London 7 Bargain Hunt

Today we are in London at the heart of Portobello Road's vibrant market.

Do you recognise that doorway?

It's the entrance to Hugh Grant's flat in the film Notting Hill.

But that's not the original door, as that sold for £6,000 at auction.

Not bad for an old door.

I wonder if our Reds and Blues will make a similar fortune at today's

auction. Time to hit the market.

Let's go Bargain Hunting.

Portobello antiques market is bustling with stalls,

so there's plenty of choice for our teams to spend their £300 on three

items, and hopefully make a profit at auction.

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

The Reds have interesting tastes.

The one thing I don't like is a walrus.

-A walrus.

-And that's what you like.

That looks good, actually. I like that.

Oh, really? Is that your thing?

The Blues are determined to drive a hard bargain.

-50?

-60.

They said 50.

I said 60, she said 50, we thought that was what you was going with.

At today's auction, there's celebration...

It's a profit!

..and frustration.

Oh, that was very, very painful.

And any idea what this antique might be used for?

Is it toe...?

-No.

-Maybe a mouse-catcher.

Couldn't be a walking stick?

But that's all for later.

Let's meet today's teams.

For the Reds, we have friends Adrian and Marcus, and for the Blues,

we have friends again, Jessica and Aisling.

Welcome, all, and hello.

-ALL:

-Hello!

-Lovely to have you here.

Now, Adrian, you work as a supermarket supervisor,

but what do you do in your spare time?

Lots of sporting activities.

I'm a very sporty guy.

I watch my beloved Tottenham Hotspur.

When I turned 30, I wanted to do like some big impact things,

like go for a 10K run, climb up Mount Snowdon.

I did these 30 deeds as well for one month -

it was just a different deed every single day,

ranging from giving a homeless person food,

toys to a hospital ward, children's ward.

I had blood taken as well, made me feel really ill, made me faint.

I didn't have enough water in the day, so, you know,

they got angry at me about that.

Didn't do anything nice for me, I remember.

No, well, I gave you a hug one day, that was one of the good deeds.

-That's lovely.

-So that was something.

I didn't spend any money on him, though.

He didn't deserve it. No, I'm joking.

Now, Marcus, what do you do for a living?

Well, I'm an engineer by trade.

I'm currently doing a bit of engineer work,

but I also work for a couple of local charities,

and I'm a musician as well.

My music's kind of weird, electronic, ambient.

Somewhere between nature sounds,

sound of whales and thunderstorms, and...

Someone doing the dishes in the kitchen!

-Yeah.

-It's a little bit like that. It's just noises, basically.

Do you give him a wee hand with that sort of stuff?

-No, I'm rubbish at things like that.

-He just does the dishes.

He just does the dishes! You do the sound effects.

That's the one, yeah.

So, boys, what do you know about antiques and collectables?

Not a lot, really.

I mean, we... I grew up in a family that does a lot of collectables.

I like to collect like little action figures.

Never collected anything, so...

-I'm the opposite.

-Yeah.

Have you tried to think about tactics?

My tactic would be to spend lower and try to make a bit of a profit,

and then hope for the best.

Yours is to go gung-ho and spend all of it.

Yeah, I'm the opposite, spend as much as we can, buy some items

that make us laugh or something a bit different,

something with good intrigue with people in the auction house.

Reckless spending, I think you'll be.

Reckless! Oh, you're reckless.

Are you listening to this, girls?

Fine line, yeah. We're just trying to psych them out.

That's it for the Reds. Now onto the Blues.

Girls, you've been pals since you were at school,

and you're both pretty sort of hi-tech girls?

Tell me what sort of jobs you do.

So, I work in marketing,

but I'm kind of helping with developing websites and apps

-and stuff at the moment.

-I believe you invented an app?

I created an app last week.

Oh, you create an app?

Yes. It's not amazing.

-But it's all right.

-No, say that it is amazing.

It's amazing. Yeah.

And you're into technology as well?

So I work in customer and tech support for a start-up,

this really cool business, and learning how to code stuff as well,

-like building websites.

-Technology is your subject.

But what do you know about antiques?

Um, so, my dad's been to a few auctions.

When I was younger I used to go with him to a few.

So he collects a lot of things.

But I've recently started collecting antique movie posters and stuff

-like that.

-Aisling, what about you?

As far as antiques, I don't know how old they are, really, but I think...

-You watch a lot of Bargain Hunt.

-I watch a lot of Bargain Hunt, yeah.

Ah, well, you should be an expert by now.

I think I'll do all right.

So, girls, what are your tactics going to be?

I think we're going to spend as much as we can,

because we're not scared of the price tag.

It's, you know, it's expensive cos it's going to do well at auction,

I think. Yeah, just spending as much...

Taking a big risk.

You're risk-takers, girls?

-Definitely.

-Yes.

-Well, you can't take any risks without any money,

so I'd better pass you over.

£300 for the Reds, and £300 for the Blues.

Your experts await, so off you go.

-Thank you.

-Two dynamic teams.

I'm going to enjoy this.

So, let's meet today's experts.

On the lookout for the Reds, it's Catherine Southon.

And hoping to dish out some profits for the Blues is Danny Sebastien.

This is exciting, isn't it?

-Absolutely.

-What are we looking for today, Marcus?

-Something ridiculous.

I'd like to get some jewellery or something quite shiny.

Something really hilariously ridiculous, yes.

Why are we going for funny?

I'm thinking something Art Deco that someone would want to buy to put in

-their house.

-Action, teams, your time starts now.

-Come on, let's go looking.

-Should we just literally dive in?

-Dive in, yeah.

-OK, ready?

-Bundle!

-Well, the Reds look like they're planning to have some fun.

-Do you want to spend big? Do you want to spend small?

-I want to spend big!

-You want to spend big?

-Where do you recommend that's good in Portobello that you could spend big?

Well, you know, go with what you like, really.

Go with your gut instincts.

Girls after my own heart - go and spend big!

Reds, is this ridiculous enough for you?

-Have a look.

-Just very...

Have a touch, have a feel.

That's what it's all about.

-Yeah, it's nice.

-I'm going to take this...

-Does that come off? Oh, no...

-The top bit does.

-I'm going to hold that in case.

-That would be for tea, right?

-Yeah.

-Yeah. A little teapot.

-Why do you like him? He's quite grumpy, isn't he?

-I don't know. He looks, just, like a top guy.

-Does he?

-I'm not sure.

I think it's the detail in the face.

I think it's a bit ridiculous, and that's our brief, so.

-Yeah, that's what we...

-He's moderately ridiculous!

Moderately ridiculous?

-We've got a...

-We need to stick to our promise.

-I saw a chip somewhere.

There's that little bit there, but there is a significant chip there.

-Oh, yeah, OK.

-OK.

-I must say, the face is quite nicely...

-..modelled.

-Endearing. Yeah.

-Realistically modelled.

-Yeah.

-And he's supposed to be this Peggotty,

and he's made by a factory at Beswick.

So, we've got an impressed mark there

-and then we've also got a stamp there.

-It's got all the bits.

It's got all the bits. The lady's asking 25, but I think,

if you can mention some of the little issues,

we might be able to get the price down slightly.

-All right.

-We'll give her the charm.

-I have faith in you boys.

-Thank you.

-You can do it.

-Let's go.

-Go on, then, see what you can do.

See if you can work magic.

I'm sure they will, Catherine.

So, from a teapot for the Reds, to dinner plates for the Blues.

These plates are cute.

-The blue ones?

-Yeah, the blue ones are quite nice.

Are they really...? I think they're sort of individuals, aren't they?

Really, you'd want a nice set. There's only two there I can see of one size, four of another. Mmm.

And we want to make big... I thought you wanted to make big money?

-Yeah.

-Yeah, you want to make big money.

-Let's go somewhere else.

Yes, remember you're after a profit, Blues.

Reds, have you struck a deal on the teapot?

We've got it down to 15 from 25.

15? And you're happy with that?

Have you got faith that this is going to make us our fortune?

Yes. It's going to double that, minimum.

-Easily, I reckon.

-That is one item purchased in four minutes.

If we carry on like this, we'll be done nice and early.

-We'll be laughing at the Blues.

-Ha-ha.

-Good going, Reds.

Looks like the Blues have spotted a bit of history from the world

-of print.

-These are cool.

-Yeah, these are cool.

I suppose, really, in this printing world, though,

you'd want something that's...

You'd want a printing tray with loads of little printing bits in it,

you know, something, you might want the word that says "bargain" or

-something like that to go with it.

-That would be really cool.

People like these kind of old printing blocks, these old printing trays.

-Very in vogue.

-That's something very special.

It's a mixed alphabet of letters dating between 1890 and 1940.

I mean, that's quite nice.

It might be a bit too rich for us.

Yeah, is there anything you can do on the price?

Only a little. I don't have big reductions here, just a little reduction.

What's the best you can do?

-90.

-90?

-We can always...

-We can come back.

-We can come back.

We've got it in the bag, we know there's something here if need be.

I mean, it's a nice, quirky, different kind of stall.

I think, put it on the back burner,

we know where to come back to if need be.

Yeah, we'll be back.

The Blues seem a little indecisive.

Luckily, the Reds already have one item in the bag.

Would you like some leather goods?

Um, could do, yeah. I mean, it's in our list of things we can get.

I don't really, but I like the walrus guy in the suit.

Do you know what? I was looking at this stall and thought, what an amazing stall.

It looks...

It's rich and there's a lot of things going on for it.

-Yeah, lots going on.

-And I thought, the one thing I don't like

-is a walrus.

-Is a walrus.

And that's what you like! So we have obviously nothing in common, do we?

Probably not, no, that's where we struggle.

Why do you like that walrus?

-Oh, his head comes off.

-Because he can do this.

-OK. Cos he can do little tricks?

-Yes.

-Right, OK.

-He's got a...

-A bottle stopper.

-What is it supposed to be?

-It's a little decanter.

-As you can see it by the cork.

-But what do you think it would have been?

-A decanter for alcohol.

-Oh, for alcohol.

So, like gin and stuff.

It does have a price on of 38.

-So, what could it be?

-25.

-25 for that one.

You're the buyer at the auction.

If you saw this with an estimate of £20 to £30 on it,

what would you pay for this?

-About 25.

-If you're buying it for yourself, it's probably OK, you know.

But if you want to resell it, then it may be a bit dodgy.

Dodgy!

It sounds like that walrus could be risky.

Back with the Blues, and they're keen to snap up a bit of history.

I like that old camera.

Yeah. How do things like that do?

Cameras, I mean, cameras, really, you want the top end.

Everyone's got rid of these cameras nowadays,

and they're dealing with the digital world.

So, it's flooded.

Unless it's something really special, then, it's just not going to...

It's just not it, really, I don't think.

So, no action with the cameras. What's the plan, Blues?

-How are we feeling?

-Yeah. I just want to get our first item.

Do you want to go back to that print stall?

-Yeah.

-I quite liked it.

-I think we should go there.

-Shall we get one in the bag?

-Yeah.

-See if we can crack a deal?

With over ten minutes on the clock already,

the Blues need to get a move on.

The Reds, on the other hand, are still at the same store.

What we've got here, we've got three little perfume bottles, for a gent,

so you would have perhaps a cologne in one and different...

-The case is damaged.

-The case is a bit damaged.

-Yes.

-But it's lovely. I think that kind of thing...

-It's very vintagey.

-It is, it is vintage.

-You think it's sought-after at the minute?

-I think it is. I mean, the downside...

They're all hallmarked, each piece is hallmarked - 1925.

-OK.

-It's a sign of quality with Asprey.

-A sign of quality, yes.

-But we do have quality here, of course!

A different type of quality.

-Definitely.

-So, what are we going to do, chaps?

I've cooled down a little bit on that, after seeing this.

Is there much movement on the price?

They're marked at 195, I'll take 130.

I think, basically, is it worth having a think about?

OK, we can have a little think.

-Yeah.

-I'm here until 4.30pm.

-You're here until 4.30pm.

-Well, thank you, sir.

-So, two items under consideration for the Reds.

Blues, what's the news on the printing blocks?

-What are you thinking? Talk to me.

-I think that the big one there.

That one, or there's one up there as well. But I think we quite like...

-That one's a bit duller, do you like the duller one? That seemed a little bit more...

-Used.

-And enjoyed.

-That's what I was thinking.

-That's what they're like. It's quite nice,

-it's got a little London mark on it as well.

-Shall we go for that?

-Yeah, let's get that one.

-Happy with that one?

-Yeah.

-What's the best you're going to do us?

90 is the best.

-90?

-That's quite a good deal on that.

-85?

-We'll be happy at 85.

Leaves them with a little bit of a chance. We're going to auction.

-Yeah.

-You're a good man.

£85 spent, and they've secured their first item.

Things are looking up.

Fantastic, well done. That's one in the bag.

We've done it in about 16 minutes. We're on the good stead.

I've got a feeling we're going to breeze through this.

Go for it, Blues.

Now, the Reds are facing a tough decision -

the walrus or the perfume bottles?

I like the walrus as much because we've got the same kind of, like,

-personality.

-Strange sense of humour.

-Yeah.

So, anything like that jumps out straight at both of us at the same

-time, I'd say.

-I am the walrus.

-And what did he say on that, 25?

-25.

-Yeah, cos it was down from 38.

-38, yeah.

-38 for him.

-Well, if you want to go for that, I think there

-might be a bit of profit in that.

-Shall we just do it, shall we do

-the walrus?

-Sir.

-Hi.

-Would you mind?

-We've had a little think.

-OK.

-And what do we think?

We really, really like the walrus.

-Right.

-I'd say we loved the walrus.

-OK!

-So, we could take that away for 20.

-We'd walk off.

-Yeah, OK, I'll take 20 on it.

-Would that be OK with you?

Would you like me to put him in some bubble wrap or something like that?

-Yes, please.

-Maybe put it in that handbag!

I like it!

Ooh, they're cheeky. Well done, Reds -

two items down in just 20 minutes.

Blues, weren't shiny silver things on your shopping list?

I quite like the decanter, the crystal with the bit of silver on top.

That wouldn't be silver. That might well be spelter,

it might be silver-plated.

Quite nice. It looks like a bit of a claret jug.

-How much is it?

-That one is priced at 90.

Is that the best price you can do, can you go a bit lower?

Er, I could do 80.

-80?

-The gentleman's being very nice.

It seems like there's a bit of movement there.

It will give us a good price if we really want to buy it.

-But...

-Shall we have another?

-Thank you.

-We'll have a think about it.

-Thank you.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

While both teams keep hunting for those bargains,

I'm on the trail of a mystery that needs solving.

Occasionally, I come across an item which completely flummoxes me.

And this is one of those objects.

Let's have a look at it.

It's a cane-like thing with a speary type of affair at one end.

And, at the other end, we've got a wee peephole.

We have a maker's name on the handle.

Underwood's of Haymarket, London, and that's a hint.

I'm going to ask the good people of Portobello Road if they can guess

what it is.

It looks like something you're going to grab something with.

I don't know. Is it something to do with fishing? No.

-Is it toe...? No.

-Maybe a mouse-catcher?

-It couldn't be a walking stick?

-A high-technology porridge spurtle.

You're the expert, don't you know what it is?

I know, but it flummoxed me.

So, when you move that up and down, does that open those things out?

Oh, it's...it's a cutter!

Time to reveal all.

After a little bit of research,

I've found that this is a gardener or botanist's cane.

This isn't a spear at this end,

but a pair of scissors or shears which is operated by pushing the

little circle in the peephole up and down.

And, at this end, I've noticed this hole.

And this hole would have been used to contain a pollen brush.

So, you would have snipped your flower with the shears at that end,

brought it down, taken out your pollen brush,

and pollinated the flower with it.

How much do you think it's worth?

I have absolutely no idea.

-£30.

-I don't know, £30.

Brilliant, brilliant.

This is a Victorian gardening tool and,

even though it's over 100 years old,

it's only worth between £20 and £30.

But, if it was complete with the pollen brush,

and these are as rare as hen's teeth, then it would be worth £100.

A snip at half the price.

Bye-bye. Your Majesty!

Thank you.

Back to it, and we're just over halfway through.

It's 2-1 to the Reds.

So, boys, what's next?

-Get a high-priced item now.

-Are you happy with what you've bought?

-Definitely, yeah.

-Oh, high price, now, you want to buy something high?

We've had some fun but let's be serious for a minute.

We've done the ridiculous side. It's time to actually try and be competitive.

-Get real and win, now.

-A change in direction for the boys.

And the Blues seem determined to snap up a camera.

You're back at cameras again, I see.

You like cameras, don't you?

-I like the old school...

-Those are really...

-Quite nice ones.

-I can do a good deal for you.

That's what we want to hear.

A really special price.

I think the black one, that one there.

They're all black! Which black one, they're all black!

-This.

-That one there.

-That looks really cool.

I mean, that's really nice.

It comes with the case, and the plates holder.

I could do it for you for £40.

-And it's worth much more.

-What sort of age are they?

-1920s?

-Earlier, this one is earlier, it's before the films,

-they only used plates.

-Yes.

-I think it looks...

-People are going to like it.

-Yeah.

-I think everyone likes film, don't they?

-Yeah.

-It gives you a memory.

Yeah. I'm not even a photographer.

Yeah, I think it's cool.

What's the absolute best you can do for these two young ladies?

-30?

-No, I can't do 30.

-35? Please?

-All right. OK, for you.

-Yay, thank you.

-Shake the man's hand.

-Thank you so much.

-You're welcome.

Well done, girls, that's 2-2.

What are the Reds going to sniff out next?

Some nice bits in this cabinet.

Yeah, I like a few bits here.

Anything take your fancy?

-I like this, I think.

-Do you?

-Yeah, that's nice.

-Do I?

-It's quite nice. A little perfume bottle.

-Yeah.

So, this... Ah, so what we would have had in here...

It's a perfume bottle, a lady's perfume bottle.

-Right.

-And then it's got like a little loop on,

so perhaps it would have been part of a, I don't know, a chatelaine,

like a little belt or something you maybe would have hung from that.

What you would have had in there is like a little stick of some...

-..description.

-OK.

Or like a little spoon.

-Right.

-And you would have put your perfume on that,

taken it out and then given a little dab.

So that's missing, that spoon?

So that's missing. But it's quite pretty, it's very delicate.

It's not really working perfectly, though.

-No.

-I think that's probably not for us.

I think maybe back out on it.

Bad luck, the Reds. Catherine, are you pleased with how it's going?

I think the boys have been brilliant, though.

They've picked out two items.

Not my choice. Not my cup of tea.

But they've got a bit of fun behind them, and that's what it's all about.

I like these.

Really? Back with the Blues, and it looks like they've spotted

another item with a bit of age to it.

How much is that? It's really nice.

-95?

-Ooh. I like it.

I like it even more.

Always when you're looking at luggage, you've got to look out

for handles, make sure it's in good stead. And your clasps.

If it's brass, they just warrant a little bit more money.

But I just think this is quite nice.

It's got some initials on it, that makes it quite personal.

And, furthermore, if it's got sort of stickers on it,

of railway stations or something of that description,

then you know it's been well-travelled.

These things tell a story.

-It's a nice one - Revelation.

-It's a well-known brand.

-Very well-known brand.

-75 would be the absolute best.

I think, £75, I've just got a feeling it's at its limit, really,

for us. I mean, it's a great piece.

I bet these young girls, I bet they'd rip your hand off at £60.

-Is it possible?

-60?

They'd rip your hand off. That leaves us with a little bit of a

-chance, is it possible?

-Oh, I'd have to find out.

-Wait a second.

-Fingers crossed with the price, girls.

So, Reds, are you still looking for a more seriously expensive item?

-How about this?

-Oh, yeah, that looks good, actually, I like that.

What? Oh, really?

Is that your thing? It's fun.

-Go on, then, give it a squeeze.

-Oh, actually, does it?

-OK.

-Do you want to have a look at this?

-I did want to spend some more money.

-Yeah, we wanted to spend more.

£15. Not enough?

We're in between, aren't we? Still funny but we want to spend more.

-Right.

-So, we're struggling.

-Because we want something serious, don't we?

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

I don't know if these boys really DO serious.

So, Blues, how's that deal on the case?

What was the figure you had in mind?

-Give us it for 60 quid...

-50.

-Oh, 50's even better.

Two beautiful ladies here.

-OK, deal.

-50?

-60.

-Hold, on, they said 50!

He said yes.

I said 60, she said 50. I thought that was what you were going with.

-60 would be absolutely the limit.

-Yeah, deal?

-Shake the man's hand.

Thank you.

Deal. Sounds good, cheers.

Job done, Blues, with ten minutes to spare.

But the Reds still need a final item.

Would you like a little tipple?

Yeah, absolutely.

There's a few labels there that would normally go on wine bottles or

decanters or something like that. They're solid silver.

-Right. OK.

-There's cognac, there's rum and there's port.

-OK.

-All different.

Not really your thing? No, that's fine.

-Not with this here.

-No.

-Do you like that?

-Yeah.

-I like it.

-What would that make at auction?

I've absolutely no idea because I've never sold anything like that.

If the auctioneer starts using it, then, surely,

everyone will be falling in love with it?

Shall we see what we could get that for?

15 is what it has on it.

15 is what it's going for, yeah.

-Yeah.

-See if we can get it down to...

..ten or five?

£2.50!

Do you want to have a word with the gentlemen and see what you can do?

Yeah, definitely.

What happened to those plans to spend big and buy serious, Reds?

-Hello.

-How did you do? Did you get a price?

Yeah. We got it down to 13 from 15.

-We bought it.

-Yeah.

-OK. Oh, you've got it?

We've already got it, yeah.

-Oh, OK. 13. And are you happy with that?

-Yeah.

We thought we'd be spontaneous and just do it there and then.

There is no messing with you guys.

-Yeah, no-nonsense.

-So, we have three items in the bag, all under £50.

-We're ready to go.

-I don't know how you did it.

-I don't know how we did it.

-We managed to pull it off.

But we've done it.

Job done, Reds.

So, with both teams bought up, let's call time.

Group hoot, I think.

Let's remind ourselves what the Reds bought.

First up, Adrian and Marcus poured £15 of their money into this

Beswick teapot. Next, they wanted something ridiculous and fun,

so bought this ceramic walrus for £20.

And, finally, they blew £13 on this car horn.

But will it make a noise at auction?

Well, boys, you wanted to buy something ridiculous but fun.

And you stuck very much to your plan.

-We achieved our brief, definitely.

-You've achieved it.

-What was your favourite item?

-Definitely the walrus.

-Uh-huh.

And what's going to make you the biggest profit, though?

I'm torn between the walrus and the horn.

I think if they make the honking sound in the auction,

there's potentially some money there.

-One of the two.

-Adrian, what was your favourite item?

Oh, I really loved the walrus, yeah,

that really won our hearts over big-time.

-Good choice.

-Yeah, it was our favourite.

But do you think it will make the biggest profit?

Ah, I think it will struggle at auction.

I mean... I'm sorry, I've got to say this now!

But I loved it, personally.

So, you never know, it was a risk, and a risk we were willing to take.

-Yes!

-Yes.

-Yes.

Now, boys, you only spent £48.

-Not a lot.

-Not a lot of money.

Could you give me £252?

-We certainly can.

-Thank you very much.

All right. You've got the £2.

Well, I'm going to hand this straight over to Catherine.

-Thank you.

-Catherine, that is a fortune.

What are you going to buy with it?

Well, we did have fun. We had so much fun.

But I'm going to turn up the heat and I'm going to get serious.

-Serious!

-Uh-oh.

Game plan, game-changer.

While Catherine goes off to get serious,

let's remind ourselves what the Blues bought.

Jessica and Aisling wanted to spend big,

so splashed out £85 on this printer's case and hardwood letters.

Next, they snapped up this Houghton Butcher camera for £35.

Let's hope it's not a negative result at auction.

And, finally, will this £60 leather case be brimming with profit?

Well, girls, I've never seen anyone as cool, calm and collected.

Although you didn't really stick to your game plan, did you?

We didn't spend as much money as we'd hoped but we did haggle a lot.

What was your favourite item, Jessica?

Um, I quite like the suitcase, the antique suitcase.

Cos I liked it had a few stickers on it so it's well-travelled

-and aged.

-Is it going to make the most profit?

Um... I think probably no, I'd say the camera would make

the most profit cos we haggled it down so well.

Aisling, what was your favourite item?

I liked the alphabet, the letterpress one.

Is that the item that's going to make the most profit?

Oh, I think the camera will make the most profit as well, actually.

Cos we did haggle it down quite a lot, and it's a really cool piece.

Girls, you spent £180. That's not too bad.

You wanted to spend money.

Can I have £120, please?

Yes.

That's lovely. Danny, £120 - that's not a bad amount of money.

Plenty of money there. I've got something in mind.

I think I might have to work hard to get a good price for it, though.

Ah, well, on you go.

While Danny goes off to look for his bonus buy, we're off to the auction.

Today we're in London Auctions in Chiswick, in west London,

with auctioneer Mark Longson.

-Mark, it's lovely to be here.

-Lovely to have you here too.

Well, let's have a look at the Reds.

Adrian and Marcus, these boys were lovely fun.

Their first item is the Beswick teapot.

It's Mr Peggotty, from Dickens' David Copperfield.

Scarce. Not seen many of those around.

Everybody likes a cup of tea as well.

-£40 to £60.

-£40 to £60.

They've only paid £15.

-They did well.

-So there's the chance of a decent profit on that one.

There's some age to that as well.

Their second item was this crazy walrus.

They both liked it and they both thought that it would make the most

profit. Do you like it, Mark?

I like it. It's got a good, vibrant jacket.

But we've only gone £20 to £40, so I hope they bought it fairly cheap.

Well, they only paid £20,

so they could get a profit on that one.

Their third item was this early 20th century car horn.

In good working order.

Three for a pound. Have another two goes.

What is your estimate on that?

Well, £15 to £30.

-It is fun, isn't it?

-They only paid £13.

-OK, good.

-All in all, they might make a profit on everything there.

-Potentially.

-They may not need their bonus buy,

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

Adrian and Marcus, you wanted to buy fun things, and so you did.

-We did.

-You gave Catherine £252.

Catherine, did you spend it all?

Well... You know I said I wanted to get you something serious?

I have got you a piece of serious design.

-Whoa!

-What do you think?

What's going through your mind?

Yeah. It looks nice.

-What do you think?

-I love it, what is it?

-Right, OK...

-Help, what is it?

-You love it.

It is a soup terrine, a silver-plated soup terrine.

-It feels heavy.

-But the thing about it is it's cauldron-shaped.

So it's going back to a designer called Christopher Dresser,

who was around in the 19th century.

He would have designed - he did design - something like this in the 1880s.

Sadly, it's not by him because we'd be looking at thousands.

But it is Christopher Dresser's design.

How much did you spend on it, sorry?

Not quite all our money.

I spent £85.

-OK.

-That's OK.

How much do you think it will go for?

If people latch onto the style and think it's in the manner of Dresser,

it could make £100.

-But it might not.

-Sounds good.

OK, boys. You don't need to make up your mind just now -

wait until your other three items have been sold.

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

of Catherine's soup cauldron.

So, from fun items,

Catherine decided to go and buy quite a serious item.

Nice soup cauldron.

-What do you think?

-I think that's got style.

I think it's right up your street there.

-Yes, arts and crafts.

-Very much so.

We haven't been overgenerous with our estimate.

-We've gone £30 to £50.

-Catherine paid £85 for it.

So she's pushed the boat out a little bit.

So, that's the Red team. Now onto the Blue team.

Their first item, and it was Aisling's favourite,

this printer's block with letters.

What do you think of that?

I think it's a shame that someone's glued them down.

I would have liked to be able to move them around, create some variety.

Somebody's set up their mind as to how it's supposed to be visually

looking. We've gone £40 to £60 on this.

They've paid £85 for it. Maybe a bit much?

I think so. A little steep.

Their second buy, this wonderful Houghton Butcher camera.

-What do you think of that?

-The camera market is improving.

Case with it as well, always helps.

What's your estimate?

£40 to £60.

They paid £35.

So, there is the chance for a profit there.

Their third item is this tan leather expanding suitcase.

What do you think of it?

Good, good piece.

I'm not too keen on the latches,

but the handle is strong and the body as well, and buying leather...

£30 to £50 for us.

They paid £60. Do you think it will be a struggle to get there?

I think we're on the luck of the day.

Well, it does look like they may need their bonus buy,

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

Jessica, Aisling, you spent £180.

You gave Danny 120.

Danny, what did you buy?

-Oh!

-That's cool.

What it is, it's a 19th century bronze.

Bronze is like a poor man's silver, really.

Very nice alloy, very desirable.

-Oh, those move?

-And these open.

It's a little inkwell. It's only missing one thing,

and that's the two liners which go inside these inkwells.

It's got a great patina about it.

It's quite weighty.

I just think it's got that quirky little look about it that makes it

-quite saleable, to be honest.

-So, how much did you pay for it?

It cost me £35.

I really think, as a bronze, and an old bronze at that,

we've got no problem at all in getting a good profit with this at auction.

How much do you think it's going to make today?

I'd like to think, at auction, it could achieve £60 to maybe £90.

-I think it's really cool.

-I really like it.

It goes well with our printing box.

-Of course it does.

-They might buy both items.

Yeah, somebody might get both of them and spend a lot of money, hopefully.

You don't have to make up your mind just now -

wait until your other three items have been sold.

But, in the meantime,

let's find out what the auctioneer thinks of Danny's bronze.

Danny's bonus buy was this little desk set here.

What do you think of it, Mark?

Firstly, he looks a little bit sad, doesn't he, to be on your desk?

Second thing is, this is an inkwell set.

Not many people are using fountain pens these days,

let alone quill pens that this may have been designed for.

We've gone £60 to £90.

£60 to £90? Well, Danny only paid £35 for it.

So, there may be a hint of a profit in that.

-He's got an eye for a bargain, hasn't he?

-He's got an eye for a bargain.

-Are you taking today's auction?

-I am on the rostrum, yes.

The rostrum awaits.

20 to the room here. One time.

£15.

£20.

-How are you feeling?

-Positive.

-Quietly confident?

-Very confident, actually. Not quietly. Out-loud confident.

Very confident, Catherine.

Now, have you guys been to auctions before?

-No. Definitely not.

-Never?

No, we have no idea what's going on.

Your first item is a Beswick teapot,

which would bring a smile to anyone's face.

It was such a charming item.

Now, you only paid £15 for that, boys.

-That was good.

-You did very well. Good luck.

A little collectors' piece. £30. 30?

Not everybody's cup of tea.

Oh, dear. £20.

£20 for the Beswick figure?

-20?

-20 and going.

20 and going. Faraway at £20.

-20.

-Right down the corridor...

-25.

-Well done.

30, £30.

Nearly out of the door.

30 then.

Well done, that's marvellous.

That's a profit of £15.

Let's hope we can keep the profits going.

Your next item is the walrus flask.

Now, you both love that one.

-This is our guarantee.

-This is your guarantee one.

Bright and colourful, £20.

£20? One for the little shelf up there.

£20? £10, then.

Come on. 15 bid.

15 bid, two bids coming in at home.

£15. £15.

Do we have a little £20 note?

At one and five, I think we're done then.

This is it. At £15.

£15.

You were nearly there, boys.

That gives you -5 on that.

Now, after two items, you are still in profit, £10.

-Tenner.

-So, well done.

Your third item...

..the car horn, is coming up now.

You paid £13 for that, so not a lot of money.

£15 we're bid. Bid's at home, at £15.

20 I want in the room here.

£20? 20 we're bid.

-20.

-How do you do that?

-Well, it's absolutely easy.

I give you fair warning, the gavel is up.

Got to go this time.

The hammer's just gone down at £20, plus 7 on that.

It takes your overall score to plus 17.

That is absolutely wonderful.

Are you going to take the bonus buy?

Well, we've got two options.

We take the 17, we go for dinner, or we risk the bonus buy.

-Dinner, please.

-I think we go for dinner.

-Not going to take the chance?

-Not going to take it, no.

-Sure?

Catherine paid £85,

and I have to say to you that the auctioneer has valued it

at £30 to £50.

-30 I'm bid.

-35.

-35? 35. 40.

In the room. Out at home at the moment.

£40. For £40.

45, comes in at home.

£45. Do we see a little bull's-eye?

50 bid.

5 again at home. 55.

A shake of the head in the room.

At £55.

The room is out, the web is in, here's the hammer.

£55.

-30 on that.

You made the right decision, boys.

Congratulations, that's a profit of £17.

That's absolutely terrific.

-Absolutely buzzing.

-Are you happy?

-Absolutely over the moon.

-We knew it was going to happen, but, yeah.

All along we've been saying that.

-Very confident.

-Well done. But you've got to promise me something.

-What's that?

-Don't say a word to the Blues.

-No problem.

Jessica, Aisling, auction day.

How are you feeling?

-Excited.

-I think we're going to do well.

-Confident, Danny, confident.

-That's what we like.

Have you girls been to auction before?

I went once with my dad a few years ago.

-Were you bidding?

-No, I sat in silence.

Well, your first item, and Aisling, this was your favourite one.

Let's see how it gets on, because it's coming up now. Good luck.

£40. 40.

No? Make it 30.

-£30.

-Oh, girls.

-20's away.

£20. 25. The lady's bid.

30, I won't sell. 25.

I'm with the lady at the moment, I'm looking for the big 30.

£25, a little printer's block and it's gone.

£25.

Don't worry. The girls have just lost £60.

Your next item is the camera.

Now, you both thought this would make the most profit.

-Yeah.

-You paid £35 for it.

Good luck. Here it is.

£20. £20?

Leather case with your camera there.

£10 note.

10 I see. 15 in close.

20 away.

£20 away. £20 away.

At £20?

Here we go, 20's at far.

-It's gone.

-Hammer's down at 20.

That was hard luck, girls.

That's -15 on that.

Which takes your running score to -£75.

You've still got one item to come, the suitcase.

These are popular just now and this is an interesting lot.

You paid £60 for it, coming up now.

£30. £30, a good size for your leather there.

£20, then?

£20 for the leather case?

20 the bid. Internet here at £20.

Do we see a fiver? No away days for anybody here then?

£20, online to take.

I'm selling.

£20. Oh, girls.

That's -£40.

That takes your overall score to...

..-£115.

Now, girls, you have to make up your mind whether you're going to take

the bonus buy or not.

It's Danny's little desk set.

-I think we should take it.

-Yes.

-Just go for it, girls?

We need the help.

£35 paid.

I have to say, the auctioneer has estimated it at £60 to £90.

Fingers crossed on this one.

-Yeah.

-Fingers crossed.

Coming up now.

£20.

£20 for the little donk.

20 bid, 20 the bid.

At 20. At 2-0.

Oh, deary me.

25. Good.

30?

30 is back. 30's back.

Outstanding. £30.

All done, this is it.

3 and 0.

Nearly there, girls.

But that takes another -5.

Girls, your final score is -£120.

-How do you feel about that?

-Pretty upset.

-Gutted.

The thing is, girls, it could be a winning score.

-Yeah.

-Could be...

So, don't give up hope yet.

That's true.

Promise me something, you won't say a word to the Reds.

-No, we won't tell them.

-Won't say a word.

Well, teams, that was great fun.

You were both tremendous sports.

But there's quite a gap today.

We have winners, we don't have losers, we have runners-up.

Today's runners-up

are the Blues with -£120.

Shocking.

But you were a great sports. Did you have a good time?

-Yeah, it was great.

-Well, that's the main thing, isn't it?

-Yeah.

-Today's winners are the Reds,

making profit on two of their items

and then they were wise enough not to take Catherine's bonus buy.

That was quite brave.

So, you ended up with £17 profit,

which I will hand over to you boys.

17 wonderful pounds.

What are you going to do with that?

-We're going to have dinner tonight, I reckon.

-All right, fish and chips?

Yeah, possibly. I think that's as far as it will stretch, really.

-Why don't you take the girls out? That's a lot of money.

-Nah!

You were wonderful teams and you were wonderful sports.

I hope you enjoyed yourself tremendously.

-We did.

-Yeah.

-If you would like to find out more about the show,

check out our website or follow us on Twitter.

But best of all, join us soon for more Bargain Hunting, yes?

ALL: Yes!