VO: The nation's favorite antiques experts, £200 each and one big challenge.

Well, duck, do I buy you or don't I?

VO: Who can make the most money, buying and selling antiques, as they scour the UK?

The aim is, trade up and hope that each antique turns a profit.

VO: But it's not as easy as it looks, and dreams of glory can end in tatters.

DAVID: I'm a loser.

CHARLES: Listen, why... VO: So will it be the fast lane to success or the slow road to bankruptcy?

Oh, there's a mouse!

There's a mouse!

VO: This is the Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah!

VO: It's a new week and we've got two antiques maestros embarking on their first-ever road trip together.

It's none other than David Barby and Charles Hanson.

CHARLES (CH): # Greased Lightning # Go, Greased Light...!

# David, don't you feel that feeling that we're like Sandy and Danny from Greased Lightning?

DAVID (DB): Well, I certainly feel as though I'm stuck in the 1970s.

VO: They're taking the air in a classic 1959 Hillman Minx - perfect for fostering their new friendship.

CH: I think this is so iconic, isn't it, as a car.

We've got these lovely bench seats.

I can rest my hand on your thigh if I really wish to, but I don't want to.

DB: But you have done it twice already.

CH: By accident!

(THEY CHUCKLE) VO: Antiques valuer David Barby is known for his haggling style, the infamous Barby stare.

But lately, he's been forced to change tack.

I'll go 55.

But I... (SHE CHUCKLES) VO: How low will you stoop?

VO: While his rival Charles, an auctioneer from Derbyshire, likes quirky things, much like himself.

The helmet's a bit greasy!

VO: So, equipped with £200 each, our experts are ready to roll with the punches as they buy antiques to sell at auction.

What a price.

What a price.

VO: This week, David and Charles are on one huge 300-mile road trip that starts in Lichfield, Staffordshire, stretches south to Frome in Somerset, heads back up to the Wirral, and finally ends in Nottingham.

Wow!

VO: But today, they're only moving a few inches on the map, starting their shopping in Lichfield and heading for the auction in Coventry.

VO: One unmissable feature of Lichfield is this - its impressive three-spired medieval cathedral.

The city also boasts more than 200 listed buildings, which only adds to its old historical charm.

If we pull in here David, yeah?

Yeah, OK, let's have a look round.

(TIRES SCREECH) DB: Oh, do be careful, for heaven's sake!

David, the thing is I know Lichfield like the back of my hand, OK?

Well this worries me actually, because I think you have an unfair advantage.

VO: As luck would have it, Lichfield is one of Charles's old stamping grounds, so beware, David - he'll know everyone.

Er, but is he going to be able to make the most of it?

VO: So to the shops, and Lichfield Antiques Centre is packed with goodies from over 60 specialist dealers.

Of course, Charles already knows that.

Eight months ago, I opened this antiques center.

Opened it, officially opened it.

CH: Good morning.

DEALER: Good morning.

DB: Morning.

DEALER: Good morning.

DEALER: Hello Charles.

CH: Good to see you.

DEALER: And you too.

CH: Give you a kiss.

CH: Nice to see you again.

DEALER: You too.

Oh my word, he has an unfair advantage already!

Hello David!

I know David as well.

I'm going to suggest Charles goes that direction and I go this direction.

DEALER: Mm-hm.

CH: Fine by me.

See you in a few moments, I hope.

Right, good.

Best of luck Charles.

Madeleine what I'm going to look for are perhaps objects which are big and decorative, you know, not too expensive.

Hopefully you can help, if I'm lucky.

I love your necklace by the way.

Is it art nouveau?

Thank you, it is art nouveau.

CH: Silver enamel?

DEALER: Yes, it is.

True antique.

Not you Madeleine, the necklace.

Hmm, yes.

VO: Er - come on Charles, get on with it.

Now, any thoughts on a strategy, Carlos?

I really want to find out what this auction house is like, and I wonder if the young lady on the reception desk might have the internet, and I can just tap in this saleroom and find out what the auction's like.

VO: Good call.

So here we go, it will be a general sale.

That's great.

That's superb.

VO: Which means they sell anything, from a second-hand washing machine to decorative candlesticks like these at £14.

These are very nice.

A very nice pair of what we call Maling or "Malling" Ware candlesticks.

They're quite art deco, with this enameled and printed design.

They must be 1930s?

VO: Indeed, this was the period when Maling's Newcastle-based factory produced pottery with the signature luster glaze and gilding, but is there a deal to be done?

What's the best price on those Madeleine?

Well you've got £14.50 on those, so we could do those for £13.

Would you take £10 for them?

We could contact the dealer and see if they'd be prepared DEALER: to sell them for £10.

CH: Fine.

OK Madeleine.

CH: The answer was?

DEALER: You're in luck.

Great!

That's really good.

If I can't make money on a £10 purchase, when can I, eh?

VO: Now, there's a question.

At the other end of the shop, David's also spotted something decorative - a pair of late 19th century silver shades, for candles of all things.

Support them like that, and then my finger's the candle.

They're just so nice.

They're beautiful.

I've often seen these also silk lined as well.

OK.

Which are quite good.

But I do like this.

I see that's £80 - what's the best price on those?

What price are you looking for?

I'd like these at £50.

I could speak to the dealer, and then... See what he has to say.

See what his position is.

OK.

I'll just continue looking, OK. What's your best price?

VO: Ah, will the dealer really go for David's daring £50 offer?

The best price he could do would be 60.

60.

60, so that is £20 off the original price.

£60.

OK, let me come back to you on those.

OK, yeah.

VO: Alright, be coy.

With everything to play for, Charles now steps up his buying strategy.

His victim: Madeleine.

Poor thing.

We're going to a fairly general auction.

We're going where, really, I suppose my tactics would be to spend a bit less, and what I quite like, just which has caught my eye Madeleine, is this wonderful corner cupboard here, oak and mahogany.

You open the doors up, there we are, we've got...

It's missing a panel back.

The interior isn't in the best of states, but it's a pretty little corner cupboard.

We all over time are bruised, aren't we, and battered, and messed around with, but this is still here.

VO: Madeleine's probably wishing she wasn't.

It could be yours for £80.

I would like to probably make an offer of £30?

Meet in the middle on £40?

Would you go, Madeleine, at £35?

Are you sure?

Are you sure?

DEALER: Alright.

CH: Going once.

DEALER: Not sure.

CH: Not sure!

Oh no, what have I done?

Going twice.

DEALER: Ah, go on.

CH: Are you sure?

DEALER: I'm sure.

CH: Positive?

VO: Oh get on with it.

CH: Going, going DEALER: It's a bargain.

Gone.

Madeleine, thank you very much.

CH: You're a star.

DEALER: Thank you Charles.

VO: Thank goodness that's over.

Thought I was going to be sick there.

But there's no respite for poor Madeleine.

David now has her in his sights over the £60 on those candle shades.

What do you think he would come down to?

What would you come down to?

Erm... We may be able to persuade him to do another £10.

DB: So that's £50 for the two.

That'd be £50 for the two, and I think you've got a bargain there.

Right.

You have a sale Madeleine, thank you very much indeed.

VO: Keen on exploiting his Lichfield contacts, local lad Charles heads across town to another friendly dealer.

He's on the trot.

We could go the more scenic route.

I hope you don't mind.

I'm sure it's this way.

VO: Via the lavatories?

CH: Yes!

Aren't you meant to be the one with the local knowledge Charles?

I remember there's a very small antiques shop this way.

VO: No wonder he's so skinny.

Charles is off to see an old friend, Jim Jordan, in the hope of finding something a bit special.

Hello Jim!

Surprise!

Hello Charles!

How you doing?

This is a man I've known for a long time.

James Jordan.

Good seeing you.

CH: How's life?

JIM: Morning, nice to see you.

What's the best bargain, Jim, which I could set sail with?

In your opinion?

Definitely the little fork and shovel set.

I like it.

It's £75.

What would be the best price Jim?

£65.

Between friends.

Between friends, I'll let you have it for £60.

Tempting.

VO: The fork and spade is in fact a novelty piece of Victorian cutlery, and may not be one to be missed.

So - what else?

JIM: I've got a couple of old silver pocket watches.

So what we've got here, it's a tired, working order silver pocket watch, and that's a Chester hallmark there, the Assay, city shield mark.

Enamel dial.

It's in nice condition, although it is missing its small, subsidiary, seconds dial, hand, and likewise this one hasn't got a glass cover.

They're quite nice.

How much would they be to buy, those two watches?

That one, £30.

OK. And that one £20.

Yeah, they're nice aren't they?

There's one more thing Jim.

Let me show you.

In the center, just hidden behind, is a cut-glass slipper.

It's just a pretty thing, isn't it?

JIM: It's just a pretty thing.

Almost an adornment in the cabinet, isn't it, to show off the jewelry.

And £8... ..isn't a lot for it.

I think I shall leave the spade, fork and knife.

If I said £4 for him?

JIM: Yeah.

CH: That's a deal.

And with the watches, I've got to remember, Jim, they're not in great condition.

Will you take, Jim, £25 for them?

JIM: I'll do that.

Thanks Jim.

Superb.

And that gives me a great start.

And sometimes, they say it's who you know.

VO: Er... yes.

Back at the first shop, David still feels there's more good fruit to be picked, and he's getting passionate about this late 19th century arts and crafts plate.

It's got a nice sort of William Morris-y type background, and then the head, with that very sort of floppy color all the way round.

VO: And at £68, I feel a haggle coming on.

Not surprisingly, Madeleine's left this one to colleague Mark.

There's only so much you can take.

DB: £68 seems an awful lot to pay.

I'd like to see it round about £40.

VO: Time to phone the dealer.

Thank you.

That I liked.

Is that OK?

40?

Thank you very much.

Take care now, bye.

You're in luck - 40 it is.

£40, my God.

VO: He's done it again, and he's not finished yet.

I love the engraving, the fruity vine, and the dimpled effect.

It's hand-blown, it's a nice piece.

In fact, if you look carefully, the small bubbles in the glass are reminiscent of Cluthra glass, originally made to designs by Christopher Dresser using a colored Glasgow art glass with added potassium nitrate.

Ticket price £24.

Can you try for £10?

Yeah, I'll give him a call for you.

OK.

The terms I bought the other one, see what he can do on that.

No problem at all.

DB: Alright.

DEALER: Thank you.

OK, thank you.

You have 24 on it, and he's offering 10.

That's fine - he would do that for 10.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Bargain.

I think so as well.

VO: I'll say, at £10.

Right, let me out of this shop before I buy it all.

VO: I think they'll only be too glad to see the back of David's ruthless bargaining skills.

Meanwhile, Charles is back on the road.

He's been sent to Coventry - ha!

- in search of some answers.

Well I've had a great morning in Lichfield, I've bought four items.

I'm delighted.

And hopefully my star find, my two pocket watches, I might find out a little more about them, whether they were a real bargain, by the place I'm going to now in Coventry.

VO: He's heading for Coventry's watch museum.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the city was one of three main UK centers for watch and clock manufacture.

VO: Charles hopes curator Paul Shufflebotham can tell him more about his watches.

PAUL: The only way you can tell about watches is to check the hallmarks on the cases.

Yes.

There's one there going back to 1829.

Made by Vale & Rotherham with a Birmingham case, because of course the cases were made in the... PAUL: No, no.

They'd make the cases in Coventry as well.

CH: Would they really?

PAUL: It's quite a skilled job.

CH: Certain factories were making the enamel dials?

That would be...

They came from Chapelfield, there would be one dialmaker doing that on his own.

Really?

VO: Indeed.

The skill of the watchmaker knew no bounds.

In 1948, the then Lord Mayor, Harry Weston, persuaded Mr Peacock, who was the second-last apprentice in Coventry, to make a watch as a wedding present for the Queen.

CH: Our current Queen Elizabeth.

PAUL: Queen Elizabeth.

CH: Yes.

PAUL: This was made in 1948.

Now what he did, he had two rough movements which are two kits of parts.

One he finished this case and was sent to the Queen, and this was the other movement, which we found in his shop when it was closed down in 2000.

And of course, we now know what type of movement is in the Queen's watch.

VO: Well, the two watches Charles bought can't beat that, but they might still have a pedigree.

I came across these two pocket watches, which I bought on my road trip.

PAUL: That one I can tell you for starters is a Coventry-made watch.

Isn't that wonderful?

Isn't that wonderful?

Yeah.

In fact it was made by one of our distant relatives.

Oh, it's not!

That's their trademark on the balance cog.

Do you know what they say Paul?

It's a very small world.

It is a small world.

What would you pay for the pair if you saw them at an antique fair or at auction?

Well, the case on this one is very good, so I would be tempted to pay anything up to £75, £100... Great.

..on that one, because that's in very good condition that.

This one, again, it looks a bit ropy, £30-40 on that one.

I bought the pair for £25.

Blimey.

You done well there.

Not bad, is it?

VO: Perhaps you should invite him to the auction, Charles.

Those two pocket watches I bought in Lichfield have a certain Coventry connection.

We're going to Coventry, they're being sold in Coventry, and who knows, they now might make a huge profit.

Wonderful day.

VO: Satisfied he's made a good buy, Charles heads back to Lichfield.

Which is where David is, and it's Jim Jordan's shop again.

And what's the first thing he finds?

The very item local boy Charles was offered a £60 deal on.

Let's see if David can do better.

Just going to put that price tag down.

It's a lovely replica, isn't it?

Isn't it nice?

And Mappin & Webb, good makers.

VO: Mappin & Webb are a famed company of silversmiths and cutlery manufacturers, with roots going back to 1774.

This sweet miniature fork and spade set is probably late Victorian.

How lovely is that?

I can imagine a piece of brie on the end there, you know, cutting it off or picking it up with the fork.

It's very nice, but £75, that's just a little bit too much.

What's the very best price you could do on that?

JIM: 50?

DB: I need it lower than £50.

VO: Uh-oh - out comes the Barby stare.

I'll do it for 42 for you.

42.

VO: £42, eh?

What a pro.

Well, there's a lesson for you Charles.

James, thank you.

Pleasure.

VO: David is certainly the cat that got the cream.

So there endeth the first day of shopping.

Goodnight, and sleep tight, road trippers.

It's the second day of our road trip, and we start again in Lichfield, but it appears one of our road trippers has had a rough time, and it wasn't down to the shopping.

What's happened David?!

Well... David Barby, what's happened?!

DB: Look at that.

CH: Mate, what have you done?

DB: I tripped last night.

CH: You didn't!

DB: Yeah.

CH: Where?

Straight into a garden bench.

You didn't.

I did, cut me just there.

This is a sympathy vote.

I shall go in there, I shall say "What's the price?

Ooh, ooh!

Sorry, could you repeat that?"

Have you had stitches as well?

Yes, there and there.

How many have you had?

Oh, I don't know.

Well look...

Glue and stitches.

Let's take...

I feel like a panda.

VO: And just as cuddly.

Ha!

Well, he may be a bit down in the mouth, but he's certainly not out, old love.

So far David Barby has spent £142 on four quality lots, leaving him just £58 to spend.

His rival Charles Hanson, on the other hand, has opted for more general items, parting with a mere £74 on four auction lots.

And that's left him with a nagging regret.

I almost regret not buying one item in a cabinet, it was a sweet little knife and condiment spoon, I just saw it and I could not get him down from £60.

DB: Oh, very, very nice.

VO: Seems David's not letting on.

Now Charles has kindly volunteered to chauffeur poor David to Lichfield's Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum for an early morning tonic of local history.

Well, in that fragile state, he can hardly be expected to drive himself.

It wouldn't be safe.

Waiting for David is museum curator Joanne Wilson.

Perhaps she'll perk him up.

DB: Hello.

JOANNE: Hello.

What a greeting!

How are you?

Very well thanks, welcome to Johnson's birthplace.

Thank you very much.

VO: Seems to be working.

Dr Johnson made literary history in the mid 18th century with his Dictionary Of The English language.

He was born in this very house in 1709, and his early upbringing here laid the foundations for that monumental work.

Wow!

JOANNE: This was the Johnson family bookshop when Michael Johnson, Samuel's father, had the house built, so this was the family business and they lived above it, so this very room was where Johnson discovered his love of reading over 300 years ago.

VO: Johnson left the family home in his 20s to seek his fortune in London, but it wasn't until 1747, when he was commissioned to write the dictionary, that he came into money.

JOANNE: Up until he started on that work, he was really quite a poor journalist, and it was only really when he was approached in 1747 to write the dictionary that his fortunes changed.

Why did they choose him?

They chose him because he was getting known by the printers and publishers in the area as having a fantastic knowledge of literature, almost an encyclopedic mind, and it was this quality that made him perfect for writing the dictionary.

Have you got examples of this work, this first dictionary?

We have indeed, and we have a first edition of Johnson's work over here.

My my my!

VO: Johnson judged it would take three years to write.

In fact, it took nine, despite having several assistants.

There's actually...

This is almost a trembling moment.

Something that's so part and parcel of English history.

VO: There are over 43,000 definitions in Johnson's dictionary, some of which we'd find quite quirky today.

You see his definition for oats.

"A grain which in England is generally given to horses, "but in Scotland supports the people."

DB: (LAUGHS) The people!

And what's rather lovely is that the six assistants that worked with Johnson on the dictionary were all Scottish!

DB: Were Scottish!

VO: Whilst writing consumed much of Johnson's life, he also had other passions, like tea drinking.

My favorite item in the museum's collection, this is Johnson's teapot.

He was a fantastic lover of tea, said to be able to drink up to 25 cups in one sitting.

So is my wife!

(THEY CHUCKLE) Oh, this is beautiful.

I love the teapot.

It's beautiful, isn't it?

It's Jackfield Black, isn't it, from Shropshire?

Yep, absolutely.

There's a lovely caricature next to it here by Rowlinson, which shows Johnson basically falling asleep over a cup of tea, his hostess pleading with him to finish, and the servant yawning at the back.

You can see that it's well past bedtime on the clock.

VO: Johnson was also known for his scruffy appearance, and that has not been lost on the museum's costume department.

Gosh, it's a scruffy wig!

Well, he was a scruffy chap!

Was he really?

Yes, it was actually said that he would have the front of his wig burnt, often, because he'd been leaning over the candlelight to do his work.

Oh God, that looks terrible!

Oh!

You may need a hat as well, to top it off.

Oh dear, oh dear.

Oh, this looks ghastly!

Oh dear, I don't think he was a very good looking guy, was he?

(THEY LAUGH) VO: Hmm, hardly a picture of beauty, is it?

But joking apart, it's not his wig but his English dictionary that Johnson will be best remembered for.

A remarkable piece of writing which remained pre-eminent for 150 years before the Oxford English Dictionary superseded it.

And after that tonic, our intrepid road trippers are ready to bid goodbye to Lichfield.

They're heading south to Balsall Common, a village seven miles west of Coventry.

And here lies Old Lodge Farm Antiques, with Trevor and Diane on hand to meet and greet.

Good to see you.

Trevor, I'll give you a call if I see anything I quite like, OK?

TREVOR: Fine, yeah.

CH: Thanks very much.

OK, thank you.

Oh, there's a mouse!

There's a mouse!

Sorry, sorry, sorry!

VO: Oh for goodness' sake Charles, settle down - it's a tiny shrew.

But for good measure, let's take another look.

Ooh, there it is.

VO: For heaven's sake Charles, it's just the owners' pet shrew, Zebedee.

Is that your pet shrew?

Yes!

Their pet shrew.

Goodness me!

(THEY LAUGH) VO: Seems Charles is taking no chances with his trousers.

Red socks eh, Charles?

Natty.

The only way to guard against a scary shrew is to get a defense, and luckily help is at hand.

Oh no!

Oh no!

Charles, in your honor... Wouldn't they be great shrew protectors?

Yes!

God, they could be yours for £65 as well.

Do you know what?

I might wear them in here.

So your foot goes in like that...

I might even buy them.

They're quite... What's the best price on them?

What have we got on them?

CH: £65 DEALER £65.

Erm.. TREVOR: £55.

CH: £55?

CH: There's a helmet as well?

DEALER: Yes.

CH: Goodness me.

DEALER: I shouldn't put that on in case you can't get it back off.

Is the helmet inclusive?

I don't mind seeing to the shrew for you.

Do you want me to see to him for you and... DEALER: Yes.

CH: Great.

VO: Carlos, what DO you look like?

Armor came in varying materials, including leather, chainmail and plate.

This suit, however, is a modern, decorative version, and, if nothing else, it's ideal for stopping rodents, or indeed anything else, shooting up your trouser leg.

The dealer's not here, so there's everything to play for, Charles.

Diane, he won't go to 30, will he?

30 would be my price if he would, and I know it's almost... well, it's half price, but I just think it would give me a good chance.

What do you think?

30.

Alright, yes.

I came into an antiques shop expecting to find a glorious Royal Worcester vase or a fine pair of silver pepperettes.

What have I bought?

An armor to protect myself from a shrew.

It's amazing what you come across.

VO: So, with his new backseat passenger, Charles heads the nine miles east on a return visit to Coventry.

This time, he's got shopping on his mind.

VO: Now, just as the proprietors of the antiques emporium have got rid of one cheeky haggler, here comes another one.

DB: Hello!

VO: And with two black eyes, maybe David needs a suit of armor too.

VO: Unlike Charles, David only has eyes, be they a little sore, for traditional antiques, like these attractive watercolors by local artist G Hammond.

The quality is quite good.

The artist, G Hammond, rings a bell there.

Either he was a local artist from the Leamington Spa, Warwick area, or I've had his work before coming through the sale rooms.

You've got £85, is that the pair?

No, that's £85 each.

That's £85 each.

Is that the very best you can do on that one?

I can do 75 on that.

Ooh...

I was thinking something like 40.

Oh no, I couldn't do 40.

The very, very best, I'll do 65.

Could you do 48?

I'm not moving off 60.

VO: Crikey Moses!

The famous Barby stare has failed on Diane.

Maybe because it's so black.

It's just that I think I've only got £58.

VO: I've have given it to him for nothing just to get him out of the shop.

VO: Anyway, he's on his knees.

Could this be a proposal?

I can go up to 55 - that's my max.

£55.

I'll go 55.

But I... (SHE CHUCKLES) VO: And just when we all thought the deal was sealed...

This knock on my head - I can't remember the price we agreed, was it 45?

No!

(SHE CHUCKLES) DIANE: 55 is the final figure.

DB: It is 55.

55.

Let me... £55, thank you very much indeed.

VO: Ha!

It must be tough handing over that last bit of cash.

So with David all spent up, it's left to Charles to wind up the shopping at Antiques of Earlsdom.

The owner is Steve.

Looking for anything in particular?

Something a bit interesting, something that is perhaps highly decorative, that's going to go down well in Coventry.

Nothing like a nice bit of a desk set, which we could do you a nice little... And that's a whole set there, isn't it?

Whole set there, marble.

Yeah, that's nice, isn't it?

VO: Sets like this would have taken pride of place on a gentleman's desk.

Made of solid, star-rated marble.

You get a blotter, two inkwells and a stationery rack, and the whole lot will cost you £38.

It's missing its glass wells isn't it, first of all?

It is missing its glass wells.

Missing its glass wells.

It's a bit tired.

I like this style, it's striking, it's quite jazzy, but, Steve, they're difficult things to sell.

I mean, if I was going to buy this from you, I'd have to buy it for £5.

I can't give you it for a fiver Charles, sorry.

What I was gonna say... tenner.

OK. Meet me halfway at £8.

STEVE: Right.

Deal - eight quid.

I'm gone at £8.

Steve, you're a star, thanks Steve.

CH: Are you sure?

STEVE: Yeah, go on.

CH: Go on.

£8.

Thanks Steve.

STEVE: That's fine.

VO: That was cheap.

Seems Charles though is having doubts.

For the first ever time, I've been sold something.

Am I happy with my £8 spend?

I'm not sure really.

VO: Hmm, I know the feeling, but I don't think you've got too much to worry about.

So, time now for our experts to show their hand, and where better to do it than next to Coventry's stunning postwar cathedral, built after German bombers razed the old building to the ground?

And all ready for the battle is Charles.

Oh my!

What have you got there?

Ha-ha!

David, this goes on like so, I say, "Welcome to our road trip," and somehow, if I can walk carefully without them cutting into my legs... DB: Oh my my my!

CH: Hold on David.

And it's so heavy.

CH: And they cost me £30.

DB: The whole lot?

CH: All in.

That's very good.

CH: Would you pay £30 for them?

DB: No.

CH: Will they make a profit?

DB: Yes.

Right, put your finger up please.

Is it a reading light?

CH: What are they?

DB: They're for candles.

Oh of course!

Oh, how nice.

I think because we're staying in Coventry, I think they might struggle.

Here's my next lot.

Look at that David, just look at that.

DB: Isn't that lovely?

CH: Isn't it?

Yeah.

I think it's very attractive.

Really?

David, you know...

I think it's amusing.

I think you paid a fiver.

It cost me £4.

£4, I thought as much.

What's your next lot?

I like it a lot, I think it's up your street.

I think in the right sale it ought to make about 50.

DB: I like it.

CH: I like it too.

I bought things that I like.

Yes.

Very plain, very simple, very functional.

CH: Yes.

DB: Where's the rest of it?

CH: Is it the upper section... DB: Yes, of a... ..of a floor-standing corner cupboard?

DB: Corner cupboard, yes.

CH: And it cost me £35.

DB: That's very good value.

Right.

I like it, David.

I think it's a lovely object.

I reckon you paid about £45 for it.

A lot more, £85.

CH: £20.

£10.

DB: Yeah.

CH: You didn't!

DB: I did.

£10.

Oh I say.

Ah, the Malings.

Yeah, very, very nice indeed.

What I like, I can feel candle wax.

Can you really?

Yeah, I'm just scraping it off now.

So they have been used on a table.

Yes.

A dining table, something like that.

No, those are very nice.

Oh.

Oh, David!

I saw this David, and I like this.

I'd be very disappointed if it made less than £50.

I'd be devastated!

(THEY CHUCKLE) My fifth item - here we go, David.

It's very stylish, it's typical sort of German, strong design.

CH: Masculine, heavy.

DB: Chunky.

CH: What did it cost me?

DB: 30 quid?

CH: £8.

£8, that is marvelous.

There's certainly a profit in that, Charles.

Close your eyes.

Yes.

Don't open them.

Open them.

Oh!

This was the lot I saw in Mr Jordan's antique shop.

Yes.

But Mr Jordan would not go any less than £60.

I paid 42 for them.

CH: You didn't!

DB: I did.

So you got a whole £18 off from my initial quotation?

I paid £42 for them.

How'd you do that?

I just spoke to the guy.

Is that how you got the black eyes?

(THEY CHUCKLE) Two very nice silver pocket watches, and that one you're holding is by a Coventry maker.

That is brilliant.

I love the cases.

They're not battered.

No.

I love these sort of vacant cartouches on the back.

Absolutely.

Very nice, a nice little buy Charles for your sixth purchase.

(THEY LAUGH) Well done.

I think you bought very, very well.

DB: I think... CH: And may the best man win.

VO: So, niceties apart, what do they really think of each other's lots?

That vase at £10 with those little dimples, and that wonderful included body, is a wonderful find, but I think David has bought with his mind slightly in the cloud with what he likes, and he hasn't really bought for the saleroom, so hopefully he might come unstuck slightly.

I think Charles Hanson's items was a huge eclectic mixture of goodies, and I think he's trying to back every avenue that he expects to find in the auction room.

VO: So, after kicking off in Lichfield, the first leg of this road trip comes to an end in Coventry.

Their destination: Warwick Auctions.

And before auctioneer Chris Burns can take up his gavel, let's see what he thinks of our experts' choices.

I think the items that will do well today is David's miniature fork and spade.

I think the suit of armor will do least well.

I think Charles will struggle.

I think basically Charles's items should go for the general sale, they would have done better in the general, where David's I think is more for the antique collector sale.

VO: Oops Charles, you bought for the wrong auction, but you did the research on it.

You silly boy, Pike.

David's bought for the sale.

The sale is an antiques sale.

He's bought quality.

Hanson's bought...

I wouldn't call it tat, but the cheaper end of the market, and maybe I haven't quite catered for a fine art market.

VO: (LAUGHS) VO: Our experts started this road trip with £200 each, and in the last two days David has spent a total of £197 on five auction lots.

His rival Charles has spent £112 on six lots.

Time to see if they've made the right choices.

Let the auction begin!

I'm feeling apprehensive.

Positive, deep breathing.

You're with me.

DB: (EXHALES SLOWLY) VO: Right, are we ready now?

So David's quirky candle shades are first to face the bidders.

Lovely quality things, commission bids with me, at £40 on commission.

CH: Wow!

Fantastic.

DB: 40.

I've got 50 with me, five sir, 60, five, 70, five, 80, the bid's with me at £80, five anywhere?

And selling for £80.

VO: And the saleroom loves them.

Well, who wouldn't?

That's a relief, we've started.

VO: David's second item - the art pottery plate, and another one he haggled hard for.

£30 to start it.

CH: Sell it!

DB: (MUTTERS) Come on!

35 with me, 38, 40, five takes me out, bid is in the room at £45 only.

50 I've got, five.

Make no mistake, the bid is in the room at £55, CHRIS: and selling for £55.

DB: Down there.

£60 is back in, five.

(LAUGHTER) Top points Mr Barby!

And it's selling for £60.

VO: And that's another profit.

VO: Charles's turn now.

Can his glass slipper find its Cinderella?

Where do you want to be for it?

£100 for it?

(THEY EXCLAIM) CH: Brilliant!

£5 to start him off, must be worth £5.

£8 I've got, 10.

CH: One more.

CHRIS: 10 I've got, 12?

CH: Great.

CHRIS: 15.

18?

DB: Can't believe this.

CH: Great.

And selling for £15.

VO: Well, would you believe it?

If that can sell, surely David's in the money with his next lot.

Lovely quality glass vase.

Where do you wanna be for that?

£5 to start and wait, I've got 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, two, 25, 28 anywhere?

Selling for £25.

VO: Disappointing, but still a profit David.

I can't believe you make £11 on that glass slipper and on that wonderful, wonderful glass vase, I only make 15.

VO: Charles now needs a £55 profit to steal a lead.

Can his locally made watches seduce the bidders?

£24, there must be £20 for scrap, £20 I've taken.

30.

40.

Gentleman standing up at £45, 50 anywhere?

Selling for £45.

CHRIS: £50 I've got.

CH: Yes!

50.

CHRIS: Five, sir?

CH: Yes!

CHRIS: Five in the room.

60?

CH: One more.

That's a good buy, Charles.

£60 on the internet, five?

£65 in the room.

Selling for £65.

(GAVEL) DB: Well done.

Thank you David.

Thank you.

CH: Do you know what?

DB: What?

I think the guy who bought the watches was the guy from the watch museum, who I went to see.

VO: Yes it was, Charles.

He has a museum, and here they are, back in Coventry, on public display, thanks to me.

I'm buying for the nation, David!

VO: What would we do without you Charles?

So modest, too.

VO: Now for David's star buy.

Eat your heart out, Charles!

Commission bids start me at £45.

50 anywhere?

50, I've got five with me, 60.

Five with me, 70, five, 80, five?

Bid's with me at £85.

Come on, come on, come on!

And selling for £85.

And I was so nearly tempted to buy them!

VO: Yeah, but you didn't.

Now, can Charles pull himself out of second place with this battered half a cupboard?

If I was gonna be nervous on any item in my first auction with you David, this is it.

Once, this would have been the best part of £200-300... CH: Hear hear, hear hear.

DB: Sh!

Where do you want to be for it?

£40 for it?

£20 for it?

£5?

Oh my God.

Oh please.

Hammer down, go on, hammer down!

£10 I've got in the room.

I've got 12 on the internet, 15 sir, 15 I've got.

Oh, it's painful.

18 anywhere?

I've got 18, I've got there.

20, two.

25, 28 anywhere?

Selling for £25.

VO: Ouch - I bet that hurt.

So what is that, was a loss of £10.

I can't believe it.

Plus the commission you've got to pay.

VO: Right, let's hope David's picture can cheer us all up.

£20 to start him off.

22 I've got, 25, 28, 30.

40, 50, five, 60?

Is there any more?

Cheap lot for £55.

£60 is back in.

I've got 60 in the room, 65.

70 at the very back, five.

80, 90.

Oh, someone appreciates it.

95 on the internet, 100, 110 on the net.

Selling for £110.

(GAVEL) VO: That's put David firmly ahead by £122 before auction costs.

What a price!

That was good.

It was touch and go Charles.

VO: Can Charles's Maling candlesticks dent that lead?

CHRIS: Perfect condition.

£30 to start them?

10 for them?

£5 start?

Oh, I don't believe it, come on.

£5 I've taken, eight on the internet, 10?

I've got £10 in the room, 12 anywhere?

12 the hand, 15, 18, 20 on the internet, two?

Selling for £20.

Going, going, going... (GAVEL) CH: gone.

That's plus 10, Charles.

That's OK, I'm doubling up, David.

You are.

I'm on my way.

VO: Ever the optimist.

I think, David, it all rests on my armor.

CHRIS: There's this interesting part suite of armor, ideal for a KNIGHT out in the town.

Ha-ha ha(!)

£20 I've taken, two anywhere?

22 I've got, 25, 28, 30, two.

32 I've got, 35, 38... Keep going, keep going.

Keep going.

40, two?

Selling for £40.

(GAVEL) CH: That's OK. £10 profit David, I'm nibbling... Like that shrew almost nibbled me, I'm nibbling David.

VO: You need bites, not nibbles, to win this lark, Charles.

Now it's all down to that lump of a desk set.

Lord help us.

Where do you want to be for it?

10 for it?

10 I've taken, the lady.

12, 15, 18, 20, two, 25, 28?

Lady's bid at £25.

CH: Wonderful thing.

DB: Chipped.

Selling for £25.

VO: Well, no surprises there.

And the winner is David Barby.

Congratulations, good start.

We're on the road.

VO: David started this first leg of the road trip with £200, and after auction costs, made a profit of £98.20, which means he ends this leg with £298.20.

Charles started on £200, but only made £43.80, leaving him with £243.80 going into round two.

CH: David, I've had enough of buying tat.

I'm determined now that I'm either going to go out with a bang or I'm going to go out there and find the Rolls Royce of antiques.

VO: Next time on the Road Trip, we're off to Malvern, where David gets a taste of Africa.

DB: That is brilliant.

What's it look like?

VO: Charles turns Inspector Clouseau on a picture he's not sure about, and then gives David a driving lesson.

CH: Don't forget David, mirrors, signal, maneuver.

DB: Charles, are you doing this to annoy me?

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