NARRATOR: It's the nation's favorite antiques experts with 200 pounds each.

I like.

I like.

I like.

Ah!

NARRATOR: A classic car and a goal to scar Britain for antiques.

The aim, to make the biggest profit at auction but it's no mean feat.

They'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

It's fine.

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

Or the slow road to disaster?

Pull on the ignition.

NARRATOR: This is the Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah.

Stop everything.

It's time for the second installment of our road trip excitement with Christina Trevanion and James Braxton.

Oh, I feel giddy at the prospect.

Oh, it's-- oh.

Oh my goodness.

Just stay, stay, stay calm.

Stay calm.

Everybody stay calm.

OK. We are the polar explorers of antiques.

Exactly.

NARRATOR: Great Scott, hey.

This leg we have James showing he has a real nose for antiques.

So amongst the carpets.

NARRATOR: Right you are then.

When Christina tells us about her undergarments.

I've got five vests on today.

Lots, and lots, and lots.

NARRATOR: Blimey, what's going on?

But who has James dressed as today?

You look like as a mix between a French-- you should look like some garlic around your neck.

Yeah, I know.

I should have a string of cloves around my neck, but that's to ward off the devil isn't it?

Is it?

NARRATOR: She's right.

It's garlic, not cloves.

From her original 200 pounds, Christina has 216 pounds and 48 pence.

James also began with 200 pounds, and he's just in front with a total of 225 pounds and 94 pennies.

It's a close one.

How exciting.

And they still got the stately 1965 Jaguar Mark 2 to parade around in.

Not four wheel drive though, watch out.

This is portal white snow.

Yeah.

Wow.

Awesome.

Jim, we've had no snow this year.

This is wildly.

I know this is very isn't it?

NARRATOR: Yeah, typical summer in Scotland.

This road trip kicked off in Northumberland, has auctioned in Hamilton, and will continue onwards to Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Tyne and Wear, and we'll cross the border once more with a concluding auction in Ayr, on the west coast of Scotland.

Today, our adventure begins in the spectacular climbs of the snowy Trossachs in Scotland.

We kick off in Ward Toll, just south of Harbor Foyle, and auction later in Bolton in Greater Manchester.

Warm enough in the car for you two?

Well that's a good thing about having a travel rug because I'm very warm in the Trossachs.

Yeah, I'm so-- (LAUGHING) well that's good to know.

NARRATOR: Too much detail.

We've left the snow and hills behind, let's begin our antiques exploration with James at Country Homes Antiques.

Should I just take your blanket, grandpa?

No, I must take my blanket.

Enjoy.

--just in case.

Thank you.

Have fun.

Spend wisely.

I will.

I will.

NARRATOR: Now for a good old rummage.

Ah, lovely hot colors.

So there's lots of interesting items here.

Oh, yummy, yummy, yummy.

If this was by the Swiss artist Giacometti, this would probably make millions.

So interesting proposition, you know.

Has the Hand of Fortune been laid on James Braxton today?

NARRATOR: Who knows.

Ooh, what about this handsome fellow?

That's a nice-- always when you look at a picture the good thing is, is you want the whole thing to be as one.

And you want the frame to be contemporary with the period of the picture.

And this is wholly typical of late 19th century picture.

So we got all on canvas here, quite flat, looks as though it could do with a bit of a varnish.

NARRATOR: This noble fox hound is priced at 140 pounds.

As a nation that loves doggies, this could be a goody.

Now, Andrew.

Andrew.

So what we got?

So I like the picture of the fox hound.

Yes.

Would 70 buy it?

Hmm, probably not.

But 80 would.

80 would buy it.

80 would buy it.

How about how about 75, Andrew?

75, gold.

Put it there chief.

I think we could do that.

Well, thank you.

I suppose you want some money, don't you?

You rapacious antique dealers, you always want the money, don't you?

There you are one 20, two 40, three 60, four 80.

Now put one more in there and I'm going to give you this.

For 25 pounds-- 25 pounds.

I think you'll do very well with it.

It's a charming little thing.

It's authentic, original, 18th century Chinese.

And it's just got your name written all over it.

So you want another 20 quid?

So this is going to cost me 25?

75, 25.

100 pounds altogether.

Oh, Andrew.

God this could be the end of me.

Look at all this.

You've got more you should-- you stay a little bit longer-- I'm peeling, I'm peeling off the 20.

Very nice.

Very nice.

Thank you.

Very good doing business with you.

Thank you, James.

NARRATOR: The very first shop and James is splashing the cash again-- 100 pounds straight off.

Blimey, what's going on?

Elsewhere, Christina is purring the Jag to the town of Doune, in Sterlingshire.

Oh, it's a lovely view.

Well, of Christina.

Bonnie Prince Charlie passed through Doune on his way to see Camilla.

Oh, no not him.

The early one, in the 18th century.

Today, it's Christina's turn though.

She'd better get her sleeves rolled up because there are loads of dealers selling their wares in here.

It goes on, and on, and on.

Mustn't get distracted by sparkly things.

Mustn't.

Mustn't.

Mustn't.

Must concentrate.

(WHISPERING) Look at that.

NARRATOR: Outside there's a barn to rummage in too.

Now what's lurking in here?

Oh, this is better.

Much more natural environment for the Trevanion in a barn happily having a rummage.

Hey, look at this.

Look at that.

Mahogany chest of drawers.

What's that?

2 over 3 inlaid chest 115 pounds.

When it says, 2 over 3, clearly it means you've got two short drawers over three long drawers.

So you've got socks, you've got pants, you've got vests, more vests, and more vests, in my case.

Especially when you're working in Scotland, which is jolly chilly.

I've got 5 vests on today.

Lots, and lots, and lots.

NARRATOR: Oh, no not more detail.

Let's have a little look.

What have we got here?

We've got stained collector's box.

That is quite interesting, isn't it?

I quite like that.

It's a bit of an ugly duckling on the outside, isn't it?

It's been seriously stained with what looks like treacle.

But you open it up and it's really quite a beautiful box.

I wonder what you put in there, maybe, you would have had shells, or maybe a painter's box, or something.

It's quite big, isn't it?

Really beautifully made.

Probably about-- oh, look at that.

What's that say?

Oh.

May from her father, 17th of August, 1931.

Aw, I love that.

That's gorgeous.

Right.

That's all it to me.

Let's go and see what they can do it for.

NARRATOR: She doesn't know anything about that girl.

Let's find Shirl the pearl to talk cash.

Hello.

Hello.

Hi.

Shirley?

Yes.

While I was in the barn I found this.

It's got 22 pounds on it.

I think, yeah.

Yes.

What could be your best price on that, Shirley?

Well, since it's you-- For a battered old box.

I can do it for 20.

- Would you?

- Yes.

Magic.

20 pounds.

I'm not going to argue with that.

NARRATOR: Back to the lovely Jag.

She's certainly holding on to her pennies today.

Meanwhile, James has traveled to the District of Govan, in Glasgow.

He's come to govern old parish church.

To see the discoveries that have been unearthed from the churchyard.

Royal secrets that lay undisturbed for over 1,000 years.

Gosh.

Hello, James.

Welcome.

This is Govan Old Parish Church, and I'm Professor Stephen Driscoll, and would you like to come in?

I'd love to.

How long has there been a church on this site?

We think there's been a church here for about 1,400 years, a series of churches, really.

And in the 10th and 11th centuries, it seems to have been the main religious center for the Kings of Strathclyde.

The chance discovery has determined Govan as one of the earliest seats of Christianity in Scotland.

And is a powerful royal center.

Here is one of the most precious and earliest relics, an ancient sarcophagus.

This is made for St. Constantine.

And this church is dedicated to Constantine.

And Constantine was the King of the Picts.

And he was a royal martyr killed an 876.

This monolithic sarcophagus is an exceptional discovery because there is nothing else quite like it in the UK.

What does a find like this tell us about Strathclyde at the time?

It really tells us that we're looking at a highly important place.

This is an utterly unique monument, and once it's enshrined, it becomes a magnet for high status burial.

And the churchyard over the centuries becomes full of very important burials.

In the year 870, a new power arrives in the form of marauding Vikings from Denmark and Norway.

This burial ground of the elite reveals their influence in the most remarkable way.

What are these extraordinarily alien objects?

These are burial monuments from the Viking age, and they're meant to represent buildings.

So these little rectangular panels are representing timber shingles.

They look like scales, but they're really the roof tiles.

But there's such a difference between the style of this hog's back to St. Constantine's sarcophagus, isn't there?

Couldn't agree with you more.

These are really distinctive monument.

These are really, they're making a statement about their place in the world.

And the ideology of this, which presumably, they're kind of representing the chieftains whole.

You know, they're particularly kind of meant to glamorize the power of the chieftains.

A great political center and a burial ground where the powerful wanted to be laid to rest, proves that a millennium ago, Govan was the most important place in the west of Scotland.

And just before we leave, sculptor Clark Innes is going to test the craftsman skills of James Braxton.

Now what's this based on?

This is a representation of the sandstone here in Govan Church.

Out of a bit of reclaimed sandstone that was lying out the back.

And it's just steady chipping away is it?

And what's this piece here?

This is a small piece representing some interrelation.

Interrelation is just, as you can see, like a ribbon effect on stone.

Yeah.

This is a kind of Celtic meets Saxon art.

OK. OK. And it's turned into an art.

Come on.

Can I have a go?

Yeah, sure.

There you are.

Let's get pecking.

Peck away.

Like that?

Yeah, and slightly-- Find the pecks?

How long will these-- this carving last, do you think?

Well if these stones were stored correctly, indefinitely.

It would last forever.

So it's just weather?

It's just weather, yeah.

But there's no such thing as bad whether, it's mainly poor clothing, isn't it?

Yeah, that's right.

Yeah.

Not for the stones though.

Not for the stones.

NARRATOR: God he's a chip off the old block, James, isn't he?

Now back to Christina.

She's in the Broomielaw District of Glasgow searching for some winning antiques.

Glasgow City Antiques is bursting at the seams with a huge selection of treasures.

Christina has just under 200 pounds to spend in here.

Liars, it's huge.

Lot of furniture.

A lot of brown.

This is more like it.

So we've got in here some dinky, little silver frame.

Yeah, nice hallmark on there.

Birmingham silver hallmark.

Photograph frames, and this one has got a lovely portrait, or photograph, of a chap who is clearly in the RAF.

Birmingham 1930s sterling silver frame, 25 pounds.

The thing about silver frames is that at auction they're always eternally popular because they're still usable today.

It's quite cute, and there's actually another couple in here as well.

Oh, gosh that has seen better days.

And that's actually got a split in the side there, which is a shame.

How much is that one?

20 pounds.

And that's not actually marked by the looks of it.

Oh, another one.

OK, that's not silver, but they'd be quite fun, wouldn't there?

NARRATOR: Christina also finds a little á nouveau chappy here too priced at 30 pounds.

Could be a nice group lot.

Now where's dealer Sally.

Sally?

Oh, the sparklies, my goodness.

I picked those up from a cupboard over there.

All right.

And are these yours as well?

- Yes, they are.

- Oh, they are.

Magic.

Oh, wonderful.

So I was looking at that.

Yes.

What's that?

It's a guard chain, but it's not gold.

Sadly, it's just gold plate.

But I'll be able to do you a nice price on it.

Oh, that's what I like.

I got it in a job lot and I was praying it was gold.

You've got that little swivel on the bottom, which you would have put your watch on originally.

But it actually would make quite a nice-- I mean, look at, why did that little photo pendant there.

Is that-- - Oh, yeah.

That's rose gold.

Yeah.

Is that 9 karat gold?

9 karat, I think, yeah.

Sort of clipped onto the bottom.

Would make really quite a nice-- That's lovely.

Sort of little pendant, wouldn't it?

Be good nicely together, yeah.

You put it against black like that.

OK, Sally, so let's talk turkey.

Yes.

What can we do for that?

And I just sort of got a little group of little photograph frames together before, which were potentially something.

Maybe as a bit of a-- as a group lot.

How about I did the whole lot for 90?

Could we say 80?

The whole lot, and I'm a happy bunny.

- Yes, OK. - Is that all right?

Yes.

80 pounds.

Brilliant.

Thank you very much.

No problem at all.

NARRATOR: Anything else?

Now, thinking about it, there were some spoons over there.

All right, OK. Do you mind if I just go and grab them because I think they might be a potential.

Ah, these.

Oh, I think they're David Anderson.

NARRATOR: Scandinavian designer David Anderson established his company in 1876 in Oslo, and the name is synonymous with fine quality.

Plated, silver serving spoons.

Oh, so they're plated?

OK. 30 pounds a pair.

What do you think on those?

What have I got?

30.

Well, we're on 80 at the moment.

What if I do 95, for everything?

95?

I'm a happy girl, Sally.

There it comes again.

We're becoming very good friends.

We really are.

NARRATOR: Well after that trolley dash, Christina's got the spoons for 15, the frames for 40, and the Victoria necklace also for 40.

It's been a busy old day for our experts.

Time for a rest.

Nighty-night.

Rise and shine.

Our pair on the move once more.

Morning grandpa.

Morning.

Morning.

Morning.

Why, hey-- With your blanket over your knees.

The great adage is, any fool can be uncomfortable.

You look after your knees.

The queen, you know, she always has a little travel rug.

NARRATOR: Yeah, but you're not the queen.

Let's remind ourselves of what our lovely twosome have bought thus far.

Christina has four lots.

The collector's box, the collection of photograph frames, a Victorian necklace, and a pair of silver plated spoons.

She has 101 pounds and 48 pence for the day ahead.

Our current leader James has been spending money too, but he only has two lots.

He has the fox hound oil on canvas and the small 18th century bronze pot.

Leaving him 125 pounds and 94 pence.

James has commandeered the Jag and made his way to the Woodlands area of Glasgow.

The Cave Antique Shop is his next stop.

Sounds just the thing for our James.

So there's lots of these little reduce labels all over the place.

But what I'm really after is I'm after something history.

That's what sells, history.

Owner Ali is a man of means and also has another shop across the road for James to have a nosey in.

There are-- so amongst the carpets.

[SNIFFING] I think in a former life I must have lived in somewhere like Marrakesh, or Fez, or Harrods, or something like that.

I'm irresistibly drawn to carpet.

NARRATOR: He's a passionate soul.

Look, what's this?

You see also I am illiterate-- you know, base metal Braxton.

I do love copper.

There's something really lovely about copper.

It's got a good weight this.

What would this be?

A bin.

It's got a very Glasgow arts and crafts, Arabic numeral there, hasn't it?

What have we got?

Sale.

It's reduced for early sale.

45 is still too expensive really.

NARRATOR: Stand by Ali.

I found this bin, Ali.

That's a good one.

On the floor.

Nice bit of copper.

Now if I said to you, 18, what would you say, Ali?

I can do it for 25.

25.

What about 20?

Me to you, you to me.

20?

If it make it perfect for you, why not?

Why not?

Thank you, Ali.

Let's put it there.

NARRATOR: James' third buy, hey.

And for 20 pounds?

Nice.

Cristina's made her way to East Kilbride, the largest town in South Lanarkshire.

As a farmer's wife, Christina has come to hear how two Scots revolutionized crop harvest in the 19th century.

Curator Elaine Edwards knows the story, and it all starts with a sickle.

So, Elaine, tell me why you've just handed me this rather menacing looking thing here.

Well before mechanization, of course, reaping and threshing was all done by hand.

And it was done in the same way over centuries.

So is this all you'd need as a farmer?

Pretty much to get your crop in and to separate it from the straw.

NARRATOR: And to separate the wheat from the husk you need this implement-- a threshing flail.

So when you're threshing, I mean that's quite a physic-- oh my gosh.

That's really heavy, isn't it?

It is quite heavy.

Gosh, I mean, you would have had serious muscles if you were a thresher.

Yes.

NARRATOR: Indeed you did.

And in 1828, a Scottish minister came up with an idea that would start the beginnings of transforming this heavy physical process.

The next stage was mechanization.

And Patrick Bell devised what's now known as Bell's reaper.

And it was cutting the crop using a scissor action.

NARRATOR: But there was a snag, the horse pushed the machine rather than pulling it, which meant the farmer couldn't determine quickly enough when a jam occurred in the machinery.

However, four of them were sent to America, and Patrick Bell hadn't patented it.

He wanted to use it for the benefit of mankind, basically.

And a company called McCormick picked up on it and did improve on it greatly.

So they got over this problem of the crop jamming the equipment, and they then patented it.

Oh no.

NARRATOR: Meanwhile, Andrew Meikle another Scot, was developing a mechanical threshing process.

He developed in the 1780s what's now known as a Meikle Thresher Mill.

And we have an example of that here at the museum.

This is the Breck of Rendle Mill from Orkney that dates from 1804.

That's really early, isn't it?

Really early, yeah.

And it's reputedly the world's oldest surviving thresher mill.

NARRATOR: Standing at 21 feet, this complex machine was expensive so only the larger wealthier farms could afford one.

But it signaled a sea change in arable farming.

When did they come together to create what we now know as a modern combine harvester?

Well probably earlier than most people think, actually, because some of the early combines were actually pulled by horses.

And we have an example here at the museum, it's called the caterpillar.

And up to 30 horses would have actually pulled this combine.

Wow.

They didn't really take off in Scotland because the farms basically aren't big enough, so.

Who has 30 horses?

Yeah, right?

So they were used more in America with the big plains and more.

But then relatively quickly from that, you get tractor pulled combines.

And relatively quickly after that, again, we get the combination of the self-propelled combine harvester.

NARRATOR: A man with a sickle can reap a quarter of an acre of wheat a day.

A man with a combine harvester can reap 800 times that amount.

Aha, here we are.

Yes, so this is the Massey-Harris 726.

Right.

That was produced in Kilmarnock and it was the first European produced, self-propelled combine harvester.

So what date is this?

1948.

Gosh, that is quite early, isn't it?

And it's very recognizable, that when you look at it, it clearly is a combine harvester.

That you would recognize today, as well.

That's right.

And of course the name comes from the fact that you were combining the process of reaping, threshing, winnowing, all into one.

Hence, combine harvester.

So we've come an awfully long way from the scythe, the sickle and the flail, haven't we?

We have, yeah.

In a relatively short space of time.

And it could be argued that this implement is the one that revolutionized the industry and no other has had such an impact.

It's such a transformative effect.

NARRATOR: Back to James in the Jag.

So driving into Largs, wanting to have an ice cream, but first I'm going to buy some antiques.

I'm going to beat that Christina.

NARRATOR: Always thinking of his tongue, that one.

James is visiting the seaside town of Largs, in North Ayrshire.

The name comes from the Scottish Gaelic meaning slopes.

And not one to slope about is our James.

He's heading in here to spend his pennies.

Oh, hello.

Hello.

Hello.

Lovely to see you again, James.

Hello.

Hi.

You've met Bobby before have you?

- I have.

- Yes.

Yes.

He's the star of the show.

Lovely soft coat.

Bobby, that wasn't a growl was it?

No, not at all.

He's always pleased to see you, James.

Always was pleased to see you.

NARRATOR: Down boy.

Anyway, I wouldn't be too sure of him, Bobby.

Not with a hat like that.

Our James has just a smidge over 105 pounds to spend in here.

Wake up and hurry.

Christina is on her way.

I've got first dibs of the treasures.

First dibs of the treasures.

I better find something.

Look at that.

There's a bomb.

There's a bomb and a half.

God that's got some weight as well.

I wonder if that was for sounding.

God, that is very heavy.

That would have been dragged along by a ship, wouldn't it?

NARRATOR: I doubt it.

This World War 2 bomb case may have been an aerial training bomb.

Where'd you get it from Franco?

An old retired officer brought it into me and I bought it from him and I thought I'd have a go at it.

I just took it to pieces, just curious to see what was inside it, it's empty.

NARRATOR: Ever heard of the bomb disposal squad?

Now Christina is on her way to Largs with just over 100 pounds in her purse.

Ah.

[BELL DINGING] Service.

Hello.

Hi.

- How are you?

I'm very well.

How are you?

- Welcome to Nordic Antiques.

- Why thank you very much.

Who's this?

- Have you met Bobby before?

This is Bobby.

- Hi, Bobby.

- He's the star of the show.

- Is he?

Yeah, well-- Well, that's James.

I don't think so.

Hi, gorgeous.

Hello, and who are you, sir?

- Jacques.

Jacques.

Lovely to meet you, Jacques.

Very lovely to meet you.

Right, who's going to help me?

I will.

Oh, come on in guys.

Let's go and have a look around.

NARRATOR: I think you've drawn the short straw here chief.

See you.

See you in about an hour.

OK. Bye boys.

Be lucky.

Looking very good.

So what have we got?

A lovely-- look at this a vintage prop.

It's an old propeller from a plane with it's been converted to a clock.

Yeah.

I have a lovely lady.

Lovely lady.

I've got a lovely lady, the statue.

OK. Lovely.

Yeah.

A nice bottle of vintage brandy, would that?

No, not so much.

Not, not quite so early in the day maybe.

A thistle.

A thistle?

A thistle.

Guys, I wonder whether James might need your help at the desk?

Do you want to maybe go and help him?

We're not wanted, Jacques.

Exit, we know when we're not wanted.

NARRATOR: Exit 3 old dogs.

Alone at last.

Now, how about a price for James on the World War 2 showcase?

Franco, own up.

80 quid?

8-- hoo.

I think that's top money for auction.

Do you think?

Yeah, I think it's really got to be sort of south of 40.

South of 40.

- James.

James.

James.

- Franco.

Franco.

Franco.

I tell you what we'll do, since it's you.

Yeah?

Give me a friendly 50.

Friendly 50.

A nifty 50.

How about an unfriendly 45?

47.

47.50.

Well done.

- 50.

OK.

I got an 50 pence.

OK. OK.

I went from 80 pounds to 47.50.

NARRATOR: Well, we got there in the end.

That's a kind discount of 32.50.

While James is looking for something else, what of Christina?

OK. We've also got some oars here, as well.

Look at these.

Is there a pair?

There's two.

One there as well.

Not quite modern, are they, but-- they may look quite nice as a display, wouldn't they?

In a pub.

If you painted them, or something, they'd be quite fun.

There's no prices on anything yet.

It's a bit worrying.

NARRATOR: Never fear.

Jacques is here.

What could be your best price on the oars?

15.

Come on.

You know you want them, you know.

Row in to the sunset.

Do you think we could row off together into the-- No, well, I think my wife may object to-- OK. 15 pounds, Jacques.

A deal.

You helped a girl out.

Thank you very much.

NARRATOR: Another lot for Christina to take to auction, well done.

Now what's James found?

Look at that.

This is great.

What a great shape.

There's a solid, solid member of the armed forces there.

A lovely walrus mustache.

And here is your regimental Sergeant Major barking out orders.

He's a man, a very solid stance, a good tummy.

He's very good, isn't he?

Good design should always have humor, and this has humor in buckets.

I rather like that.

Though it's got to mark on the bottom.

It's Devon pottery from Bovey Tracey Pottery.

And they did these rather nice figures.

Isn't that great?

NARRATOR: The Bovey Tracey potteries in Devon began in the mid 18th century, and lasted about 200 years.

This little chap is priced at 35 pounds.

Let's go and find Franco.

Franco, I think I found something.

Good.

Good.

I'm pleased.

Sergeant Major.

Sergeant Major.

He looks solid fellow, isn't he?

Yes, he is.

What could you do on that?

What's your lowest?

30 pounds.

20 chief.

That's my final.

I tell you-- 20.

--with a 47.50 for the bomb.

How about a 22.50?

Gives it to 70 quid in total.

Go on.

Put her there.

Thank you.

We have a deal.

We have a deal.

NARRATOR: There we have it then.

The Bovey figure and the World War 2 bomb case for 70 pounds completes our second leg shopping extravaganza.

I wore a beret at school for five years.

The only problem with a beret is that you get one cold ear, don't you?

All the time.

You always got to keep one ear open for predators.

Just in case.

Just in case.

NARRATOR: Crikey, I think it's best you two get some shuteye straight away.

It's off to auction we go.

We've made our way to the town of Bolton, in Greater Manchester, for our second leg decider.

It's here that a recent survey places Boltonians as the friendliest in the country.

Give up all hope ye who enter here.

NARRATOR: Don't be like that.

Today's sale is being held in the Former Metropolitan Library at Bolton Auction Rooms.

Our pair are looking very smart today.

Look at them.

James opted to splash his cash with the total spend of 190 pounds on five lots.

While Christina was rather cautious, and has spent a total of 135 pounds on five lots.

The verdict on one another's buys today, please.

Look at him.

First thing in the morning, he even looks a little bit scary, doesn't he?

He's barking instructions at his platoon-- bless him.

It's a lovely thing.

It's a very lovely thing.

Nicely marked.

I'm sure there'll be a good collector's market for him.

I like him.

As a rower myself, I have a natural affinity to oars.

But whether oars strike the right note in the auction room, in the middle of Greater Manchester, I don't know.

It might be she is up the river with no paddle.

NARRATOR: Harry Howcroft is today's auctioneer.

What does he think of their offering?

The fox hound, we really like this one.

We've been watching it just on the internet, and I think we've got a couple of comments on that one as well.

The David Anderson spoons, anything Scandinavian design at the moment is on fire.

Yes.

NARRATOR: Thanks, Harry.

The auction is about to begin.

Today, we're also open for internet bidders.

I think I might have just bought something.

NARRATOR: First up, it's James oil on canvas of the noble fox hound.

I've got competing bids on 55 pounds.

60 anywhere?

60 pounds already.

60 anywhere?

60, 65, 70.

75, 80.

85, 90.

95 is in the river.

95 pound bid.

100.

110.

110, 120-- I wasn't expecting that.

140, 150.

140 pound bid.

Good for you, you almost doubled your money.

Good people of Bolton.

How good a town.

Anybody joining us?

140 pound bid.

150, 160, now.

OK, they can stop now.

Is there 160 anywhere?

150 pounds.

160 is back in.

At 160.

160s back in.

They haven't quite finished yet, Christina.

OK, enough already.

Last bid in, in the foyer for 160.

[GAVEL STRIKE] Oh, congratulations.

Lovely painting.

Lovely painting.

What a lovely man.

I do like that Auctioneer.

Taxi for Trevanion.

NARRATOR: This lovely doggy sold for a very lovely price.

I'm double my money.

Yeah.

Such-- I'm in uncharted waters.

NARRATOR: Christina's turn next with the collector's box.

Here it is.

I can go in at 32, 34 on me.

34, 36, 38.

It's in the room at 38 pound bid.

40 anywhere?

38 pound bid.

Oh, and 40, 42 in the room.

At 42 in the room now.

It's in the room gent seated a 42 pound bid.

44 in lead.

44, 46, and internet gets it at 44 pound bid.

At 44 pounds.

[GAVEL STRIKE] NARRATOR: Decent sized profit there, Christina.

That's all right.

I'll take that.

Yeah.

That's perfect.

NARRATOR: Now for James' mystery bronze 18th century pot.

- 60 million?

- No.

70 million?

No.

25 pounds?

Probably 25 pounds.

I've got 48 pound with me on commission.

Oh, stop smiling.

Christina.

Seriously.

48, 50 anywhere?

At 55 on the internet.

Oh, here we are.

Come on.

60 minutes.

5 in a row.

I've 55 in the room now.

It's 55 in the room.

It's in the room at 55 pound bid.

60, now 65 is it.

The sun always shines in Bolton.

60 pound.

Holding at 60.

[GAVEL STRIKE] NARRATOR: Bloomin' act, James.

You've got the eye.

Beginner's luck, Christina.

I don't think so.

Beginner's luck.

NARRATOR: Very modest.

He's out in front, James.

Now Christina's collection of photo frames.

I can go straight in at 38.

40 anywhere?

38 pound bid.

In profit?

Are you in profit?

Well, no I'm not cause I paid 40 pounds for them.

You buy the lot for 30.

I've got 40.

40 on the net.

AUCTIONEER: A 42 pound bid.

42 pound bid with me.

Aldon at 42, you buy the lot.

For 42 pounds.

You want to-- [GAVEL STRIKE] NARRATOR: Oh, that's a shame.

But it's still a little something, Christina.

We got everything to pay for it.

It's early days.

It's all right.

I've got tissues, it's fine.

It's early days.

NARRATOR: It's not that bad.

The copper bin from James is next.

I have 38 pound with me.

42 with me.

Still on commission of 42 pound bid.

42 pound bid with me.

42 pound bid.

44 pound bid is on the net.

A 44 pound bid.

46 pound bid on the net.

- Christina.

- It's at 50 pounds.

It is.

Will you stop making money.

AUCTIONEER: You won't be disappointed.

48 pound bid.

Harry is working far too well for you today.

[GAVEL STRIKE] NARRATOR: Lady luck is definitely on James' side today.

Well done.

I am just going to leave.

No, Christina, have faith.

I'm just-- I'm just feeling like a passenger.

Come see my round.

My round.

It will be tonight.

I can assure you.

NARRATOR: Christina is next.

Her David Anderson silver plated spoons.

Come on David Anderson.

32 with me on commission.

Double your money?

Double your money.

--for it.

34, 36 still with me.

36 pound bid.

38 pound bid.

The net has gone wild.

Smoke rising from the monitor.

38 on the bid.

Internet bid them for 30.

40 pound bid in the room.

40 pound bid is in the room.

A 40 pound bid.

42, 44.

44 in the room.

44 pound bid.

Gents bid at 46, 48 now.

46 pound bid.

Internet gets it at 46 pound bid.

Holding at 46 pounds.

Oh.

Ah, don't stop there.

Keep going, Harry.

Come on, Harry.

NARRATOR: Ha ha ha He's got you a lovely profit there, Christina.

And your highest so far.

See it is the Aesop's Fables, Tortoise and the Hare.

Yeah?

I'm feeling decidedly tortoise at the moment.

You're struggling home.

NARRATOR: It's your World War 2 bomb case next.

No sudden movements, please.

I've got 70 with me.

I'll take that.

Absolutely.

Yeah.

75.

Hey, the gnome.

The gnomes after it.

95 pound bid.

Got 90, 95 pound bid in the room.

I've got a 95 pound bid in the room.

Got 110 now.

It's in the room at 110, 120, 130 now.

130 pound bid.

In the room at 130.

140 anywhere?

130 pound bid.

140, 150.

James, this is almost indecent.

Sorry.

This is very embarrassing.

Sorry.

150 anywhere?

You should be ashamed of yourself.

I should hang my head in shame.

140 pounds.

NARRATOR: Well done, James.

That didn't bomb, did it?

Stop smiling.

I need to stop smiling.

NARRATOR: Christina's Victorian necklace is up next.

I've got 34, 36, 38.

40 pounds.

42.

It's with me at 42 pound bid.

44, 46, 48.

That's good.

It might just be a little perfect.

I've got 55 with me.

I've got 55 pou-- what have you got?

I've got 50-50.

I've got 60.

65?

I've 65 into it.

65 pound bid.

- Come on online.

- It's all right.

That's all right, Harry.

75 anywhere?

Come on, Harry.

Come on, man.

AUCTIONEER: 75 pound bid.

Holding at 70 pound.

Internet gets it at 70.

[GAVEL STRIKE] NARRATOR: Another steady result, Christina.

But you're still in the shadow of James' lead.

Add a note onto it, and I might be somewhere near you.

NARRATOR: Attention.

James' Bovey pottery figures up next.

This is your last opportunity now to make any more profit.

Bring it on.

Bring it on.

36.

38 anywhere?

75.

75 pound bid on the net.

90 pound bid.

Now we're on-- Smashing.

Keep going, Harry.

Keep going.

NARRATOR: All the internet bids are flying in.

170.

180.

190.

Sorry, can I just apologize?

Can I, Christina?

You're going to hate me.

No, James.

It's nothing to do with me.

Never.

NARRATOR: The internet is going wild for this little chap.

I'm as surprised as you are.

NARRATOR: What's happening online, Harry?

280 pound bid on the net.

It must be quite a rare figure.

300.

What?

300 bid.

300 pound bid.

320 anywhere?

Anybody in the room interested?

All done, on the net then, for 300 pounds.

NARRATOR: Good Lord.

[GAVEL STRIKE] Very, very, well done you.

NARRATOR: That is quite remarkable.

A very handsome profit.

That is amazing, isn't it?

Seriously.

Well done you.

NARRATOR: And to finish proceedings, are the oars from Christina.

28 pound with me.

The 30.

32, 34, 36, 38, 40 pound.

40 pound bid.

42 anywhere?

45 bid.

The market is hot, isn't it?

Yeah.

42 bid.

42 anywhere?

With me then at 40 pounds.

[GAVEL STRIKE] That's very good.

That's all right.

NARRATOR: Another respectable profit, Christina.

You have made so much money today.

Well, it's embarrassing.

Quite humbling.

--is embarrassing.

It's not embarrassing.

You've done brilliantly.

I again buy you a large magnum of champagne.

Oh, good.

Immediately.

Immediately.

NARRATOR: A bit of fizz sounds good.

What a terrific auction.

Let's work out the sums.

Christina began with 216 pounds and 48 pence, and after auction costs made a profit of 68 pounds and 44 pence.

Christina's grand total to carry forward is 284 pounds and 92 P. James started this trip with 225 pounds and 94p, and his steamed past Christina with a huge profit of 390 pounds and 56 pence.

Wow.

Braxton has dubbed it.

He is today's victor and has a colossal 616 pounds and 50 pence for the next outing.

Well, that was a truly spectacular auction, and Christina's got a fair bit of catching up to do.

But I don't think we need to even.

[MUSIC PLAYING]