NARRATOR: The nation's favorite celebrities-- I've got some proper bling here.

NARRATOR: --paired up with an expert.

Point, point.

NARRATOR: --and a classic car.

You'll exit!

NARRATOR: Their mission-- to scour Britain for antiques.

All breakages must be paid for.

This is a good find, is it not?

NARRATOR: The aim, to make the biggest profit at auction, but it's no easy ride.

Who will find a hidden gem?

Who will take the biggest risks?

Put on my antiques head on.

NARRATOR: Will anybody follow expert's advice?

I think it's horrible.

NARRATOR: There will be worthy winners-- This is better than Christmas.

NARRATOR: --and valiant losers.

Time to put your pedal to the metal.

This is "Celebrity Antiques Road Trip."

Yeah.

Two lovely celebrities have hit the road in this classic 1985 Mercedes SL.

Just a minute.

It's only Nicholas Parsons and Gyles Brandreth.

This is the "Antiques Road Trip," but the good news is we are not the antiques.

Well, George, you're very modest.

You're much younger than I am.

NARRATOR: They are masters of the articulate argument and indicating left by the look of things.

I am reaching the antique age I think.

Well.

But one keeps going.

I mean, like good antiques, you keep them polished, and they look great.

Oh, yes, patination.

NARRATOR: But 92 years of age, Nicholas is a national treasure.

He's been a West End actor, the legendary host of game show "Sale of the Century," and for nearly 50 years, the chair of the radio show "Just a Minute."

Appearing regularly on the show since 1982 has been his old friend, Gyles Brandreth.

He's been an author, a journalist, a presenter on "The One Show" and even a politician.

And who can forget his taste for natty jumpers?

Mock not the jumpers.

The Victoria and Albert Museum were in touch recently wanting one of my jumpers for their costume collection.

Wonderful.

I love this sort of story.

Representing the height of 1980s fashion, a Gyles Brandreth jumper.

NARRATOR: Representing the height of road trip fashion today and driving a 1965 Mark 2 Jag are our experts.

This car is low-key for us.

NARRATOR: Militaria expert Paul Laidlaw-- I knew it's your trousers.

Black leather is a good look.

You like them.

NARRATOR: --and dealer David Harper.

I see you've got the khaki circa 1944 World War II pants on.

NARRATOR: Now, now gentlemen, let's focus on the trip, shall we?

Well, I can't believe that we're with two iconic characters today-- Nicholas Parsons and Gyles Brandreth.

Who are we going to go with though?

How are we going to pair off?

Look, if you don't mind, I am a bit of a fanboy for just a minute.

Really?

Well, I love it, but could you imagine doing it?

Could you do that?

Could you do it?

I've hesitated already.

I'm out.

I think Gyles is brilliant.

I love him on "The One Show."

He's fantastic.

He's always beaming and smiling, so I think it'd be a laugh a minute.

So that would be good.

OK, good deal.

NARRATOR: And hopefully, the first of many to come.

Both our teams start this trip with 400 pounds to spend.

Today, they begin their buying in beautiful Berkhamsted, before heading into the busy streets of London and then back out to Hertfordshire for our auction in Bushey.

But first, time to pick up our celebrities.

Oh, here they're.

Oh, nice car.

Nicholas Parsons is driving Mercedes.

[INAUDIBLE] Gyles Brandreth.

Unbelievable.

Yes, good morning.

I'm wanting the one in the red trousers.

Oh, I see.

I can't believe Gyles Brandreth has said that to me.

Well, lovely to me you David.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] --exciting.

I'm a big, big fan of yours.

Where are we going?

Somewhere nearby?

Somewhere nearby.

Shall we take the German vehicle?

Very good.

Just to mix it up a little.

- This is the Mercedes you mean?

- This is the Mercedes.

- This is good.

- So what do we get?

You get the Jaguar.

Look at that.

- Oh, my-- Oh.

Brilliant.

Shall I drive then Gyles?

I'm happy to.

Do you want to toss for it?

- Will you drive?

I'd like to see what you're like.

OK, I'll drive.

Thank you, drive.

Well-- All right, OK. NARRATOR: With teams decided, it's time to get acquainted.

Have you been with "Just a Minute" from the first episode?

I did the original pilot, and I'm still doing it after over 900 performances.

It's one of those romantic stories of show business.

The pilot was a disaster.

Oh, they didn't want it.

We had a very clever young producer then.

I called him David Hatch.

Came to me one day.

He said, "and unfortunately the only thing they liked about the pilot was your chairmanship."

And I said, "But David, I was awful. "

He said, "I know, but so was everybody else."

NARRATOR: And the rest, as they say, is history.

The first shop of our trip today is Berkhamsted in the charming Chiltons, a popular town steeped in history and complete with its own medieval high street.

John Cleese called it home for a while.

And today, we're visiting Heritage Antiques, lovely.

So is this your first foray into an antique shop in a while, or a you a regular frequenter?

Oh, no.

No, I'm not a regular frequenter.

I'm interested in antiques, and I have one or two at home, but I don't get the time to browse.

NARRATOR: Here to help them out is the very affable John.

Paul?

John, good to see you.

This of course is Nicholas.

You are the owner, John?

I am, yes.

All right.

just want a collection.

Are you in this to win it, or are you in it to spend money?

Are you just going to follow your heart and your instincts-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] I'm in it to have fun.

NARRATOR: That's the spirit.

What about the serious stuff?

You're comfortable haggling?

Oh, God, yes.

[LAUGHTER] Are you ruthless?

Are you genteel in this stuff?

Oh, God.

No, you mustn't be ruthless.

You've got to do it with charm.

Trying to be-- You can be ruthlessly charming, Nicholas.

NARRATOR: Ruthlessly charming, eh?

He sounds like one to watch, dark horse.

This may leave you cold.

Well, that?

Yes.

I've got one like that.

Do you have a reproduction or a real one?

I've got a real one.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] --in the 1920s.

I've got a real one [INAUDIBLE],, and it actually works.

NARRATOR: Genuine 1920s candlestick phones are made from lacquered brass and vulcanite and can often be adapted to work on the modern phone line, when they're cleaned up.

For me, that's the dream, when an antique is not just an object or an ornament.

You can use it.

Well, how much do they want for this?

Well, this is 65 pounds.

Oh, no, no, no, no.

I like the way you think.

That price is rubbish.

I know how much I paid for mine.

I was only going to offer them not a penny more than 40.

You're more generous than me Nicholas.

Were you going to offer them 30?

25 pounds.

25 pounds, let's try and get it for 25 pounds.

Well, let's see what we can do, shall we?

NARRATOR: Let's see this ruthless Parsons charm in action then.

John?

Is John aboard?

- John.

- Hi.

Here I am.

Oh, this period telephone.

Lovely, isn't it?

25 pounds?

NARRATOR: He is ruthless.

Can't go down that much.

Well, 20.

[LAUGHTER] NARRATOR: And charming.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] 35, 35.

No, 30.

30 is-- I mean, and we'll take it.

Seeing as you give me hours of entertainment.

Oh, that's a good excuse, isn't it?

30, all done.

You don't beat about the bush, Nicholas, do you?

No, no, no.

Me I say I love your work sir.

Shake the man's hand.

- There we go.

- Good, we shake.

- Done.

- Done.

Wonderful.

NARRATOR: Nicholas and Paul aren't done in here yet, but let's see how the opposition are getting on.

This is very exciting, isn't it?

And this is the perfect English tale.

We're blessed.

We are totally blessed.

And here I am.

I've got the best of all the experts.

Now, don't be putting the pressure on me.

I'm sorry.

I've got the world authority on everything.

On everything?

On everything.

We are going to turn our 400 pounds into something that is record breaking.

NARRATOR: Nothing like aiming high, eh?

Their first shop is Berkhamsted's Home and Colonial.

We're going to be charmingly ruthless.

NARRATOR: Hey, that phrase sounds very familiar.

Let's pump it up.

NARRATOR: And here to help them, are Louise and Ali.

Don't look quite so scared girls.

Now, we have got to be disciplined because we have got-- we hope to find an item or two here that we want to buy.

I have a target in mind, and I have a rule.

Yeah, you do.

You do.

Because with my wife, we go-- and what we normally do is start at the top and work down.

And my wife says to me, oh, this has been the story of our life, Charles, isn't it?

Starting at the top and working your way down.

Marvelous.

So we can do that here as well.

Welcome to the "Antiques Road Trip."

Yes.

NARRATOR: You'd better get up those stairs then, hadn't you?

I am after big and colorful.

Love big and colorful.

Because I am with you, you epitomize big and colorful.

No, seriously.

Do I?

NARRATOR: I'd take that as a compliment if I were you David.

Whoo!

Whoo, what have you seen?

Well, I've seen that.

Antlers?

Yeah, antlers.

We love that-- Yeah, we do.

Or do people like that?

They do.

Old school desk?

No, tricky, tricky.

NARRATOR: Here's one celeb who came to shop.

The search continues.

The story of my life, you know.

Remember, I used to be a member of parliament.

I was actually in the government, and now I'm trolling about second hand shops with you.

In a pair of red trousers.

- Yeah, it's come to this.

- What has life come to?

I know.

NARRATOR: It's not that bad.

They could be those green ones.

I think this is quite charming.

It's a watercolor.

It's a castle on island with boats to the foreground.

It's clearly late 19th century.

It looks it.

They're trying to sell it here for 25 pounds.

We're going to get it for 15.

NARRATOR: Nothing like setting yourself a challenge, Gyles.

We like the look of this, and we'd love to buy something from you.

Is this yours?

This is not mine.

Oh.

It's lovely though.

It is.

It's charming, isn't it?

And we see that it's 25 pounds.

Oh, yes.

What do you think is the very best that whoever owns this might be able to give us?

20.

What?

20?

That's a bargain for that.

It's beautiful.

20-- 18 did you say?

No, 20.

You look a lot like a strong woman.

Why don't we blow 20 quid?

You know Johnson, I think we should.

Why don't we blow 20 quid on this-- Good idea.

NARRATOR: Their bargaining shows potential, but they're not exactly splashing their cash, are they?

How are Paul and Nicholas getting on?

I see that looks at first glance-- Absolutely beautiful.

--a half-decent specimen.

It's a very decent specimen.

NARRATOR: He spied a Victorian monocular brass microscope in a walnut case.

PAUL: Condition looks good, doesn't it?

NICHOLAS: Absolutely perfect as far as I can see.

I'm not an expert on these sort of things.

PAUL: What's the price on that?

Good triple lens.

NICHOLAS: Oh, 48.

PAUL: 48 pounds.

Actually, it doesn't look too bad at all.

Do you like?

I like it enough to make an offer.

What's your offer?

Given that I think you're uncannily good at this, what would be your offer on this?

15.

Oh, I love your work.

We've kicked in at 15.

You're going to come back with-- JOHN: 40.

Oh, no, no, no, no John.

I know you're going to make-- Can you help us?

I know you're going to make a living, but so have we.

It's quite a reasonable offer actually.

I mean, 48 to 40 is.

15 is slightly out of my pocket.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] We said that in jest, didn't we?

I'm ready to go to 25.

Make it 35.

30 and you got a deal.

Done.

Very good.

Very good.

Two down.

NARRATOR: This Parsons-Laidlaw combo is now in full flow.

Anything else take your fancy chaps?

John, what's that?

John, what is that fascinating thing there?

JOHN: That is a match dispenser.

NICHOLAS: A match dispenser.

JOHN: Yes.

PAUL: Every home should have it.

Surely you've got one of those already.

Absolutely invaluable.

So how does that work?

So there's your little-- You turn it round.

Do you just lift that up, do you?

Down to pick up a match and then up.

Up [INAUDIBLE].

Voila, match.

NARRATOR: This match dispenser is a good example of treen, small household items made of largely turned wood.

NICHOLAS: That's an uncommon object, is it not?

Very uncommon.

Coming What are we asking for that?

26.

Well, I defer to your maths here.

Where do we start-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] Because we love it, 15.

JOHN: 18.

No, no, 16.

16.

17.

I hate odd numbers in this instance.

Make it 18 then.

I see what you did there.

Can it be 16?

We bought two things, wonderful.

16.

Absolutely great.

I'm loving our work here.

NARRATOR: Nicholas is proving to be a shrewd haggler, parting with 76 pounds in the first shop for the phone, the microscope, and the match dispenser.

And that marks the end of that round.

Gyles and David already have a watercolor, but what else can they pick up?

A little cloisonne.

That is-- I mean that's good.

Do you know about cloisonne?

NARRATOR: Oops, don't drop it.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] It's been dropped before.

- Yeah.

- Yeah.

I mean, look at that.

That is a metal vase inlaid with enamel.

I mean, the production time that has gone into creating that is ridiculous.

It's Chinese.

It's late 19th century.

It's tourist wear really because-- Cloisonne.

Cloisonne.

- Cloisonne.

- Cloisonne.

Clozone.

We say cloisonne.

Cloisonne.

Why is it called cloisonne.

Do you know why?

The origin of cloisonne?

I have no idea.

No, I have no idea either.

I thought you would because you are French.

I know.

NARRATOR: Let me enlighten you [FRENCH]..

This 19th century Japanese vase is made with wire separating each part of the enamel design.

The French word for these partitions is cloisonne, hence cloisonne.

The ticket price is 30 pounds, don't you know?

It is a verse, and what would we pay for this?

10 pounds?

Let me do-- because you don't speak French.

What he's saying there is it's a vase, and what will we pay for it?

Would 10 pounds buy it?

Well, I have reduced it, but 15 would buy it.

I don't know that we want to pay 15 pounds for this cloisonne.

We'd love to buy something from you.

I'd love to buy this from you for 10 quid.

What's your name again?

Nicky?

I'm Gyles.

- Come on-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] 10 pounds.

Have it at 10 pounds.

Sorry what has just happened?

What has happened?

I bought this for 10 pounds.

What's that in French?

You were ready.

[SPEAKING FRENCH] NARRATOR: [FRENCH] Gyles' unique bargaining style has worked so far.

That's 25 pounds saved in their first shop.

[FRENCH] [SPEAKING FRENCH] NARRATOR: Paul and Nicholas are traveling 13 miles South to Rickmansworth.

This is it.

This is it.

Croxley Antiques.

Croxley Antiques.

If we can find one more thing here, our work is done for the day, I think.

All right, [INAUDIBLE].

NARRATOR: Here to help is Dave.

This is your empire.

It certainly is.

NARRATOR: With time running out, does anything in Dave's empire take their fancy?

Hello, what do we have here?

This is sitting on your counter.

Now, we see lots of these.

Not all of them are solid silver, but this cantle here bears [INAUDIBLE].. How much?

[INAUDIBLE] that's solid silver.

Going to date to 1930 give or take without looking it up.

Rather pleasing example.

What could that be?

And then no price on that.

DAVE: That will be 70 pounds.

70 pounds?

NICHOLAS: Dave, will you accept 55?

DAVE: I'm sorry I can't, no.

It's got to be 70.

As an item it's worth well over 70 pound.

You're so right, yeah.

Yeah, you're right.

You're right.

[INAUDIBLE] I'll be advised by you.

Should we go for 70?

You know what, it's not a rash gamble.

You'd be unlucky to lose much on it, and if there's any justice in the world, you make a little.

NARRATOR: How about having another go at a deal then, Nicholas?

- One last go Dave.

Will you accept anything less than 70?

Sure, and I'll sell at 65.

Before we go, you know I love clocks, and this one caught my eye because it's a very unusual case.

It's beautifully engraved over there.

NARRATOR: This mid-Victorian Rosewood and marquetry clock with enamel dial has a ticket price of 200 pounds.

I've looked in the back.

The movement's excellent, and Dave's put it out at an excellent price.

NARRATOR: And how much will he take off it?

Can I make you an offer on that?

And I know it-- it's a hard offer.

[INAUDIBLE] 120 pounds gives me some security.

I can't do it for that.

I can't.

125?

I would go-- lowest I'll do on it-- so 140.

I'll do at 135 for you.

That's the bottom line on it-- 135.

- You like that?

I know you like it.

- 135 is excellent.

- I think it's a good-- We've bought the clock, haven't we?

Yeah, 135.

Congratulations.

And I'll come a bit at the auction.

No, you know you will not.

You will be sitting next to me with your hands on your lap.

NARRATOR: Nicholas' tenacity has paid off.

That 65 pounds off the original asking price.

You could even say that that is the sale of the century.

200 pounds gets in the clock in the purse.

Cracking bidder shopping from Parsons and Laidlaw there.

Tremendous.

NARRATOR: David and Gyles have motored 35 miles South from genteel Hertfordshire to the rough hand streets of Kensington in London.

They've come to a place Gyles knows well to take a step back in time.

Here to show them around is Daniel.

Hello.

Hello.

Hello, welcome to 18 Stafford Terrace.

David Harper.

Pleasure to meet you.

Good to meet you.

Gyles Brandreth exciting to meet you.

You too.

Come in out of the sun.

Out of the sun and into the 19th century.

Is that where we're going?

Wow.

NARRATOR: 18 Stafford Terrace in Kensington was the home of workplace of artist and illustrator Edward Linley Sambourne, a man who revolutionized the art of cartoons through the new technology of photography.

His house has remained practically untouched since his death in 1910.

Those biscuits have lasted well.

It's a time capsule.

This is why I love it.

This is the home of high Victorian England, and the man who owned this house knew everybody.

And those he didn't know, he drew.

Is that right?

DANIEL: That's right, yep.

He was a very distinguished cartoonist and illustrator.

Oh, my gosh.

Isn't this just amazing?

It's delicious beyond belief, isn't it?

It's effectively full of treasures, isn't it?

NARRATOR: But Sambourne's roots were somewhat more modest.

Give us Edward Lindley Sambourne in a nutshell.

Who was he?

Well, he was the only son of a not altogether successful dealer in furs, and as a young man, he was apprenticed to a Greenwich-based engineering farmer.

Took up draftsmanship with them, and then he had a friend whose father was a friend of the editor of "Punch."

So as a young man, his sketches and cartoons were shown to the editor of "Punch," who thought that there was some merit in them.

NARRATOR: "Punch" was the leading satirical and cultural magazine in Britain at the time, and Sambourne went from occasional freelancer to chief cartoonist-- a highly regarded job in Victorian society.

But despite his prestigious job and an inheritance from an aunt and a wealthy wife, he still struggled to live within his means.

There's a wonderful thing in here, in fact, in the drawing room, where rather than take down everything and paper the entire room in this expensive paper, they simply papered round these islands of paintings and mirrors so that you only see the expensive paper where it's visible.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] And left the occasional gap.

There's the giveaway that in fact-- It's an illusion, isn't it?

So it's really making an illusion or making an impression without really the resources to do it.

NARRATOR: In order to keep up with Victorian appearances, Sambourne took on other illustration work, most famously on Charles Kingsley's children's classic, "The Water Babies."

But as time went on, he became more fascinated with photography as is evident all around the house.

What did he do in here?

Well, this is really where he produced his cartoons, and it was where he would come up to work every day.

NARRATOR: Sambourne realized he needed to work quicker.

Photography and some unlikely models would enable him to do that.

He would press gang family and servants into posing for him-- dressing up and posing for him in the backyard.

So he could take the photograph and then effectively trace it.

And so he's cut out the idea of having to make preliminary studies and so on and can cut straight to the image itself.

And so that really-- I think he had a great theatrical streak.

He loved posing himself in the backyard and dressing up as all kinds of things.

He got his mother to be the Pope and Queen Victoria on the same day, so everyone had a turn.

NARRATOR: He was even known to ask famous people for their photographs to make drawing them easier.

Some, like Oscar Wilde, were only too happy to oblige.

What are these rather candid photographs?

Well this-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] --a very good illustration of Sambourne's process.

So these blue prints are called cyanotypes.

So as you can see, he would very carefully pose the model in exactly the attitude that he needed and take the photograph, develop the photographs, have lunch, and then start work on the cartoons.

And this is his work easel?

This is his easel as it was up here in the studio.

That little easel producing all the artwork.

NARRATOR: Ironically, the production-line nature of cartoon drawing had led Sambourne to find a whole new outlet for his creativity.

He dressed sets and posed people for the photographs that created the cartoons.

Although he was never taken seriously as an artist at the time, his pioneering method of making cartoons from images of real people is still used today in Hollywood's animated blockbusters.

Daniel, it's been an absolute delight.

Thank you very much.

Well, thank you very much for-- Oh, it's wonderful.

OK, you can go off with him now.

I'm going to settle.

Are you getting changed?

I'm going to stay.

[LAUGHTER] We'll come back next week.

Welcome and see you.

NARRATOR: So that's day one done and dusted.

It's time for a well-earned rest before shopping up a storm tomorrow, so nighty night.

Welcome to day two of the road trip, and it's a gorgeous morning in the streets of Old London.

David what was is like yesterday's shopping with Gyles?

- My gosh.

Well, talk about energy.

That man's energy level is off the radar.

I mean, it's amazing.

I want to buy something with color.

Oh, OK.

Right, there's something with color.

He'll go and get it.

A decision maker, my gosh.

He doesn't lurk about.

I've had a brilliant time.

What about you?

Well, I'd say more city, more leisurely, maybe even measured.

Comes out of shell when it comes to negotiate.

I kid you not.

What can this be?

65 pounds.

No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

How about I'll give you 25.

[LAUGHTER] It's wonderful.

NARRATOR: Sounds like it's all going swimmingly.

Yesterday, Paul and Nicholas splashed the cash and spent 276 pounds on five items-- the phone, the microscope, the match dispenser, the purse, and the clock.

That means they only have 124 pounds for the day ahead.

David and Gyles have been somewhat tighter and only spent 30 pounds on two items-- the painting and the vase, leaving them with a well-stuffed wallet of 370 pounds to spend today.

How are our celebrities feeling on day two?

I didn't have a very good night because I thought I've not-- you know, I want to do well at this because I'm quite competitive.

Gyles, I know you very well, and I'm very fond of you, but you're one of the most competitive people I know, but you do it with such charm that we all accept it.

You're quite competitive yourself.

I am naturally competitive, but I haven't got that final oomph that you've got.

NARRATOR: Oh, I don't know about that Nicholas.

Anyway, look sharp.

Here come your experts.

Talk about having an easy life.

--voices.

I think I recognize them.

Well, I never-- This is dreadful.

Good morning.

Good morning Gyles.

Good morning Paul.

Nice to see you.

Don't let the pressure get to you.

We need to be pumped up Gyles.

We are pumped up.

I am pumped up and ready.

Do you mind if we just get going?

Would you mind?

Good, thank you very much.

We're pumped up, you too.

You two carry on regardless.

We've got some shopping to do.

We've got a lot of catching up to do.

NARRATOR: So with those two off, Paul and Nicholas can relax.

I think we bargained quite well, didn't we?

You bargained quite well.

I am in awe.

I doff my cap to your bargaining approach.

Well, it's so easy.

NARRATOR: Whilst those two reflect on yesterday, David and Gyles are starting their day in the London suburb of Clapham.

I have to tell you, I've seen Nicholas Parsons.

He is over the moon with joy.

He's bubbling with excitement.

He's not.

He has spent, spent, spent.

He has bought, bought, bought, and here we are trailing.

We've spent 30 quid.

We've got 370 pounds to go.

We are going to go big.

We're going to go bold.

Where are we going?

And we're going in there.

In there?

Houses cleared.

Whoever she is, she's bought the stuff for nothing.

NARRATOR: She is Helen, late of Troy and now of Eccles Road Antiques.

May we come in?

You-- please do.

- Can I bring my young friend?

- Yes.

Good morning, Helen.

He's David.

I'm Gyles.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] - Lovely to see you.

- How do you do?

Lovely to meet you.

Hi, Helen.

Thanks, come in.

This is great.

Oh, this is enchanting.

I'm just drawn to this.

I would say these could be 1950s.

Yeah, I think so.

Even possibly a little earlier.

I think they're earlier probably.

- It could be '20s or '30s.

- I think '20s.

- Yeah, yeah.

- Yeah, they could be, yeah.

- Uh.

- Oh, yeah.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] Meant to happen.

Every breakage that you have to pay for apparently.

And that will be 500 pounds, Helen, I assume.

- Yeah.

- Yes.

No, but actually it fell apart.

It's already broken.

The shop-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] Flat-pack is what they do.

Well, these are the kind of things that children would have played with, of course, in the '20s and '30s and '40s.

Where did they come from, Helen?

What's the story?

What's the provenance?

Well, the problem is that actually they've come from my house because I collected them over years when my children were small then got put away in a bag in the cellar, and the cellar flooded last week.

And so I fished them out, and they've been drying out here, hence no prices on them.

NARRATOR: There's no ticket, so how much does Helen want for them?

I would hope to get 20 pounds for the ones you've sorted.

Well, I was thinking of fiver.

He'd probably give you a tenner.

Could you do it for a tenner?

The whole lot?

Go on.

Go for it.

- Go, why not?

- Why not?

So I can't even remember I bought them-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] - Thank you.

- Have we done the deal?

- I've done the deal.

OK, sorry.

That all happened.

Who do I shake hands with?

- You shook hands with me.

I've done the deal now.

I've done the deal.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] I'm completely confused, but are you happy?

I'm happy.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] I did the deal.

NARRATOR: The Brandreth bluster has closed another deal-- 10 pounds for the toys.

You don't happen to have a beautiful tin box, a wonderful old 1920s 1930s box of some kind that you can just throw in, because clearly I paid a bit over the top that we would throw in.

We can put some tissue paper in it, put these in it, so it becomes a kind of magic box.

- Give me a moment.

- We'll give you a-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] We're going to look at some other things.

That's fun.

--in my basement.

NARRATOR: What can Helen rustle up?

What have you got Helen?

How about this for putting them in?

NARRATOR: A very generous Helen has come up trumps.

Oh, that's charming.

Can I say that's charming?

NARRATOR: A complimentary wicker hamper for the boys.

I'm going to show you something really interesting, and I think you are going to be interested.

OK, I'm going to show you this, which is a pretty standard lady's silver pocket watch Circa 1900, 1910.

Whoo, Edwardian.

--guess Edwardian.

An Edwardian ladies pocket watch.

Yes.

But it seems to have a little wristband.

It does, and that's the interesting feature because this dates to about the wristband.

The First World War-ish, because it was around the First World War that the introduction of the wristwatch becomes popular.

Oh, interesting.

NARRATOR: The ticket price on the timepiece is 58 pounds.

What would be the best price you can give up?

- It will be cheap, Gyles.

- I know that.

I wouldn't worry too much.

It'll be so phenomenally cheap.

It will be ridiculous.

Helen?

30 pounds.

I mean, I think 20 would be very good personally.

20.

That's how I would feel.

How do you feel, Helen, about Gyles?

I feel that-- Can we split the difference?

- I feel that-- - She's going there.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] I'm on my way.

Yeah, 20 pounds.

Go on.

Marvelous.

Love you.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] Who's hand do I shake?

I'll shake yours as well.

That's marvelous.

Marvelous.

20 pounds, that's marvelous.

We will let you know how we get on.

NARRATOR: Tick tock.

I think these two both took a bit of a shine to Helen.

So in addition to the toys and the complimentary hamper for 10 pounds, they've got the watch for 20.

Still not spending big.

After some hard haggling yesterday, Nicholas is taking it easy this morning, but Paul is continuing the road trip to Clerkenwell East London.

Here in St. John's Close, he'll learn about the dramatic and violent past relating to one of our most peaceful and cherished charities-- the St John's Ambulance.

And here to show him around is Tom.

Tom, I'll confess, if you say to me St John's Ambulance brigade, I'm thinking of gangs at football matches and concerts, not medieval crypt.

So tell me why we're here.

Well, this is the original medieval home of the order of St. John, which is the foundation of St. John Ambulance.

So that eight pointed cross that you see on a guy at a football match, or a girl, is a symbol that goes right back to 11th century Jerusalem.

NARRATOR: Around the turn of the 11th century, many Christians made religious pilgrimages to the Holy Land-- a hazardous and dangerous journey.

An Italian order of monks opened a hospital in Jerusalem to care for the sick and needy pilgrims.

They took vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and the hospitallers as the Knights of the Order of St. John [INAUDIBLE] took another vow, which was to honor our Lord's sick, and this was the idea of treating their patients as if they were Christ himself.

So they would be given individual beds.

They would be given a very good, solid diet, and they'd be fed from silver plate.

And silver has naturally antiseptic qualities, and while they didn't know that, their rate of success in the hospitals was quite exemplary.

NARRATOR: However, this was all set to change.

The Catholic Church ordered a religious crusade across the region.

Given their own papal charter to defend the Holy Land, the hospitaller soon swapped bandages for blades and became a formidable fighting order.

I'm picturing the transition from chaps in robes to men in armor.

To go from the caring religious order to the crusading fighting man.

Is that fair?

Is that how it evolves or not?

Well, it's-- the thing is it's a very different time, and that to us it may seem a bit of a conflict of interests.

But if you're going back 800 years, it wasn't.

You weren't just going out to have a fight for fun.

It was for your faith.

You were fighting for the faith.

Yeah.

NARRATOR: Over time, the crusaders were pushed back, and in 1309, the Order of Saint John settled in Rhodes.

This beautiful book printed in the 16th century details the rules by which they lived.

It has these wonderful woodcuts in it, which give stories.

So here you can see here are members of the order.

There is their eight-pointed cross.

NARRATOR: The eight-pointed cross is thought to have originally represented the eight faith-based obligations that the knights were duty bound to live by.

And this was printed in 1496, so incredibly rare to have a printed book of this date, and there if you see on-- On the cross-- There is no class.

You've got the eight-pointed cross.

I'll not look at the cross again and take it so lightly.

NARRATOR: The order of the Knights of St. John became increasingly fragmented through time.

However, here in the UK in 1877, the organization reformed closer to its original hospitaller role.

This is when the Ambulance Association first was founded as an organization to provide standardized training in first aid, and then 10 years after that, the St. John Ambulance brigade was formed as a uniformed body to provide first aid at public events.

One of the first that it provided first aid for was the Lord Mayor's Show, and then for Queen Victoria's Jubilee.

The thing that always comes back to me is that that eight-pointed cross has been a symbol of first aid care for 900 years.

And so when you see that on the side of an ambulance today, that's the same symbol that was used back in 11th century Jerusalem, providing the same thing-- meeting the medical need of that community.

Tom, I'm indebted to you.

I've thoroughly enjoyed that, and I'll not look at that eight-pointed star the same way again.

Good, I'm glad I've done my job NARRATOR: David and Gyles have now moved along the road in Clapham to Northcote Antiques.

Let's go for it.

Come on.

- OK, pump up.

- Pump up.

Let's go.

And let's buy some antiques.

OK, our last chance salon, Gyles.

It is.

NARRATOR: Such cowboys.

- Oh, hello.

- Hello, good afternoon.

I'm Gyles.

Hello, Mark.

- Lovely to meet you, Mark.

- Hello.

- Hello.

- David.

Mark.

Lovely to meet you Mark.

We hope to make our mark with you this afternoon.

Well, you've come to the right place.

We have two floors.

Please start searching.

Have a good rummage, and give me a shout if you need any help.

I'll rule is to start at the top.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] - Always there we go.

- We're going upstairs.

- Come, follow me.

Follow me.

- [INAUDIBLE] NARRATOR: So energetic.

While Gyles and David are in a rush to get their final item, Nicholas and Paul are back together again and also heading for Northcote antiques.

There could be trouble ahead.

Well, it's strictly no pressure, and I'll tell you what, I'm still going to be looking like my life depended on it.

NARRATOR: Helping them out today is Anne.

You've got some lovely things here.

Yes, we have.

Is there anything particular you're looking at?

No.

No, we're just looking for a bargain.

Excellent.

We've got lots of those on the shop.

- Have you?

- Yeah.

And you don't mind if we beat you down a bit?

Well, we can try.

NARRATOR: That's it Anne.

Don't let his charm fool you.

Within this to me-- to not end up with auction egg on our faces.

Well, if we have fun, what's it matter?

Gyles wants to win, so let him win.

Well, that's fair enough with me.

NARRATOR: Speaking of Gyles, at the top of the shop things have come to a stop.

OK, good stopper.

There you go.

You put the stopper in, and it will fall out.

So good stopper fits into the neck and will turn one and a half times or thereabouts and not fall out.

So once-- All breakages must be paid for.

Twice.

NARRATOR: Oh, dear David.

Does this come out of our 400 pounds?

This is proof yours-- this is a program unrehearsed, unprepared.

We've never been here before.

We certainly shan't be coming here again.

We are now currently banned.

This is why my wife doesn't really like to go shopping with me.

Because I just get-- you know.

Because you have a terrible effect on others.

Yeah.

So I will share the blame for that.

OK, that's very sweet of you.

You did it, but I don't know why-- why did you do it?

[INTERPOSING VOICES] I was trying to teach you.

NARRATOR: That's very generous of you Gyles.

We will of course reimburse the shop.

Let's hope they're being a bit more careful downstairs.

Paul, I don't often go into antique shops, but I've never been one where I've seen so much glassware.

You've seen all this glass?

I can tell you there will be as much silver in here.

If we could find an item of small silver, ideally a lady's item, that will sit with our silver purse a joy, a dream.

NARRATOR: So while Team Parsons look for silver downstairs, what are team Brandreth up to upstairs?

Having a smashing time?

GYLES: But this looks rather interesting.

What on Earth is it?

[INTERPOSING VOICES] - Well, it's clearly a loom.

It's a loom.

But for what reason?

I mean, it's a tiny loom.

What kind of carpet are they going to be making?

Is this a sampler?

NARRATOR: Well, that will look lovely when it's finished.

Finish this, and you might find it is a magic carpet.

What do magic carpets do?

They fly.

This could fly away.

NARRATOR: You might need it for a quick getaway if David starts breaking anything else.

Can we find Mark and see what we can do?

Well, let's have one quick whisk around, in case we see something really huge.

Just don't touch anything which has a stopper.

- OK. - OK?

No stoppers.

Just keep your hands to yourself.

No stoppers.

OK?

NARRATOR: Good advice there.

Elsewhere in this antiques wilderness, Nicholas and Paul are on the hunt for an item to go with their silver purse.

I've seen a little snuff box here.

Have you seen something?

You showed me a little box.

There was nothing there.

They always sell well.

- A little vesta case.

- Yeah.

A matchbox.

[INAUDIBLE] to a treen example.

I have spied another silver vesta case that I think works even better with the purse.

I'm not the expert.

I'd follow you.

Let's have a look.

The art nouveau one.

Oh, my goodness me.

Oh, my goodness me is a good reaction.

I prefer the other one.

Well, here's another possibility.

I'll wager you're a gentleman that will appreciate this object.

You're going to get that one.

We've got hers in the evening bag, who's about his accessory for the evening-- a Malacca cane.

I've got one of those.

Mine's black, but this one's gorgeous.

Oh, gosh.

Gorgeous [INAUDIBLE].

It's seen some life as well.

Look at the top.

It has, yes.

A real Malacca cane.

NARRATOR: There are now three possibles to mate up with the bag-- the matchbox Nicholas spotted with the ticket price of 60 pounds, the art nouveau vesta for light which has a ticket price of 48 pounds, and the Malacca cane which is ticketed at 65.

Lots to think about.

And team Brandreth-- Can we show you what we're looking at.

It's in a little corner.

Of treasure.

Oh, for goodness sake.

I didn't even touch it-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] - I know you didn't.

- I didn't do it.

You just need to walk by, and the whole place begins to collapse.

NARRATOR: These two are like an old married couple.

Are you buying the whole shop Gyles?

It's not me.

It's this [INAUDIBLE].

Keep on moving.

Paul, would you like to join me?

I'm trying to get rid of this.

Every part of the shop we go to, there are breakages.

Gyles, it's like the playground.

The last person to have touched David owns him.

[LAUGHTER] He's yours I'm afraid.

NARRATOR: Bad luck.

While David has been smashing up the shop, Anne has spoken to the owners of each of the three items Nicholas and Paul were interested in, so stand by.

OK, the vesta case that we have here, that one would be 50 pounds.

This cane would be 55 pounds, and this small vesta case here would be 40 pounds.

Are these final prices, or is there perhaps a little more movement in any of them?

We were going to movement anyway.

[LAUGHTER] Yeah, I like the way you think Nicholas.

They're final prices.

No, no, no.

I mean, we have to-- I mean, you're here to do business, so I don't know.

I want to know which do you think are going to sell best in auction, and then I'll do a little bit of bargaining with Anne.

For my money in my opinion, the art nouveau vesta case in sterling silver.

And what was the price you offered on that Anne?

That was 40.

Oh, no, no.

30.

I can't do that.

If it was mine, I would probably say yes, but it's not.

Would you, I beg you on behalf of me and my comrade, see if there's anywhere on Earth that could be 35 pounds?

And if it can be 35 pounds, will we buy it?

Yes, definitely.

What do you think?

It's only another fiver on.

Yeah, I think that will be probably possible.

Have you made an executive decision, or do you want to make a phone call?

I have, no.

I've made an executive decision on that.

Right.

OK, 35 pounds.

I love your bets Anne.

NARRATOR: Brilliant.

The boys have done the deal, securing the art nouveau vesta for 35 pounds, but what about Gyles and David?

This is a very interesting curious piece.

What do you know about it, Mark?

Yeah, tell us.

What do you know?

It was bought in France.

I would think that it's probably French colonies-- French-Algeria, French-Morocco.

It was probably a shop display item, carpet maker, showing the excellence of not only his product but how it was made.

NARRATOR: The ticket price is 98 pounds, but mark will take-- 70.

Oh, please.

Can we go to the auction with four items?

[LAUGHTER] He is ruthless.

He is ruthless.

- I mean, sorry.

70 is ridiculous.

I mean, I-- just for a moment.

It's a nice-- it's interesting item.

We've got to make money at auction.

What's your best price?

What's your death on this?

The absolute death on that would be-- 40.

60.

Mark, is there no way you could make a corporate decision?

55 pounds.

50 or 60 on-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] --it'll be done.

Mark, you could-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] My job depends on it I'm afraid gentlemen, and my job is far more important.

You see this is a proper negotiator.

Congratulations, there's 60 pounds, OK?

Well, a mark for standing your ground.

For 60 pounds Gyles and David have got a magic little carpet, or is it a little magic carpet?

So with the shopping all done, it's time for these rivals to reveal their wares.

Well, this is the big excitement.

Nicholas is looking incredibly confident.

He's got this superb man in Paul Laidlaw.

I wanted him obviously.

I've been lumbered with you.

You've been fine in your own way, apart from your inability to negotiate.

Well and breakages.

And breakages.

You have been fine.

Paul has been invaluable to me.

I mean, he knows it from an auction point of view.

I think I have an eye for something which is attractive and interesting but-- You clearly do.

I've met your wife.

[LAUGHTER] Well, this is the moment.

I think you should go first.

Shall we?

Uh.

A lot of wood.

NARRATOR: That's right.

It is a lot of wood.

There's a lot of wood there.

Can I say-- Yeah, that's it, yeah.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] I recognize one of these items.

I've been to Nicholas' home.

He brought this from his house.

[LAUGHTER] Nice looking clock.

And Georgian revival, Edwardian I assume.

--caught my eyes.

I went in, and I couldn't resist it, and I like clocks.

You're a bit of a clock enthusiast.

--clock enthusiast, yes.

And it's much nicer-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] So that actually is a beautiful piece, again.

Lovely.

Rosewood was engraved.

So for 135 it was.

I got them down from 200.

OK.

This is the big spenders table.

Welcome to our world, OK?

Ready?

My goodness me.

Quite eclectic I think you might agree.

Gyles, we went traditional here, didn't we?

We don't want to hear about that.

[LAUGHTER] For 20 quid.

OK, but I think the star lot for us, the most unusual quirky thing, is the loom.

We don't know what on Earth it's worth, where it really originated from.

We assume North Africa.

I'm saying it's a magic carpet, and I think we could get quite a lot of money for this.

I think we might.

We've got more conventional things here.

Yours a quirky and interesting.

It'll be a fascinating auction.

Unusual and quirky-- we were inspired by you.

I thought about you at all points.

Unusual, quirky, don't quite know the value of it.

- This is my friend talking.

- Truly.

But I'll tell you what-- I don't think anyone could say this is not a very interesting collection.

Absolutely.

Real antiques actually, some real antiques-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] --fantastic.

So we'll see you at the auction.

At the auction.

Goodbye.

NARRATOR: Now, they're out of each other's earshot.

What do they really think?

Nicholas, they've spent no money.

Do you like what they spend it on?

I think they've been very inventive and very creative.

I like their items-- traditional, conventional.

They paid far too much money.

As they didn't spend very much money, they have every opportunity of beating us.

I think we may be slightly ahead on value for money.

I think so.

We're ahead on quirkiness.

But if it is a traditional home counties audience, the conventionality of what they've got may pay dividends, so it's anybody's auction.

NARRATOR: After beginning their journey in Berkhamsted, our teams travel through leafy Hertfordshire into the streets of London before heading back out to auction at Bushey.

I want us to behave at the auction today.

I mean, I've seen the program.

What do you mean you want us to behave?

What do you mean by-- No, because there are sometimes people who get hysterical and try to encourage the crowd.

Oh, I'm sorry.

And I think that puts the crowd off.

NARRATOR: I can't imagine you ever doing anything like that Gyles.

Certainly not in the beautiful surroundings of Bushey Gulf and Country Club, where the people from Bushey auctions hold their monthly auction.

David Porter is the man wielding the gavel today.

What does he think about our team's purchases?

My favorite lot is probably the lunacy of the match holder.

It's late Victorian.

It's made out of mahogany.

It's treen.

It's tan, and it's a novelty match holder.

I mean, it's just a very strange fun thing.

The vase I have the most trouble with because it's cloisonne.

It's Chinese.

This one has a slight dent in it.

It's a nice piece, but once they have a bit of damage, I have more worries about that than any of the other lot.

NARRATOR: Here's a rundown of what they bought.

Nicholas and Paul parted with 311 pounds for five lots.

Absolutely great.

NARRATOR: David and Gyles also picked up 5 lots for only 120 pounds.

Thank you very much indeed, lovely.

NARRATOR: The bidders are ready, and our phone and internet bidders are poised.

Let's get this auction started.

Here we go at the moment.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] NARRATOR: It's first on the floor today for David and Gyles.

I've got 20 there.

5 there.

30, I've got 35.

35 pounds engaged to you.

Any more?

40 if you want it.

I know we're not supposed to.

I know we're not supposed to do this, but this is the most unusual item.

It's a lovely piece.

Who's going to pay 40 pounds?

There is a carpet-- a real Turkish carpet halfway on.

It is a magic carpet.

Gyles, is not part of the game to heckle the auctioneer.

Well-- NARRATOR: I thought Gyles said he didn't like people trying to influence the crowd.

Who's going to pay 40 for that wonderful speech.

I would only pay 40.

If that hasn't sold it, nothing will.

I'm looking for 40 pounds.

There's nobody there at 35.

No?

We go back.

So we get down, 30.

Oh, really.

[LAUGHTER] [INTERPOSING VOICES] I've got 35.

35, I'm going to sell this 35 pounds.

It's your bid selling to you.

NARRATOR: Despite Gyle's best efforts, the magic carpet just didn't fly.

That's a tough start for him and David.

Oh, it's a shame.

We paid 60 pound-- he paid 60 pounds.

Well, he paid 60 pounds.

NARRATOR: Next is another of David and Gyle's lots-- the Scottish watercolor.

What should we say?

10 pounds?

Oh, Gyles.

Shocking I know.

10 pounds, anybody, for an original work of art.

Thank you sir.

15-- 20, 20 pounds.

25, 30?

And-- no?

You surprised me.

30 pounds so far.

30 pounds, who is going to buy it at 30 pounds last chance for the rest of you.

And to you on the internet.

The bids here at 30 pounds and selling to you sir.

Sold.

Thank you-- It's a nice piece.

NARRATOR: That's better.

The first profit for David and Gyles.

Now, it's the 1920s phone, just like the one in Nicholas' home.

I'm a poet, and I know it.

I've got to start the bidding at 10 pounds.

Have you?

15, 20, 25, 30, 35.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] Come on.

Don't give up now.

Are you sure?

I have 40 pounds.

It's your bid sir, 40 pounds.

It does work, 40 pounds.

At 40 pounds I'm going to sell.

40 pound the bid.

Straight in with a profit.

Well done chaps.

ALL: Well done guys.

Very good start.

It's a small step.

NARRATOR: It's another Parsons Laidlaw item next-- the Victorian microscope.

And I'm going to start the bidding here at 10 pounds.

For a microscope-- 10?

10 pounds.

15, 20.

20 pounds so far ladies and gentlemen.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] --selling at 20 pounds.

Heckle them, Gyles.

[INAUDIBLE] Thank you.

I think so, one more.

35-- I'm going to sell for 35 pounds.

Lat chance to you all.

It's a profit, just.

Another real profit.

You're now up 15 pounds.

We are still down 15 pounds thanks to the-- Balloon man.

NARRATOR: Next it's the treen match dispenser that our auctioneer thought would do well.

Will this give Nicholas and Paul a hat trick of profits?

I'm going to start at 10 pounds.

10, 15, 20, 25.

25 so far.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] - --it's good.

25 pounds.

Straight into profit.

--at 35.

35 pounds.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] 45 pounds, so we make 50.

It's a nice figure, don't you think?

Go, 50.

Yes, 50 pounds.

He looks disappointed.

50 pounds, it is yours.

I'm selling at 55.

You're bidding against yourself now?

I'll accept it.

I'm not fussy, 55 pounds.

Selling to you at 55 pounds.

NARRATOR: Three in a row fellas-- a great bit of business on the treen.

Well done.

Well done.

Literally game setting match.

No, well done.

Well done, both of you.

You've won the whole thing.

You've won the whole kit and caboodle.

No, not yet.

Not yet.

Can I say?

Yes, please do.

I knew what's going.

You know nothing.

NARRATOR: I say the show's not over yet you know, but David and Gyles really need a profit on these toys to stay in the game.

Let's start the bidding at 10 pounds.

Come on 10 pounds for a basket full of fun and joy.

Anybody?

[INTERPOSING VOICES] Who is going to bid 10 pounds?

10 pounds, 15.

I've got 15.

You're not getting the big 20.

Anybody prepared to pay 20 pounds?

I've got 15 here.

15 pounds-- surely the basket is more than that.

I'm selling.

Bargain time, 15 pounds and-- 20.

Ooh.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] 20, that five gone.

25, and 25.

Still yours sir.

Bids at 25 pounds.

I'm going to sell it at 25, unless you want it on the internet.

I'm selling it.

Sold.

NARRATOR: That modest profit should help them catch up a tad.

Well done.

Well done.

That could have been worse.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] NARRATOR: Next up it's David and Gyle's vase.

David, the auctioneer thought this might struggle.

10 pounds, yes.

10 pounds, shocked me.

10 pounds, bidding at 10.

10 pounds, it's a maiden bid of 10.

Now, don't get mad.

15 is the next bid.

15?

One more?

One more?

Come on.

Have pity on an auctioneer.

20 pounds?

25 madam?

25.

You might regret it.

Go on, yeah, 25.

25-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] 200% profit so far.

Gyles, you're doing well.

The internet are joining in the fun.

30 pounds is the bid.

Would you like 30-- Thank you, madam.

35 now.

Guys who are on the net, bids in the room at 35 pounds.

If it weren't the loom, you know, we would be way ahead by now.

You bid in the internet, you bid in the rest of the gallery.

It is your-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] Still on about the loom.

35 pounds we're going to sell.

35.

NARRATOR: That did rather well after all.

Another profit for David and Gyles, and it's nearly neck and neck.

I just want to explain to the viewers who may have tuned in late because they'd be having tea that we had a very bad start because David bought something paying rather over the odds.

But on the items that I was able to buy without any guidance, we made 50% profit, and 100% profit, then 200% profit.

So I think we're doing quite well, the amateurs.

The gifted amateurs are doing quite well.

Experts, not such a good day.

NARRATOR: Thanks for the update, Gyles.

Moving on it's the Rosewood clock that Nicholas liked so much.

I've got 65 pounds.

Would anybody like to get-- Yes 70, 75.

80 pounds, 85.

90, 95, 100 pounds.

At 100 pounds.

There's a bid right at the back of the room at 100 pounds.

Am I going to sell for 100?

[INTERPOSING VOICES] --I've got a new bidder 120 now.

At 120 pounds.

I think it's worthwhile keeping going, don't you?

Yes, sir?

130 if you want.

No?

At 120 pounds you're holding the bid sir.

No, keep it going.

Keep it going.

120 pounds, again.

This our last chance on the internet.

At 120 pounds to you.

NARRATOR: That's the first loss of the day for Paul and Nicholas.

Oh, I'm sorry Nicholas.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] You seem to have dropped 15 pounds there.

NARRATOR: Now, it's time for David and Gyles timepiece-- the ladies silver watch.

We start at 10 pounds.

I see a forest of hands at 10 pounds.

I've got 10 on the internet, funny enough.

15 with you sir.

20 on the internet.

25?

I've got 25, new bidder.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] I've 40 suddenly from nowhere.

On the internet at 40 pounds.

45?

This is where you're lucky.

45 pounds, I'm going to sell at 45.

No, no, no, no.

Last chance, 45 pounds.

NARRATOR: Another nice little earner for David and Gyles.

Nicholas and Paul have one last chance to catch up.

Oh, that's a bargain.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] - Good job.

- It's all right.

- Good job.

It's all right.

NARRATOR: Our final lot today is the combined one-- the art nouveau vesta case and the 1930s ladies mesh purse.

10 pounds the bid so far.

I'm selling silver for 10 pounds.

To pieces of the lot.

Tenner's bid at the back, 15 now.

20, 25, 30 pounds.

I've seen you, 35.

35 now if you'd like madam.

35 pounds is here and forth right back.

40's bid now.

45, 50.

55, I've got a new bidder.

55, 60.

Now, sir?

65-- [INTERPOSING VOICES] Stand up and give it a description, devalue it please.

No?

Are you sure?

75 one more.

Take pity on me.

It's hard up here.

80 pounds-- at 80 pounds.

It is your bid at 80 pounds, and selling at 80 pounds.

NARRATOR: Uh-oh, they had big hopes for that lot, but has it sunk any chance of winning?

We get that loom.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] We may just be ahead.

[INTERPOSING VOICES] --very, very good.

It's good fat.

NARRATOR: Both teams started with 400 pounds.

Paul and Nicholas spent nearly all of it, but after paying auction costs, sadly, made a loss of 40 pounds and 40 Pence, leaving them with 359 pounds 60 pence.

David and Gyles played a canny game.

They spent small and made a small profit after auction costs of 19 pounds and 40 pence.

But that was enough to give them a total of 419 pounds and 40 pence and a big victory over the rivals.

All profits go to children in need.

Gyles, what a team.

In the end, what a team.

And think if we hadn't bought that loom-- I know.

Just think where we would be.

We would be actually on the M1 towards the champagne supper.

With about a million quid.

Yeah, with a lot of money, but as it is, a nice fish finger sandwich for you.

Will you drive me home now?

I'll drive you home as long as you promise not to talk about the loom on the way.

NARRATOR: Well, with that hesitation, repetition, or deviation, these two old chums now have to go home.

What's your abiding memory of our trip?

Your companionship.

I think we've had a wonderful few days.

It's been good, isn't it?

And the sun shining.

NARRATOR: See you next time.

Tatty bye.

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