NARRATOR: It's the nation's favorite antiques experts.

With 200 pounds each-- I like, I like, I like.

Ah!

NARRATOR: A classic car-- [HONK] Ha ha!

NARRATOR: And a goal to scour Britain for antiques.

[HONK] The aim, to make the biggest profit at auction.

But it's no mean feat.

There'll be worthy winners, and valiant losers.

It's fine.

NARRATOR: So will it be the high road to glory?

Or a slow road to disaster?

Pull Pull out the ignition!

NARRATOR: This is the "Antiques Road Trip."

Yeah!

A very good morning to road trip recruit Arusha "Ru" Irvine, and the somewhat more experienced Philip "Phil" Serrell.

What a glorious day this is, isn't it?

Yes, it's beautiful!

I have to say though, my fingers are a little bit frosty.

But it's worth it.

NARRATOR: Yes, our early birds are out to bag yet more bargains, having made quite an impression at the first auction of their trip.

Oops!

Trip!

Sold for 80.

Done!

NARRATOR: Picking up hundreds between them.

You showed the newbie how it was done.

The newbie made a profit on every single lot.

And the oldie didn't!

NARRATOR: You know, he's not wrong, because our Ru, a dealer from Scotland, is as canny as they come.

50 for the pair.

NARRATOR: So hot to haggle, that she got her boots for a song, because they're both right feet.

They kind of walk a little bit wonky, but no one's noticed.

NARRATOR: While Phil only walks wonky when he tripped up over his beloved pet pooch.

Daffy!

NARRATOR: And he's an auctioneer from Worcester.

And he clearly knows his stuff.

- German isn't it?

- Yeah.

Do you know how you know?

Yes, it says Germany on the bottom.

OK. Fine.

NARRATOR: Or he tells them.

And don't forget the 1976 Trans Stag.

Your man handling Rudolph very well.

NARRATOR: Well, that's what they call him.

Ru is on the up, increasing her 200 pounds stake to 300 pounds and 94p.

While the silver Fox has done even better, growing his 200 pounds to a very healthy 538 pounds and 74 pence.

I've go to tell you, I was so proud of you!

Thank you!

So am I still the dark horse now, or have I come out of the stables?

NARRATOR: Yes, nags, stags, and of course dogs.

Woof, woof.

We've had the lot.

After beginning back in Brimfield, Herefordshire, our path will point Rudolph towards the Midlands.

Hitting the North and Yorkshire, and then plunging back down to London before motoring West to the Cotswolds, and a final destination on the edge of the Forest of Dean at Newent in Gloucestershire.

Today's busy schedule concludes at an auction in the fair city of Sheffield, but commences in the county town of Northamptonshire.

A fascinating place with bags of history, but surely the one key fact everyone should know is that Northampton was the birthplace of legendary laconic DJ and celebrity road tripper Whispering Bob Harris!

Oh, yes!

And having dropped her companion off, Ru is going solo.

Nice!

[MUSIC PLAYING] This is absolutely my kind of shop.

It's a treasure trove.

NARRATOR: Well, let us once more a rummaging go.

Tight squeeze!

NARRATOR: Any glass, or art nouveau, I wonder?

Yes.

I like, I like, I like.

NARRATOR: That's good.

That's good.

That's good.

It's saying here art nouveau brass and copper vase 30 pound.

[TING] NARRATOR: Crikey!

You think I'll get kicked out of the shop?

I'm glad it's not glass.

I love the fact that it's made in copper.

That was more of a material used in the arts and crafts era, which was sort of 1880 to 1900.

But art nouveau overlapped by 10 years.

So that we get a lot of similar styles.

So this is almost art nouveau in an arts and crafts material.

And the price is not too bad either.

NARRATOR: Yep, 30 pounds.

That's on the short list.

Ooh.

NARRATOR: Aye, aye!

Look what Ru's found.

It's a glass!

I don't often buy glasses, do I?

NARRATOR: Fast becoming her signature purchase.

This I would say is late 1800s.

The only problem is it's got a couple of chips.

Which I don't mind so much.

And the reason I don't mind is because, (WHISPERING) It's only five pounds.

NARRATOR: Quite.

Time to talk to proprietor Linda.

Linda?

What could you do on the vase it's up at 30?

15?

Could you do 15 for the two?

- I think so.

- Yeah.

Yeah.

Brilliant, OK, well let's shake on that.

Brilliant.

Thank you so much, Linda, they're brilliant.

NARRATOR: Oh that was quick work.

Thank you so much.

I appreciate that.

Don't forget your on team Ru.

NARRATOR: Whereas I am a bulwark of impartiality.

Booty in her boot, it's time to find out what Phil's up to.

Have been deposited a little earlier in nearby Kettering, which is known for its once thriving boot and shoe factories, Kettering in Victorian times was also something of a hotbed of religious nonconformism, with many of her young preachers keen to spread the word throughout the empire.

Including one local hero who was instrumental in the abolition of slavery.

Deliah, how are you?

All right?

You are going to tell me all about one of Kettering's many famous sons aren't you?

I am, yes.

William Knibb.

Would you like to come inside?

I'd love to.

NARRATOR: Although famous men like William Wilberforce are justly lauded for the passing of the Slave Trade Act of 1807-- After you.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: --it was Knibb, the son of a humble Kettering tailor, who was arguably the key figure in finally abolishing it throughout Britain's colonies.

Thanks to his Baptist missionary work in Jamaica.

When he got there, he found out the truth of what the situation was, and he absolutely hated what he saw.

So he really rocked the boat then didn't he?

Oh, he rocked the boat a lot.

Even from the beginning he became one of the most influential of the missionaries.

And he doesn't look like a fighter, but he was a very, very powerful orator.

And that was what affected people.

Are these his words here?

They are, yes.

Can I read them?

They're quite powerful, aren't they?

Very, yes.

"The cursed blast of slavery has, like a pestilence, withered almost every moral bloom.

I feel a burning hatred against it, and look upon it as one of the most odious monsters that ever disgrace the Earth."

That's powerful stuff, isn't it.

Very powerful, yes.

What on Earth is that?

Well this is a slave neck iron and it would have been used like this to prevent slaves from escaping.

That's just barbaric, isn't it?

NARRATOR: In 1831 the Jamaican slaves bravely organized a strike, which was soon cruelly and violently suppressed by the colonists.

A revolt led by Samuel Sharp, who was both slave and Baptist preacher, was a key moment in the history of the struggle.

The plantation owners definitely thought that the missionaries were behind it all.

They burnt down a lot of the chapels, imprisoned several of the missionaries, including Knibb.

He was actually threatened with murder.

NARRATOR: It was decided that Knibb should travel to Britain to reveal the truth about slavery.

And during 1832 he toured England and Scotland, speaking at public meetings.

"I was forced from the den of infamy, and from a gloomy prison, with my congregation scattered, many of the members of my church murdered, and multitudes of the faithful lashed."

He was a wordsmith, wasn't he.

Oh, definitely.

Most powerful words I think I've ever read.

He was called to report to parliament.

And of the 500 page report, 60 pages where his evidence.

So he was absolutely instrumental.

NARRATOR: The act that would abolish slavery in the British empire was finally passed in 1834, enabling Knibb to return and help newly emancipated slaves to buy land in Jamaica.

There is Kettering.

Oh, yeah, there's Kettering just there.

Yeah, Kettering's there.

He named [INAUDIBLE].

Trelawny.

Trelawny is another one.

Manchester!

Yes, a lot of English names there.

NARRATOR: There he's a national hero.

The first white man to receive the Jamaican Order of Merit, while back in his hometown the Kettering coat of arms also gives Knibb his due.

Quite right.

Meanwhile, down in Northampton, town motto "peace is stronger than a fortress," Ru is about to lay siege to another shop.

Look at this lay out!

It's just garden sheds crammed full of antiques and collectibles.

It's a real rummagers paradise.

NARRATOR: You could also call it beach combing.

There are 64 traders represented within the confines of this establishment.

No wonder they have a TARDIS outside.

Fortunately boss Steve-- not him-- can do the deals.

Did you want this one first?

Yeah, if I could.

Thank you.

1932.

So right in the middle of the art deco era.

I can imagine 1932 some wild art deco jazz party.

NARRATOR: I'd vote for them.

Ticket price 90.

Can I have a look at this brooch as well.

So this says "as found."

so I'm looking for-- is there any damage on this?

With marcasite, because it's that lovely smoky gray color, you almost can't tell if there's one missing.

No.

Because it's the same color as the metal.

And-- ooh!

There is.

There's one missing there, which might not be a deal breaker.

So I'm going to put this here for now.

NARRATOR: That one's 38 pounds.

There's yet more to see, though.

Now see that would make a lovely set of a button hook and a shoehorn together.

They've got that art nouveau sort of swirl to it.

Could potentially be of interest, I like the idea of having a little set.

So these are the three items that I'm sort of interested in.

I especially love the tazza and the brooch.

Could you keep these to the side for me?

NARRATOR: But, as Ru departs-- I'll see you very soon!

Bye!

NARRATOR: --for sheds anew, Phil's wound up in an eerily similar spot, just outside Kettering, at Great Cransley.

This used to be a chicken farm, apparently.

With a slightly low key approach to signage.

Hello.

Hello, hello.

Oh!

You must be Brian!

Hello.

Philip, how are you!

Fancy seeing you.

Yeah, I get everywhere.

I tell you what, this is a little hidden gem, isn't it?

NARRATOR: Nicely described, Phil.

This barn seems to be home to what was once the staple trade of the antiques business.

Brown furniture.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Do you know what, you cannot beat a [INAUDIBLE],, and I am going to have a good little-- [CRASH] Oh!

NARRATOR: It's OK, it's just a winder.

Thank the Lord for that.

NARRATOR: I wonder if Phil, with his recently acquired fortune, will be tempted to splash out in here?

Look at that.

That's a bit of old metal ware.

This is a 19th century eel spear.

So eels, elvers, they were a delicacy.

And this would have been on a fairly long, probably ash, shaft.

And you would have stood over the river, and as your elvers and eels swam in a swarm, or whatever the plural of a flock of elvers is, you'd just spear them with this.

So this is an eel spear.

And you know what, people still eat jellied eels today.

I think that's such a cool thing.

I'm going to take that with me.

And if Brian doesn't do me a deal, I'm just going to batter him with-- no, I wouldn't do that.

He's a lovely man, isn't he.

NARRATOR: Yes, leave him alone.

Now what about Dr. Ru, on planet Northampton?

Allons-y!

I do like this.

This is a box silver set, shoe horn an button hook.

In its original case, which increases the value.

Steve?

NARRATOR: Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Exactly matching design.

And both are 1909, Birmingham.

So you know they're by the same maker.

And that is the original box.

Which has definitely been loved, but the main thing is it's been used, and you can actually see a bit of wear along there.

NARRATOR: 27 pounds on the ticket.

I think it's now reserved.

Can I put this on my table of contemplation?

Brilliant.

I'm going to carry on browsing, and I'll see you soon Steve.

You're welcome, Ru.

Thank you!

NARRATOR: Down on the farm Phil's consulting Brian.

Is that a cut down cabinet?

No, it's the desk.

Oh, I see.

It's a lady's desk.

It's in Rosewood, isn't it?

Yeah.

These open out.

That folds out there.

Hardly used.

Look at that.

A bit like me!

How much is that?

Well, 575.

NARRATOR: Moving on then.

I like this, Brian.

Yeah.

That's a really good late Georgian-- what, 1820?

Mahogany breakfast table.

The thing is, you see, is that that, 20 years ago, was between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds, wasn't it?

Yes, that's right.

And now you can not far off take a naught off it, really.

NARRATOR: Mind you fork, Phil.

So you've got a mahogany breakfast table.

That will seat six people.

Two, two, and two.

And the joy of this, is for somebody who's got a flat or a small home, when you're not using it you just bang it up like that.

Great.

And there we go.

NARRATOR: Is he about to table a bid?

Can I bid you 150 quid for it?

No, that's too low.

Go on then.

How much would you take for it.

Because I think, 250.

Can we do a deal for that and for this eel spear?

230 that.

Did you say 210.

230.

Yeah, no, tooth is hurty.

Can I bid you 210 for the two.

Because I think I've got to try and make a profit on them.

- All right.

- Would that do it?

Yes, yes, that'll do it.

Go on, you're a gentleman.

Thank you very much indeed.

So 180 pounds for the table, and 30 for the eel spear.

Although you might want to take care with that one.

Back in Northampton Ru's table of contemplation now groans with the addition of another marcasite brooch and a silver sugar sifter.

Let the sweet talking commence.

So let's start with this then, the set.

It's got quite a few dents.

What could you do on that for me?

I think we can get rid of the 7.

And make it 20?

Yeah.

Could you do 18?

Let's go 18.

- Yeah, 18?

- Yeah.

Thank you, Steve!

Brilliant.

OK. NARRATOR: Round two.

This brooch.

What could you do on this?

I could do 12 on that.

OK. And this one?

Well he's got 38 on it.

We'll take a tenner off that.

Make that 28.

So that would be 40 for the two.

Could you do the two for 35?

You would do 35 on them.

I would do 35 on them.

- It's done.

- Yeah?

Thank you!

You are welcome.

You're a star!

Thank you, Steve.

OK, so 18.

18.

And 35.

What could the sugar sifter be?

NARRATOR: Ticket price 85 pounds.

65.

65, OK. OK. And what could the silver bowl be?

60 would be the best on that.

That's decoratively more beautiful.

So that would take it up to-- you said 60?

Yeah.

So it would be 113.

We ought to make that 12, because I don't like 13.

Can we do 110?

For the 3?

And clear you some space on the shelves?

Yeah, were about safe.

Yeah?

OK, brilliant.

110.

Perfect.

Thank you so much, Steve!

You're welcome.

NARRATOR: Crikey, that was a deal and a half!

80, 90, 100-- I feel like a banker!

110.

All sorted?

NARRATOR: And not a moment too soon either.

Look out.

Oh!

- Ah!

- Oh!

- How are you doing?

- Yeah, pretty good.

You?

- Good.

I thought I'd get here early.

Scope the place out.

Get all the good stuff before you can.

Story of my life.

Yeah.

Well I better go see if I can find something, haven't I?

NARRATOR: Well the cupboards hardly bare, Phil.

They are glass knotted fishing floats.

And they're just really good decorators things.

Priced up at 85 pounds apiece.

You'd have to get them a half price, really.

You've got to think who the end buyer is.

And you're not going to sell these to someone who collects Japanese fishing floats.

But you are going to sell them to a decorator, who either wants to decorate a commercial premises, or they're going to want to decorate their home.

I think I might need to give Steve a call.

NARRATOR: Steve must be a trifle fatigued by now.

I quite like these floats.

Why are they Japanese, do you think?

They were marked up at the auction as Japanese.

So it led to taking that as the provenance of them.

Oh, OK. NARRATOR: Wherever they're from, I think Phil wants them.

Could you tell me what your very best price is on the pair.

I could do-- throw one in.

So if you buy one, you can have the other one.

NARRATOR: A BOGOF, then.

So that's 85 pounds the two.

Yeah.

Go on, then.

NARRATOR: They'll go very nicely with his eel spear.

Northampton's King Neptune.

[CHUCKLE] Yep.

Now that's certainly been a busy day.

It's fun spending money.

Isn't it?

Oh, it is!

NARRATOR: Nighty, night you two.

Now, who loves the '70s?

Phil does!

This is from the era of flared trousers, platform shoes.

I wasn't born until 1980!

I want to talk about something else now.

I don't want to talk about that anymore.

NARRATOR: Well all right, then.

Yesterday Phil picked up a Georgia mahogany table, some glass fishing floats, and an eel spear.

Not I'm going to have a-- [CRASH] Oh!

NARRATOR: Leaving him almost 250 still in his kitty.

Very pretty.

While Arusha was also very active, acquiring two marcasite breeches, a button hook and shoehorn set, an art nouveau vase, a Georgian glass, and a silver tatter.

Can I put this on my table of contemplation?

NARRATOR: But she still does have over 175 pounds for any further purchases today.

And it's a special day, too.

(SINGING) Happy birthday Mr. Serrell, happy birthday to you!

That's very, very good!

NARRATOR: Sometimes Mr. President, it's worthwhile getting old.

Later they'll be heading up to Yorkshire for an auction in Sheffield.

But their first stop on Phil's birthday is on the outskirts of Coventry, where triumph Stags were once made.

Spend, spend, spend!

NARRATOR: And please, don't feed the animals.

Hi there, are you Charles!

Oh, good morning.

Yes!

I'm Ru.

Nice to meet you.

Hi Ru.

Welcome to Green's Home and Garden.

Thank you!

NARRATOR: There are a lot of actual antiques in this center, but there's plenty else besides.

We could very easily get lost in here.

NARRATOR: Such as contemporary, reproduction, and vintage.

Take a look at this light.

I absolutely love this.

It's an original converted Bullfinch spotlight, with the tripod legs.

The thing that's making me a bit sad, this dangling piece of paper.

Because I would take this in a heartbeat.

It's not a bad price.

It's 295 pound.

But it's just too rich for me.

NARRATOR: Sounds like her purchases today may be nothing like yesterday's lot, then.

What I'm looking for is something big, different, a talking piece, and quite quirky.

NARRATOR: And here's just the chap.

Do you know it was in Coventry for the film the Italian Job, that they drove their minis round and around the drains.

There's not many people know that.

NARRATOR: It's like stars in their eyes round here.

Our birthday boy's shop is also in the Motor City of Coventry.

Hi, Phil!

- Gordon, how are you.

- Good.

Welcome to Cat in the Hat.

- Thank you.

Got some stuff in here, haven't you?

Oh, my word!

I got to tell you, I just love that car.

Its value is about 2,000 pounds.

So you wouldn't take 200 quid for it?

We wouldn't take 200 for it.

NARRATOR: Nice try!

He's in the mood today, though!

If I need your help, can I just give you a [RINGS BELL].. You can.

Is that all right?

I'll come running.

OK, fine.

[RINGS BELL] Gordon, I'm just testing!

Nothing's happened!

NARRATOR: Give him a tinkle.

Come on, Phil.

You've turned 32 now after all.

You should be able to look after yourself!

I always think it pays in a shop like this to go and look for stuff that's sort of hidden away.

And there's an old wheelbarrow here.

Probably French.

Late 19th, early 20th century.

But that's a great thing for someone to use as a shop display.

Imagine that in a florist, full of flowers.

Or even take it home in your garden.

Make a great feature piece.

There's no price on it, so it's either just come in, or it's been here for some time and he might just want to shift it.

Might be time to go and find the old Gordon bell.

NARRATOR: For whom it tolls, eh?

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Ru's debating whether or not, to have or not, a yacht.

I absolutely love this boat.

It's really, really cool.

It's a large pond yacht, and they're so collectable.

Seems to be in good working order.

Little bit of damage here on the sail.

But it's obviously sailed the seven seas.

NARRATOR: Or quite a few ponds.

95 pound.

Could actually be one for consideration.

NARRATOR: So let's weigh anchor with Captain Charles and talk pieces of eight.

We'll knock 15 off?

15.

Which would make it 80.

Could you do this for 60?

And I would take it off your hands and free up a lot of shelf space?

- Yes, we could do 60.

- 60?

Yeah, we'll do 60.

OK. NARRATOR: So with everything shipshape-- I'm off to find a pond.

NARRATOR: --how's her mate over at the Cat in the Hat?

Oh, look.

The Gordon summoner.

Ooh, that's nice.

These are drug jars.

And those are really, really cool.

And this would have had anisum viridis in there.

Now I don't know for sure, but I think that's probably aniseed.

And aniseed in the 19th century was seen as a cure for-- how can I put this?

Let me give you a clue.

(HONKING) Windy bum.

Touch of flatulence.

(CHUCKLING) I really like these.

I've got to see how much they are.

52 pounds each.

That is not cheap.

Let me get the old ding dong.

[RINGS BELL] NARRATOR: Strangely-- Well done, Gordon.

NARRATOR: Ru's choice was also wind related.

Found something better.

Well I like these two.

Yeah.

Which aren't a pair.

No.

They're French.

And you've got a wheelbarrow down stairs.

A green painted on, which I couldn't really see.

Is that all up together?

Yeah.

Yeah, it's all together.

It works.

It's nice.

A nice thing.

And I couldn't find a price ticket on it, so I thought it might have been free?

Not free.

Price ticket is 130.

But I'm sure there's a bit of room.

Bells and buckets of what's it.

What's your very best price on the wheelbarrow?

Best price on the wheelbarrow, 70 pounds.

OK. And what's the very best price on that drug jar.

On that one, 35.

- And on that one?

- Same.

35.

But the pair-- Yeah?

60 quid.

50 quid, with the wheelbarrow.

I could do 50 quid without the wheelbarrow.

Yeah.

- Just on those two.

- That's fine.

Is that all right?

Yeah.

So I'm going to buy those two.

Lovely.

I'll shake you hand on 50.

NARRATOR: So with two swift jars-- [FART NOISE] Excuse me.

Phil departs.

[FART NOISE] Oh, I say.

Quite effective.

While his fellow road tripper, with more serious intent, has traveled to the center of Coventry.

Justly famous in the 20th century for its motor cars, the city once specialized in a very different product.

And Ru's come to meet Hugh Jones, from the Herbert museum, to learn more.

This is a jacquard loom, making the ribbon that Coventry once produced in vast quantities.

By the mid-1800s almost half the city's population was employed in the silk industry.

One prominent local Weaver was Thomas Stevens.

He was born in Coleshill, which is just on the outskirts of Coventry.

By the age of 26 he had his own ribbon weaving factory.

NARRATOR: Stevens was a great advocate of the futuristic French loom, which was able to produce complex, beautiful designs, with great speed and efficiency.

The important part of it are these punch cards, which you can see up there.

And they contain a program of the pattern.

So they would control how the loom worked, and how it produced the pattern at the end of it.

It almost reminds you of a music box.

Yes.

And it was also picked up and used in calculating machines in the 20th century.

And those developed into computers.

So you could see this as the forerunner of the computer program.

NARRATOR: But by 1860, just a few years after Stevens had opened his first mill, Coventry's most important industry had fallen on hard times.

The government lifted import duties on French silks, and the French were the main competitors.

So it meant that their ribbons were coming into the country cheaper than the Coventry ribbons.

There was also a slight change in fashion as well.

So ribbons were actually less popular.

So lots of manufacturers went bankrupt.

Lots of ribbon weavers were thrown out of work.

NARRATOR: Thomas Stevens's business survived, however, because he put his jacquard looms to an entirely new use.

Manufacturing the woven cloth labels we know today, and collectable silk pictures he called Steven Graphs.

I actually feel like we're going behind the scenes!

NARRATOR: Ru is about to view a unique collection of Steven Graphs, which was miraculously removed from the factory before it was destroyed during World War II.

Thank goodness.

It contains an example of almost everything that the company produced.

They started off by doing these book markers.

Which they started weaving in 1862.

There's hundreds of different examples.

Look at the work in this!

From a glance, you would think that this was ink.

They are woven on jacquard looms.

So he also did portraits!

Yeah, some of them are sort of nationally more well-known, like say, John Knox, and Wesley.

And then there's this one which features the Prince of Wales as he then was.

He later became King Edward VII.

Very dashing chap!

Well, at that time I think he was.

Yes.

And a lot of people would never have seen a likeness of these people.

I mean, newspapers didn't really have photographs in them.

Often this was the only way people might see some of these likenesses.

But they are very, very realistic.

NARRATOR: Shrewdly Stevens kept prices modest, and marketed his designs as bookmarks, greeting cards, and framed works of art, eventually producing hundreds of Steven Graphs representing all aspects of Victorian life.

Both in Britain, and abroad.

We've got a series of princes, and dukes, and emperors in Germany, produced particularly for the European market.

These are the only examples that we know of, are the ones in this album.

So this is where it becomes really rare.

NARRATOR: The inventor of the Steven Graph passed away in 1888.

But his highly collectable little legacies can still be found today.

Just remember to keep them out of the sunlight.

It seems as if just about every place we've been to recently has boasted a famous son.

Happy days.

NARRATOR: Be they industrialists, preachers, DJs, or cars.

Well, now Phil's on his way to the town of Stratford-Upon-Avon, along with an estimated two and a half million other visitors every year.

Yep!

He's the reason they're here!

Rhymes with eel spear, Phil.

So what's it to be?

Much ado about nothing?

Or all's well that ends well?

Good to see you!

How's tricks!

[KISSES] Happy birthday!

NARRATOR: He is popular today.

I want you to just show me something that's hidden away, no one's seen, that's fresh to the market.

That you think I will do well at, at auction.

And I'll tell you what.

I'm not even going to negotiate with you on the price.

You tell me what your best price you can do is, and I'll either buy it or I won't.

Just a second.

I'll go and get you something.

- Really?

Yeah.

I got you something here.

NARRATOR: In Sue's store room.

I say.

What have you got there?

Oh, look at those!

Oh, that is brilliant.

Thank you.

That is just fantastic.

And he's got some friends as well.

1950s.

A lady that brought them in this morning, said that they were her own toys.

But these are just lovely.

Oh, I love the duck as well!

Look at the duck!

NARRATOR: Do act your age, Phil.

Oh!

You know, I think I must be-- it is my birthday-- but I think I must be getting very, very soft in my old age.

Because I absolutely love these.

Go on.

Oh, look at him!

As squigy!

Oh, look at that!

What's the best price?

As it's your birthday, and I want you to make some money, how does 35 sound?

That sounds fantastic.

And I'll give you some money now.

NARRATOR: Well, brevity is the soul of wit.

Oh, they're lovely.

NARRATOR: I think he's going quackers.

Second childhood.

Buying done, next the auction tomorrow.

But is Ru ahead of the game?

We're going to Sheffield.

Sheffield's an assay office.

So you're buying your silver for Sheffield.

And what have I bought for Sheffield?

But then again, it could go the other way.

There could be so much silver in Sheffield, that they just don't want anymore.

NARRATOR: Good point, well made.

Now time for some shuteye.

Night, night you two.

Sleep well.

Welcome to Sheffield.

The city built on seven hills just like Rome.

Well, sort of.

Nervous?

Excited.

Very excited.

What about you?

I'm worried about my table.

If it's a good furniture sale, I could be all right.

NARRATOR: After kicking off in Northampton, and seeing a fair bit of the West Midlands, Ru and Phil have headed North towards the Steel City.

Home to the Sheffield auction gallery, the region's oldest auctioneers, and with internet bidding.

- How are you.

- I'm good.

Put it there, partner.

I tell you , I could do with a hand.

[LAUGHTER] NARRATOR: Phil parted with 380 pounds for five auction lots.

This has the power to tell your fortune.

Does it have my wallet on there?

NARRATOR: Whilst Arusha spent just 185.

Also on five lots.

So let's share our hopes and fears.

That's absolutely fantastic.

I'm not sure how far Sheffield is from the water.

But you know what?

I think that's going to do quite well.

I think this will be a risk for Phil.

I hope it pays off for him, but I don't think it will.

It's lovely, but brown furniture is just not in fashion anymore.

NARRATOR: Time for the sage thoughts of auctioneer Robert Lee.

The two glass fishing floats.

Look at the size of them!

They're massive.

They'll be able to keep some net up.

40 to 60 pounds, surely.

The tazza is a lovely little piece.

It's nice, it's dainty, it's beautifully pierced.

And it's silver.

Yeah, I like the plush toys.

They're nice and fluffy, aren't they?

You're tempted to say "aw."

NARRATOR: Everyone's gone daft.

Here we go.

So what's up first?

I'm up first.

Uh!

NARRATOR: Yep.

Ru's first bit of silver, the tazza.

First to start the bidding, on commission at 30 pounds.

25, well after.

35 it must be.

Elsewhere 40 to me, 45 or after.

You out [INAUDIBLE].

They're in.

I'm out.

Who's on 50.

45 bid on the internet.

Must be 50 pounds now.

45 is your bid on the internet.

50 bid.

55 bid.

60 please.

55 to beat on the internet.

Must be 60 pounds to progress.

Any body else want this item?

Amy advances?

It's going to sell.

One last look.

It's going on the internet, at 55 pound.

Going, going.

Sold.

Internet buyer was double seven.

NARRATOR: Ru's very first road trip loss.

She'll get used to it.

Phil has.

Listen, I'm going to show you what a loss is in a minute.

NARRATOR: Any eel viewers should look away now.

Phil's spear.

22 we're after.

22 bid on the internet.

25 he's got me now.

22 bid.

25 it must be.

A good, quirky item.

Anybody else for 25?

25 new bid.

28 we're after.

28, 30 sir.

30 in the room.

- Looks good.

35 we're after.

Anybody else with 35?

Thought this would go on.

It's going to sell.

One last look on my left at 30 pounds.

Have we finished?

There's your answer.

You broke even.

Which is good.

Well, I didn't.

I lost money after commission.

NARRATOR: So close to an actual profit, though.

Ah, commission, smission.

NARRATOR: What about Ru's silver shoe paraphernalia?

Must at least at 12, 15 please.

15 from them.

12 with me.

Cheaply.

Got to be 15 to move on.

15.

18.

20 now.

20 pounds with the lady top of the shop.

20 to them after.

20 only bid.

Anybody else at 22?

New bid.

25 Madam?

No.

Anybody else at 25?

22 with the gentleman here.

Anybody else at 25?

They're going to sell.

At 22.

Hammers dropping at 22 pounds.

That was sad.

I'm sad.

I'm on the verge of tears.

NARRATOR: Hey, at long last, profit.

Things are looking up.

I'm going to show you what tears really are.

NARRATOR: Now the auctioneer was very keen on these salty items.

They float, but can they fly?

45 bid on the internet.

There's interest.

51 after.

45 bid on the internet.

50 pound, new bid.

55 I need.

You're out [INAUDIBLE].

You're going to make it happen.

60 in the room.

65 we're after.

70 sir.

70 in the room.

75 we're after.

80, sir.

75-- at 40 each, 75 bid on the internet.

His maths is good.

With the rope chucked in.

You know, I'd kind of settle for this.

Any body else for 80 pound?

One last look, they're going to sell.

On the internet, 75.

Did I not [INAUDIBLE].

Fair warning at 75 pounds.

Going, going.

I just lost about 18 quid, and I'm feeling quite sucker about it, really.

NARRATOR: That's the spirit, Phil.

Worse things can happen at sea.

It's all wrong.

Shouldn't we be making money?

NARRATOR: That is the theory.

Perhaps Ru's pond yacht can catch a fair win.

It's a beauty, isn't it?

What a beauty?

Yes.

Launch it at 25 pound.

28 please.

28 bid.

30 we're after.

28 bid on the internet.

Must be 30 now to progress.

- I feel sick.

I feel sick.

- Must be 30 now.

28 only bid.

30 pound there.

Need 35 elsewhere.

Barely left the port.

30 bid on my left.

It needs to be 35.

Any body else coming in?

- I'm shaking.

Any advances?

Going, be quick or lose it.

Fair warning.

On my left, standing at 30 pounds.

Have we done?

I'm really saddened by that.

I thought it would have made about 45.

I thought it would make more.

I thought you'd have money back.

NARRATOR: Me too.

Still, a bit to go, though.

Mind you, [INAUDIBLE] what do I know?

NARRATOR: Ah-ha!

So cute.

Can these fluffy little creatures cheer up our Phil?

40 bid on commission.

45 it must be now.

You are on fire.

50, 55, 60, 65.

60 Bid on commission.

Any body else coming in?

They're going to go.

Fair warning.

On the commissions at 60 pounds.

16 quid a piece.

It's not a lot of money, is it?

NARRATOR: It's a profit, Phil.

Your first.

They did you proud.

Looks like you might hold on to that big lead of yours.

NARRATOR: Yes, unless Ru's pair of marcasite brooches are what Sheffield craves.

Tenner for the two to kick us off.

10 bid.

12, please.

12 bid.

15 we're after.

You're out.

15.

18, Madam.

18 in the room.

20 please.

22, Madam.

22 in the room.

25 we're after.

22 bid.

Lady, central, holding.

Go to 25 elsewhere?

Is that a bid, sir?

25, new bid.

28.

25, gentleman here is in.

Must be 28 now.

And any offense for the two at 25?

One last look.

Fair warning at 25.

28, new bid.

Got to be 30.

Central bid at 28 pounds.

Going.

Going.

Hammer's down.

Buyer was 31.

NARRATOR: Oh, it happens Ru!

Hang on in there!

I'm going to need a strong cup of tea after this.

NARRATOR: Or maybe one of Dr. Phil's remedies.

His drug jars are next.

I'm feeling windy.

20 is your opening bid.

- Oh, ouch.

- Don't worry it'll go up.

22 I'm after.

22 there.

25 I'm after.

25, 28, 30.

Ooh, there's interest.

35.

30 bid.

Third row.

Any body else for 35?

30 bid so far, for the two.

35.

40.

35 only for the two.

There going to sell.

One last look.

Holding now, we have 35.

Ooh!

Oh, Lordy, Lordy.

NARRATOR: Hey, that's my catchphrase.

Oh, Lordy.

Well, that's not bad.

Now you're patronizing.

That's not a nice trait, Ru.

NARRATOR: Last chance for the novice.

Her art deco vase and Georgian glass must surely have a good chance, though, mustn't they?

Line, that was a long wait to wait.

Thank you.

Together with that late Georgian [INAUDIBLE] in glass.

10 pounds your opening bid.

12 there.

15.

18.

20.

22 bid on the internet.

25 in the room.

28 I'm after.

You're off to the races.

28.

30, sir.

30 in the room.

35 we're after.

- You're off to the races.

40, sir.

35 bid on the internet.

40, new bid in the room.

45. we're after.

50 sir.

50 in the room.

55 we're after.

- It's a lovely vase.

- 50 in the room.

55.

60, sir.

60 in the room.

65 we're after.

- Well done, you.

70, sir.

70 in the room.

75 we're after.

Your outletters, they're in, at 75.

80 sir.

80 in the room.

85 we're after.

- Well done you.

I didn't see that.

90, sir.

90 in the room.

95 we're after.

Getting your bid in quick.

95 they're in.

100, sir?

100 in the room.

110 we're after.

Well done you.

110 it must be internetters.

Got to be 110.

Get you bid in quick or lose it.

Any advance?

Your man holds it.

100 pounds.

Going, going.

Well done you.

It's well done you.

Thank you!

NARRATOR: All her losses forgotten.

Now she's back in the black.

We could be neck and neck.

This will be interesting.

NARRATOR: Oh, it will, because with perfect timing, here is Phil's last lot.

And his biggest gamble.

50 pounds for it.

Ouch.

50 pounds for it.

To kick us off.

60.

65.

65 on my left.

70 I'm after.

65 only bid.

Must be 70 pounds to continue.

That is absolutely for nothing.

I feel like we've bought one of the legs.

On my left at 65 pound.

Gentlemen at 65.

Hammer's going to drop.

Have we finished at 65?

That is the cheapest practice table I've ever seen.

NARRATOR: Oh, it's a bargain, all right.

Scant consolation for our Phil.

I've aged about 10 years.

You make it look so easy, though.

What, losing money?

It's just a dream!

Come on, let's go and see who's won.

Absolutely.

NARRATOR: Phil started out with 538 pounds and 74 pence.

But after costs, he made a loss of 160 pounds and 70p.

So he has 376 pounds, and four pence to spend next time.

While Ru began with 300 pounds a 94p, made a tiny profit after costs of 7 pounds and 70 pence.

So she has 308 pounds, and 64p.

And of course the laurels from today's auction.

Although Phil is still out in front overall.

Well.

I'm done in.

That was a roller coaster, wasn't it?

I've got to lift my shoulders.

Onward and upward.

Do you know what, tomorrow's another day.

More money to be made.

NARRATOR: Or lost.

[MUSIC PLAYING]