VOICEOVER (VO): It's the nation's favorite antiques experts.

That's cracking.

VO: With £200 each.

Wonderful.

VO: A classic car and a goal - to scour Britain for antiques.

That's exactly what I'm talking about.

I'm all over a shiver.

VO: The aim, to make the biggest profit at auction.

But it's no mean feat.

No brainer.

Going, going, gone.

VO: There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

So, will it be the high road to glory, Push!

VO: ..or the slow road to disaster?

How awfully, awfully nice.

VO: This is Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah.

It's the second leg of the Road Trip for our top auctioneering twosome, Raj Bisram and Anita Manning, who are full of the joys of spring.

This is a very beautiful part of the year though, isn't it?

Oh, it's lovely.

The daffodils are out and it really feels as if spring is now kicking in.

VO: Raj's tactics so far have been to challenge jewelry junkie Anita at her own game.

Ha!

I love these two things.

VO: Whereas Anita's ladling out Philip Serrell's usual fare.

Hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to auction I go.

VO: The 1978 Triumph Spitfire is their trusty - or it is it rusty?

- companion for the week.

And here we are, open-topped car.

I like this car.

I know, it's nice.

It's been really nice to drive, I have to say.

VO: Off to a good start then!

Both experts began their road trip with £200 each.

One auction down and a great start all round means that Anita has £299.78 to play with.

But Raj steamed ahead, taking an early lead with a staggering £370.74.

Well done, boy.

Well, Raj, we've got plenty of dosh in our pockets.

We did so well yesterday.

Is it the big spend today?

RAJ: Well, I think so.

VO: After setting off from Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, they're exploring Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, then gallivanting south to Kent, Surrey and Sussex before ending up in Bolton, Lancashire, for their final auction.

Gosh!

Today's leg begins in Sheringham in Norfolk, with their second auction taking them south to Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex.

So, Raj, you're full of beans today.

But there's a special reason for that.

I believe it's your birthday, darling.

It is indeed, it is indeed.

ANITA: # Happy birthday to you # Happy birthday to you # Happy birthday, Mr Bisram VO JOINS IN: # Happy birthday to you.

# ANITA: Whoa.

RAJ: Oh, lovely.

VO: Who needs Marilyn Monroe, eh?

Well, the sun is shining today, it's my birthday.

All the omens are that I'm going to find myself a little jewel in a shop somewhere here in Norfolk.

ANITA: A jewel, yeah.

VO: The seaside town of Sheringham is home to the North Norfolk Railway, which runs steam train journeys through the area's stunning coastal countryside.

RAJ: Here we go.

ANITA: Oh, this is lovely.

Raj, they've put out the bunting for us.

What more could you want?

VO: Anita's first shop today is Sheringham Collectables, run by Barry.

Hello.

Hello.

Hi, I'm Anita.

Hello, Anita.

This is just looking absolutely wonderful.

So, I think I'm going to have to take my bunnet off.

And my gloves off.

VO: She definitely means business, this woman.

From glassware to china, jewelry and militaria, the shop sells all things collectable.

ANITA: The coin market is really vibrant just now.

If you can find coins between...

I think it's '27 and '36, these are the crowns that were made in very limited editions and that could be worth a lot of money.

And if you find a 1934 crown... ..it will be worth four figures.

VO: Good tip, but unfortunately none of those here today.

This is quite an interesting wee item.

It's a top hat brush.

It is hallmarked silver and it is embossed with the family at the table, eating, drinking.

So, it's a nice domestic scene.

I think I might have a go at that.

VO: But first, Anita's got her eye on those cabinets again.

Could I have a look at the enameled dressing table set and also the Masonic locket?

DEALER: Well, there's the Masonic locket.

Thank you.

I rather like the look of this.

At the front we have the dividers, which are a Masonic symbol, and this rather attractive cornucopia.

It belonged to Brother William Jones, in 1944.

It's fully hallmarked at the bottom.

Though it might have limited appeal, I like it.

VO: One to consider.

Now, what about that dressing table set?

So, the important thing about enameled ware is that it shouldn't have any damage really, isn't it?

DEALER: Yes, bit of damage on the mirror.

ANITA: That's a shame, because the mirror's probably one of the most important pieces.

DEALER: Yes.

ANITA: We've got some damage there.

DEALER: A bit of damage there.

But it's a rather pretty pattern, with the cream, the garlands of flowers.

And the brush has got a kind of wee scuff in it as well.

So, I've got... three pieces with damage.

VO: Anita's rather keen on this dressing table set, marked up at £45, the Masonic pendant at 30 and the top hat brush at 38, totaling £113.

So can she get a deal for the three?

Could we be anywhere near £50 on these?

Erm, how about 55?

55.

I think that's smashing.

Yeah?

I'm happy with that.

VO: So that's £55 for the three - a marvelous £58 off for Anita.

Meanwhile the birthday boy is navigating the Norfolk countryside.

Let's hope I can find something really nice today.

I've got money and I want to spend it.

VO: Exciting stuff, eh?

Back in Sheringham, Anita hasn't made it very far, just next door in fact.

With three lots in the bag, the queen of hats just can't help herself.

VO: Oh, I say!

Coquettish.

South of Spain.

That's one of MY hats.

Look out.

Was she ever in the home guard?

VO: Might well have been.

ANITA: (LAUGHS) She loves it, doesn't she?

Good lord.

Meanwhile Raj is heading south to the village of Blickling, once home to a man who played a crucial role in defeating Hitler and bringing an end to the Second World War.

Wow!

VO: National Trust guide Malcolm Bird is here to tell Raj more.

RAJ: Hello there.

MALCOLM: Good morning.

You must be Malcolm.

Welcome to Blickling.

What a fantastic place.

VO: This breath-taking Jacobean mansion was built in the early 17th century and its last owner took over Blickling over 300 years later.

Philip Kerr became the 11th Marquis of Lothian in 1930.

And he inherited the title from a cousin.

VO: Before inheriting the estate, Lord Lothian had served as private secretary to then prime minister, Lloyd George.

He was mainly based in London, but when he stayed at Blickling, he hosted the great and the good of British society.

A great room to entertain in.

MALCOLM: Oh yes.

Numerous distinguished people have visited.

RAJ: Who was his social circle?

MALCOLM: He entertained the then prime minister, Stanley Baldwin and his wife.

And he became friends with Nancy and Waldorf Astor.

VO: The Astors were American-born millionaires.

Nancy was the first female MP and along with Lord Lothian and other prominent figures, these politically influential people were known as the Cliveden Set.

At first, they supported the controversial appeasement policy aiming to prevent another war, giving Germany the right to take back land confiscated after World War I.

Was he actually a German sympathizer?

I don't think he was, but there was a cartoon in one of the newspapers at the time, that illustrated Lord Lothian and the Cliveden Set doing the goosestep, you know, sort of, that implied that they were Nazi sympathizers.

VO: Controversially, Lothian and the Cliveden Set initially admired Germany's new ruler's strong leadership.

They believed Hitler and Germany were being too strongly punished for World War I. RAJ: Did Lord Lothian ever meet Hitler?

He did meet Hitler on two occasions, yes.

VO: Once Hitler's true intentions of further territorial expansion were clear, Lord Lothian repented his earlier views, admitting Hitler was "a fanatical gangster".

Having been appointed American ambassador just before the war broke out, Lord Lothian used his power and charm to try and put a stop to Hitler's aggression by highlighting the danger the world was in and drumming up American support for Britain's war effort.

RAJ: So, this is a recording of his speeches that he made in America asking the people of America for help?

Yes.

The situation that was arising, we couldn't handle it on our own.

We knew we couldn't, and we needed their help.

RECORDING: Nazi Germany is in a better position to win world empire today than she was in the last war.

Today she can concentrate almost every particle of force she has in the West.

VO: Lord Lothian not only swayed American public opinion, he also persuaded a reluctant Winston Churchill, as prime minister, to write what would become a historic letter to President Roosevelt to ask for help.

This agreement with America, starting with military aid, which led eventually to the Americans joining the Second World War as allies.

Getting the Americans to help must have been, you know, it was a huge achievement.

Oh, certainly, yes.

But did he actually get the credit for starting things off?

I think it was Churchill said he was one of, if not the best, ambassador this country had ever had.

VO: Philip Kerr, the 11th Marquis of Lothian, died soon after in Washington in December 1940, aged 58.

This intelligent, charismatic man was one of the most politically influential people in modern history.

Thought by many to have been a Nazi sympathizer, he in fact played a prominent role in the fall of Nazi Germany once and for all.

Back with Anita now, who's made her way to Stalham, the northern gateway to 125 miles of navigable waterways known as the Norfolk Broads.

But Anita's here to navigate her way around more familiar territory and local antique delights at Stalham Antique Gallery, run by Mike.

Hello.

Oh, hello.

Welcome to Stalham.

Oh, it's lovely, lovely, lovely to be here.

VO: How lovely.

With over 35 years in the trade, Mike has a passion for pieces from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

This is one of the favorites at the moment, this lovely rosewood table with a fabulous crossbanded edge in walnut.

ANITA: The patina is really...

It's like silk, isn't it?

Can we get it in the back of your car?

VO: The only problem is a ticket price of £3,600.

Ha!

Well, that I would love to buy.

OK.

But I'm going to have a look around to see if I can see any maybe small pieces of furniture.

Yep.

If not we maybe have a trailer to put on the back of your car!

Oh.

VO: Good luck with that, then.

Meanwhile Raj is just 10 miles northwest of Anita in the former weaving town of North Walsham to visit...

Wait a minute - where's he going?

Garden center?

I've just stopped at a garden center.

It's not really the place you look for antiques, but you never know.

VO: Blimey, what's he up to now?

A sack of peat?

Phone box?

That's exactly what I'm talking about.

Something that's a bit unusual, that you wouldn't find in a place like this.

An old telephone box.

VO: Ring, ring!

How's that, eh?

Ben is the man to call today.

Hello, Ben.

RAJ: Are you the owner?

BEN: Yes, I am.

This is fantastic.

This is just the thing I'm looking for.

BEN: OK. Give me an idea of what kind of money that you would be expecting for it.

Erm... 1,000, 1,500.

I've got about 300-and... Just over £350.

Right, OK. Are we anywhere... Is there any way we're going to be able to do a deal?

I don't think I could do it for that.

VO: But Ben thinks he might have something else that might tickle Raj's fancy.

Right, I managed to dig out an old apple picker.

We tend to get items like this to put out on display.

RAJ: You know, it's a nice piece of old agricultural, collector's item, really.

How much can you do it for?

BEN: £10?

RAJ: £5 and we've got a deal.

BEN: Yeah, OK, we can do that.

RAJ: Yeah?

Yep.

Sounds good.

RAJ: We have a deal.

BEN: Lovely job.

Thank you, Ben.

VO: And that's Raj's first buy of the trip, an apple picker bag for a fiver.

Back with Anita now in Stalham and she's finally found some smaller items.

Well, this just looks like the teddy bears' picnic.

Isn't this absolutely delightful?

This little chair I like particularly.

It's a little child's deckchair or steamer chair.

It's probably from the late 19th, early 20th century.

A wee bit of damage there, which is a wee bit worrying.

But I also like this lovely pokerwork table that all the teddy bears are sitting around.

Now, this is early 20th century.

And here we have an image of a pretty girl.

The little table has bobbin-turned legs and further pokerwork decoration on the understage.

People like miniature things.

VO: Pokerwork is the art of burning a design into wood or leather using a heated, pointed tool, also known as pyrography.

With no price on it, Anita calls Mike over.

So, I like this table.

I think it's quite sweet.

Now, is this something that I could buy for not a lot of money?

I think it's worth about £100.

But to you, maybe a bit less.

It's pretty, it's perfect, it's lovely.

But these are not unusual.

Well, I'd like you to beat your competitor.

Oh, thank you, darling.

So, I think today we'll say £40.

Will we say 40?

That is a wonderful deal.

Have we got a deal?

We've got a deal.

VO: Scorching.

That's £40 for the late 19th century pokerwork table.

Meanwhile Raj has made his way half a mile further down the road to a more traditional Road Trip stop in North Walsham, at Timeline Antiques Centre, run by Michael.

Hello.

Michael?

Hello, Raj.

Hi, nice to meet you.

VO: The center is home to several different dealers stocking both small and large antiques.

I wonder if I could maybe put Anita in these.

I don't think she'd appreciate it, really.

VO: No, me neither!

Best move on.

I have to say I do like furniture, and I especially like nice, early oak, and this is an 18th century, it's what they call a mule chest.

And she's got some nice inlay.

It's not in bad condition, this one.

I mean, the hinges have been replaced.

Got quite a few splits as well, but here they've had little minor repairs, but you would expect that, you know, this is an old piece, 1741.

It's a bit over my budget though, so I'd better look at something else.

VO: Yes, at £675 you better had.

I've seen a really nice pair of scalloped, rounded dishes, Crown Derby, which I quite like as well, in one of these cabinets here.

VO: Raj calls on Michael's assistance to take a closer look.

These are nice, and are they in perfect condition?

This one feels like it is.

For their age, they're in really good condition, yeah.

We're talking about 1806.

Yeah.

That sort of date.

Yeah, they're nice.

I quite like them.

Can I have a look at the other one, please?

They are early ones.

All hand-painted.

Yeah.

And the shape of them is, is slightly different, isn't it?

Yeah.

VO: The ticket price is £78.

What can you do these for, Michael?

Because I bought them well... Mm... Erm, I could let those go for £30.

I would normally say, "Can you do a little bit better?"

because it's just in my nature, OK, but on this occasion, at £30...

..I'm gonna shake your hand.

That's wonderful.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you very much indeed, Michael, that's a fair, fair price, so... lovely.

VO: But Raj isn't done just yet, oh no.

Have you got anything that's apple related?

Weird question.

Because I'll tell you why, I've bought a lot already, but it's just a simple apple picker and I wanted to know if I could buy anything that was apple connected to put with it to bulk the lot up.

I've got a preserve pot in the shape of an apple.

VO: Ooh, you could be on to something!

Yep, a silver-plated EPNS apple sauce pot.

Yeah, it's not a lot of money.

I mean, what could you do that for?

A fiver?

A fiver.

Yes.

I'm gonna have that as well.

Well done.

Thank you very much indeed.

VO: So that's £35 for a pair of early 19th century scalloped Derby dishes and an apple preserve pot.

On that fruity note, it's time to get some shuteye, antiquers.

Nighty night!

Wakey-wakey, rise and shine, it's another beautiful day for treasure hunting!

# We're on the road again, Raj # We're on the road again # We're on the road We're on the road # We're on the road again.

# VO: And in high spirits!

So far Anita's gathered four items... A silver top hat brush, a Masonic pendant, an enamel dressing table set and a pokerwork table, all for £95, leaving her just over 200 still to spend.

Isn't this absolutely delightful?

VO: Raj has three items, an apple picker bag and an apple preserve pot and a pair of scalloped Derby dishes costing just £40, so he still has just over £330 left.

Yes.

I'm gonna have that as well.

RAJ: I've been learning some Norfolk sayings while I've been here.

What do you think it is to pingle?

ANITA: To pingle... er, tell me.

It's to play with your food.

Oh, right.

VO: Not sure that'll come up today, but thanks anyway!

RAJ: Look at that.

Beautiful.

ANITA: Wow!

Here we are in beautiful, beautiful Norwich.

Wow!

Wow!

Isn't that gorgeous?

VO: This morning, the jolly duo are taking the Triumph Spitfire to Norwich, Norfolk's county town, voted England's first city of literature.

I think I'm going shopping.

Oh, well, have a great time.

Yeah.

You might be tempted to spend big... You never know.

..with all your dosh.

Yep.

I've got some money.

VO: Based just outside Norwich city center is East Anglia's largest dealer-based antiques and collectables center, Looses Emporium.

Patrick is at the helm today.

Hello.

Patrick, is it?

Yes, it is.

Hi.

Raj.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

What a place!

Loads of it.

It looks enormous.

VO: It is!

With two floors of antiques, vintage, retro and modern items to peruse, Raj has got a lot of ground to cover, so Patrick's helping.

Ah.

I've just noticed this.

Oh, yeah, that... Oh, I tell you, can I try that on?

Anita would love it.

OK then.

RAJ: OK.

When she sees this... DEALER: Let's try that on.

DEALER: Let's try this on.

RAJ: How does it go on?

DEALER: I don't know, but I'll try.

RAJ: OK. VO: Chief "Long In The Tooth" Bisram is in the building.

Maybe I'd have the mickey taken out too much if I bought that, but it is different!

VO: It certainly is that.

But what else have you seen?

These fairground, these old 1940s, I guess?

Yeah.

Probably a little bit earlier, some of them.

I'll do you one for £200.

That's what they cost me each.

I don't know a lot about them.

I know they're collectable.

They are collectable at the moment, yeah.

RAJ: (SIGHS) DEALER: They don't often come on the market.

RAJ: I mean, I have to say, I am tempted by them.

They are slightly different.

I mean actually, I just noticed that... That motorbike one.

DEALER: Yeah, that's a nice one.

RAJ: You see then, then, you see if I bought something like that, then I'd be looking for two different markets.

Not only the fairground market, the decorative market... Motorbike people.

But also the motorbike people as well.

It's a little bit risky for me but... will you take £150 cash?

I can do 180.

What about splitting the difference, 160?

I can't risk too much.

DEALER: Go on then.

RAJ: 160?

Go on then.

I hope you do well with it.

RAJ: We've got a deal.

DEALER: Got a deal.

VO: Very kind, Patrick!

Anita was right, it seems Raj is spending big today and he's not finished yet.

It's dealer Roy's turn now.

Is it possible I could have a look at this, this paper knife I think you'd call it?

Are you over 18, sir?

I am over 18, only just though, only just.

VO: In your dreams!

Yeah, what I noticed, and it is as well, is the engraving here of the tennis player.

DEALER: Mm.

Unusual.

RAJ: And I r...

It is unusual.

I would guess from the blade probably '60s or '70s.

OK. Not a particularly old piece, but unusual.

It is unusual.

I mean, it's a great maker, Wilkinson.

It's definitely quite a nice quality item.

Yeah.

What could you do this for?

Erm... the very best would be 40.

That's half price.

Could I possibly offer you 35 for it?

It would be cash.

Yes.

Yes, at £35... Leaves me a little bit of meat on the bone, as they say.

..I'm gonna shake your hand.

Thank you very much indeed.

DEALER: No problem.

RAJ: Thank you very much.

VO: So that's £35 for the engraved paper knife and 160 for the early 20th century fairground motorcycle ride.

RAJ: Thank you very much indeed.

DEALER: Thank you.

Thank you for showing me round.

That's alright.

And I hope you do ever so well with it.

VO: Still in Norwich, Anita's here to find out about a little-known local lad who was once an entertainer and film star, famous the world over.

To tell Anita more about this forgotten pioneer of stage and screen is local historian and author Philip Yaxley.

Hi, Philip.

Lovely to see you, Anita.

It's lovely to be here in this wonderful square, with Norwich Cathedral here and the marvelous Norwich School.

VO: William Vernon Blyth was born in 1887.

After attending Norwich School, he sought fame and fortune as a magician and comedian in London.

His sister Coralie was already big in the West End theater scene, but in 1906 she went to America and took 19-year-old Vernon along.

He got a small part in one of her plays, leading to other roles, which not only impressed his peers, but also wannabe actress Irene Foote, who went on to become his wife.

ANITA: Was he successful at that time, before he met Irene?

He was becoming more and more well-known on the Broadway stage.

They got married in May 1911.

They became more and more successful.

VO: Vernon Castle, as he was now known, and wife Irene went on to act in Paris.

Whilst there, they made the move from acting to dancing after getting a slot at elegant Parisian dining and dancing revue Cafe De Paris.

At the time, intimate animal named dances like the Turkey Trot, were all the rage, but the Castles tamed these dances, refining and popularizing them.

When they returned to America, their careers continued to skyrocket.

PHILIP: 1914 was their very, very big year, the pinnacle of their success.

They issued their bestselling book, Modern Dancing, and they did a whirlwind tour of American cities.

35, or some people say 32, cities in 28 days and everywhere they went there was big banners.

"The Castles are coming hooray, hooray."

And big crowds.

Equated to the Beatles in 1964.

ANITA: They were young, they were talented, they were beautiful and everyone wanted to copy what they were doing.

Yes, with all the endorsements and fashion they weren't just the Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire of their time, but heavens they were, but they were also the Posh and Becks.

VO: Vernon wrote a film called the Whirl of Life, a huge hit both at home and abroad.

Even Fred Astaire admitted Vernon was his dancing inspiration.

To tell and show Anita more is professional ballroom dancer Sasza Zargowski.

Sasza, tell me what the popular dances of that time were.

Well, really as a reaction to the stiff formality of the Victorian age, the animal dances had become very popular and we had everything from the Bunny Hug to the Chicken Scratch, to the Kangaroo Hop.

The one that survives today is of course the Foxtrot.

The Castles refined all of these dances and made them much more acceptable.

VO: Give it a go, then, Anita.

If I can do it anyone can!

Eight steps... and then from there we'll achieve a rotation.

VO: Not one I ever did on Strictly!

SASZA: Then we breeze along happily, as Vernon Castle... SASZA: ..says in his book.

ANITA: This is great fun.

You back away from each other, you run around me, Anita.

We wind up, I turn to meet you and we do a lovely little dance pose.

Ah!

VO: Seven!

So, what influence did they have from that time up to today?

Really it's the idea of style, polish, poise, elegance and technique.

All of those things, really, without the Castles we wouldn't have ballroom dancing today and probably no Strictly.

VO: And that would be a shame!

Vernon died in 1918 serving his country in World War I. Irene retired from public life a few years later, but lived until 1969.

Just over 20 years after Vernon's death, their story was memorialized when Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers starred in The Story Of Vernon And Irene Castle.

This local Norwich boy may no longer be well known, but without him pioneering a clean-cut but fun dancing style, ballroom dancing wouldn't be what it is today.

VO: In the meanwhile, Raj has whizzed southwest of Norwich to Wymondham.

He's here to check out a local gem, Market Cross Antiques, run by David.

RAJ: Hello there.

David, is it?

DAVID: Hello.

How are you?

DAVID: It certainly is.

RAJ: I'm Raj.

DAVID: How'd you do?

VO: There's three showrooms' worth of stock to choose from.

What have you got there?

RAJ: This is a piece of West German pottery.

At the time, it wasn't very, very popular, but it seems to have become more and more popular now.

So, that's a possibility.

It's got a ticket price of £35 on it.

If I could get that for £15, £20, there's a few bob in it.

VO: One to think about.

Maybe try another room.

These are a little bit different.

A pair of saddles.

One for me, one for Anita.

We could go riding off into the sunshine.

VO: Time to find David.

RAJ: I've seen a pair, the pair of saddles.

DAVID: Oh, yeah?

You've got £20 on each.

What's the best?

I'll do you the pair for 20.

RAJ: Pair for 20.

DAVID: That's got to be cheap.

RAJ: Can I squeeze you to 15 for the two?

Yeah, go on.

RAJ: Sure?

DAVID: Yeah.

I want you to be happy as well.

DAVID: Yeah.

RAJ: Yeah?

You sure?

Yeah.

VO: Yee-ha!

That's £15 for the two old leather saddles.

Thank you very much indeed.

Hope you have some luck with them.

VO: Back with Anita now, who's making her way to the village of Panxworth - home of a group of 17th-century thatched barns and Norfolk Antique and Reclamation Centre.

In charge today there is Frank.

Hello.

I'm Anita.

Hi.

Frank.

Nice to meet you.

Oh, it's lovely to meet you too.

This is an astonishing place.

VO: The center combines architectural salvage with antiquities and curiosities, plenty to pique Anita's interest.

And yes, she's already found something.

There are so many things in here which are huge and heavy.

But this is a nice wee chest.

It needs a bit of TLC but it's a good, honest wee 19th-century piece here.

Miniature chest.

It's had a lock.

This might have carried precious stuff in it.

Might have been a fine lady's jewels.

It's made of pine.

And it has these iron strapping affairs here.

And look, two wee carrying handles.

Isn't that sweet?

VO: With no ticket price, it's time to call Frank.

ANITA: Frank?

I've spotted this wee miniature chest here.

Oh yeah, a lovely little pine box.

Aha.

There's no price on it just now.

What I'd like to pay for it is £20.

Is that coming anywhere near what... Um... ..what you're... We have it listed online for 65.

FRANK: Um... ANITA: 65.

Aha, but it's still online at 65.

It hasn't sold.

You're quite right.

I can meet you at £30.

Could you come down even a wee bit more?

Just a wee bit more, to 25?

How about we split the difference, 27.50.

27.50.

Put it there.

FRANK: It's a hard bargain.

ANITA: Thank you.

Thank you.

VO: Deal done.

£27.50 for the miniature pine chest.

ANITA: Thank you very much.

FRANK: You're welcome.

ANITA: It's been great.

FRANK: Good luck at the auction.

VO: And with that, shopping's complete.

Let's take a peek at our experts' treasures.

Along with the pine box, Anita bought a Masonic pendant, a top hat brush, an enameled dressing table set and a Victorian pokerwork table for £122.50.

Raj spent £250 on an apple picker bag and preserve pot, a pair of 19th century Derby china dishes, an early 20th century fairground ride, an engraved paperknife and two old leather saddles.

So what do they think?

I think Raj has bought really well this time.

I love those Derby dishes.

A pair.

They're the right period.

He's got to double his money.

The silver and enamel dressing table set, it's definitely good quality, but I think I spotted a little bit of damage, so we'll see how that goes.

I think my favorite item is the fairground motorcycle.

But that was a bit dangerous at £160.

RAJ: This is a nice occasional table.

Lots of people are looking for things like this.

I shall be very confident for her.

VO: We shall soon see.

After starting in Sheringham, Norfolk, Anita and Raj are now nearing their second auction in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

So how do they think they'll do?

ANITA: There's £70 between us.

20 or 30 quid is easy to make up.

70 quid's not as easy.

You may not be... You may not make it up in one hit, but I may well lose it in one hit.

(THEY CHUCKLE) VO: That's the exciting thing about auctions - you never quite know what will happen.

RAJ: I'm worried about the motorcycle, because I've laid out so much.

But you were dangerous and you were courageous and you love taking a gamble, Raj Bisram.

I think I'm the Evil Kenevil of the antiques world.

VO: If you say so, Raj!

RAJ: Essex... ANITA: Aha?

..is the wealthiest county in Britain.

Oh, right.

Well, I hope they're all at the auction.

So do I.

So do I. VO: I'm not sure that's true, but the county does have more islands than any other in England, with 35 of them.

But our experts' last stop is on mainland Essex at Sworders Auctioneers.

RAJ: Looks spectacular, doesn't it?

Lots of cars as well.

ANITA: It does.

Oh, it's going to be busy, Raj.

Oh, it is going to be busy, for sure.

OK, here we go.

Well, good luck today.

Let's go and make some money.

VO: Today's gal with the gavel is Prudence Hopkins.

I think the Masonic pendant is rather nice.

Generally I would probably say this one might struggle on the day, but you never know.

The apple pickers and the little apple preserve dish is a really fun lot.

I'm not sure how many people have orchards in Essex, but hopefully someone will pick it up for its quirkiness.

The pokerwork table is a very nice lot.

Very interesting, and hopefully again it'll do well on the day.

The fairground motorcycle is my favorite lot.

I think it's an interior piece, so I think that's our winner.

VO: Take your seats - it's time to see what both the local clientele and internet bidders think.

First up is Anita's Masonic pendant.

I'm straight in at £20.

£20 is bid.

Do I see five anywhere?

Profit already.

Fantastic.

£20 is bid.

25 is yours, sir.

RAJ: You've got five, you've got five.

£25 now in the room.

Another one.

Selling then, at £25, make no mistake.

VO: It's a solid profit straight off the bat for Anita.

That's not a bad profit.

What a good start, good start.

It's what I predicted.

A little profit on it.

We knew it wasn't going to fly.

But at least it's paid for its lunch.

VO: Sticking with Anita, it's her silver top hat brush.

Pretty thing, this one.

£20 for this one?

PRUDENCE: 20?

ANITA: No, they don't like it.

10 then?

Take it away today.

£10 for this one.

PRUDENCE: £10 is bid, thank you.

RAJ: Oh, no.

ANITA: Come on.

PRUDENCE: 15 on the internet.

20?

25 to bid, internet.

RAJ: Yeah.

PRUDENCE: I have £20.

£20 in the room then.

25 now on the internet.

PRUDENCE: £30?

RAJ: Yeah, yeah.

£25 on the internet, they'll take it at 25.

VO: It's another profit for Anita.

ANITA: I thought it might go a little further.

Listen, you've sold two things and you've made a profit on each one.

If I get to that position, I'll be happy as well.

OK?

VO: Well let's see, hey?

As Raj's Derby dishes are next.

£20 for these?

20?

£20 is bid, thank you.

Do I see five anywhere?

£20 is now bid.

The room goes silent.

We will sell them.

PRUDENCE: Maiden bid at 20.

RAJ: Oh no.

VO: Oh dear, that's got to hurt!

Does my face look disappointed?

VO: Yep!

RAJ: £20?

ANITA: I know.

£20?

Did I hear right?

VO: 'Fraid so, fella.

But maybe his apple picker bag and preserve holder will do better.

OK, let's hope they love it.

Just what you need for the summer.

Make your own cider.

This one, £20?

Come on!

20 for this?

ANITA: Come on.

PRUDENCE: 10 then, take it away today.

£10?

£10 today?

Five then?

£5?

Any interest?

£5, thank you sir.

Do they grow apples in Essex?

£5, do I see 10 anywhere?

We'll sell it then, at £5, maiden bid.

VO: Second loss for Raj.

Ouch!

ANITA: Aw, darling.

I'm not sure what's going on today.

I must be still asleep.

OK, I'm gonna wake up in a minute, aren't I?

VO: Let's go back to Anita and see if she's still on her lucky streak with her pokerwork table.

£40 for this one?

£40 is bid.

Thank you.

Do I see five?

RAJ: Straight in at 40.

ANITA: Straight in at 40.

Straight in at 40.

50.

55, 60.

£60 now with the lady.

65, new bidder.

Well done again.

PRUDENCE: 70.

ANITA: 70.

70.

75.

80.

85, 90.

ANITA: Yes!

PRUDENCE: £90 then.

Well done.

Well done, well done.

I'm coming shopping with you.

..at £90.

VO: Great stuff - Anita's more than doubled her money.

You certainly are brilliant.

VO: Maybe Raj's luck will turn with his engraved paper knife.

And I can start the bidding straight in, at £25.

£25 is bid.

Paid £35 for it.

Do I see 30 anywhere?

For the little paper knife.

£20... £25.

PRUDENCE: 30, 35 with me.

ANITA: 30.

Come on!

40 sir?

PRUDENCE: 40 is yours.

ANITA: Yes, yes!

PRUDENCE: £40 then in the room.

RAJ: It's a small profit.

It's quiet, everyone else.

We'll sell it at 40.

VO: There's still time to claw back some profits, Raj.

Back with Anita now, for her miniature pine chest.

Start me off, £30?

£30 on the internet.

£30 straight in.

Straight in there.

Done it.

Do I see five anywhere?

£30, straight in.

We'll sell it to the internet, make no mistake, at £30.

VO: That should've done better.

Bad luck, Anita.

VO: Now, can Raj ride off with some profits with his two saddles?

Start me off - £20 for the two saddles?

£20?

10, then, take them away today.

ANITA: Struggling a bit, darling.

£10 is bid, thank you.

PRUDENCE: Do I see 15 anywhere?

RAJ: Got 10.

£10 is now bid.

Oh, they're not gonna sell for a fiver each.

15 to take them away.

Selling then.

PRUDENCE: Maiden bid at £10.

RAJ: No.

VO: Blimey, that's the third loss for Raj.

Look at them there.

Very happy, there, the people.

Look, they're going, "We can't believe "we got those two saddles for £10."

Yeah, well, that's the auction.

ANITA: A day out at the auction.

RAJ: Well... VO: Next it's Anita's final item, the enameled dressing table set.

Here we are, here we are.

Pay attention, pay attention.

OK, here we go.

Very pretty.

Slight little bit of damage but that won't alter it.

Start me off, £20 for this?

20 straight in.

PRUDENCE: 20 is bid.

RAJ: Yes!

PRUDENCE: 25 on the internet.

RAJ: Yes!

30 sir?

PRUDENCE: 30, 35.

ANITA: 35.

RAJ: Good.

PRUDENCE: 40.

45, 50.

PRUDENCE: 55.

60.

RAJ: Ooh.

65, 70.

£70.

75 now on the internet.

80 to bid, sir?

£80 with the gentleman in the room.

ANITA: Yes!

Yes!

RAJ: Wow!

85 on the internet.

PRUDENCE: 90.

ANITA: Yes!

VO: It's still going.

PRUDENCE: 95.

ANITA: Yes!

100.

110.

ANITA: Yes!

RAJ: Oh, wow!

120 to bid.

120.

130 to bid, internet.

130.

I don't believe it.

PRUDENCE: 40.

ANITA: Oh yes!

In the room, if you're all done and out, at £140.

VO: Incredible - that's seven times what Anita paid for it!

ANITA: Yes!

RAJ: What a... What a result!

Brm-brm.

You've caught up already.

Oh, my goodness.

VO: Well done indeed.

But it all comes down now to Raj's last item, his biggest spend and riskiest buy.

Here we go.

I have a run of bids on this.

I have to be in at £140.

Yes!

It's not a profit, it's not a profit yet.

Do I see 150 anywhere?

Hundred and... 150, 160...

Yes!

170 to bid, internet.

170, 180.

190 to bid.

190 now, on the internet, 200 in the room.

ANITA: Yes!

£200 in the room.

220, 240.

260 to bid.

260.

280.

300.

£300 then, on the internet.

If you're quiet in the room... RAJ: Well!

PRUDENCE: ..we'll sell at £300.

RAJ: Yep, that's OK. VO: Amazing - certainly a clever buy from Raj, almost doubling his money.

Are you happy, darling?

Yes, I'm happy with that.

That's, that's...

I'm happy with that.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Yeah.

That's good, I'm happy with that, I'm definitely happy with that.

VO: And so he should be, but is it enough?

Raj set off this leg with £370.74.

Post auction costs, he's up £57.50, giving him £428.24.

VO: Anita began with £299.78 and after auction costs, she made £131.70, making her today's winner with £431.48.

Good going, girl!

RAJ: Well, well done, Anita.

ANITA: Well, that was so, so... RAJ: Exciting, wasn't it?

ANITA: ..exciting.

Well done, you're in front now.

Aha, not just snapping at your heels, a wee, wee bit in front.

You certainly are.

Well, Raj, what's gonnae happen next?

Let's go.

On to the next one.

VO: Can't wait.

See you soon, chaps!

Next time, our auctioneers continue their southeast adventure.

Are we going round in circles here?

VO: Raj goes gaga for all things antique.

My eyes are starting to sparkle.

VO: And Anita Manning goes all out for a deal.

I love you too.

(LAUGHS) subtitling@stv.tv