London 9 Bargain Hunt

Hello and welcome to Bargain Hunt.

Now, can you guess who lived here?

Let me give you some clues.

The house is in Kent and the owner was known

for wearing glasses like these.

And like these.

And he was often seen smoking a cigar.

In 1940, he became Great Britain's Prime Minister.

Yep, you've guessed it, I'm talking about Sir Winston Churchill.

And I'll be learning more about the spectacles

that adorned the great man a little bit later on.

But for now, if you're ready, let's go Bargain Hunting.

Today's competition takes place right here

in Kingston's Antiques Centre.

There are two floors crammed full of antiques and collectables,

and all our teams have to do is find three items within a budget of £300,

that will, hopefully, make them a profit

when we head off to the auction.

The only snag is they've only got one hour to do it.

So, let's have a look at what's coming up.

The Reds think they've hit the jackpot.

-Great spot.

-Can I have a high five?

You can have a high five. Go and get haggling. Go on.

The Blues get an antiques lesson...

Vesta's always good. Horseshoe, the theme.

-Sorry, I don't know what vesta is.

-Oh!

And at the auction, the pressure's on for the Reds.

Come on, please!

-And the Blues...

-One more.

That's all coming up a little later.

For now, it's time to meet our teams.

For the Reds, we have Heather and her son, Felix.

And for the Blues, we have Susan and her son, Roger.

-Hello, everyone.

-Hello!

Lovely to see the families with us today.

Let's turn to the Reds first.

Heather, tell me, what made you apply to come on Bargain Hunt?

When Felix used to live at home and he used to go to sixth form college,

if we had the opportunity to be in the house at the same time

at a lunchtime, we'd have a sort of sneaky opportunity

to sit and watch Bargain Hunt together.

And we always used to say, "We should go on this."

He said, "Come on, Mum, let's apply."

-And now, we're here!

-It's real!

-It is real.

Now, when you went to university, it was Oxford.

-What did you study?

-I studied psychology.

Which you wouldn't know now, because I don't use it at all.

I ended up doing more plays and more theatre than essays in the end.

And sort of guiltily, have now shuffled away from psychology.

-I'm now trying to go into acting.

-OK.

-What's the life of a budding actor?

-It's all right.

I'm currently doing a walking tour in South London, which is great fun.

-And a few different plays.

-That's cool.

-It's great.

So, tell me about your career.

-You're a speech and language therapist?

-I am.

I've always worked with young people with learning disabilities.

And as part of the job, we're kind of training people up

to develop their sort of functional communication skills,

so they can go out into the big wide world.

So, with a colleague, I opened up

a social enterprise cafe in Shrewsbury.

We've been running for five years now.

The aim of the cafe is to offer volunteering opportunities

to young folks with learning disabilities.

Sounds brilliant. Sounds like you're not one to shy away

from a challenge, which is why we're here.

-Exactly.

-So, tell me, antiques and collectables,

are they a challenge to you, or do you have great knowledge?

I think our knowledge comes from watching Bargain Hunt, basically.

-Absolutely.

-We'll see how it all pans out.

You've got some competition today in the form of the Blues.

And I must say, Susan,

it's very irregular that we allow additions

to the Bargain Hunt uniform.

Tell us about this waistcoat, it's dazzling.

Well, I collect buttons.

And I have done for many years.

And I give talks about my collection.

People think you're quite potty if you tell them you collect buttons.

But they were items of jewellery.

-They were really very valuable.

-Amazing.

I feel we could talk about buttons all day long.

Certainly, you could give a talk on them!

Let's get back to the start.

So, tell me, first of all, whose idea was it to come on Bargain Hunt?

Susan, what inspired you to take up this challenge?

Well, nothing inspired me, actually.

I didn't know anything about it.

Roger filled in the application without telling me.

I rang Roger up and ticked him off.

-I said, "You should have..."

-I know my mum, and I know my mum...

You should have asked me first!

I should have done it a lot sooner - that's what she meant to say -

-because she loves Bargain Hunt.

-I do, yes.

And I know she's going to do fantastically well today.

Oh, lovely. So, tell me, then, what's your career?

About 30 years ago, I set up my own specialist debt collection business

-for the shipping industry.

-What does that mean?

Well, ships sail all round the world,

they need everything to keep them going - food for the crew,

paint, tools, and they often sail off without paying for it.

So I'm sort of the Robin Hood of shipping.

I chase after the ships who've sailed off and haven't paid,

and try and collect the money from their robber baron ship owner.

Right, Blues, shall we talk tactics?

I have a feeling that I know who's going to be in charge of the money.

Well, maybe in charge of the shop, but Roger,

-you've to be in charge of the money.

-OK. Yes.

So, let me give it to you now.

-£300 for the Reds.

-Thank you.

And £300 for the Blues.

-Thank you.

-Don't give it to Roger just yet!

-No!

-Your experts are really keen to meet you,

so I wish you the best of luck and send you on your way.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

Well, it's a real family affair today.

Let's see how it all unfolds.

So let's introduce today's experts.

Lighting the way for the Reds, it's Nick Hall.

And hoping to pull some strings for the Blues, it's Caroline Hawley.

Well, Heather, Felix, here we are in glorious Kingston.

What is on your shopping list?

Well, I really love theatre and musical instruments.

I think probably jewellery, silver and maybe some toys.

I like glassware, particularly vases.

So, Roger, what about you?

Well, I'd like some buttons for my mum,

and possibly something nautical.

-A nautical button?

-Yes, that would be a really good idea.

They don't make much money, nautical buttons.

-OK, right.

-Right, teams, your time starts now.

Come on, guys, you're playing my tune, let's go and shop.

Come on, then!

And they're off!

And the Blues have quickly got stuck in.

What about this cabinet over here?

-Oh, straight to it.

-What is the price on it?

175.

People do like retro now, don't they? There are collectors of retro.

There are, there's a lot of those about,

that pull down and they've a pastry board, you do that,

-and sometimes they have a flour dispenser.

-That's right, yes.

But I don't think we're going to make any money on it at that price.

Well, you'd get it down.

Something tells me Susan's a tough negotiator.

Reds, is anything jumping out at you?

Amber is popular, this stuff's been around millions of years.

Although the mounts are quite modern but, you know,

you've got two or three shelves full of it here.

And they can do quite well at auction,

particularly if they've got a sort of very retro

or a vintage-y style about them.

-Things like that necklace.

-At the back?

That's quite a cool thing.

-Are you interested in having a look at it?

-I would like to look at that.

Time to track down the shop owner and get a closer look.

Blues, has something caught your eye?

Those are very interesting up there, I don't know what they are.

Art Nouveau, silver plate vases.

-Oh, right.

-145. They're just plated and...

-Hmm, I think that's a bit steep.

-OK, OK.

I haven't seen anything like that before, but, yeah.

No, they have a look of WMF.

-They do.

-Wurttembergische Metallwarenfabrik.

-OK!

-You can pronounce it!

-Oh, I can. It took me a long time.

Impressive, Caroline.

WMF is a German manufacturer known for its Art Nouveau metalwares.

Right, the Reds have found shop owner Lesley

for a closer look at that amber necklace.

Thank you. So, what can you tell us about this?

Well, it's Baltic amber, so we know the quality of that.

It's 39.

It's not a lot of money,

but it's quite a stylish thing, don't you think?

-It is quite pretty.

-Yes.

-So, what is amber?

It is fossilised tree sap from millions of years ago,

which it's why it's highly sought after,

highly decorative and quite collectible.

-Fantastic.

-Excellent. Can I have a look?

-Yes.

It's very light, isn't it?

-It's very light, which I think is in its favour.

-Yes.

I would imagine on a night out,

-you don't want anything too heavy and cumbersome.

-No, no.

It's quite eye-catching, isn't it?

I do like the colours, actually, thinking about it.

It goes quite nicely from lighter down to darker.

What sort of movement do you think there'd be on the price, if any?

Let's have a look...

They'll do 35.

Do you think they'd round it down for 30?

-No, no, they wouldn't.

-That was quite definite!

I know. Well, I know most of the dealers here will build in 10%,

and these guys are one of those specific dealers.

-What do you think?

-Yes.

-OK, let's go for it.

-Yeah, let's go for it.

-That's fine.

-Lesley, you have a deal.

-£35, thank you.

-Thank you.

Well done, Reds, your first item in the bag.

So, one down, two to go, are you happy with that?

-Yes!

-I think looking at it more and holding it,

it's actually a lot nicer.

I tell you what, I'm not sure we're going to wear it,

pack it or wrap it. Whatever we're going to do,

we're going to move on and find two more things.

-Excellent.

-Great stuff, come on.

So, a decisive start in just ten minutes -

let's hope you make a pretty profit.

Now, has Susan spotted something she's willing to invest in?

What do you think about the scarf, the Hermes scarf, Caroline?

Well, Hermes, as you know, is a very, very expensive make,

and they're slightly better if they're in a box.

They have the original,

I think it's an orange box with the lettering on, slightly better,

but it's a good subject, the equestrian subject,

and if it's in great condition,

there's always people that collect these.

Big name, big quality scarves, and I know it's a lot of money, £115,

but if you were to walk into such a shop

in the centre of Paris or London,

you would pay an awful lot more than that for it.

-Yes.

-Time to take a closer look, Blues,

and, luckily, Matthew is at hand to open the cabinet.

Hi. Could we have a look at your scarf, please?

You certainly may.

-It is lovely. Nice colour, as well.

-There you go.

-Thank you very much.

-That's lovely. Hold it up to the light.

I always think any damage shows through the light.

-If there's any...

-Any little holes.

-Little holes, or damage in the silk.

-No, that's beautiful.

-No, there doesn't appear to be.

Feel how it's been beautifully rolled.

-They always were, weren't they?

-Absolutely fabulous.

What would you do on it?

Well, this dealer normally does 10%, so we could do 100 for you.

You couldn't do it 90?

Yeah, I think he'd be happy with 90.

What do you think, Caroline?

I think it's lovely. I'd be happy to wear it, would you?

-Yes, yes.

-I think it's lovely.

-Great, that's our first item.

Oh, he's decided!

-Right. OK with you?

-Yes, absolutely.

-Right. Thank you.

-Excellent team work.

Susan negotiates and Roger seals the deal.

In just under 15 minutes, it's one-all.

Excellent. Brilliant, come on, let's be as fast on number two.

Back to the Reds and it looks like Felix

is doing some personal shopping.

Is he always trying things on when you go out like this?

-You can't walk past the clothes...

-Just keep him away from the dresses,

-that's the thing.

-Now we go over to Shrewsbury Town versus Oldham.

It does feel very commentator-esque.

-It does, a bit.

-It's also huge on me!

But I think, anyone...

I'm all for buying a bit of vintage fashion.

I'm not convinced the sheepskin coat's the way forward.

But, hey, who am I? I might be completely wrong,

but if you want my advice, I'd find something

-with a bit more couture about it.

-OK.

So, that one goes back on the rail, Felix.

Over with the Blues and an equine theme appears to be developing.

What about the little vesta? The little horseshoe vesta?

Vestas are always good. Horseshoe, the theme.

-Sorry, I don't know what a vesta is.

-Oh!

Tell your boy what a vesta is, Susan.

Well, it's a little match box,

and on the bottom will be a rough piece

where you can strike the match,

because in those days, there weren't safety matches.

Spot on, Susan, and here's another fact, Roger.

Vesta cases are a firm favourite on Bargain Hunt.

-So, the matches go in here.

-Right.

Then you close the lid and you strike them here.

Ah.

And that's rather lovely.

Can you see? It's more of a yellowy colour.

It's been plated and the plating's worn, revealing the brass.

But that's been in someone's pocket.

That would be used all the time.

-It's been well used.

-Well used, well loved.

Yeah, I think that's great.

How old do you think that probably is?

I think it'll be 1890, 1900.

Yes, I would think so. Yes.

Matthew, what can you do on that?

I think the very best we could do on that would be 26.

Ooh! It started with the right number, didn't it?

It did, yes. 22?

If we meet you halfway, 24.

Did you say 23 or...?

-Er, 23.

-She's good, isn't she!?

-SHE LAUGHS

I think we could probably squeeze that for you.

I think at 23, we'll have it.

Yes, great! Yes.

-Great, well done, Mum.

-Goodness diddly me!

-Thank you, Matthew.

-That's how to negotiate.

A cracking job, Susan.

That's two items bought and £113 spent in just 20 minutes.

Now, I'm not sure what the Reds have spotted.

-Wow, look at the size of that.

-Wow!

-19th century.

Forged giant turnscrew, possibly from a shipyard.

I mean, it's phenomenal, as a bit of social history.

A working tool from yesteryear, it's big old lump, isn't it?

How would it be used?

I guess you'd be turning those sort of great big screws

into the hulk of the boat, I'd have thought.

-I'm guessing, I don't know.

-No.

It does look like a giant's toothpick, though, doesn't it?

It does a bit, doesn't it?

I can tell you that rare early tools do sell,

there is a known collectible field for it.

The price worries me a little bit.

Now, they've got £75 on the price ticket.

That's the kind of thing that could go for a fiver or something.

I don't think it'll go that cheap.

It's the sort of thing that might only make 20 quid.

-Yes.

-Or it might make 120 quid, if it is a rare form of early tool.

I don't know.

Look, let's get the piece out and have a closer look at it.

And just get a feel for it.

I love this turning on the handle, as well,

and again, you've got more patination on the handle.

The handle, I think, is mahogany.

And it's just so well made.

-What do you think, Mum?

-Yes, I'm liking that.

-£75, Mum!

-75. It does seem a lot, doesn't it?

It is a bit of a gamble.

You're going to have to get that down and it's going to be a gamble.

All you need is two enthusiastic bidders and you're away.

Yeah, we'll see if we can work the price down.

I think we'll think about it.

-We'll get Lesley on the case.

-See what she says. Excellent.

As the Reds head off to negotiate with shop owner Lesley,

the Blues have found something off their shopping list.

I see some toys down here, you mentioned toys before.

Is that a racing cert?

No, there's no such thing as a racing cert

in the terms of profit and antiques, is there, Susan?

No. Those toys all look very worn, too.

-They do, don't they?

-Condition is vital.

Quite right, Susan. Maybe find some that haven't been so well-loved.

Meanwhile, the Reds are after a hefty reduction

on that big £75 tool.

Now, Lesley, we've stumbled across in one of your cabinets back here

this enormous great 19th-century - we think - shipbuilder's tool.

-I know, yes.

-You know it?

-Yes, I do, I've seen it.

-Once seen, not forgotten.

-Yes.

-It's got 75.

-OK. 68?

-That's the very best?

-It is.

I like it, I think we go for it.

-I think it's unique...

-It's a risk, isn't it, but...?

On my head be it, Mum. I think I'm going to go for it.

-So, we're going to buy the tool.

-We're going to go for the tool.

-£68.

OK, right. Deal done, we'll have that.

Well done, Reds. It's a risky buy,

but Felix seems happy to take the blame if this one sinks at auction.

-Two down, one to go. Forward march. Come on.

-Fantastic.

And with 25 minutes left and one more item to buy,

will the Blues clean up with this?

Ah, now!

Gentleman's travelling toiletry case.

-Mm-hm?

-Says "sold as seen", but for me...

I think that means it's missing a bit.

Oh, to me, it looks brand-new and it looks hardly used.

-Well, something would have been in here.

-Oh.

I think there's been another bottle, don't you, Susan?

Another brush, probably.

Or a brush, and here, there's been a comb.

-Yes, there would have been.

-Oh, OK.

-But it is rather nice, actually.

-It is.

-It is quite nice.

No, but they're nice quality sets.

-They are quite nice.

-It's beautifully silk-lined.

-Most of it there.

-Ebony brushes.

Yes. But it's... Is it chrome?

Yes, it won't be... Or silver plate. It's not silver.

Would you have used something like that when you were at sea, Roger?

Unfortunately, at a very young age,

-I had the same hair style I have now.

-Oh, right!

So, I didn't actually need a kit like this.

-No, maybe the polishing one.

-Yes!

Steady on, Caroline. Let's move back to Felix,

who's also bristling with excitement over another find.

-What's he found?

-What have you found?

-Look at this.

-Ooh!

-Oh, I like those.

-It's not bad.

-So, pair of cufflinks.

I love this whole equine theme, as well.

-Really cool.

-What's the price? Have a look.

-Let's have a look.

They're 12.50, for all three items.

That's a really good price.

Now, just bearing in mind these are made of a base metal,

they're not gold.

These will be gold-plated or just an inexpensive base metal.

You're not buying a rare antique,

they're probably made in the 1970s, that sort of period.

But they're stylish - you're buying style,

you're not buying a precious metal.

Look, you've done really well, the boy done good.

But you're not finished yet.

Because you're going to take those, you're going to take that,

you've got to go and find young Lesley,

nail her down to a good price, get a real good discount

and come back and let me know how you did.

But well done, great spot.

-Can I have a high five?

-You can have a high five.

Go and get haggling. Go on!

If you can improve on the price,

Nick seems to think the going's good.

But will the Blues be first past the post with this clock?

My mum was drawn, and I have to agree with her,

to a clock on the top shelf.

So, we just want your opinion,

but I think that's going to be our third buy.

Ah, here, yes, yes!

-Silver alarm clock.

-That's right. We think, nice silver frame.

Practical clock,

the sort of thing that pretty much anybody could use in their house.

-Yeah?

-And so...

-Sort of timeless.

Boom-boom! And it's very easy to see, isn't it?

-It's modern. You know that, though.

-Yes, yes.

I think it's probably battery driven,

-which in some ways is a good thing.

-Quite.

-Yes.

Do you want me to see if I can go and find somebody for you?

-Yes, please.

-Right.

Well, the Blues seem confident they've spotted their final item.

How are the odds looking on the cufflinks?

-We have a surprise.

-Come on, make me proud, how did you do?

We've spoken to Lesley and the best she can do is £10.

That's a great price, £10.

Well, all day long, you've got a profit in those at a tenner.

So, going to get them paid for, get them bought.

-Yes. Brilliant.

-Excellent!

-Fantastic.

-Brilliant.

We've decided! We made three decisions.

You've made decisions, you bought all three things.

-And we've got time to spare.

-In record time.

I think you can go and buy me a cup of tea.

-Come on!

-We shall.

-Get these paid for. Well done.

Job done, Reds. With 15 minutes on the clock,

it looks like the Blues are about to negotiate on this time piece

without their expert. A brave move.

We'd like to ask about the clock.

We're quite keen on it, but not so keen on the price.

So, I think we're probably hoping for around 70 on the price.

We can't really go that low.

It would be 80.

OK. Just because...

-Maybe meet in the middle at 75?

-Meet in the middle at 75?

-Yes.

-Brilliant. Thank you very much, Matthew.

The Blues are happy with the price. Let's hope Caroline is, too.

So, with the shopping over, it's time to call time. PHONE RINGS

OK, I'll pass that on.

Teams, your time's up.

Has anything happened, have I missed anything?

Well, we've just blown, but I think in a positive way, £75.

-Ooh!

-So, I think...

-On the clock?

-On the clock.

Whoo! Well done. Susan, whoohoo! Well done.

Let's remind ourselves what the Red team bought.

I know!

First up, they're hoping for a pretty profit

on this amber necklace, bought for £35.

Next, have they taken a risk on the shipbuilder's tool? Bought for £68.

And finally, will they romp home with these cufflinks?

£10 paid.

-Well done, Felix, Heather.

-Thank you.

Which of the three items that you bought, Felix,

is your absolute favourite?

I do love the shipbuilder's tool.

I think it's wicked. I think it looks really cool.

It's special, it's unique and it's just weird.

You're not sure, but do you think in your heart of hearts,

it's going to bring the biggest profit?

I hope sitting in the front row will be a shipbuilder

who has an empty tool belt and goes "That's what I need!"

And we'll be sorted for that.

Heather, do you agree? Is the shipbuilder's tool

your favourite item?

No, my favourite item is the necklace.

So, do you think it's going to bring the biggest profit?

No, I think our third item, the cufflinks and the tie pin.

Now, what did you spend? £113, was it?

-Yes!

-That's right.

-I think it was.

-Which leaves £187 left over.

-And have you got it?

-I certainly do.

-Perfect. Right.

-Nick?

-Thank you.

-Is that a challenge?

Not really. It's a good antiques centre,

and I'll find something, I think, because we went a bit off-piste.

Something with a bit of quality and a bit of pizazz.

-Sounds exciting!

-Excellent.

While Nick goes looking for his bonus buy,

let's remind ourselves what the Blue team bought.

First up, Susan negotiated a price of £90 for this Hermes-style scarf.

The equine theme continues with this vesta case, £23 paid.

And finally, Susan wanted some silver

and splashed out £75 on this modern clock.

Well, I have to say, well done, Blues,

that was a very calm and considered shop.

And Caroline, you must be super impressed by Susan's knowledge.

Really impressed. Really impressed!

In fact, I didn't need to be there. Mind you, nor did you!

Which of the three items, Susan, would you say is your favourite?

-The scarf.

-The scarf.

Now, it cost you £90,

so do you think it's going to bring the biggest profit

-or will that be something else?

-Yes, I think that will.

So, Roger, do you agree with Susan? Is the scarf your favourite item?

Well, I've got where I am today by agreeing with Mum,

so I'm going to do that again, and say it's the scarf.

Fantastic, OK.

So, do you also think it's going to bring the biggest profit?

I think if somebody wants that scarf,

they'll pay over the odds for it.

Now, over three items, you spent £188, so who's got £112?

-Mum!

-I have.

-OK, Caroline, with £112.

Thank you very much indeed, I'm going to enjoy this.

-Do you have a plan?

-I'm going to do it very, very carefully,

whatever I do, or else Susan's going to be watching me.

So, no pressure on Caroline, then,

as she goes looking for the bonus buy.

And I'm off to visit Winston Churchill's home.

This is no ordinary pair of round tortoiseshell spectacles.

They've just come to the market via a private seller,

and are valued at £1,000-£1,500.

Why? Well, they're thought to have been made

for Britain's great wartime Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill.

He lived here, at Chartwell in Kent, for 43 years,

and in the long hours spent writing, reading and painting,

his glasses were his steadfast companions.

As well as this round-rimmed style,

Churchill also favoured half-moon spectacles.

While he had his day-to-day pairs,

Churchill's opticians, CW Dixey & Son of London,

kept back three copies in case of breakages and loss.

This set on the desk, Churchill's desk, is thought to be one pair.

These are going under the hammer at auction, that's the second pair,

but the whereabouts of the third remains a mystery.

Here to tell us more is the company's MD, Simon Palmer.

So, Simon, Churchill's famed for his style, particularly his spectacles,

so why, of all the makers, did he choose CW Dixey?

Well, we were established in 1777 and we had a lot of royal warrants,

and I think it's probably the reputation that first attracted him.

And you have a couple of those royal warrants with you, haven't you?

These are great archive documents.

Yes, this one's Queen Victoria from 1893,

and the other one is from King George VI from the Second World War.

So, what documents are there in the archives? Receipts, etc,

that show that Churchill was a customer?

Well, our archive's a treasure trove of original documents,

and the Churchill archive have a number of our original bills,

of which two are here, and you can see this one's a bill dated 1915,

and it's for spectacles for sketching and reading.

And this one's from 1944.

It says, "I received the half-eye spectacles this morning,

"and as Mr Churchill no longer requires them,

"I've arranged for the frame to be credited in full."

So, this, as we know, wasn't his style -

he preferred the full frame, didn't he?

It's amazing how long he wore the same style for,

if you think about it. He didn't change his style with the round-eye,

but you occasionally see the half-eye where he's giving speeches,

because I think he liked to peer over the top at the audience.

Of course. So, this photograph you have here

is an original pair of Churchill glasses, they've got one dot.

This modern pair here has two dots. So what were these codes?

The company came up with a very ingenious way

of allowing Mr Churchill to determine which frame

was for which purpose, and that was by putting little dots

at the end of the arms.

One dot was for a reading frame, and two dots were for giving speeches.

I have seen a frame with three dots,

but I'm afraid to say I can't work out what that's for, exactly.

So perhaps it was for painting, for which he was also really well-known.

Maybe card playing too - who knows?

Now, your records show that Churchill wasn't

a fair-weather client of the company, was he?

He was a really loyal one.

Our archives show he was a customer for nearly 50 years,

buying the same kind of designs, and if you think about it,

it's really unusual for someone to stay

so loyal to a company for so long.

And I believe the company even had spare spectacles waiting

in case of an emergency.

Yes, the company always kept a few pairs in reserve,

and Churchill was always breaking frames,

-so there was always a frame ready to send out.

-So, over the years,

Churchill can't have been the only celebrated client.

Oh, we're very lucky. Just amazing patrons over the centuries.

The Emperor of China was a client.

So was Napoleon Bonaparte,

and in the more modern age, we've had many writers and actors.

For example, Ian Fleming was a client in the 1950s.

And it was a few years after he came to us

that he wrote one of his famous stories, For Your Eyes Only.

No pun intended! So what's the document there,

the little card you've got?

That was his sight test record, when he came to the company,

and actually someone from the firm has written

"Author James Bond series" in it, in beautiful calligraphy.

Thank you very much, Simon.

Now, it's time to see if our teams will make Bargain Hunt history

as we head to the auction.

We're here now at Catherine Southon Auctions in Surrey,

joined by Catherine Southon herself.

Thank you so much for having us along.

-Well, thank you for coming.

-We're starting with the Red team,

-Felix and Heather.

-Mm-hm.

-And we're starting with this amber necklace.

It's pretty, it's dainty,

is it going to float the boat of your buyers?

I actually really like that.

You know, it's quite cleverly made, because you've got all the silk,

which has been plaited, and then you have lots of little pieces of amber,

lots of different colours, different textures, different sizes.

I think it looks attractive.

We have put a guide price of 30-40 on it.

They paid slap bang in the middle of your estimate, £35.

So, it could do all right.

I think we might have a winner there.

OK, we'll move on to a slightly more mysterious item.

Not quite sure exactly what it is,

but Nick thinks it's a shipbuilding tool of some sort.

It could be, maybe for locomotives, something like that.

It's a whopper of a tool.

But what is it for? Someone will know.

I don't, I'm afraid, but I do like it.

-I think it's impressive.

-Do you want to tell us what you think

-it's going to make at the auction?

-Well, this is really a guesstimate.

It's £40-£60.

Well, the team were happy to pay £68 for it,

so hopefully they get a bit higher than you think it's going to make.

-I really hope so!

-And third and final,

we've got these equestrian cufflinks, super sweet.

They've got the matching tie stud, as well.

It doesn't do a lot for me because they're not of any precious metal.

They're only gilt metal but they're pretty smart.

£20-£30.

Well, the team knew they weren't precious metal

and they didn't pay a precious price. Only £10.

-Bargain!

-Looks all right for the Reds.

Catherine's very positive the team will make some profits,

but just in case, let's see what Nick bought as a bonus buy.

I went for glitz and glam.

Something that might shine in the auction.

Ta-dah!

-Now, that's impressive.

-SHE LAUGHS

That's not a good reaction, Mum! What do you think? I like it.

-Do you?

-You do.

Heather, I don't think you're as keen on it as Felix is.

I don't know, I don't particularly like it.

I wouldn't have it in my house, personally.

It's classic, isn't it? In the form of a modern table lamp,

with this lovely pink marble, gilt metal,

almost ormolu mounts in a classic Grecian column.

Dare we ask how much did you spend on it?

-Thousands! £40.

-Oh, OK. That's OK, then.

-That's really good.

-I like it more now, at £40.

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

I think it might make 60-80.

-That's not bad.

-I would hope so.

Well, Nick seems convinced with his bonus buy,

the Reds seem half convinced.

Let's see if Catherine has seen the light.

OK, so I'm glad I've been to the gym, Catherine,

because I've got a lump to show you.

Here is Nick's full marble lamp - what do you make of that?

If you get too close, you see it is faux marble,

but it's got this nice Corinthian capital at the top,

with the acanthus leaves and the sort of stepped base,

but it's modern, at the end of the day.

I think £30-£50 is fair.

He did only pay £40 for it, so perhaps that was...

-That's OK.

-..his influence there.

I think it's going to look quite rosy for the Reds, actually.

I think it probably is, yeah.

But let's head to the Blues - we have Roger and Susan.

Are we convinced this is an original, authentic Hermes scarf?

When you're buying one of these scarves,

they usually are very exact measurements.

It's 40 by 40, 60 by 60, 90 by 90.

This doesn't come into those measurements.

It's not the correct weight, they're all very precise in their weight,

and also, when you look at the silk really, really closely,

you can see it hasn't got that woven sort of pattern.

I'm not convinced this is right.

OK. So, whoever is going to buy it,

-it's purely for the look, as opposed to the name?

-Exactly.

So, what do you think that someone would be prepared to pay for it?

I think £60-£80.

So it's not all doom and gloom because the team paid £90 for it.

-So, it's close.

-Right, OK.

Our next item is this little brass vesta.

So, another equestrian item. Shape of a horseshoe.

Yeah, I mean, it's novelty and people like equestrian items,

but there's not an awful lot to it. Again, not precious metal.

It's brass, so it's quite basic.

£15 to £20.

OK, well, once again, the team paid just over - they paid £23 this time.

Then moving in a completely different direction,

we have this modern clock.

It does have a silver frame. How do you think it's going to appeal?

No. I daren't turn it round because you can see, really, the age to it -

it is pretty much brand-new and it is silver.

It does have a silver frame but it's a very thin amount of silver.

So what's your estimate?

-30-50.

-OK, well, the team paid £75 for the clock.

Hopefully they won't lose too much money,

but it doesn't look quite as good for the Blues.

Not quite as rosy, no, no. We will try.

Yeah, you will try, of course, but in case it all goes pear-shaped,

they do have their bonus buy to fall back on,

so let's see what Caroline bought for the Blues.

-Shall I reveal it?

-Yes, please.

-Wow!

-It's a doll's chair.

It's a Victorian doll's chair.

This is really good quality.

It's ebonised on mahogany.

It's got beautiful, beautiful gilt highlighting,

all these spindles are in good condition.

-I absolutely love it.

-I love it.

And the upholstery is original upholstery.

The last quarter of the 19th century, I would think.

This is needlework, cross-stitch. It's badly worn now.

-Top marks, Caroline.

-It's delightful.

-Thank you so much.

Well, except, we need to know how much you paid for it.

-Well, I paid 40.

-Whey!

-Well done. What do you think it will make?

-65, 70.

I need to remind you, Blues,

that now is not the time to make up your minds,

so while you're mulling it over,

let's see what Catherine, our auctioneer,

makes of this delightful doll's chair.

So, Caroline has gone for a rather sweet doll's chair.

Let me just plonk it down.

What do you think?

Well, I think my bottom's too big to go on this,

-so I think it's definitely for a teddy bear or a doll.

-Yes.

You're not supposed to say yes! But this is definitely Victorian.

It's seen better days. Ebonised back, ebonised frame.

It's a little bit worn in places.

Nice to have the original upholstery.

Before I get to your estimate,

I just want to clarify that my bottom wouldn't fit on it, either.

So, what do you think it's worth, Catherine?

-£30-50.

-30-50?

-Well, Caroline was content to pay £40 for it.

-Yeah, well done.

Sounds to me like you might have your work cut out today,

-but you're looking forward to going on the rostrum?

-Oh, yeah.

I'll give it everything!

You always do, Catherine, best of luck.

55, 60, 5...

OK, Heather, Felix, Nick, feeling positive about today's auction?

-Pumped. I think this is it.

-Really?

-Very excited.

I think we've got some interesting items that could possibly do well.

He told me his rent's due today, so we've got to make some profit.

Literally, it's all counting on this!

Or moving back home, so we better do well!

-It's all on this.

-Heather, for you, we're going to make a profit.

We want to avoid that at all costs.

First item we've got coming up, Heather, is your favourite.

It's the necklace.

-Here it comes.

-Lot 277, ladies and gentlemen,

we have a modern, polished amber and silk multi-strand necklace.

I'm looking for a very mere £30.

-Oh!

-That would be a good start.

£30 is bid, thank you. £30 straightaway.

I'm looking for five.

-Come on!

-Pretty little necklace, £30.

Come on, that's cheap.

Come on, please!

Make someone's day.

-£30...

-BANGS GAVEL

Oh! We're starting on the back foot.

Looks like I'm coming home, Mum!

You paid £30, so you've lost five just then.

So, this is it, Felix, the shipbuilder's tool.

£68 paid, I really hope there is profit in it.

Lot 278, this is... Well, it could be a shipbuilder's tool.

It could be a railway tool, but it is some form of tool.

I'm looking for £40, please. £40 to start this.

-Go on!

-Oh, dear. 40's not much.

£40. Come on, ladies and gentlemen. £40?

30, then?

-Oh, she's dropping. Sinking!

-That's a bargain!

This has to sell. £20?

-Oh, go on.

-No!

-Felix, what happened?

Come on, £20. Thank you, there's a man that knows.

£20. I'm looking for five.

£20, I have.

Any more? Fair warning. £20.

Deep breath! £20.

I'd get that spare room ready, if I was you.

Yes! That was a loss of 48, which means overall, you're now -53.

OK, team, you only paid £10 for this set of cufflinks so, come on,

-here we go.

-There should be a profit in this one.

Let's get some profit.

Lot 279, some rather nice vintage gilt and enamel

equestrian cuff links, and a matching tie stud.

£30, anyone? £30?

20? Thank you.

£20, we're in profit!

£20, then.

Fair warning, £20.

-OK, £20.

-Aw!

Right, you did make a profit, so that's £10.

Take that from your 53, you're -43.

So, the question looms, the big question, is Felix moving back home?

No, I'm just kidding! The big question is,

are you going to go with Nick's bonus buy?

-I suppose you don't have much to lose.

-Yes!

-Nothing to lose.

-Are you ready for this?

-Yes.

-The bonus buy is all on Nick, here it comes.

282, a contemporary faux-marble table lamp stand with shade.

£30? £30.

It's not happening.

This has to be sold.

20. Thank you. £20.

Any more at 20, then?

-Fair warning at £20...

-BANGS GAVEL

Oi, oi, oi, OK. £20.

Team, I can see why you're a wee bit deflated.

That's another loss. It means you risked it, it didn't pay off.

--63 is where we end up.

-That's not too bad!

It's not too bad but this is a competition, so we've got to play

the numbers game here. OK.

All you have to do is, firstly, keep your mouths sealed,

don't say anything to the Blues, and hope that they lose more.

I shall never speak of this again, believe me!

Right, Blues, are you ready for this?

Catherine Southon is on the rostrum.

She is offering your Hermes scarf as we speak.

-Are you a bit nervous?

-No, we're confident.

-Good.

-We're good.

-Well, you paid £90 for it, so let's hope for profit.

It's lot 288, a vintage silk Hermes-style scarf.

Who will give me £20 to start this?

-Ooh!

-£20?

-Oh, no.

Thank you, internet. I have £20.

£20. 30, thank you.

I've got 35.

Susan, you look worried.

35, all done?

OK, listen, it happens at auction.

£35 is a loss of £55.

So, we need this vesta case to make some money.

You paid £23! Here we go.

Lot 289 is a brass vesta in the form of a horseshoe.

What shall we say for this? 10? 10 is bid.

10, 12 14, 16.

-A bit of competition.

-18, 20.

22...

-Come on!

-Surely another?

-£1 away!

-One more!

-22, 24, 26.

-Yes!

£26, it's yours, sir.

£26. OK, so you made three.

We're clawing our way back here.

You're now -52.

What can we get from this clock?

Lot 290, we have a modern clock with a silver frame.

I've got bid on the internet of £20.

-Ooh! Starting low.

-I'm looking for 30.

Thank you. 30, I have.

£30, I have. We would like more.

Yes, we would!

-I think she read your mind!

-Any more?

Oh, 40 now.

50.

50, I have. £50.

Seated at £50.

50 it is. OK, it's another loss, Blues.

25. So, overall, what have you lost?

£77.

Right, so 77 is our loss.

It's not what we were hoping for, so Caroline Hawley now has her moment

because she bought you that doll's chair that you love.

Do you think it's worth risking more loss?

Absolutely, yes.

OK, Caroline, it's all on you.

Are you ready, Susan?

Here we go, here's the bonus buy.

We have the sweetest Victorian ebonised doll's chair, lot 294 here.

With original upholstery.

How can you resist?

£30. £30 straightaway.

-Straight in at 30.

-OK.

-Already got £30.

35, 40, madam?

It will fit in the car, I promise.

-£40. 45.

-Yes!

-50, thank you.

-Yes!

Caroline's item has made a profit.

£50, 55.

£60, £60 now.

£60, fair warning.

That was the best result. Well done, Caroline!

So, Caroline has given you a helping hand.

The doll's chair made more than Catherine was expecting.

£60 is a £20 profit.

We'll add that to your loss, it's -57 overall.

Now, I know that you two have seen Bargain Hunt before.

-It's a numbers game. That could be a winning score.

-OK.

So, don't be pessimistic and don't say anything to the Reds.

-OK?

-OK.

Well, teams, you just never can predict what's going to happen

on Bargain Hunt, can you?

-£6 separates our teams today.

-Oh!

Now, I've given it away here

that neither team made any money, clearly,

because £6 either end does not mean profit.

Our winners today, with a loss...

..of £57, are the Blues!

Yay!

Now, I have to just point out that Susan was so despondent,

you thought, "I can't believe we came here, we lost all that money."

Susan, can you believe you've actually won?

I was speechless, absolutely speechless.

We'll turn to the Reds, because you did get one profit, didn't you,

-on your cheapest item?

-Yeah.

So, that was a bit of a no-brainer.

Was going on Bargain Hunt the perfect way

-to have some family bonding time?

-It was really fun.

And spending time with Nick has been brilliant.

-So thank you.

-It's been my pleasure,

Just sorry you've got nothing to take home other than memories,

-but you can't put a price on that.

-No.

Well, I've got nothing to offer the Blues either.

You are our victors but no money to show for it,

-but some fond memories, I hope?

-Absolutely.

It was very good fun.

Well, we had mothers and sons today, and if you're sitting at home

with your mother, son, father, brother, whomever,

then do think about applying to be on the show.

All the details are showing on your screen now.

But one thing I ask you is keep tuning in.

Join us again for some more Bargain Hunting.

-Yes?

-Yes!