NARRATOR: It's the nation's favorite antiques expert-- What a joke.

NARRATOR: --with 200 pounds each-- You with me?

NARRATOR: --a classic car-- Buckle up.

NARRATOR: --and it goal to scour Britain for antiques.

Oh, sorry.

[LAUGHS] NARRATOR: The aim-- to make the biggest profit at auction.

But it's no mean feat.

They'll be worthy winners-- Yes!

NARRATOR: --and valiant losers.

So will it be the high road to glory or a slow road to disaster.

Have a good trip.

This is the "Antiques Road Trip".

[MUSIC PLAYING] Yeah.

Today, we're all over Avalon and Arthurian legend.

Look, there's Glastonbury Tor.

Where?

Over there.

South Southwest.

It's quite an unusual thing, isn't it?

NARRATOR: Certainly is.

But then there's very little that's usual about Charlie Ross or his good friend James Braxton.

See what I mean?

You'll need a map.

- I've got a map.

Can you read a map?

Of course, I can read a map.

I did geography A level, for goodness sake.

- Did you pass?

- Of course, I did.

You didn't.

Yeah, with a D. With a D!

[LAUGHTER] NARRATOR: Our two auctioneers and their little red Alfa have somehow found their way to the Somerset levels.

Historic part of the world.

And quite remote.

NARRATOR: Perhaps they followed the ley lines.

They do say the place is thick with them.

Music too, because Glastonbury is known the world over for what Charlie would call a Pop Festival.

What are the Rolling Stones?

Are they pop-- They're rock, aren't they?

I would have called them a pop group, you see, in my day.

[LAUGHS] Have you seen your mother baby standing in the shadows?

NARRATOR: No.

But my old man's a dustman.

It's the third time this pair have tripped together.

I'm very excited.

Are you?

Really?

Very excited.

NARRATOR: And as we approach auction number four-- with successes.

209 bid.

Room bids 200.

NARRATOR: And shellacking on both sides-- an American term, I'm told.

Um-- That's not good, is it?

NARRATOR: They remain nip and tuck.

Means tight.

We're still within 10%, aren't we?

I know.

I am still trailing though.

Only dust.

NARRATOR: James has thus far managed to transform his starting 200 pounds into 299 pounds and 52 pence.

Bravo.

While Charlie, who also began with 200 pounds, has acquired a little more and currently has 328 pounds exactly.

So Charlie, your empathy with rock and pop-- will you be using the ley lines in your antique buying?

Probably not.

I think we might have guessed that.

NARRATOR: After kicking off from Chart Sutton in Kent, Charlie and James motored mostly around the southeast.

Then they moseyed out towards the Midlands before heading both South and West.

They'll eventually make Dorset their destination with a D-day in Dorchester.

Today's endeavors will wind up at an auction in Frome.

But we start out, of course, in Glastonbury.

And there 'er be.

Also famous for its ruined Abbey where the monks used to allege they found the bones of King Arthur.

So who knows what treasures can be unearthed in their first shop?

You do like joint jobs.

I quite enjoy joint shows with you because you're not sort of trusty and competitive and hiding around the corner.

NARRATOR: They're a bit like an old married couple now, aren't they?

Welcome to Glastonbury Reclamation.

You need help?

[LAUGHS] NARRATOR: Oh, dear.

Oh, fabulous.

You need a gentleman's gentleman.

NARRATOR: He's already got one.

It's all heavy.

It's heavy.

It is heavy.

Heavy and rusty.

NARRATOR: Ideal for [INAUDIBLE] though.

Hello.

- Hello, James.

- James.

Simon.

- Hi.

- Pleased to meet you.

- Hello, James.

He's James.

You're James.

NARRATOR: Lordy.

I think James better not going with James.

I'll go with James.

That's very confusing.

Will you be my personal shopper?

I can be your man.

Well done.

Take measure.

Excellent form.

Cheerio, chaps.

Bye.

NARRATOR: Nice place this.

They've got all sorts here.

Look at those!

Those are scaffolding boards with a vengeance.

Those have been popular, yeah.

Tabletops.

Tabletops.

What a great-- what are they?

Sort of two inches or something?

On metrics, I would say 65 [INAUDIBLE].. NARRATOR: He's much better off with a guide.

This is a cheese press.

So-- Fabulous Cheddar just down the road.

You'd have had a cheese mold full of curds which would have been placed underneath this screw section here.

And then this would have been tightened to sort of come down.

Condense the cheese and press it.

That's lovely Victorian craftsmanship, isn't it?

There's no need for all this decoration whatsoever.

And is it all dairy farming around here?

A huge chunk of it is, yeah.

Yeah.

And you sold it?

- Yes, we did.

Yeah, I got a good price.

Got about 1,500 for those.

Oh, too rich for me.

NARRATOR: Hard cheese, old boy.

Meanwhile, Charlie is flying solo.

But reclamation is hardly his game.

Aye-aye.

What about that?

A pulpit!

Could you conduct an auction on that?

I think it's marvelous with wonderful turnings, good paneling.

It's only 375 pounds.

I haven't got 375 pounds.

But I think if I still had an auction room, I would buy that.

James, what about this?

Yes.

Wouldn't it make a fantastic auctioneers rostral?

Either that or a DJ's booth.

NARRATOR: Like they have it those pop festivals, Charlie.

Is there much leeway in the price at all or is it-- There's a-- yeah, there's a bit.

NARRATOR: Crikey.

Is he serious?

How's James faring?

Oh, look.

Hands off that bike.

I've got to get home this evening.

Right.

[LAUGHS] That's very good, isn't it?

What about that there.

Oh, the birdcage?

Yes.

It's got a nice weight to it.

NARRATOR: No door though.

Decorative, but hardly practical.

The bird's flown.

Yeah, a nice piece.

I had my eye on it myself, actually.

Oh.

I think it is brass.

It would shine up nicely, wouldn't it?

I personally wouldn't clean it up too much.

I'd just leave that patina.

As long as you can tell it's brass, that's good enough as far as I'm concerned.

Really nice.

What could that be?

We've got 65 on that one.

But I could do a bit on that actually.

[INAUDIBLE] 50 pounds on that one.

What about 40 then?

That's squeezing me a bit too hard.

45 and it's yours.

45.

I'll have it.

OK.

Thank you very much indeed.

There's one other item.

If we just leave that-- OK. NARRATOR: So with one deal in hand, he's got his eye on this altar rail.

It's thin work, isn't it?

I think I need to lose a couple of pounds.

NARRATOR: You could always buy other painting for a big loss.

This one item, I think, needs rescuing in this reclamation.

Sometimes, a little rail like a screen is a notional divide.

Yes.

You can make a little private table in a pub or-- It's not too heavy either, is it?

No.

And it's got that return.

So structurally, it's fine.

Just needs a jolly good sand, isn't it?

A light sand, perhaps, and-- Light sand my foot.

What have we got?

95 on it.

A very reasonable 95.

Could that be even more reasonable?

Go on.

Try me.

Could it be 50?

Oh, it's been there a while.

60 quid and it's yours.

Thank you very much indeed.

Really kind.

NARRATOR: We're removing 105 pounds from that wad for the rail and the brass birdcage.

I'll send my man for this.

[LAUGHTER] Thanks a lot, Simon.

No worries.

NARRATOR: So the big lad departs.

Now what about Charlie?

Still keen on that pulpit?

Got this out of the corner of my eye.

I wonder what on Earth it was.

When I first saw it, I thought it was a tennis post.

[LAUGHS] Then I realized it did something.

It's a carjack, as in a four wheeled car.

This would go under the axle, lift it up so you could change the wheel.

- Great.

Yeah.

It's just a bit of history, isn't it?

It's probably not mass produced, probably homemade, local blacksmith.

- Yeah.

How much is it?

38 pounds.

NARRATOR: I think we might be past the pulpit.

What are those bricks?

They don't look like ordinary building bricks, aye?

They're a different size.

This is a bath brick made in Bridgewater just down the road.

And you'd break a bit off, mix it with water, turn into an abrasive paste and use it like modern Barrasso is used for cleaning.

Good grief!

Is a bar of soap really in a way?

More abrasive obviously.

Yeah, but for, yeah, polishing items-- Yes.

Patented in 1824.

These Bridgewater bricks were sold throughout the British empire.

And we bought about 500 off of one bloke who-- his garage was actually built out of them.

[LAUGHS] We clean them up and just sell them as souvenirs.

And I think they're made from the silt of the slow part of a river where it goes around the bend where the silt is incredibly fine and settled.

So that's the silt used to make these.

That is really, really interesting.

And they're priced individually?

3 pounds.

Have you ever seen one at auction?

Never seen one at auction, no.

I doubt anyone's ever seen one at auction.

Could be a world first.

It could be.

But what about the Jack?

I'm pretty keen on that.

I make no bones about it.

I mean I've got about 20 quins in it.

But I don't know whether that's possible.

How about 25 pounds?

I've got a final really cheeky counter offer here.

If I bought your Jack-- Yeah.

--could I have a brick?

You could, indeed.

That's the most extraordinary buy one get one free offer I've ever had.

That's today's special offer.

Well, we'll call that a pound and a 24.

I think that's fair.

Very kind of you.

NARRATOR: So with the brick thrown in, it's time to pack the trunk.

Perfect fit.

Oh!

NARRATOR: Oh.

[LAUGHS] Oh, dear.

Meanwhile, James has come here to one of Britain's most beautiful cathedrals, close to the Mendip hills in the city of Wells to learn some of the architectural secrets in this amazing building from historian Elsa Van DerSie.

Hello.

James.

Hello.

I'm Elsa.

This is a very small door for such a large building, isn't it?

I suppose it is.

But it's a great deal bigger inside.

Do come in.

Thank you.

[VOCALIZATION] NARRATOR: Construction began in the 12th century and took over 200 years to complete.

It was the first cathedral in England and perhaps the world to be built entirely in the Gothic style.

One of the most striking features of the so-called scissor arches added at the end to serve a very practical purpose.

In the second phase of the building, they heightened the tower 10 times higher than the original.

And on top of that, they put a spire covered in lead.

And because we're on limestone, we've got lots of underground water.

OK. And the pillars started to bed into the ground.

So great cracks appeared in the tower structure.

And that is the final solution of quite a number of internal buttressing they tried.

NARRATOR: The arches were the work of the Master Mason at the time, William Joy.

Whilst they are not unique, they are the largest and strongest of any still in existence.

This is William Joy's legacy and an icon now of the whole building.

JAMES BRAXTON: It's amazing.

What became of William Joy?

Well, we don't totally know.

His name just disappears from all the records.

And we think that he died in 1348 when these were just finished.

The year of the plague and Wells lost about 50% of its population.

So we assume, since he has never heard of again, that he was one of the victims.

But I like to think that he died knowing he'd saved his beloved building.

NARRATOR: Just off the central nave is another of the cathedral's treasures-- the astronomical clock which was still being wound by hand up until 2010.

And it's one of the oldest surviving mechanical clocks and certainly the oldest we think with its original medieval clock face.

It depicts the universe in the way they thought about it at the time.

The little brown orb in the center is us as the Earth.

And the sun, the moon, and the stars all rotate around the Earth.

You've also got a quarter Jack up there.

His job is to bang the quarter hours with his heels.

And the hours with the bell.

Yes, as well as the quarter.

So he'll go ding dong four times on the hour and hit the hammer.

NARRATOR: But Wells is also renowned for its collection of medieval stained glass.

This window at the East end of the choir was installed at the cathedral's completion and remains its crowning glory.

It survived the Reformation, the Civil War, and then neglect for a couple of centuries, and then of course the two World Wars.

And in the Second World War, they took the whole window out to preserve it.

It's amazing.

It's very bright and bejeweled.

What does it depict?

Well, it's called a Jessoe window because Jessie was the founder of Christ's family.

And he's right down the bottom.

So he's the trunk of a family tree.

And out of him are all these branches that are wound round all the figures.

You have the Virgin and Child, Christ crucified, and the cross is actually growing out of the main vine branch.

And then right in the apex is a white bird to represent the Holy Spirit.

It really is splendid.

Elsa, thank you.

It's been a great pleasure, James.

And I'll look out for those scissor arches.

Oh, well, you won't find them anywhere as good as here, you know.

NARRATOR: That's him [INAUDIBLE]..

But while James has been cloistered in Wells, Charlie's been out on the levels.

Go on.

Level with us, Charlie.

It's quite nice to be ahead of James.

But only by, I think what you would call in voting terms, a Canvas.

There's no clear water.

NARRATOR: Well, let's hope he doesn't catch a crab in the market town of Shepton Mallett.

Noted for its brewing, including cider of course, but also champagne perry, and what's claimed to be the first lager ever produced in England.

And that Charlie, he's no lout.

You must be Pauline.

I am, indeed.

Pauline, lovely to meet you.

I'm Charlie.

I'm going to have a good look around.

Thank you very much.

NARRATOR: Good job too.

Parkways seems an impressive place, especially for furniture.

You'll probably hear me talking to myself, Pauline.

But it's just the way I am.

NARRATOR: Don't worry.

It's just what she would expect, Charlie.

CHARLIE ROSS: Look at this!

Does that bring back memories?

The twin of the table I had in the last auction.

This is probably even nicer than mine.

NARRATOR: Resist the temptation.

You still got quite a bit of cash, you know.

303 pounds to be precise.

CHARLIE ROSS: These are quite fun.

PAULINE: Yes, they are nice.

Couple of brass jugs.

Look at that.

That's about as art nouveau as a decoration can get.

Solid brass.

I didn't expect them to be solid brass, wouldn't you really?

Old fashioned antiques.

But aren't they pleasant?

PAULINE: They are.

They're are very nice shape, I think.

They are a nice shape.

And I suspect there were three once upon a time.

PAULINE: I would imagine there was three, yes.

Or even four.

Do you know the best thing about these, Pauline?

PAULINE: There's no price on them.

So they're free.

[LAUGHTER] NARRATOR: She jests the course.

Actually, 75 pounds for those two.

The search goes on.

Is that for skimming?

PAULINE: I would think so, yes.

Yes.

Skimming off the top of milk, possibly.

Somebody might tell me otherwise.

NARRATOR: Somerset lager, perhaps.

It's a modest 24 pounds and rather nice.

NARRATOR: So Pauline has copper, brass, and silver.

Nice pair of Adams style candlesticks.

PAULINE: Yes, they are.

I thought they were rather attractive.

They are attractive.

Are they silver?

Yes, they are.

NARRATOR: Birmingham, 1908.

Definitely worth thinking about.

Over the years, they've had a bit of a go at those, haven't they?

It's a shame.

The other one is perfect, actually.

Is it?

Less and less people have these, of course.

Dreadful, isn't it?

And they didn't want to clean them!

PAULINE: I know!

And more and more people leave it in the kitchen now and you wouldn't put those in the kitchen-- - No, you wouldn't.

- They'd be on your dining room.

Exactly.

All dining room gets used at Easter and Christmas time.

PAULINE: Same here.

You must come for Christmas.

PAULINE: Yeah.

[LAUGHTER] Bring your candlesticks with you.

Yes.

NARRATOR: Dear, oh, dear.

You and me, a bottle of wine.

PAULINE: That would be lovely.

Blimey.

PAULINE: Delightful.

I'm getting quite excited.

NARRATOR: Calm yourself down, take a shower.

180 pounds for the pair, remember?

If I tickled you with an offer on those, you'd probably show me the door, I think.

I can do a little bit better on them because it has got a dent in one.

NARRATOR: Loin garden time, everyone.

Can you take 80 pounds for your candlesticks?

PAULINE: I'm afraid I can't.

CHARLIE ROSS: You can't.

I can take 100 for them, if that's any help to you.

CHARLIE ROSS: What a teaser you are.

Is there any chance you could do them for 90 pounds?

PAULINE: How about 95?

CHARLIE ROSS: Oh, Pauline!

Oh!

Like an arrow through the heart!

What about in the skimmer if we put that in with it.

Oh, you're a good dealer, aren't you?

Skimmers are very collectible.

NARRATOR: Oh, she's good.

How dare you!

Yes.

If you give me 105-- Yes.

--you can have the candlesticks and the skimmer.

Oh.

[LAUGHS] There you go.

There's a bargain for you.

Pauline, you got yourself a deal.

Well done.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: Well, that was fun, wasn't it?

Look, I've got two vulgar notes-- Oh, lovely.

NARRATOR: Time to go and find his good friend.

We're ending up very near Minehead this evening.

- I've packed my trunks.

- You haven't.

- I have.

- Well, I have-- My green ones.

[INAUDIBLE] head is ready for my skinny dipping?

I think skinny dipping is to be encouraged.

[LAUGHTER] NARRATOR: Well, what they do in their own time, I suppose.

Nighty night.

Next day, apparently.

It's the first time we've had weather like this.

I know.

Really is pouring, isn't it?

I think the sea is down there, but I can't see it.

NARRATOR: Yesterday, the sun shone while Charlie made hay, picking up silver candlesticks, a skimming spoon, a cart Jack, a bath brick-- Have you ever seen one at auction?

No, I doubt anyone's ever seen one at auction.

Could be a world first.

It could be.

NARRATOR: --leaving him with just under 200 pounds in his wallet.

Whereas James reclaimed a brass birdcage and an altar rail as you do.

Light sand my foot.

[LAUGHTER] NARRATOR: Which means he has about the same sum for anything he might spot today.

And he's just got to drop Charlie off before heading to his shop.

I can see the sea.

No.

Yes.

We've got to go down about 4,000 feet before we get-- I know.

How are the brakes on the alpha?

NARRATOR: Good question.

Later, they'll be heading East for an auction in Frome.

But our first stop today is beside the Bristol Channel at Minehead.

The ever popular tourist spot which might have been inspired a hymn.

Is that the purple headed mountain from (SINGING) all things bright and beautiful?

Just what James will be looking for, I'm sure.

Although he may wish to append waiting.

Oh, out of the cold.

James.

I'm Derek.

Hello, Derek.

Derek.

Well, this is rather fun.

NARRATOR: Yeah, plenty of miscellaneous articles.

They don't call this place paraphernalia for nothing.

Although, maybe not another one of those, James.

Here's a rather fun thing.

It's a novelty item.

It's a matchbook cover.

So years ago, every hotel or restaurant would have these in a dish.

They would befree things that people would collect and take away with them.

And it was a very cheap form of advertising.

What's this-- Greyhound buses.

So America's famous form of transport.

This is chromium plated, which would suggest sort of '30s.

But it's most likely to be '50s.

But it's brought alive by the fact-- we've got a map of the British Isles.

And we got London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and Dublin.

Poor old Edinburgh.

I'll put that back.

NARRATOR: Let's leave him rummaging and catch up with his chum.

Not him.

A few miles along the coast in Watchet, the harbor here was once a bit of a smuggler's haunt.

What did I say?

[LAUGHS] Shop!

Ah!

Nice to meet you again.

- It's Simon, isn't it?

- That's right.

Yes.

- How are you?

Very good.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: Yeah.

Aren't we all interested in anything Maritime?

Car badges.

NARRATOR: Oh, well.

Aren't they fun?

Look, Wimbledon Speedway dons, you see.

Middlesex County Automobile Club.

That's rather splendid.

Look at that wonderful old car.

That's an Edwardian car.

Where did you find those?

SIMON: Screwed to a wall of the garage.

They're a bargain.

They're 65 pounds.

CHARLIE ROSS: 65 pounds?

There's only five of them?

I should want 65 of them for 65.

[LAUGHS] NARRATOR: Cheeky monkey.

SIMON: They're quite collectable.

Well, they've got age.

In fact, they never stay here very long.

How long have you had these?

SIMON: I got them on Monday.

I'm all for taking a gamble.

You know me.

That's what it's about.

That's what it's about.

Life is a gamble.

Yeah.

If it was all certainty, we wouldn't bother getting up, would we?

[LAUGHS] No, I suppose we wouldn't.

That long come to watching NARRATOR: Crikey.

Deep thinkers around here.

65 quid.

Crumbs banter.

NARRATOR: Anything else catch his eye?

Good grief, Simon.

An elephant chair!

SIMON: Yeah.

It's free today.

Free?

If you can pick it up with one hand or two hands above your head.

NARRATOR: Gosh, that's some heifer lump, right down to the wooden tusks.

I can't even get off the ground, let alone above my head.

NARRATOR: Like the sword in the stone.

Hello, sir.

How are you?

NARRATOR: I bet he didn't expect to see that in the window.

Pass him a truss.

SIMON: Well, you've earned 50% discount on it.

You put a lot of effort into that.

CHARLIE ROSS: [LAUGHS] 50% of 175.

87.50 pound.

How far is Frome?

It's a long way to carry it.

NARRATOR: He's got the cash.

Almost 200 pounds left.

Well, where was it made?

Any ideas?

I would say Africa.

It's got very big ears.

CHARLIE ROSS: Car badges, elephant.

I'm going to keep looking around.

OK.

There's definitely a chance of one of those two.

NARRATOR: Meanwhile, back in Minehead, what's James up to?

This is rather splendid.

So we've got the silver plated here.

Turn it around.

On the back here, we got James Dixon and Sons.

Big, big makers, Birmingham Sheffield, making sort of tableware, cutlery.

This is a breadboard.

A rather smart bread board in a silver-plated dish.

Bread boards are made from Sycamore.

And Sycamore wood has antibacterial properties.

NARRATOR: You know, he's right.

The name derives from the ancient Greek meaning fig mulberry.

Nice weight.

Properly given on the occasion of a wedding or something.

And this is lain in somebody's sideboard and never been used.

There isn't a single cut mark on it.

Probably just before the Second World War or just after.

So it's called some age.

It's at least 60 years old.

What a nice white color.

Perfect for a wedding inscription.

It's got 18 pounds on it.

Let's see how much we can get this for.

NARRATOR: Time to talk to the shopkeeper.

Derek, I have found an item I like.

Something of weight and merit.

Every antique shop is full of the unwanted gift, isn't it?

I'm afraid you're right, yes.

It's lovely, isn't it?

And such a bargain.

Don't go that far.

What can you do with this mighty breadboard?

I think that's the issue, James.

We can do it for 10 pounds.

Derek, you're a mind reader.

Give me your hand.

NARRATOR: Chop chop.

That's a tenner.

Very kind.

Thank you very much.

There you are.

NARRATOR: So with James having made one modest purchase, is Charlie any closer in Watchet, we wonder.

There's the car badges, of course.

And don't forget the heffer lamp.

No.

There's that bit of the molding missing.

This is a mirror that is Edwardian that purports to be Georgian.

It's not in the best of condition.

You'd have to buy it for next to nothing really.

NARRATOR: Well, a ticket price is 45 pounds.

Let's see what Simon says.

Poor chap.

There is an old mirror.

It's not that old.

Edwardian mirror on the floor over there.

Is that yours?

SIMON: No.

I was going to offer you a tenner for it, but it's not much good.

SIMON: How much is on it?

45 quid.

SIMON: Oh.

It's all bashed and is a bit off it.

Knackered around the bottom and it sounds like its owner.

[LAUGHTER] NARRATOR: So while Simon calls the mirror man, Charlie takes another peek.

It's your lucky day.

10 pounds, it's yours.

[LAUGHS] Really?

Yeah, you've caught him in a very generous mood.

Didn't he get across?

No.

NARRATOR: Not exactly spend, spend, spend today, is it?

What's the best on the old elephant seat?

SIMON: 80.

CHARLIE ROSS: 80, yeah.

It's not much per ounce, is it?

No.

[LAUGHS] And you car badges?

50 pounds for those.

50 pounds.

Yeah.

And I will throw in some cleaner.

You're all heart, you are.

A carpet cleaner?

It's multi-purpose.

[LAUGHS] I will buy your car badges on condition that you take the cleaner back.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: So dead droll, 60 pounds spent in total for mirror and badges.

I nearly forgot them.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?

Braxton.

NARRATOR: [LAUGHS] So, oblivious to his friend's final purchases, James has now left the coast and is gearing up for this last push.

I need to find an item I can buy cheaply and sell for a lot of money.

NARRATOR: Well, it's not exactly a novel approach, is it?

We've been at this lot for years.

The great thing about Somerset-- it's a big agricultural County.

We've got cider, we've got cheese, we got lots of dairy.

NARRATOR: Well, Dulverton's near the Devon border, isn't it?

So all the above may apply.

There may be milking stools and other cheese spreads perhaps.

But will he find it at Acorn Antiques?

Hello.

James.

Hello there.

This is very cozy, isn't it?

What a lovely cushion.

We like cozy.

Oh.

Very good.

NARRATOR: Oh, listen to that.

You might not get up again.

Never mind.

The shop's contents will get him going.

Get ahead, aye?

You wouldn't want him leaping at you.

Lovely weight.

Crisp casting and crisp finishing.

NARRATOR: Don't forget, you've still got almost 190 pounds left to spend.

This is quite nice.

What have we got?

75 pounds on it.

It's got a nice hip, a nice stand.

Nicely gilded brass.

A bit of wear.

Often, these were made of plaster.

And then they're papered over.

As the country's changed ownership or borders, they might reissue new papers.

So you buy new papers for a 10 inch globe, and you just stick them over.

Judging by a few of those names, it could be pre-war.

But which war?

That's a possibility.

Warmed up now.

Here's a big lump of brass.

Ooh.

Well, that's part the Braxton weight test.

Quite.

Probably dairy as well.

I like this.

We've got a copper band here and a copper band at the base.

Very unusual, isn't it?

Nice shape.

Nice shouldered body.

I'm going to ask Peter.

I haven't a clue about that.

Peter, can you illuminate me.

What is this mighty beast?

PETER: I think it's a milk churn.

Would it be zinc coated inside?

Oh, it does look like it might be a bit zinced.

It's not English, is it?

French.

God, you'd have to be a big heavy farmer to lift that, wouldn't you, aye?

I'm quite interested in that.

What have you got on it, Peter?

PETER: 85.

85.

I get terribly enthusiastic about big things like this.

But the only problem is to find another enthusiast.

[LAUGHTER] NARRATOR: Let alone two of them.

I like the globe as well.

They're beautiful objects, aren't they?

Yes.

Lovely.

They add tone to the home.

If I said to you, Peter, 100 pounds for the two?

OK.

Thank you very much indeed, Peter.

Really kind.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: So a nice round figure seals the deal.

Off we hop.

NARRATOR: Looks rather pleased with himself, doesn't he?

Quite right.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Meanwhile, Charlie is about to get his feet wet down by the sea at Porlock Bay where he's come to get close to a local delicacy and Roger Hall.

Charlie, welcome to Porlock.

Thank you very much.

And as I arrived, the sun came out.

- Can't beat that.

- Absolutely.

We're just getting the wellies on to-- Harvest those oysters?

That's right.

NARRATOR: Roger belongs to a group of volunteers who recently revived oyster farming at Porlock after a gap of over a century.

Here's an example of an oyster shell.

We buy them in where the seed oysters, about the size of your little fingernail.

Right.

And the oysters that we grow here take about three years to get to restaurant size.

Some say, the bigger the oyster, the better the taste.

And some say, no, you want the really sweet small ones.

What's the answer?

I think the answer is probably neither of those.

I think the answer depends on the water in which they're grown because little oyster like that will get through five liters of seawater a day.

So its flavor is going to be determined by the flavor of the seawater.

A river estuary would be completely different taste to open water in the Bristol channel.

So when did the history of oysters start here?

Well, originally, it was back in the 1800s because there's a huge tidal flow here.

So the harbors are dry and empty for half the day.

And then they fill up with water.

NARRATOR: Porlock's highly nutritious produce was soon in great demand.

We're told that by the 1850s, they were pulling out about 1,200 oysters a day.

Then in 1874, a railway it was opened up in Minehead which gave direct access to London.

Oysters pulled out of the water a few feet from where we're standing-- Yeah?

--were on London restaurant tables the same day.

NARRATOR: Unfortunately, smacks from the East Coast port soon arrived and began dredging.

So that by the turn of the century, the oyster beds around here had been exhausted.

But now, they're back.

This whole area here is called oyster perch.

And as you look around, you'll see stone walls, which we believe in medieval times were a bit higher.

And these were used as fish pins.

When they started harvesting oysters in the 1800s, they would bring them in and hold them here before they sent them onto the market.

Right.

So it's rather nice that we're building on the old heritage.

So in a sack like this, you'd have about 5,000 to 10,000 little baby seed oysters.

What!

And then as they grow, you split one bag into two bags into four bags, until you get to a restaurant size when there will be about 250 oysters in the bag.

These trestles are capable of holding about 80,000 restaurants size oysters.

80,000 oysters!

Marvelous.

That will keep me going for the rest of my life.

--actually got 3/4 of a million oysters in the pipeline.

NARRATOR: Well, in that case, there might be one or two spare.

The art of extracting them is called shucking.

Look at that though.

I'm going to shuck around the edge here.

Here I go.

I'm shucking.

Oh!

Look at the size of that oyster!

This is as fresh as it gets.

Here we go.

Oh, my goodness me.

Is it good?

NARRATOR: I think it is.

What's more, I think James might feel much the same way.

Hello, hello.

On cue.

Well, their shopping is done.

So why not?

The gaumont emerges.

Mr. Braxton.

Oh, look at this.

Have I a treat for you!

What are you bearing?

Fruits of the sea!

Freedom air!

NARRATOR: Shucks!

They do look nice.

Have you ever shucked?

Yeah, once.

Have you-- Lost a finger.

There's six in one dish and seven in the other.

OK.

I'd like to give you the seven.

Charlie, I prefer my oysters with shallots, lemon, Tabasco.

Do you know I read your mind?

[SNAPS] not a problem.

Who is this angel?

Thank you.

Madam, an [INAUDIBLE]?

No, not an [INAUDIBLE].

You're driving.

- Cheers.

NARRATOR: Oh, well.

Clear head for the auction, aye, James?

I think it's the best road trip I've ever had.

Oh.

Come on way with you.

Come on.

We got to get going, Charlie.

One more sip.

No.

As I'm not drinking, no more sipping.

[LAUGHS] NARRATOR: Off for some shut eye.

Morning.

This is Cheap Street, one of medieval Frome's prettiest byways.

Leads straight to the [INAUDIBLE] room, by the way.

Hello.

Here's our pair of pilgrims.

What time does the auction start?

NARRATOR: [LAUGHS] That's oyster power for you.

After starting their tour back in Glastonbury, Charlie and James' Somerset stretch concludes at Frome where there's been an auctioneers in Vicarage Street since 1868.

Welcome to the Gothic surrounds of Dore and Reece.

Charlie, come and look at this.

Look Admire the hog.

It's not one of your lots, is it?

No.

I bet you wish-- I would have bought that.

If I'd seen that, I would've bought it.

One more bid.

NARRATOR: James parted with 215 pounds for his five auction lots.

Well, let's pass the Braxton weight test.

NARRATOR: While Charlie spent a little bit less-- 190 on his five lots.

I'm getting quite excited.

NARRATOR: So how did they rate each other's purchases?

Any pearls?

Charlie reliably informed me that this is a carp Jack.

It's a novel item.

It's totally intact.

This is heavy for under 30 pounds.

I think it's another bargain to Charlie Ross.

I see before me, a very tatty globe.

But actually, I rather like it.

I think looking at the brass work and the bass, this has got some age.

And I think he might do all right.

NARRATOR: Now we all know there's no such thing as poor copper.

Copper is good.

And it's just the most lovely color, most lovely feel, and a lovely weight to it.

And I understand Charlie bought that for absolutely nothing.

And he paid even less for this bath brick.

This is a charming birdcage.

If it were cleaned up, it would look absolutely magnificent because under all this grime is brass.

It's a shame it hasn't got a door.

Do you think all the potential profit will fly out of the cage?

NARRATOR: Fly by night, more like.

I wonder what the guy in charge thinks?

As in auctioneer Guy Taylor.

I personally like the silver candlesticks.

I just think they're very elegant shape.

I always like them with the overall basis.

And I think they'll do well.

Brass tones are really nice thing.

Like the copper banding to it.

The fact that it's still got the lid with it as well makes it a very desirable item.

Really like the brick made with Bridgewater muds.

One of those things got no idea what it will make.

It'll either crash and burn or two people will love it and it will go on and do well.

NARRATOR: Almost ready.

Time for bums on seats.

- I got a-- - What?

This is going to be hard work.

You've got a twinge.

I have.

A gentleman your age often have twinges.

[LAUGHS] NARRATOR: Very true.

I'm not sure anyone can predict though how his copper skimmer and bath brick will fare.

12 I'm bid.

NARRATOR: Oh, 12.

Well done.

14.

I have a bid.

16.

18.

18?

20 now?

This is riches indeed.

--18 pounds.

All done at 18 pounds.

Well done, Charlie.

Lunch is on me.

Lunch is on you.

Excellent.

NARRATOR: Lots of nice places in Frome, of course.

While my main course is going to be 18 pounds, my starter will be 9.

NARRATOR: Perhaps they can go Dutch.

James' altar rail is next.

20 I bid here.

22 now if you want it in the room.

Go on.

Go on, madam.

It's going to be sold on its maiden bid at the desk at 20 pounds-- 22 I have.

24.

26 now.

Oh.

It's going to be sold at 24 pounds on the desk.

Selling at 24.

Blessed are these losses because they will make the meek stronger.

NARRATOR: Good to see him taking it so well.

Not everybody's cup of tea.

I know I'm a bit of a rail freak.

NARRATOR: Charlie's cart Jack is also a teensy weensy bit niche.

12, I have.

14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 now.

CHARLIE ROSS: Cost 24.

All done at 24.

Result.

[LAUGHS] It's a right result.

NARRATOR: Yeah, quite a relief too.

The energy in the room is palpable.

It is.

It's electric, isn't it?

It is electric.

Anticipation.

Have you seen people run through the door, has the birdcage come up yet?

NARRATOR: Enough scoffing.

James's open plan birdcage's next.

10 I'm bid on the desk.

12 now-- Pieces of eight.

Pieces of eight.

14 now.

14.

Here it goes.

16?

16.

18.

20.

Oh, we're going along [INAUDIBLE]..

They've all done at 20.

Oh, no.

NARRATOR: More muck than brass.

What can we do?

Easy come, easy go, Charlie.

You've done with your losses.

Now my turn.

NARRATOR: Yes, it's Charlie's biggest buy-- the silver candlesticks.

Tell me what you think they'll make?

I think they'll hover 80 pounds.

65.

55 on the way here on the desk.

60 now if you want them in the room.

60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85.

90 fresh place.

95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125.

130 now.

130, 135, 140 145.

You get the 2 pounds.

All right, put it down there.

155, 160, 165-- You're right.

That's very good, Charlie.

GUY TAYLOR: 170 now.

The bid is with me on the desk at 165 pounds.

Are we all done at 165?

Well done.

165 pounds.

NARRATOR: It looks as if it might be his day today.

He's careering ahead.

I feel a tear coming on.

NARRATOR: Might James' globe turn the tide, we wonder?

If you have a globe in your house, people are going to think, [INAUDIBLE],, we're in the presence of brains here.

Yes.

35 on the way on that one.

Well done.

GUY TAYLOR: 40 now if you want it.

40 on the hand.

45, 50, 55, 60-- Come on.

GUY TAYLOR: 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105 I have.

110, 115-- This is fantastic.

The bid is with me on the desk at 115 pounds.

115.

All done at 115.

I wasn't expecting that.

That is a thumper.

NARRATOR: Yes, he's right back on track now.

There's no middle ground with Braxton, is there?

It's a mixed bag.

NARRATOR: That's our Charlie's car batches.

Could be interesting, these.

Do you ever instantly regret a purchase?

10 I'm away here.

12 now if you want them.

12 I have.

14 now.

14, 16, 18, 20.

22 now?

Bids in the far corner at 20 pounds.

All done at 20.

Oh, no.

Oh, no.

NARRATOR: Like a man said, mixed bag.

I don't like taking in any pleasure in a friend's losses.

50.

But in this particular instance-- [LAUGHTER] NARRATOR: James could catch up further with his brass churn.

We're in Somerset.

[INAUDIBLE] cider.

Scrumpy.

Can get a few points in that one-- JAMES BRAXTON: Complete gallons.

That will make you quite relaxed, wouldn't it?

Will make me all squiffy.

Yeah.

That would make you forget your thumping losses.

35 on the way on that one.

40 now if you want it.

40 I have.

You got a bit of 40.

50 fresh place.

55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85.

90 now.

The bid's with me on the desk at 85 pounds.

We're all done at 85?

James Braxton!

NARRATOR: Well, he did predict that agriculture would do well in Forme.

I'm very pleased with that.

85, I'm back in the run now.

You're right.

You are right there.

NARRATOR: Time for Charlie's tatty old mirror now.

10 I'm bit here on the desk.

12 now if you want it in the room.

The bid's with me at 10 pounds.

12 if you want it in the room.

What?

It's going to be sold at 10 pounds on its maiden bid.

All done.

All done at 10 pounds.

12 on bids.

14, 16 now.

Bid's with me at 14 pounds.

All done at 14?

Profit.

See?

With age comes wisdom.

Yeah.

Not always.

NARRATOR: So much for his twinges.

[SNEEZES] Excuse me.

That answers-- That's how Black Death was spread.

[LAUGHS] NARRATOR: Actually, I think that was rats.

Better stick with Sycamore like James's breadboard.

Do you know I only buy anti-bacterial items?

It's got to be either Sycamore or copper.

And that's all I'm interested in.

10 on the way on that one.

12 now if you want it.

Go on.

Well done, madam.

Well done, madam.

Steady.

GUY TAYLOR: 14.

14.

16, 18 now.

Lovely.

Unused.

GUY TAYLOR: --with 16 pounds.

All done at 16?

Do you think I've gone into uncharted territory-- 300?

- I don't know.

I think you're right on the cusp.

On the boundary.

On the cusp.

I'm not giving it away just yet.

But they remain neck and neck.

Follow me.

Follow me.

NARRATOR: You heard the man.

Still barely a sheet of bronco between them.

James started out with 299 pounds and 52 pence.

And after auction costs, he made a lot of 1 pound and 80p.

So he now has 297 pounds and 72 pence.

While Charlie who began with 328 pounds exactly made, after costs, a profit of 7 pounds and 62p.

So he's still our leader with 335 pounds and 62 pence.

Oh.

[BLOWING RASPBERRY] Well done.

What was that?

That was-- Was that very close?

Very close run thing.

I think I may have just sneaked ahead.

Half a smidgen, I think.

Half a smidgen.

Well done.

[MUSIC PLAYING]