun?

Do you know...? Yes, it's retro, it's quite funky.

May we look at the little cocktail sticks in the case?

There we go.

Well, do you know what, when I say kitsch, you've got style,

I'll give you that.

So why does it appeal to you?

-Come on.

-I spotted it out the corner of my eye,

I was kind of looking for something a little bit shiny.

But maybe it is a bit too modern.

It's got a certain kitsch feel about it.

I like the shape, this almost pear-shape little container.

Just turn it upside down for me. What's on the bottom?

So it's almost... The body is like a chrome plate.

It's not silver, it's not a quality silver plate.

But what I quite like are these fairly novel terminals

on the end of these sticks.

You've got a pineapple, you've got a pear.

You've got maybe a raspberry there.

It has got style.

I don't think it's overly old.

-I don't think it's overly expensive.

-We're not very good spotting old...

-How much is it?

-15.

-It's not...

-Any room on it?

-12.

12.

Can we think about it? Is it OK if we have a think about it?

-Thank you.

-Thanks a lot. Come on, let's go.

Right, we're halfway through the shop, teams,

and the Blues are facing the elements in the name of profit.

Gemma, this is the chair you like.

I just thought it was quite cute.

-It is quite nice.

-You know it doesn't have any age to it, don't you?

-No.

It's made to look like an early sort of, well, 17th-century period chair.

It's a good furnishing piece.

-It depends on how much it is.

-Exactly. Well, time is ticking.

-OK.

-Rain is pouring.

-Yes, I know.

-Shall we find someone to ask?

-Yes.

-Look, there is a young man over here.

Hello. Hello.

Our friend here is interested in your chair.

-It's a nice one.

-We need a good price on it.

We've got 55 on the chair.

We were thinking more kind of £30.

30. I can drop down to 45, but that would be the bottom end.

Can you not squeeze it down?

-35.

-Meet you in the middle at 40.

-It's up to you.

-No, I don't think we are going to get that back. Caroline, what do you think?

I think it's entirely up to you, at the risk of passing the buck.

It would have been better at 35, I think.

-But if you...

-35 for us?

-Yes, can do.

-35.

-We've got our first buy.

-Yes!

-Thanks a lot.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Good.

-Well, well done.

You made your minds up.

-Yes, we did.

-ERIC: Thank goodness for that.

Right, shall we go and get a second one?

-Yes.

-My hair's getting wet.

As a team. Right, come on.

-We shall be as rusty as these pots in a minute.

-I know.

Finally, one item in the bag.

Right, teams, that's two items each to find.

What have you spotted, Charlie?

There's a lovely little condiment jar down here,

with a hammered lid, which is hinged in a lovely swing handle.

-That's lovely.

-That is gorgeous.

-That's really attractive.

It's a preserve or honey jar.

Yes, I love the fact that handle reflects this design.

It hasn't been overly polished.

If you clean pewter, they can become almost like silver.

And this hammered finish is almost a return to craftsmanship,

malleability and just working the metal into a certain type.

And I also like the faceting of the glass as well.

So come on, then, end of the day, what could you do?

65 on it at the moment.

I'm just wondering if we find something else in the cabinet.

Then we could almost just maybe do a deal.

I do like that.

Turquoise. I like turquoise.

Careful of the spike on it. I've put a cork through there.

-What do you think, Charlie?

-Arts and Crafts style, silver and cabochon stone hatpin. It is silver.

But at £28, will it make a profit at auction?

It's a shame it's not marked.

But the quality is superb, I love the gilt brass back.

It's completely original.

-Oops.

-God, Charlie.

-Sorry about that.

-Is it OK?

-Oops, you can say that again, Charlie.

-It's OK.

-Heart attack.

-It's OK.

-No, it's OK.

-Catch me.

-Charlie, just behave.

-I'm sorry about that. I think it...

You cannot take an expert anywhere.

No. That's a first.

The cabochon is in good condition.

I can't see any chip on there at all.

It's in good condition. It's been in great condition for 100 years.

No thanks to you, Charles.

Right, Reds, you need to make your minds up.

Meanwhile, the Blues have taken shelter from the rain.

Gemma, Roger.

I found this little thing.

Do you have any idea what this might be for?

-A salt pot.

-A salt pot?

Where does the salt come out?

I think it might be a smelling vessel of sorts.

It is a smelling vessel.

-There's the silver mark.

-Yes.

-Take that off.

Silver-gilt inside.

And the little stopper would come out

and the smelling salts would be there

-to bring you back...

-OK.

..when you are on the point of fainting.

-I quite like that.

-Do you like it?

What sort of price do you think it might be?

£30.

28.

-Not bad. I mean, is that something...?

-How much

do you think we could get it for?

-Well...

-20 maybe?

-12.

-12?!

-12.

-I don't think we'll get it for 12.

-At 18...

-Do people still use them?

Well, I would have done if I knew you were buying that chair.

Yes.

Go and ask them and see if you can get 18,

cos you've got a bigger smile than me.

OK. What would be your best price?

-20.

-Would you go to 15?

No.

-18, how's that?

-17.

-OK, 17.

-17.

-Well done, Gemma.

-Thank you very much.

Nice work, Gemma. Despite the weather,

the Blues have come up smelling of roses.

Second item bought.

25 minutes to go, you are doing brilliantly.

We've got loads of time!

So where do you want to go?

-Back inside.

-I think because the sun is so hot,

we'll go inside for shade.

Inside. I'm so glad you said that, Roger.

I am delighted you said that.

Come on, get your brolly up, and let's go.

It's for the best, Blues, time to go inside and dry off,

whilst I head away to learn more about a local collection.

In 1793, France declared war on Britain,

and the resulting conflict engulfed Europe for the following 22 years,

known as the Napoleonic Wars.

Thousands of soldiers and sailors captured in battle by the British

were imprisoned at the Norman Cross Depot,

a prisoner-of-war camp not far from today's fair.

Peterborough Museum's collection of Napoleonic prisoner-of-war artefacts

is probably the finest on display anywhere.

And I've been joined by Glenys Foss from the museum, and, Glenys,

tell us a little bit more about the collection.

The collection itself has been made by prisoners of war from Norman Cross.

They are a mix of items made of either bone or straw largely.

And they were made in the prisoners' spare time.

They could then go and sell at the local markets,

which was just outside of the depot itself, on the Eastgate.

Just talk me through what you have brought along.

The one on the end is an automata,

an example of a few we have in the collection that are made from bone.

Norman Cross was opened during the height of the Industrial Revolution,

where people were interested very much in machinery.

The one here is an example of what they call a spinning jenny,

which was some of the machinery that was invented during that time.

Tell me more about the box.

I don't want to be unkind, but from the outside,

it does look a little bit tired.

The detail of the picture itself is wonderful,

but the colours are quite muted when you look at them.

-So let's have a look inside.

-Right, here we are.

Wow. So we've got a little desk set there, have we not?

Would I be right in thinking that that's an internal tray that lifts out?

It is indeed.

A lot of them have these little compartments they can use,

either for sewing or writing.

And as you can see, the colours there,

even better when you take another layer off

to show underneath.

I mean, it's almost jewel-like.

Look at those colours.

It kind of gives you a hint of what the box itself would have

looked like when it was originally made.

Now, I've heard it said that when these prisoners were released

after the war, that some of them walked away quite wealthy men.

Indeed. I mean, it is said in some sources that they might have made up

to £1,000 to take back, which would have been a lot in that time.

Thank you so much, Glenys, for bringing these items in for us.

But meanwhile, let's check in with our two teams to find out

how they've been getting on with their shopping.

With just 23 minutes left,

the Reds have only bagged themselves one item.

The Blues, however, are sitting pretty with two.

Right, Reds, decision time.

The heavens have opened out there.

So you like the Tudric?

I love the Tudric.

-OK.

-And I like...

The hatpin in the Charles Horner style.

So what can we do?

-OK.

-What have we got?

-Shall we start with this one?

-Yes.

So we have a ticket price of 65.

Your very, very best, please.

-I will give you one price.

-OK.

-For the two together.

£60 for the two.

So, basically, I was thinking 20 and 40.

-20 and 40.

-I was thinking 40. That's marvellous.

Really, that in a saleroom ought to be guided 20-30, 15-25.

That in a saleroom, truly ought to fetch...

..40-60, 30-50 on a bad day.

So really, I think you are pretty much on the money as well,

so are we going to say it's a sale?

-BOTH: Yes, we are.

-£60.

-Definitely.

-Yes, there we are.

Shaking hands, we are going in.

-Bite the man that fed you, quite right.

-Thank you so much.

Thank you, appreciate it. Thanks a lot. Wow. That's it, then.

So we've done it, what shall we do?

-A nice sit down.

-I think so.

-Ice cream?

-Brolly?

-I've left my brolly.

-Well, follow me, I'll be your shelter.

-Come on.

-Oh, bless you.

Well, that was slick work, Reds.

That's all three of your items with bags of time remaining.

Right, Caroline, your team have 20 minutes left.

-How are they getting on?

-I'm sure Gemma and Roger love each other

to bits, but they don't always see eye to eye.

So I am getting increasingly worried that the last buy might be a bit

problematic. Roger definitely wants to buy this little vinaigrette,

Gemma definitely doesn't want to buy it.

But fingers crossed, it's going to be fine.

Sounds like trouble, Caroline.

I think you may have to intervene.

Right, team, what's the plan?

I don't think we are doing too bad, are we?

No, not too bad, but we've only got 15 minutes left.

Yes, we've got plenty of time. We've got a backup option from earlier.

-What, the vinaigrette?

-Yes.

Yes, but we need to look and get something in the next ten minutes.

And then give ourselves five minutes if we can't find anything at the end?

Yes, and I will make the decision.

-I'll make the decision.

-No.

-OK, let's go.

-OK, team, that's enough.

So it's all getting slightly fraught with the Blues.

The Reds, however...

Cheers, team. Good health and, dare I say it, to the Reds.

BOTH: To the Reds.

I really wonder, actually, how the Blues are getting on.

I bet they are having a right stressful time.

Here's us chillaxing.

You are not wrong there, team.

As the fair closing time approaches,

some stallholders are thinking about packing up.

-Oh, no.

-Right, Blues, time to get a move on.

Was it here? It was here.

It looks like they are heading back to the silver vinaigrette,

five minutes left.

It was in this one.

Oh.

How near the end of the fair is this?

-Just about.

-How worrying would this have been?

-Yes, I know.

-What did you say you could do it for, 170?

-160.

-160.

Could we do it for 150 and shake your hand?

-It's 160.

-155, in between.

-Sorry.

-158?

If it was a less-known silversmith, I might agree, but it isn't.

-159.

-No, I'm sorry.

-Pemberton is a good name.

-Pemberton is a good name.

-It is.

-I'm happy, Gemma.

-How long have we got left?

-About three minutes.

-OK.

-I think we should go for it.

160. Shake the man's hand.

-We have a deal. Thank you very much.

-Yes!

-Phew, well done, Blues.

ALARM RINGS

Time is up, teams.

Wow. That is amazing.

Job done.

At last.

The fair is nearly done, and we are certainly done.

-Yes, we are.

-Shall we go and have a cup of tea?

Let's check out what the Reds bought.

First up, the pair of cast-iron horses set them back £150.

Next, the pewter and glass preserve pot cost them £40.

And finally, it was the Arts and Crafts silver hatpin.

Price paid, £20.

Well, Reds, I think it's fair to say that you were very focused today.

I mean, you set off with your own iron will.

I mean, a jolly time was had by all.

You were having fun out there, weren't you?

-Yes, definitely.

-You were. So, Dawn, what was your favourite item?

-The hatpin.

-The hatpin.

-But what do you think is going to give you the biggest profit?

-I'd say the Tudric piece.

OK. So, Sharon, favourite object?

I think my favourite object is the Tudric preserve jar.

But I'm going to have to stand by my horses' heads and say that they are

going to make the biggest profit.

Make the biggest profit? OK. So, what was your total spend?

-210.

-210.

So leftover lolly?

-BOTH:

-£90.

Which is going to find its way over there to Charles.

-Thank you, Eric.

-Got your eye on anything in particular?

I'm quietly nervous, cos these girls are quite difficult to impress.

I'm going to go with a big A for antique.

Well, while Charles goes off to find an impressive bonus buy,

let's find out what the Blue team bought.

Their first purchase was the reproduction Charles chair.

Price paid, £35.

Next, the silver-top smelling salts bottle set them back £17.

And finally, the Samuel Pemberton vinaigrette cost them £160.

Well, that was quite a shop.

I have to say, there wasn't a lot of harmony there.

Now, don't take that the wrong way.

You did run to the wire, didn't you?

-Yes, we did.

-I mean, they were unpacking stuff for you to buy, for goodness' sake.

-Yes, they were.

OK. So, Gemma, tell me, what's your favourite item?

It's probably - I know you won't agree - but I like the chair,

-I think it's really cute.

-OK. And what do you think is going to give you the biggest profit?

I think the smelling salts.

Roger, what's your favourite item?

It was the little silver vinaigrette.

Right, OK. Good maker, as you know.

Yes, very good maker, Samuel Pemberton.

And what is going to be the object that's going to give you the biggest profit?

I think possibly that.

-So you went out and you spent big. How much did you spend?

-£212.

-£212, which means that you've got £88 left over.

-Yep.

-So who's the keeper of the money?

-I am, here we go.

-£88 it is,

which is going straight over to Caroline.

-Got your eye on anything?

-I've got a few ideas, Eric.

-Put it that way.

-So while Caroline goes off for a few ideas,

we are going off to the auction.

We are in the cathedral city of Lincoln,

and I'm at the new saleroom of Goulding, Young & Mawer.

And I'm joined by Kirsty Young.

-Welcome, Eric.

-Thank you very much, lovely to be here.

Down to business. First items for the Red team.

A pair of cast-iron horse busts.

Sharon actually thinks that these are going to give them the biggest

-profit.

-They are often used on gateposts at the entrance to

people's driveways, things like that.

They look fairly modern in their castings to us.

We've put an auction estimate of £25-£40 on them.

They paid, wait for this, £150.

Could be wishful thinking.

It could be, I'm afraid.

All right. Let's go on to item number two.

Early 20th-century

glass-and-pewter Arts and Crafts preserve jar and cover.

It's Sharon's favourite.

Dawn thinks it's going to give them the biggest profit.

But it's a nice-quality item.

It is, very nice-quality one there.

Stamped for English pewter.

Nice finish on it. And I'd say £30-£50.

All right, well, that's good news, insofar as they paid £40 for it.

So, they are in the right sort of area.

So, the third item is the hatpin,

which has been inset with either a semiprecious stone or is it just

-simply glass?

-I would say it's most likely to be glass.

Looking at it under the loop,

it looks more man-made than to be a natural stone.

20th century, all the same, nice design.

We've put £10-£20 on it.

Yes, they paid £20 for it.

It's got a fighting chance there, but having said that,

I think it's fair to say that they are going to need their bonus buy,

so let's go and take a look at it.

Ladies, you left Charles £90 to go out and spend.

Charles, you did say you were out to impress these ladies.

Yes, I know, and sometimes I can be a bit academic without giving you

the real commercials. But look at this.

Look at that for a dish.

LAUGHTER

I know it's quite small, but they say small is beautiful.

-OK.

-It's quite rare.

It's what we call a spoon tray.

If I said to you it probably dates to around 1780...

Made by a factory in Shropshire.

So we are going from west to east.

And made at the Caughley factory.

So it's a beautiful what we call temple pattern.

Based on the great Chinese fashion in the 1780s.

Nicely gilded. Have a handle.

If you were polite society,

you would have put your little teaspoon in that tray,

maybe during your tea ceremony

in that great period of history.

-Not convinced, yet.

-But when you hold it, does it take you back to 1780?

And mad King George III was king of England at this time as well.

And I just like it.

What's it worth to you? What would you pay for it if you saw it at the

-antique fair?

-£30.

Yeah. You may have bought a third-share in it.

LAUGHTER

It cost... Yes, I spent the whole lot.

£90.

And the shape is rare, its form is unusual.

And if it was in my saleroom, I would guide it between 80 and 120.

And hopefully it's got legs to brew.

-OK.

-OK.

-Wait until you've sold your first three items and then decide

whether or not to take a punt.

In the meantime, let's find out what our auctioneer has to say about

Charles's Caughley spoon tray.

There we go, a little bit of 18th-century English porcelain.

Very nice item. A Caughley spoon tray there.

A little bit of wear to the gilding.

We put an auction estimate of £40-£60 on it.

Paid £90 for it.

You know, I'm just casting my mind back 20 years ago,

you would probably have had to pay at least £200 for it.

-You would have.

-We live in different times, do we not, Kirsty?

-We do.

-OK, well, that's the Reds.

Moving on to the Blues. The first item up is an oak child's chair in

the 17th-century style.

Now, this is Gemma's favourite.

But what do you think of it, Kirsty?

A nice piece.

Done in 17th-century style.

It's obviously in the style, due to the dowels.

You can see it's a bit too modern to be 17th-century there.

We've put an auction estimate of £40-£60 on it.

40 to 60. They paid 35.

So, quite a good buy.

And a little bit of beeswax on that.

A few years of patination, it will look fantastic.

Item number two is the Edwardian green-glass and silver-mounted

-smelling salts.

-Nice item.

Obviously still got the salts in there.

£25-£40 we've put on it.

It should achieve that.

Oh, cost 17, so, yes, so far, so good.

Item number three is the George III silver vinaigrette.

It's a very nice vinaigrette.

Obviously very small, as vinaigrettes are.

-Tiny.

-Tiny, really.

With a buckle on the front as well.

We've given it an estimate of 80 to 120.

Well, they paid 160, which, I think,

might be considered to be a retail price.

But we only need a couple of collectors in here and we could be quids in.

You could be quids in, indeed.

But having said that,

I think it's fair to say that our

team are going to need their bonus buy.

So let's go and have a look at it.

So, Blues, you left our Caroline here £88 to go and buy a bonus buy.

Caroline, you said you had a few ideas, so what did you come up with?

Well, do you remember on our shop,

the one thing that was driving you on was to get a golden gavel?

-Yes, it was.

-And is that still driving you on?

-Yes.

-Not after all of her choices, no.

Well, I thought that might be the case,

so I've gone and bought you one.

-Oh.

-Ah!

A golden gavel.

-Can you see?

-Yes, it's fab.

And it's, I would say, mid-Victorian, it's gilt metal,

and it's an auctioneer's gavel.

With this wonderful bloodstone drop on it.

They are called bloodstone because the little flecks of red in the

greenstone represent blood or were said to look like blood.

And also it can have magical properties.

-That's brilliant.

-How much did you pay for that?

You look worried. How much do you think I paid for it?

-Gilt metal?

-Yeah.

-Don't know.

Look at the detail.

It's amazing.

-55.

-55? Any more?

-30.

-30?

£18.

-Oh.

-Brilliant.

And I love it.

I know you will make money on this.

I absolutely know you will.

-Brilliant.

-I think it's gorgeous.

Meanwhile, let's find out what our auctioneer has to say about

Caroline's golden gavel.

So, here it is, in the form of a gavel with a bloodstone.

Absolutely. On point for the auctions, as you know,

all the auctioneers use the gavels.

Very nice item, obviously, it is gilt metal, not gold.

There would have been the gold value there if it was.

But I've still put a nice estimate on it of £30-£50, which I think,

nice collectable item, they should be able to achieve that.

I think Caroline did well there, she paid £18 for that.

So, are you taking the sale today?

-I will be.

-Well, we are all looking forward to it.

170, 180, 190, 200, 220.

So, are you regulars to auction rooms, or what?

-Yes.

-Yeah, yeah, so...

It's another day at the office for you.

There's that unique feeling, Eric, of being in an auction room,

-isn't there?

-There is. You've got your first item coming up.

It's the pair of cast-iron horse busts.

Let's see how we get on, here they come.

Who will start me at £50 for these, surely?

-50.

-They are worth it, they're worth it.

30 we have. 32 anywhere now?

30 we have. And 32.

-Here.

-38.

Bid 40. And two.

45 now.

48. And 50 now, surely.

At 48 I have on the net.

And 50 anywhere in the room?

At 50 is bid.

-These might go.

-At 50 I have in the room.

Five anywhere now? 50 I have, lady's bid.

Five anywhere now?

Are we all sure, then? We are selling in the room at 50.

It's such a shame.

They were so more deserving.

But you paid 150, so it is not the best of starts, ladies, at -100.

OK. Everything to play for.

-We have.

-Everything to play for.

-Keep the faith.

-So the next item is the early-20th-century

glass-and-pewter Arts and Crafts preserve jar and cover.

-Here we go.

-And who will start me at £50 on this one?

50, surely. 30, then.

20. 20 to get us started, surely.

Very nice one, pewter top there.

£20. 10, then.

10 it will have to be.

10 we have. And 12 anywhere now?

At 10 we have. Surely this is where we are going to start and not where

-we are going to finish.

-I don't believe it.

The auctioneer is trying, she is working hard.

Selling at 10.

Oh.

Shame, shame, shame. Either way, it is a £30 loss.

Which basically takes us into -130.

Listen, we've got a piece of jewellery coming up now.

-Here we go.

-The early-20th-century hatpin there.

And who will start me at £20 for this one, surely?

£20 for the hatpin.

10, then. 10 we have.

-12 anywhere?

-Come on, internet.

At 10 I have. And 12 anywhere now?

-Surely.

-12 anywhere now?

Are we all sure, then? Are we selling at 10?

-Oh, team.

-Oh, team.

You paid 20, sold for 10.

Made a £10 loss.

It has given you a spiffing total of -£140.

So, the bonus buy.

Are you going to go with it, ladies?

-Yes!

-Yes!

-Yes. OK.

Just to remind you, it is the spoon tray.

The auctioneers think 40 to 60.

It is always good to over-deliver.

Either way, it's coming up now.

And who would like to start me at £60 for this one?

60. £30. 20?

-I don't believe it.

-Oh, my mother will be watching this.

-She'll want to buy it.

-10 bid to start.

No, no, no, no.

It is 10 we have.

12 anywhere now?

12 bid. 15, are we coming back?

At 15. And 18.

18 is bid. And 20 now.

At 18 is bid, and 20, 22.

22. 25 now.

-25. 28? No.

-£25.

Eight anywhere now?

Are we all sure, then, at 25?

I failed, I'm sorry.

25. Gives you -65.

Add that on and you've got -£205.

Eric, I'm lost for words.

But if you're going to go down, go down in style.

If it's any consolation,

I really think that several of your lots there were far more deserving

than the bids you got. Well, with a heavy heart,

don't say a word to the Blues.

LAUGHTER

-How are we feeling, Blues?

-Very good.

-Yeah, positive.

-Positive.

-Very positive.

Do you come to auctions all the time?

I've been to a few, you've been to a couple.

So, the excitement factor is in there.

-Yes.

-So your first item is coming up.

It's the oak child's chair in the 17th-century style.

-It's coming up now.

-And who will start me at £60 for this one?

60. 40, then.

-£20.

-No, come on, more, more...

20 is on the net.

Two anywhere now?

22 in the room.

25 on the net now.

25 is bid.

28 now. At 28.

-Bid 30 now?

-Come on.

At 28 is bid.

And 30. 32, no.

At 30 I have on the net.

And two anywhere now?

At 30 is on the net.

Are we all sure, then? Are we selling on the net at 30?

Spend your money.

30.

Paid 35, the hammer has come down at 30.

It's only -5.

-I did tell you.

-No, no.

I mean, don't despair, OK, it's only -5.

-Don't fall out.

-OK.

So, the next item is the Edwardian green-glass and silver-mounted

smelling salts jar. Let's see what the auction room thinks. Here it is.

And who will start me at £40 for this one?

20, surely, for the sweet smelling salts jar?

£20. 20 we have.

And two anywhere now? At 20 we have.

And two anywhere in the room?

Are we all sure, then? Selling on the commission at £20.

£20...hammer.

You are plus £3 there.

So we are chipping away at the minus.

So the next item is the George III silver vinaigrette.

Let's see what it makes.

I have got bids on the book, and we are starting with me at £80.

£80 with me. And five anywhere now?

At 80 is with me.

85. And 90.

Bid five now, surely.

90 is with me. 95 it is on the net.

100 anywhere now?

Come on, we want 100.

-We want 100.

-Are we all sure, then?

Are we selling on the internet at £95?

95.

That is a loss of 65, which gives us a minus of £67.

But you know, you never know, because you've got the bonus buy.

-Yes, we have.

-I've got a lot of faith in that bonus buy.

-I have.

-Yes.

But I don't want to sway you.

-Are you going to go for it?

-Yes.

-Definitely.

-Caroline paid £18 for it.

The auctioneers are positive,

they've gone with 30 to 50 as their estimate.

Let's see. Here it comes.

So, who will start me at £50 for this one, surely?

30, then. £30.

20, then.

£20 for the brooch.

No.

20 we have. Two anywhere now?

At 20 we have. And two anywhere now?

At 20 is bid.

This is so cheap.

-Crazy.

-25. 28 now?

No. At 25 I have.

Are we all sure, then?

We are selling, the gavel is raised, at £25.

25.

Well, you ended up with a positive of £7 there,

which has chiselled away at the minus and taken you from -67 to -60.

-OK.

-It's a good loss.

-But that can be a winning score.

Not a word to the Reds, OK?

-Yes, definitely.

-Yep.

Well, that was something of a rocky ride for both teams,

I think it fair to say.

Both teams are not going to get any money today.

LAUGHTER

Because both teams were very much in the minus.

But some were more minus than others.

And at -£205, I'm afraid our runners-up are the Reds!

CHEERING

Yes. But you did it with such panache.

No two ways about it.

But turning our attention to the Blue team, who made a mere -£60.

-But have won.

-Congratulations.

-Thank you.

-We've had a great time, haven't we?

And let me tell you now that that's it from us.

But you can check out our website, or there again,

you can follow us on Twitter.

But better still, join us next time for some more Bargain Hunting, yes?

-ALL:

-YES!