[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: It's the nation's favorite antiques experts.

Yeah, it's a good weight.

And it smells.

NARRATOR: Oh, steady.

Behind the wheel of a classic car.

Good morning, my lady.

Good morning, Parker.

NARRATOR: And a goal to scour Britain for antiques.

Whoopsie.

Come on.

NARRATOR: The aim?

To make the biggest profit at auction.

But it's no mean feat.

There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

Will it be the high road to glory?

It's about winning.

NARRATOR: Or the low road to disaster?

This is the Antiques Road Trip.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Dig that.

Welcome to Northern Ireland, where the coastlines are rugged, the cities historic, and the country lanes perfect.

For we saunter with a couple of cheeky antiquers.

- Roo.

- Angus.

- How are you?

- I'm good.

How are you?

Are you excited?

I'm really good.

Yeah, I'm very excited.

NARRATOR: And so you should be.

Its first time out together for our experts, Angus Ashworth, and Roo Irvine-- just at the getting to know you stage.

I have done some research on you.

I've been checking you out.

Making a few phone calls.

That's why the bush has been rustling outside my house, then.

Oh, sorry.

I did find a few sweet wrappers and I thought.

And now I know it was you.

NARRATOR: Reconnaissance, eh?

Dealer Roo is almost an old hand at this game.

Very keen on shiny things is our little Scottish magpie.

And clothes.

It's mine.

It's mine.

It's mine.

NARRATOR: And hoping a third attempt will clinch her that elusive first victory.

While Yorkshire lad an auctioneer, Angus, is still a bit of a newbie in the road trip stakes.

Having ventured out only once before.

Now this is a sword.

NARRATOR: But he's already established himself as a bit of a militaria buff.

You've got a military background, though.

I've been in the forces.

It really comes from watching "Sharpe" when I was a 12-year-old boy.

You look a bit like Sean Bean as well.

Do you know that?

Does that make you day?

You made my day.

NARRATOR: Charmer.

They'll each start with a 200 pound wedge to spend in the shops.

And this rather splendid Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow II to take them there.

Ecstasy.

5.2 meters long, this beast.

It's beautiful, though isn't it.

What is it like to drive, though?

It's lovely.

It's like you're in an armchair.

It's so comfy.

Although, I do feel a little bit like a chauffeur because you're a very classy lady.

I've got my chauffeur cap on.

Oh, bless you, Angus, bless you.

I'm going to have to open the door for you.

I'm Mike Parker and you're head of the Thunderbirds.

I'd rather be Betty Boop.

NARRATOR: Close enough.

This trip will see our paths start in County Antrim, pop across the water to Wales, and journey down the South coast of England before heading back to a final auction in Clevedon.

Oh, yeah.

This leg, we'll wind up in Wales for an auction in Wrexham.

But first, we'll begin our grand tour of Northern Ireland at Bushmills.

James the first granted a license to distill whisky around here in '68, and they've been knocking out the old aqua vitae ever since.

Bit early for a snifter though and there's work to do.

Roo's up first.

Although, I think Parker could have dropped her off a bit nearer the shop don't you?

She might get wet.

Oh.

Hello, nice and warm in here.

NARRATOR: Yes, it's very cozy in the Curiosity Shop.

Let's see if the stock here leaves you with warm glow.

[MUSIC PLAYING] ROO: In this shop full of shiny, dazzling, beautiful things, my eye was drawn to this dark, little, dusty cabinet in the corner.

What is it?

It's a Victorian smokers cabinet.

What I like to do is have a look at its underbelly.

And that's such a stark contrast to this lovely, dark, ebonized wood that you've got in the outside.

What I love most about this, it says, "Let all your troubles end in smoke."

That's one way of looking at it, and I'm sure that did happen, of course.

But it's so Irish.

And someone has hand-painted it with the beautiful clovers on it, and the harp.

I think it's lovely.

First thing I've seen is Irish right through to it's core.

NARRATOR: Not so good for a Welsh auction, though.

Anything else?

This is instantly catching my eye.

It screams Victorian.

These are the tiniest, tiniest, little seed pearls.

And if you turn this over, you want it to be gold.

Brilliant.

This is made in Birmingham.

This is 15 karat gold.

You often see nine karat gold, which is a standard.

But that's a nice quality of gold you've got in there.

Downsides to it.

It's got a bit of a wonky pin there.

Doesn't sit too safely.

But I think that's a lovely, lovely example of a 15 carat Victorian sea pearl brooch.

Now there's another one here.

This one is not as beautiful, but still lovely Victorian.

Hopefully gold.

This one is actually made in Chester.

And that's 15 karat gold, again.

NARRATOR: No price on either of those.

Let's consult Ruth.

Do you like these?

I do.

I do like them.

I love them because they're Victorian and just the fact that they're also gold as well.

Yes.

They're very pretty, but you don't have a price on them.

Well, they're 35 pounds each.

- 35 pound each.

- Yes.

OK.

So I love the idea of having both of them.

OK.

But I'm up against Angus.

Right.

So it's Yorkshire versus Scotland.

Oh, yes.

So I don't know where your loyalties would lie.

I've been born in Dundee.

I think really it answers itself doesn't it.

Well, it does.

We're kindred spirits.

So what could you do on the two?

They were 70 pounds, weren't they?

35 each.

So 50?

Would you do 40 for the two, and I'll shake your hand on it now?

You wouldn't do 45?

Should we pop them to the side for a 40 to 45, and then I'll carry on browsing?

OK Right.

Left that with a question mark in the air, didn't I?

NARRATOR: Well, on that cliffhanger, we should catch up with tripper number two.

He's pointed the roller towards the town of Coleraine, which claims to be the oldest human settlement in Ireland.

Also, home to Auld Times, which sounds like our kind of shop.

Look, Angus, they've got your favorite.

Hi, there.

How are you doing?

You all right?

- Angus?

Yes.

Pleasure to meet you.

And you.

And welcome to Coleraine.

Thank you very much.

Lovely car you pulled up in.

Yeah, it does mean I've got any money, though.

I know it looks flash, but-- LYLE: I think you have money.

NARRATOR: Just his 200 pound starting budget, I'm afraid, Lyle.

Still, you might persuade him to part with some of it.

First thing that's caught my eyes is this lovely royal Warwickshire Regiment Victorian officer's uniform.

Captain's uniform.

So very early on Victorian era.

So this would have been Boer War period.

The regiment saw service in the Boer war.

The belt, although it's the same period date-wise, Victorian.

This is a [INAUDIBLE] Sword.

Right period, but not necessarily the right one for the uniform.

But a nice thing.

Shame it's not for sale because I would have been very tempted with that.

NARRATOR: Not to worry.

Plenty more to see.

Some not a million miles from where you're standing.

ANGUS: This little medallion, there, looks quite interesting.

Yeah, wee silver one.

Yes.

Sir Francis Chichester.

There we go.

Very famous man.

First person to sail around the world single-handed on the clipper routes in his boat, the Gypsy Moth.

NARRATOR: He was 65 when he set off on his epic journey, which took him nine months and a day to complete.

An incredible achievement.

Lovely little commemorative medallion there.

That's nice.

Is it silver?

LYLE: I think it's solid silver.

Yes.

Nice little thing.

What sort of money have we got on that?

I was looking 35 pound for it.

ANGUS: 35 pounds?

Can we do 30?

Would that be a-- Yeah.

30 pounds?

30 pounds, I'll take that.

I think that's worth a chance.

There won't be too many about.

Let me get you some [INAUDIBLE].

I'm afraid they're English.

Is that all right?

That's all right.

As long as you have plenty of them.

NARRATOR: That's the spirit, Lyle.

So with Angus in full sail, it's back to Bushmills where Roo, still pondering those brooches, is on the hunt for something to sweeten the deal.

What have you found girl?

Look at that color.

That is delicious.

This is Royal Dalton and I have you ever seen me buying ceramics?

Not really.

I tend to avoid them.

Now, you associate Royal Dalton with the figurines of the elegant ladies.

It's fallen out of fashion quite a bit when it comes to figurines.

But certain things will always hold a value to them because of how well they are made.

And the shape of this, it's unique.

It's not your normal standard tall vase.

NARRATOR: More spittoon than vase, I'd say.

Pretty fancy one, mind you.

Now, this does remind me of-- but I'm pretty sure it's not-- the work of Hannah Barlow.

So Hannah and Florence Barlow were two sisters that worked for Dalton before they got the royal warrant in 1901.

And these are the kind of landscapes they did.

Except there'd be one difference.

There'd be beautiful gazelles and lions.

Almost like an African landscape.

If it was Hannah Barlow, you'd be looking at maybe 250 to 300 pound at auction.

But I don't think it is.

Now, there's the seal there.

Royal Dalton.

So this is post 1901.

And I would say probably round about 1910, 1920.

It's got 45 pound on it.

I think I might go speak to Ruth.

I might be sold on a piece of ceramic for the first time in my life.

NARRATOR: Always good to expand your horizons.

Now, is there a deal to be done?

Ruth.

Oh, yes.

Found something quite different to those gold brooches.

This Royal Dalton vase.

Now, you've got 45 pound on that.

RUTH: Yes.

ROO: What could you do on this?

Well, it would have to be about 40.

ROO: I'd be thinking at 30 for this.

Were you?

Oh.

But then, if you were interested in the brooches.

Mm-hmm.

So if that was 30, and they were 45, what would that be?

Right, so 75 pound then.

You've come down on one.

I went up on the other.

- Yes.

Done deal.

OK.

Thank you so much.

You can give us the money, honey.

Oh.

NARRATOR: Hey, no messing about, Ruth.

30 pounds for the Royal Dalton.

And the two brooches at 20 and 25 pounds respectively.

Now, down the road, in Coleraine, Angus has acquired a personal shopper.

Oh, who's this?

Hello.

Oh.

Hello.

We can have cuddles.

We can have cuddles.

Oh, look at you.

Cannot have an antique shop without an antique shop dog.

NARRATOR: Yes, I think there's some sort of bylaw about it.

LYLE: This is Clifford.

Clifford?

Hey, Clifford.

Hey.

You can sniff out all the bargains for me.

Yes?

Hey, he's off.

That's it.

NARRATOR: Looks like you're browsing alone then.

ANGUS: What have we got here?

The Gourmet Boila Challis' Patent Number Five.

Looks very foody.

Roo would like this.

Wouldn't she?

Few chips on it, but never mind.

NARRATOR: Just for your need for steaming a pudding.

No price ticket on it.

Let's find out how much that is.

Just a nice bit-- kitchen pot.

Hello.

LYLE: Hello, Angus.

Obviously, I found this pot.

Very chipped and battered and rusty on the-- LYLE: Yeah.

ANGUS: Yeah.

No price ticket it on it.

Is it free?

LYLE: Lovely period, wee thing, but we can do that on there for five pound.

Five, five pounds, right.

Great.

Right, if you like, I can find, yeah.

Go on then.

Bit of fun.

NARRATOR: Short and to the point.

So that, along with the medallion he bought earlier, adds up to 35 pounds.

Oh, look at this.

Antiques Road Trip.

A bit of causeway stone?

Yes.

Brilliant.

That's lovely, is that.

LYLE: That's the oldest thing in the shop.

ANGUS: Oh, that's lovely.

Well, I'm going to get my bits out.

You've been an absolute star.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: Time to head to pastures new.

Bye, bye, Coleraine.

Bye, bye, Clifford.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Rue meanwhile, has headed into the great outdoors.

Might have been a good idea to bring a coat.

Eh, Roo?

She's traveled east to Loughguile and Lissanoure Castle to see one of the most iconic expressions of Irish culture and heritage.

She's meeting author, Angeline King, who's written a history of Irish dancing.

Hello.

Lovely to meet you.

I'm Roo.

Nice to meet you.

Angeline, what's going on here?

This is amazing.

ANGELINE: Well, this is the Lanigan's Ball, which is a Jake dance.

Oh, it's so elegant.

It's lovely, isn't it.

I mean, everyone is so uniform.

The straight backs, the pointed toes, and the girls are all smiling.

ANGELINE: They are.

Not one smile is faltering.

ROO: They don't know if it's cold, you say.

NARRATOR: The origins of Ireland's dancing tradition can be traced back as far as the ancient Druids.

And over the centuries, invaders and visitors from across Europe have all added their influence.

It was popular amongst the gentry.

There's a mention of Irish dancing in 1569 at the court of Queen Elizabeth, but it was first and foremost a rural pastime to create community and show off the girls.

You would have had social events, like the harvest home, where people would have gathered to celebrate the harvest.

And there might have been even dancing competitions where a woman would have won a silk shawl or a man would have won a pair of trousers or something.

So the dancing has always been a part of celebrations.

NARRATOR: These country dances became more formal in the 1800s with the arrival of dance masters who would travel from village to village teaching dance to the locals for a fee.

Dance masters would have come over from Europe.

Mainly from France.

They would have taught, not just dancing, but also courtly manners, and how to write love letters, even how to kiss.

Really?

So you would have had a change in dancing, at that time, from its rustic form.

It would have become that little bit more refined.

The dance masters would have introduced the pointed toe.

Dancers up until that time would have been quite rustic.

They maybe had their feet up to heaven kind of thing.

So the dance masters were very fussy about that.

And erect carriage, and a lot of the influences, and steps that you would see in classical ballet would have come into Irish dances during that period.

So I would have got into trouble if my toe was facing the wrong direction.

You would have.

NARRATOR: Irish dancing fell out of favor during the latter part of the 19th century as the country became more industrialized and rural traditions were eroded.

But a movement to preserve Irish language and culture meant the dance went on.

There was a revival of Gaelic culture in the late 1800s and early 1900s through the efforts of the Gaelic League.

And they looked at Irish dancing as part of that revival.

They revived the old Irish Fash, which was an assembly, almost like a festival.

And they introduced dancing competitions in some areas of Ireland.

And people would have kept their arms by their side.

When the Gaelic League were trying to work out what was Irish, they decided that style was the most Irish.

And so dancers until that time had maybe danced with their hands on their hips when they were step dancing.

Then they would have started to dance with straight arms.

NARRATOR: Throughout the 20th century, the popularity of dancing continued to grow with this part of Northern Ireland forging its own distinct tradition through folk festivals.

And in the 1990s, Irish dancing went global when Riverdance took to the stage.

But it's always been at the heart of the community here.

There's lots of people who have several generations in their family who dance.

If you go to any of the dancing festivals, you'll sometimes see a granny, a daughter, and a little girl who all Irish danced.

ROO: It's lovely that it just passes down through the generations.

ANGELINE: Yeah.

Uh-huh.

NARRATOR: Time for our Roo to hit the dance floor.

She's got the frock for it, but let's see if she's got what it takes to be a member of the World Champion Loughgiel School of Irish Dance.

Standby.

ROO: I'm feeling very short all of a sudden.

[FOOT STOMPING] NARRATOR: Today, Irish dancing is in rude, good health.

And if the dedication of these dancers is anything to go by, this tradition will continue for generations to come.

They might also have a wee Scots lassie in the line up next year.

Look at her go!

Look, I've lost it.

I lost it at the end.

NARRATOR: Away from all that fancy footwork, Angus is on the move again.

Really snuggling into the luxury car lifestyle.

It's so comfy, so easy to drive.

It's automatic, which I'm not used to.

But it's actually a doddle.

It just glides along the road.

NARRATOR: He's cruising his way to Garvagh and his last shop of the day.

And for the man who appreciates the finer things, a grand entrance is in order.

Wow.

Well, welcome.

Hi.

You must be Jimmy.

Yup.

That's me.

Yes.

Oh, is this especially for me?

No, no.

All right.

Thanks.

Every other Sunday.

Every other Sunday?

They're local musicians.

Oh, it's lovely.

It's fantastic, isn't it.

NARRATOR: I think we should expect this sort of treatment wherever we go from now on.

Country Needs has a lot for the discerning shopper to peruse.

Especially if those needs include furniture.

Something that really jumps out, and that is the deco furniture.

Just screams 1920s.

It was such a phenomenal era for design.

And we see all the shapes that came out.

The half circles.

The stepped squares.

I mean, let's just have a little sit in there.

We've our warm up cabinet there.

You just imagine yourself with a little drink there.

It'd be lovely.

So priced up at 275 pound a chair, which really isn't bad for a real iconic design.

But you'd want to pair.

Single chair on its own is not great.

So what are we, 550?

Way out of my price league.

But fantastic to see.

What a great design.

NARRATOR: Time to manage your expectations a bit.

Anything cheaper?

Now, there is an interesting antique table.

Victorian.

Very traditional.

And this sort of furniture is struggling at the moment.

So it's a bit of a gamble.

It's a tilt top table.

Victorian.

And what's unusual about this is it's papier mache and lacquered.

So it's made up of layers of papier mache with this black lacquer over the top.

Painted detail.

NARRATOR: And that tilt top means it takes up less space when you're not using it.

Have we got a tag on it?

Yes, we have.

Well, it was 325.

This is looking good because the price has been slashed.

It's 185.

That means it's been here a while and he wants rid of it.

NARRATOR: Still over the 165 pounds you've got left, though.

But one to have a chat about.

What else?

Well, this is interesting because we just looks at that table that was lacquered.

And this is a lacquered finish as well.

Not papier mache, but a lacquered finish.

Probably a little bit later in date when you look at the hinges.

So it's probably 1910, 1920.

Something like that.

And it's a tea caddy.

It's got it's a little tin liner inside.

So that's really quite nice.

And it's got this gilt detail on the top.

Condition is not great.

It's worn on the top.

And lacquer is very prone to chipping.

We've got some chips off there.

I like it.

But again, a bit traditional.

So not on fire.

65 pounds.

NARRATOR: Should we have a word?

Jimi, your presence is required.

Seen this?

Yep.

Is there a price inside of it?

Yeah, there's a price inside of it, but we'll just leave that closed for now.

I mean, it's nice, but it's quite warn.

Isn't it?

And the hinges are a bit loose, and it's chipped, and the liner is split.

So what you're saying, that reflects the price.

NARRATOR: Jimi can see which way this is going.

So there's that, but I've also seen a Victorian papier mache table.

I have, have we?

I thought you had because you've already slashed the price on it.

And they have gone off the boil.

Haven't they?

JIMI: They're a wee bit off the boil.

ANGUS: So you probably want rid of it.

Do you?

JIMI: Still a nice thing.

What could we do?

On the both or individually.

Or what can we-- 150 [INAUDIBLE].

150.

That's oh, woo.

Look at the hand, straight out.

Well.

Well, that doesn't leave me a lot of money left.

Can we squeeze a little bit more?

Let me hear you.

- Hit you with it?

- Yep.

Oh, wow.

Now, I don't want to be too cheeky.

JIMI: If you're not cheeky, you don't get away with it.

Right.

In that case, I'm going to be very cheeky.

- All right.

- 120, the two.

- Go on.

- Brilliant.

Thank you very much.

NARRATOR: Oh, that's quick.

100 pounds for the table and 20 for the caddy.

And quite frankly, I don't think you stand a snowflake's chance when you get to the auction, but we'll see.

Right.

Time to pick up the dancing queen and get a bit of sightseeing done before bedtime.

ANGUS: Look at this.

Oh, this is incredible.

The dark hedges.

It's breathtaking.

Do you know how old these trees are?

ANGUS: They are ancient, but look at them.

ROO: Late 1700s.

1776, actually.

But you know the best thing about the dark hedges?

ANGUS: Go on.

There's a gray lady that haunts the trees.

Oh, here we go.

ROO: She flips from tree to tree doing a little merry ghostly dance.

NARRATOR: Don't have any nightmares then.

Nighty, night.

This morning, it's Roo's turn behind the wheel of a large automobile.

So I'm your chauffeur for the day.

All right, you've got your driving gloves on.

Got my little polka dot driving gloves on.

You need to bring a fashion label out.

I mean, you just got so much going.

I might be my only customer.

NARRATOR: Well, I'd be in the market for a pom-pom hat.

Yesterday, our fashion guru got off to a flying start buying a nice little gold brooch, and an even nicer gold brooch, and a very posh sort of spittoon.

Look at that color.

That is delicious.

NARRATOR: Which leaves her with 125 pounds to spend today.

Angus didn't drag his heels either.

Plumping for a medallion, a Victorian pudding steamer, a tea caddy, and a papier mache table.

I'm going to be very cheeky then.

120 the two.

Go on.

NARRATOR: So he has a slightly lighter kitty of 45 pounds at his disposal.

Go for it.

ROO: Are you enjoying being driven by Roo?

I am actually.

I don't deny it, I was a little bit apprehensive.

But, um, you're all right.

You're OK. You're OK. Oh, did I hit someone?

Oh, did I?

You really want me to swerve into a bush.

NARRATOR: Don't be naughty, Angus.

Later, we'll be heading over the water to Wales and an auction in Wrexham.

But before that, Angus has put his shopping on hold and headed out to the coast at Carrickfergus.

He's here to find out about the town's surprising connection to one of the US Army's elite fighting forces.

Sharyn Murphy is the curator of the museum dedicated to the United States Rangers.

How'd it all start then?

In 1942, a month after the Japanese attack on the US Naval base at Pearl Harbor, America entered the war.

And the first American troops started officially arriving in Northern Ireland to plan for the [INAUDIBLE] attacks in Europe.

The American army decided that they wanted to raise an elite fighting force based on the British army commandos that would act as a spearhead for all Allied offenses against the enemy in the war in Europe.

NARRATOR: The task of assembling this exceptional squad was given to Lieutenant Colonel William Darby.

He traveled to US Army bases all across the province to recruit volunteers.

Around 1,500 men came to the nearby Sunnylands Camp for a rigorous selection process.

Only 500 made the cut.

On the 19th of June, 1942, Darby's Ranger Battalion was activated.

SHARYN: They could take them through basic infantry skills, right through to hand-to-hand combat.

They did patrol, and map reading, scouting, expert mountain climbers and they trained with live ammo.

It was very dangerous.

Someone was shot during training.

Darby and his officers, they wanted only the best, the fittest, and those in the best physical and mental condition.

Those that were able to handle the demands of being in such a small, agile unit.

NARRATOR: But it wasn't all grueling training.

When off-duty, they often ventured out amongst the local population.

Like all troops stationed in Northern Ireland, they were issued with a pocket guide to help them fit in.

SHARYN: Talks about religious and political differences.

And advises people not to get involved in conversations about politics and religion.

It tells them not to show-off.

American pay was greater than British army pay, so it's very important not to brag.

I'm sure there's a page on drinking.

Yes, there's a page on drinking.

There's a couple of pages on drinking.

And this is my favorite bit here, "Up in the hills you may be offered an illicit concoction known as 'potheen.'

This is a moonshine whiskey made out of potato mash.

Watch it.

It's dynamite."

NARRATOR: The battalion saw combat for the first time at the end of 1942.

As part of Operation Torch.

the Allied invasion of North Africa, they were tasked with capturing the Port of Arzew in Algeria.

SHARYN: A lot of reconnaissance went into that.

A lot of planning.

Darby was surveying the area using a periscope from a submarine while his soldiers were patrolling and mapping.

They even built a model of the area.

And then, when they were ready, they launched a swift night raid on the port.

They successfully attacked the coastal defenses and captured the port.

NARRATOR: The Rangers continued to play a vital role in Allied operations.

The Second Battalion spearheaded the D-Day attack on Omaha Beach.

An action which inspired their motto, "Rangers Lead the Way."

To this day, the regiment is still an elite unit of the US Army.

They're now based in Georgia, but this spot on the site of the Sunnylands Camp still holds a special significance.

ANGUS: This must be quite a draw for American troops to come here.

- Oh, yeah.

The Memorial is here.

It's a permanent reminder and to maintain that close affinity with the men of the First Ranger Battalion, they're very keen to come back to Carrick and pay their respects to the birthplace of the regiment.

Left, left, left, right, left.

NARRATOR: Now, it's been a while since our former soldier, Angus, has seen active duty.

But let's see if he has the intestinal fortitude to tackle the Rangers arduous training regime.

Sargeant, move, move, move, move, move.

Come on.

Come on.

Come on.

They're shooting at you.

Don't quit on me yet, Angus.

Come on.

Press up, [INAUDIBLE], go.

Wait for it.

Wait for it.

Go, go, go!

Go, go, go!

Kill him, kill him, kill him!

NARRATOR: Blooming heck.

Go, go, Angus!

I'm scared.

Never go anywhere without an entrenching tool.

Germans are hunting us.

Keep low.

NARRATOR: Immaculate Roo's day, meanwhile, in the Roller, is turning out to be a lot less stressful with three items already in the old bag, she's made her way to the village of Upper Ballinderry.

Not to be confused with Lower Ballinderry.

The appropriately named Ballinderry Antiques is her next port of call, which claims to be Northern Ireland's biggest antiques emporium.

This is actually one of those shops that has no beginning, middle, or end.

It just goes on and on, and round and round, and up and down.

NARRATOR: Well, we won't lose you in here with that hat, girl.

With 125 pounds left, and the place to herself for a while, has time for a good old rootle around.

I think this is the biggest collection of silver I've seen in any antique shop.

Little silver purses are still collectible.

And I think that's quite a nice example.

If you look closely, it's got beautiful engraving on it.

Made in Birmingham and that is 1914.

So just after art nouveau.

The only downside to it, it's taken a few knocks because often the silver is such a thin sheet.

I want to see what the condition is like on the inside.

Look at that.

But that is just-- got the finest material on there.

This is very well looked after.

NARRATOR: And at 65 pounds, is well within your means.

No old money in it, though.

NARRATOR: You don't ask for much.

Do you?

So that's one possible.

What else can you find?

Oh look, a shock absorber.

This has caught my eye.

I've never seen a coiled snake bracelet like that.

Now, I can't see any hallmarks on it, but I would say this is probably Indian silver.

Indian silver and Chinese silver is rarely stamped.

So it can be often called white metal when it comes to auctions.

I need to do the test to see if it fits.

This is like Cinderella and the glass slipper.

Ruin the silver bangle.

NARRATOR: Yes, you shall go to the ball.

I'm officially in love with it.

If you take it off, you can look at the weight.

It's not solid.

It is hollow on the inside.

That's a good sign.

They're trying to save the metal.

And just the feel of it, the patina, I definitely think that that is Eastern silver.

And at 48 pound, combined with the purse, I might get a nice little discount.

NARRATOR: Off to the counter with you then.

Let's see what Elizabeth can do, Roo.

You got 48 on that and 65, which comes to 113, if my calculator is working.

What do you think?

I'll just check for you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Service with a smile.

NARRATOR: Now, look what the cat dragged in.

What time do you call this?

Well, some of us have been crawling around in the dirt on the barbed wire.

I got ya.

Are you feeling the pressure, Angus?

No.

NARRATOR: Poor love.

He's caught a sniffle.

Maybe you should rest up for a while.

ANGUS: Yeah, I'm going to-- Hot water bottle, and slippers.

NARRATOR: So while he thaws out, what news on the silverware?

Aye, the best I could do would be 80.

OK. What's the very, very, best you could do on the purse?

Very, very bottom line.

50.

50.

OK.

I will take that.

OK. And I will let you put that back.

NARRATOR: Aww, that snake too pricey for you?

Don't want to get bitten?

OK. Back to the cabinets then.

The one thing that's really standing out to me in amongst the silver is that color.

NARRATOR: Ahh, another brooch.

Look at that beautiful, almost salmon pink stone.

It's quite nice to have a Sterling silver one to add to the collection.

Age-wise, I would say this is probably Edwardian 1910.

Maybe even creeping towards 1920.

But that stone is just mesmerizing.

And it's only 8 pound.

I think that's a bit of a no-brainer.

Elizabeth?

I found something.

ELIZABETH: Very good.

That brooch.

8 pound, I will just take it.

So if I could get the purse for 50, you said?

Yes.

And the brooch for eight.

That's 58 pound I owe you.

- Yeah.

That's great.

Thank you very much.

Brilliant.

NARRATOR: And that's her shopping done.

Here's hoping Wales is keen on brooches.

Elsewhere, Angus, now thoroughly defrosted, has still got 45 pounds left to play with.

Anything under consideration?

I mean, it's a fantastic great, big shop.

But there's so much to look at.

Real good quality stuff.

Not necessarily a lot of things in my price range.

These look interesting.

Look at these.

They look rather lethal, don't they.

Not quite sure what they're for, but they're very heavy duty cutters, pincers.

Fair bit of age on them as well.

Nicely stumped up there.

And we've got this almost like a giant pastry wheel.

NARRATOR: I hate to see how your pies turn out.

That's an embossing tool for bookbinding.

This is something else that's caught my eye.

It is an inkwell.

A brass inkwell.

So you've got a brass stand and top on it there.

Lovely molded ribbed glass.

It's sort of early 20th century, late Victorian posh.

What we need to really check is any chips on the glass.

There's a little bit of surface scratch on there, but that's fine.

I've got no chips on there.

It's in good order.

And actually a nice [INAUDIBLE] thing.

Wants a bit of a polish.

We've got price, 58 pounds.

Ooh, if I can negotiate a discount on that, that might be all right.

NARRATOR: You'll need someone to negotiate with then, Angus.

Meet David.

ANGUS: I've seen a few interesting bits that I like.

I mean, we've got a ticket price of 58 on there, which I'll be honest with you now, I haven't got 58 pounds.

To be honest, you're probably talking 45.

45.

Yeah.

I mean, can we put a bit of luck money on there and do it at 40?

40 pounds.

I will do it.

- Brilliant.

Thank you very much.

That's very kind of you.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: So that wraps up Angus' shopping as well.

With a Meager 5 pounds left in his pocket.

Right, you two, time to say, "Goodbye" to NI and make our way back across the Irish Sea.

Look at you.

All in red for Wales.

I know, exactly.

Went from green-- Green for Ireland yesterday.

Red for Wales.

So yeah, I'm liking your outfits to reflect where we're going.

NARRATOR: She likes to coordinate.

Right.

Time for some shut eye.

We made it to Wales.

[WELSH] you two.

Angus, first auction.

I know.

How are you feeling?

Well, you know, I always lose money on the first one.

- Oh, no.

- Yeah, no.

It's my plan to put the pressure on and just, you know.

Can you do that for all five auctions, please.

No.

Oh, thank you.

NARRATOR: After starting this trip across in Northern Ireland, we've washed up in Wrexham.

Wingets Auctioneers is where our experts will hawk their wares as well as on the internet.

Roo parted with the frugal 133 pounds on five auction lots.

Angus, thoughts?

Very Roo.

Shiny.

Pretty.

She's like a little magpie, isn't she.

And I can just see her with one of her fashion outfits.

That on her finger.

Keeping all the money in that she's going to make at auction today.

However, very poor condition.

A lot of dents on it.

I'm not so sure on that one.

NARRATOR: Angus meanwhile, shelled out 195 pounds on his five lots.

I am so glad that Angus bought this papier mache.

Victorian.

Yes.

Yes.

Yes.

He's bought the dream of a Victorian papier mache table.

The execution of that dream, hmm, a wee bit wobbly.

Woo, hoo, hoo, would I even risk perching my posterior on this?

Absolutely not.

NARRATOR: Best not thinking about that Roo.

Now, what floats the boat of today's auctioneer, Richard Hughes?

I think, possibly the Royal Dalton will attract the most attention from collectors, perhaps.

Very nice quality.

Very nicely made.

Cast brass inkwell.

Lovely quality.

Gilded brass.

I think that's just a collector's piece.

People still use fountain pens, but probably not dippers.

Brooches.

Not the most fashionable piece of jewelry these days.

And I think, perhaps, yellow metal is not quite as desirable as white metal these days.

NARRATOR: Mixed Blessings there then.

Right.

Find a place to park.

Not on the table though, aye, Roo.

No turning back now.

NARRATOR: Which is just what Francis Chichester said.

Angus' this medallion is up first.

10 pound.

I've only bid with me on the book to start.

And 12 bid, 14, 16, 18 20.

20 pound were bid in the room and at.

At 20 pound, it's seated in the room.

Is there 5 anywhere for it?

Argh.

No, no, the internet might come alive.

Sold at 20.

Disappointing.

Umm.

NARRATOR: Yup, I think you were a bit scuppered there.

Nevermind.

Onwards and upwards, my man.

NARRATOR: It's Roo's big old spittoon jobby up next.

She loved the color.

I've got a commission bid of 20 pound with me.

25 bid.

30, 35 bid.

40, 45 I'm at.

At 45, 50 bid standing in the room.

55 in the room.

60, and 5, 70.

Oh my God, it's going crackers.

RICHARD: 65 pound bid on my right.

65.

You're out and about.

A little bit more.

RICHARD: 70 bids.

75, 80.

Nope.

It's in the doorway.

Well done.

NARRATOR: I think ceramics might be her new favorite thing.

How do you do it?

There's a lot of mustard lovers out there.

NARRATOR: Next up.

Angus' is slightly worse for wear tea caddy.

Nope, don't show the inside.

20 pounds for it.

20 pound.

I got.

Thank you.

W's Bid front row.

At 20 pound.

Will any bidders a 5 for it?

Got it's liner.

It's the maiden bid in the front row.

We're selling it.

Goes up 20.

Oh.

NARRATOR: Well, it washed it's face at least.

- You didn't-- - Great.

-- win on it.

You didn't lose on it.

NARRATOR: Part one of Roo's extensive brooch collection now.

One to pin your hopes on, girl.

Who writes this stuff?

10 pound, I've only bid in the room.

20 pound we got the internet it's better.

The internet needs to-- RICHARD: At 20 pound, the bids-- I mean, brooches are out of fashion.

Aren't they?

Come on.

Still online.

It's cheap at 25 bid.

30 in the door.

35 if you want.

At 30 pound, the-- But it still should do a wee bit more.

In the room one more?

Finished at 30.

I was hoping for a wee bit more.

You made enough money.

Don't be greedy.

NARRATOR: Bodes well for her other ones.

Well done.

Well done.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: His ink well is up next.

Anything to write home about?

The condition is spot on.

We've got a maiden bid of 20 pound on the internet.

There you go.

On the book, rather.

This time, at 20 pound.

It's with me.

Is there 5 for it?

The bids with me.

25 pound.

I'm out.

30 in the room.

If you like, sir.

It's a good thing.

RICHARD: 30.

Good quality thing.

30 in the room.

35.

Yeah, there's still nothing to profit.

30 pound bid in the doorway.

Still cheap.

Your bid, sir.

Umm.

NARRATOR: That's a shame.

No dipper fans in the crowd today, apparently.

It started off quite a nice day today, you know, the sun was shining.

NARRATOR: Cheer up, grumpy.

Now, can Roo coin it in with her silver purse?

I have to say, I've got the jitters.

Jitters.

Jitters.

And we've got a commission bid online at 20 pounds straight in.

- Straight in, 20-- RICHARD: 25 bid.

30.

ANGUS: Oh, gee.

30 back in.

35, sir.

- Keep going.

How do you do it?

Keep going.

Keep going.

At 35 pound withstanding in the room.

It's 40 [INAUDIBLE].

At 45 standing.

50.

Come on.

One more.

RICHARD: This bid is with you sir.

One more.

No.

45 pounds.

I think that a good result.

NARRATOR: Put a little dent in Roo's streak of profits, though.

You live, you learn.

Mm-hmm.

You live, you learn.

NARRATOR: Worth saying twice.

Now, surely there's a profit in Angus' 5 pound pudding pot.

- 10 pound we've got.

- 10.

10.

You're at 10.

Doubled your money already.

You lucky thing.

At 10 pound.

You done?

Doesn't anybody want to hold my pudding pot?

Listen, you doubled your money.

Onwards and upwards.

Yeah.

You doubled.

You double, bubble.

Yeah.

Yeah.

NARRATOR: They're big on puddings in Wrexham.

That's a nice, tidy profit in my book.

NARRATOR: It's brooch time again, folks.

Roo's little silver one is up next.

10 to start then.

10 pound we've got with you, Madam.

Silver.

Silver.

Bodenite.

RICHARD: 10 pound.

Are there any bids?

It's expensive.

Beautiful bar brooch.

The main bid with you, Madam.

12 by you.

14.

16.

If you like, Sir.

Come on.

Yes, you would like.

No.

ROO: Wee bit more.

ANGUS: No.

All done at 14 with you, Madam.

ROO: Oh.

That's good at 14.

It's profit.

Profit.

Umm.

NARRATOR: Yeah, who said they're out of fashion, aye?

This road trip we're going to both top the 1,000 pound mark.

- Shall we?

- Yeah.

Why not.

Challenge on.

It might be a bit stronger for me.

- 1,000 pound profit, not loss.

- Yeah, yeah.

Nailed it.

NARRATOR: Ha,ha.

Angus' last lot.

And his biggest spend by far, the papier mache table.

Fingers crossed.

I'm really worried about this.

I mean, once upon a time, 300 to 500 pounds.

I mean, the original ticket price in the shop 385.

Yes.

Now, completely out of fashion.

20 pound we've got.

Thank you, Madam.

It's the start at the back at 20 pound.

Bid 25.

Bid 30 online.

35.

Bid 40.

At 35 pound.

We're on the internet.

35.

Bid 40 back in.

- There you go.

You're back in.

You're back in.

Still cheap.

Yeah, very cheap.

Very cheap.

RICHARD: 50, if you like for it.

At 45.

Last chance.

Yeah, how was that for you?

It is painful.

NARRATOR: Yeah.

Ouch.

It's not been Angus' day today, but he did buy it.

I'm going to go home and cry.

Aww.

NARRATOR: Finally, on the Antiques "Brooch" Trip, Roo's last lot.

Can she do the treble?

And we've got 20 pound bid straight in.

Oh, well done.

25 pound.

I'm out.

Straight away.

Look at stern face.

It's an auto bid online at 25.

30 anywhere.

30 bid in the doorway.

The bids on my right.

Sold at 30.

I mean, you've just given me a masterclass today.

You've just like-- No.

NARRATOR: It will be brooches all the way from here on in then.

It's going to be the greatest comeback ever.

- It will be.

- Yeah.

Watch out [INAUDIBLE].

I like being the underdog.

Yeah.

Come on then.

Come on.

NARRATOR: Let's find out how much of a challenge that's going to be.

Angus' initial 200 pound budget took quite a bashing with the loss of sell room fees of 92 pounds and 50 pence.

He's left with a slender 107 pounds 50 for next time.

But Roo, who started with the same amount, has turned quite a nice profit after auction costs.

So she takes a substantial lead with 226 pounds and 8 pence in her purse.

Oh.

How do you feel?

Yeah.

Um, a bit flotsam and bruised actually.

Are you going back to the farm?

Don't give up yet.

NARRATOR: Yeah, plenty of time to turn it around.

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