Voiceover (VO): It's the nation's favorite antiques experts... What about that!

VO: ..with £200 each, a classic car, and a goal - to scour Britain for antiques.

Can I buy everything here?

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

But it's no mean feat.

Feeling a little saw!

This is going to be an epic battle.

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

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

The honeymoon is over.

I'm sorry!

VO: This is the Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah!

VO: There's an undeniably salty tang to today's adventure, featuring the road trip's oldest hand and its newest recruit.

Look at that.

Portsmouth.

Oh, wow.

Can you see Portsmouth?

That's amazing.

There's a wonderful building there, the Spinnaker Tower, can you see it?

I see it, I see it, I see it.

Isn't that absolutely wonderful?

Oh, that's beautiful.

What a beautiful view, what a vista...

Lot of naval history down there.

VO: Yes.

Naval gazing in a 1970s Triumph TR6, are auctioneers Natasha Raskin and Charlie Ross.

Look at that cannon.

CR: Do you know, that's what I want to buy today.

Knew you were going to say that.

Not that size but I'd like to buy a cannon.

VO: Well why not?

Because Charlie from Oxfordshire, a veteran Road Trip campaigner... Long way up, short way down - that's what they say isn't it?

VO: ..certainly bagged victory through militaria at yesterday's auction.

Yes!

VO: While Glaswegian newbie and style icon Natasha, got off to a mixed start on her road trip debut.

Ooh!

Very mountain style.

I love it.

VO: In fact our fine art specialist did well on almost everything.

But there were a few losses.

That should have made £100.

VO: Not that that'll dim Natasha's sunny disposition for long though.

(SHE LAUGHS) What are you giggling at?

You giggle all the time.

Just before the auction, that lady said to you yesterday, 'You're such a gentleman' and then she said, 'And you're a giggler.'

(BOTH LAUGH) VO: They both set out with £200 but Natasha has already gone backwards to £185.78.

Whilst Charlie's forged ahead to a healthy total of £293.06.

# We sail the ocean blue and our saucy ship's a beauty, # When at anchor we ride on the Portsmouth tide, # With plenty of time for play.

Ahoy!

Ahoy!

# VO: Steady on!

Our voyage begins in Cornwall, at Falmouth, and heads east, virtually circumnavigating southern England before dropping anchor over 900 miles later at Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex.

Today, we're making for an auction in the Hampshire village of Swanmore, but starting out in the famous naval city of Portsmouth.

CR: # I am the ruler of the Queen's navy.

# That pass examination did so well for he, # That now he is the ruler of the Queen's navy.

That's superb!

Oh!

We'll have you in the next production.

VO: Portsmouth's been the home of the Royal Navy for over 500 years.

It was from here that Nelson set sail for the battle of Trafalgar, and in 1944, Portsmouth was the D Day embarkation point for many allied troops.

Now, time for the crew of the good ship TR6 to sally forth.

Go for it.

In you go.

Thank you so much.

Hello.

Hello there.

And here's the boss.

Hello.

Hello.

Andrew isn't it?

Yes, that's right.

Hi Andrew, I'm Natasha.

Lovely to meet you.

VO: Located in a grade one listed building that once stored supplies for the navy, this shop almost feels like a museum.

Ah, look at that.

South Wales Borderers.

Isn't that fabulous?

And this fine helmet and goggles.

VO: But Andrew's fine collection of militaria with a nautical bent, is a little too specialized for some.

I'm a little bit scared of this shop.

I don't know anything about it.

VO: Relax Natasha.

Just enjoy yourself, kid.

Charlie certainly is.

Bit of history... HW Edwards.

Middlesex Yeomanry.

And he kept his hat in that.

I don't know what to do.

They've got so much stuff.

They've got everything.

They've got militaria, maritime, Asian bronzes, ceramics, Royal Doulton.

VO: Deep breaths.

What am I going to find?

What am I going to find?

VO: Well in Charlie's case, the tried and trusted it seems.

Swedish fire brigade.

That must be rare, mustn't it?

They can't have many firemen in Sweden.

VO: Lot of trees Charlie.

Oh, that's... What about that!

That's sensational.

That's pretty swish, isn't it?

It's got a Russian badge on it too.

Look, what's this?

Is this the Russian VC?

Oh, yeah.

Absolutely.

For somebody to dress up in.

Yeah.

And if you like Adam Ant.

Metal badge here.

Would that signify rank?

Is that a Russian sergeant there?

I guess it is a sergeant, yeah.

I tell you what, if I do manage to buy this, you'll have to do the catalogue description.

You could get about four pages on that couldn't you?

How's your Cyrillic?

My Cyrillic's quite good actually.

You get the job then.

VO: Cyrillic?

Nice one!

That's fantastic.

VO: Still, it looks like he might be staying in mufti today.

Natasha meanwhile continues to fret.

I think I want to be at the front of the shop, near the owner.

Charlie's hogging this man.

He's got him in his grasp.

Have you got something that's come through the door.

You know, for the money, as it were?

I bought this over the counter, yesterday.

It's not Capodimonte is it?

It is, but... Ah!

I know, I know...

I thought that as well.

Yeah?

But it's 19th century Capodimonte.

VO: Established in Naples in 1743, Capodimonte soon acquired quite a reputation and is recognizable for its densely molded figures and flowers in alto-relievo.

Almost Meissen-esque here isn't it?

It's got quality to it.

That's just come through the door, has it?

Yeah, yeah.

Just like that?

Yeah.

Paid £100 for it.

I suppose you'd just want a very small working profit.

Absolutely, that's fine.

Make like £15 on it.

That's fine.

I saw some online for... Look at me... $750.

Blimey.

VO: While Charlie ponders his porcelain, Natasha, badly needing to catch up, has finally found something.

Look at this.

What have we got here?

Tunic dress for the 2nd Regiment of Foot.

That's quite nice, isn't it?

Is that dandruff?

Or is that just dust?

It's just dust.

That's quite nice, isn't it?

I'd wear that.

That's really wearable.

I kind of want to try it on.

VO: Mm, good fit.

That is chic.

Charlie.

Hello?

What do you make of that?

Cor!

It's sensational.

How good is that?

So, 1930s it says here, comes with trousers, with everything on them.

You can't put the trousers on.

Come on!

Each of those buttons is a work of art.

It's got no moth either.

I tell you what, if you walk up and down the auction wearing that... Oh, yeah, I think...

I think you'll make 500 quid.

Why is it so cheap compared to everything else in the shop?

I know, it's far too cheap.

I think it should be 215, shouldn't it Andrew?

It could go that way, yeah.

Ooh.

Is this less collectable, really?

Is it because of the age of it?

It is the age, yeah.

OK, so I'm thinking that whilst £115 is still really cheap, I'd quite like to buy this uniform.

I'm going to leave this while you negotiate.

Charlie... Oh my goodness.

I can't possibly be around.

Ha!

What do you think?

Can I get it in two figures?

I'll do it for £90.

OK?

Do it for £90?

Yeah.

I think I might do it.

I think I'm going to do it.

Charlie had such good success yesterday, I wanted to buy something that was up your street when I was in your shop, let's do it.

NR: Oh my goodness.

ANDREW: Lovely.

That was a huge amount of my money though.

Is it?

That's a huge chunk.

But Charlie told me to spend big and he's my guide.

VO: Did he really?

It's almost half her budget, but if it does as well as Charlie's, she'll be alright.

He meanwhile has headed further into the depths.

CR: Here we've got a wonderful case of fish.

We've got a pike and we've got a trout.

I don't know what that is.

It looks rather nice to eat, whatever it is.

VO: The ticket price is £300.

Wow.

Andrew.

Could I borrow you?

This is quite fun, because they're nearly always mounted singly aren't they?

Yeah, yeah.

It's really nice to have a collection.

A pike?

Oh, don't ask me.

A fish, a fish, a fish, a fish... No, there's a pike and a trout and what's that?

Is it a chub?

Chub.

Possibly a chub.

It's got a bit of age to it.

It's probably Edwardian.

Yeah, about 1900.

Yeah.

It'd be nice to find a little label there, wouldn't it?

ANDREW: Absolutely, yeah.

Caught by what have you.

It's quite fun, that.

If I pulled out 150 crispies, would that excite you?

Are you sort of... ANDREW: I could do two on it.

CR: Two.

CR: Two.

ANDREW: Yeah.

That's the third thing I've seen I've liked.

How much would you like for the shopful?

VO: What's that got to do with the price of fish Charlie?

So what's it to be?

Do I want to spend £200 on something I really like?

Fish.

And do my money.

Or do I wanna go for a bit of 19th century Capodimonte which I don't like and although I don't like it I just think somebody might pay money for that.

Why am I coming into a wonderful militaria establishment and going out with a portrait of myself sitting on a barrel?

Um.

So £115.

I'm going to have that.

Very generous of you, thank you very much indeed.

VO: £115?

Charlie's spent quite a bit already too.

Natasha meanwhile has headed elsewhere in Portsmouth.

South I'd say, to Southsea.

NR: Robbie?

Hello.

Pleased to meet you.

NR: Hello.

ROBBIE: Your name?

I'm Tasha.

Lovely to meet you.

How are you?

Yep, fine.

Fine.

Good... ROBBIE: Lovely weather.

NR: Lovely weather.

I've brought it with me from Glasgow I know that's a lie.

VO: Robbie's shop is certainly quite different from the one she was in earlier.

A bit 'shabby chic' dare we say, and perhaps a tad more affordable?

Shall I have a root around?

Yeah, have a root around.

I'll try and help you as much as possible.

I'll let you in on a secret I don't have very much money.

You think I'm just saying that - I actually don't!

They never do.

Right, OK.

Here we go.

VO: No Robbie she means it!

Less than £100 now.

Charlie'd like those!

I want it, I want it... VO: Oh yes.

The thing I like in here is going to cost me an arm and a leg.

So I don't think you're going to go for it at all.

I love the cologne bottle.

ROBBIE: Yes.

NR: I love it.

That is a real, it's a period one, but we can't... it smells really nice, but we can't get the stopper out the top.

NR: OK. ROBBIE: But it's fabulous.

It's fabulous?

And full of its original...

So that's not just colored water?

No, it's cologne.

It's not just been for display purposes?

ROBBIE: No.

NR: What's the price on it?

£40 the best I can do.

£40.

What about the wee Tunbridge ware box?

That's absolutely gorgeous.

The little stamp box, I can do that for £30.

£30.

Oh it's all adding up, it's all adding up.

OK. VO: Oh yes it is.

You should have come here first when you had a big budget.

I know, I know, I'm a plonker.

No, but there are some interesting things.

I do really love the cologne though.

And the other thing that I saw when I walked in...tools.

The big tools, farm tools.

ROBBIE: Farm tools.

How long have you had those?

Years?

You want to get rid of them?

No, they came in yesterday.

Oh, get away from me.

Yesterday!

You're welcome to have a look and I'll sort you a deal out with them.

Yeah?

One bit in there, I don't know what it is.

You might be able to tell me.

Let's have a look.

VO: Sounds intriguing.

I have to say it brings a smile to my face that you're asking me what this is.

I'm not from the country.

Look it spins both ways.

NR: It's suffering a bit from woodworm isn't it?

Someone must know what that is.

VO: I'd say it was a flail or thresher, to separate the wheat from the chaff.

I really like these.

I think they're quite good fun.

What do you think?

I mean, I'm steering away from naval items.

ROBBIE: That could sell.

That could sell.

What about the whole lot?

How many bits you got?

Five?

50 quid.

Oh... Jeez!

That's cheap.

What was I doing this morning spending all my money?

£40 the lot and that is me on the floor.

If you can't earn a profit out of that it's... Five bits.

Every bit of it's old.

Lovely fork.

I know.

And if they don't sell you can take them home and start an allotment or something.

VO: He's good isn't he?

Try and get something else, couple of bits you've liked.

I'll see what I can do for the whole lot for a deal.

OK.

I'm going have a think about it and take my thinking stick.

VO: OK.

So whatever the stick thinks, we're definitely getting somewhere.

There's the tools for £40 or the perfume bottle for £40 or the stamp box for £30.

Or like Robbie says, there could be a parcel.

NR: This is just...

It's fabulous, that is.

Do you know, that is exactly the word... fabulous.

It makes me think of a department store, because it's big enough for display...

This says here Gallery Lafayette.

Gallery Lafayette is the place to go in Paris to buy perfume and really, it is the top, top place in Paris.

And you've got it in Southsea!

Exactly.

This couldn't be more different, because here is a stamp box.

The only thing is, I noticed a little crack here.

We've got a loss here.

ROBBIE: I'd have a little crack if I was the age of that.

Not the end of the world, is it?

No.

But it is lovely.

I mean this really delicate, delicate marquetry is unbelievable, isn't it?

OK so those two are contenders and then, again, on a totally different scale, the tools.

I'm back to the tools and I'm thinking... ROBBIE: They're a good seller, the tools.

I think you'll do well out of them.

I tell you what I can do for you.

I'll chuck the shoe shine box in, over there... A shoe shine...

Which is lovely.

You'll get £10-£20 for that hopefully.

I can do the whole lot for you and that'll be £80.

Best I can do.

No, you can't.

That's the best I can do.

For all of those things?

All those bits.

VO: Blimey Robbie, are you sure?

I think we should do it.

Ooh Robbie!

Oh, my goodness.

You'll do well.

You'll have profit.

I...

I can't believe you've done that.

Is it because I'm from Glasgow?

Yeah.

VO: Ha!

Well it's not often that someone bravely blows almost all their cash on day one!

What's more I've never had the chance to say 'exit with thinking stick'.

Cheerio!

VO: Charlie meanwhile has motored further along the historic harbor side in search of a lift to one of Portsmouth's more forbidding landmarks.

Mark!

Hello Charlie.

Nice to meet you.

Hello, lovely to see you.

Step on board.

VO: Charlie's off to visit one of the four Solent forts built in the 19th century to protect the port from sea attack and bombardment.

CR: What are these forts?

Well, they were put in place by Lord Palmerston against the possible threat of Napoleon III.

Full 360 degree firing batteries designed to repel the French.

We were that worried about the French invading then?

Very much so.

Lord Palmerston felt that if Portsmouth fell the rest of the country would follow.

They had to protect Portsmouth and that was at all costs.

Do we have any historical evidence that old Napoleon was attempting something?

Sadly not.

Its looks like we look back on the history books and he never intended to.

So they got the lovely nickname, the Palmerston's Follies.

VO: Prime minister Palmerston had passed away by the time the forts were eventually completed in 1880 - and although they were fully manned and armed, they were never actually used in anger.

Is that one of the forts there?

That's right.

That's Spitbank Fort there.

That's been converted into a luxury hotel.

CR: We might stop off there on the way back.

MARK: Glass of champagne?

VO: The forts were de-activated after World War II and eventually closed in the 1960s.

Charlie's heading for Horse Sand Fort which, closed to the public, remains very much as it was - forbidding.

CR: This is fascinating for someone like me.

We love our antiques to be untouched.

You've come to the right place.

1967 was the last time this fort was occupied.

We're looking now to convert it into a living museum.

We're looking to have all of the different canons, the different era right through... And cannons out of each of these port holes?

That's exactly right.

VO: The fort, which cost £424,694 to build, was constructed like the others, by means of gigantic carved granite blocks, dropped directly onto the sandbank.

CR: So one of those 'don't look down' moments?

MARK: Yeah.

Think light thoughts.

That's why I didn't have breakfast.

VO: The first blocks were placed by divers and then gradually built up above sea level.

It doesn't sound that firm a foundation, but they've not moved since.

CR: What's this?

A storage tank of some sort?

It's actually the front door.

What?

It's an iron door, over 15ft thick.

It's several tonnes.

And it was designed to be rolled out and plug the door that we just walked through.

Amazing!

Do you know, in a funny sort of romantic way, it's rather a shame that Napoleon III didn't invade.

They would have had a lot of fun on here wouldn't they?

VO: They were certainly prepared.

With artesian wells from which to draw water from beneath the seabed, and a plentiful supply of fish, the fort with around 600 men on three floors, even had the means to make small arms.

Actually got a set of the bellows brought across from Spitbank.

They are original.

Wonderful, aren't they?

Fully working.

Are they for sale?

(BOTH LAUGH) VO: Although the forts never saw action the deterrent they provided to any would-be invader was undeniable.

What sort of range would that travel, do you know?

Up to a mile.

Up to a mile!

Yeah.

Any accuracy?

Pretty good actually.

Really?

They were rifled as well so they would be able to... Oh really?

Yeah.

And would they have been made on the fort as well?

No.

They wouldn't.

They would have been shipped over.

If you try and lift it you can understand why.

Cor, blimey!

It is heavy.

It is, isn't it?

You'd know if that hit you, wouldn't you?

Yeah.

Just designed to pierce and sink ships.

That was it.

There was no ballistics, it didn't explode on impact.

It would just go straight through the hull and to the bottom of the sea.

VO: And perhaps the best place to understand exactly how the forts were designed to protect the dockyard, is from the roof.

Wonderful roof garden.

VO: Because Horse Sand and the rest are just the most visible parts of the defenses the Victorians cunningly devised.

CR: So the shipping going into the harbor goes there does it?

That's right.

So they actually have to come round the fort this way.

Because in fact there's a submarine barrier.

CR: And those markers mark the submarine barrier?

They do.

Which is still there?

That's right.

At low tide, it's only about 6ft beneath the surface.

If they tried to come in that way, the submarine barrier would get them.

That's right.

And if they come in this way they'd be shot to bits.

MARK: Between the two forts.

You couldn't win really, could you?

Perfect location.

VO: Meanwhile back on terra firma, Charlie's young rival is experiencing an altogether different version of life beside the sea.

Wonderful.

Coconut ice cream, local coconut ice cream.

What more could you want?

It's a glorious day, on the beach, sitting here keeping an eye out for Charlie.

I'm sure we'll see him soon, in a life ring.

VO: Huh, I wonder who'll be sunk at the auction then, eh?

Nighty night.

VO: The next morning, Natasha, who's only recently passed her test, is behind the wheel.

Watch out.

Oh!

Where's the brake, where's the brake?!

Haha.

VO: Relax, I'm fairly sure she's joking Charlie.

Yesterday the new girl, in a bold bid to make up ground, grabbed whatever her shops had to offer.

Acquiring some scent, a stamp box, a shoeshine box, some farming tools and a uniform, for the grand total of £170.

CR: Hello.

What do you make of that?!

VO: Leaving just £15 left over for anything else she might fancy.

While Charlie made only one buy, although it was a bit pricey.

Somebody might pay money for that.

VO: Splashing out £115 on a Capodimonte mug.

Which means he still has almost £180 left to spend today.

Gold old boy.

VO: Later they'll be making for an auction in the village of Swanmore, but our next stop is at Lower Upham.

CR: I love barns.

NR: Have you ever driven into one?

Barns are full of old... no I don't want to drive into a barn.

Ladies first.

Thank you so much.

Madam.

OK, let's go into a barn.

VO: Aye, aye, ladies first.

He's up to something.

Look out.

You go and look round.

Hello, hi, I'm Natasha.

Roy.

Roy, lovely to meet you.

What a fabulous place.

VO: Yes it is, Natasha.

So good that Charlie's not made it through the door yet.

Rather a nice cast iron fire back.

Although it has a date on it of 16-something... Cor, blimey!

It's probably 1890, maybe even into the 20th century.

I can't get it back.

(HE HEAVES) VO: Careful Charlie!

Inside, there's a lot of very nice furniture.

Reasonable prices too, but when you've only got £15 to spend, you have to think outside the box.

I don't know if I were to add that for example, say to my Tunbridge ware stamp box, would it do anything to the lot?

Would it simply dilute it?

Would it add anything to it?

I don't think it would add anything to it.

Although, inside it says 12 quid which is nothing.

I think I'll leave that alone.

VO: Charlie, now back with us, has meanwhile found some encouraging signs.

CR: This looks quite interesting.

There's a crisis here amongst the management.

Arts and crafts horse stand - £280.

On the other coat hook - arts and crafts horse stand - £150.

Which would you like?

VO: I think we can all agree on that one.

Natasha however, may be about to save her £15.

Charlie.

Hello.

How are you getting on?

I might be getting on jolly well.

I had a good look around but I don't think there's anything for me, Charles.

Really?

No.

Have you met the owner?

Oh, Roy.

Yes I have met Roy.

Is he nice?

He seems very flexible.

Oh, I love someone that's flexible.

Bye, bye.

VO: So then there was one.

And strangely enough, after all that talk of finding something nautical by the seaside...

I quite like a ship's wheel.

It's got no price on it.

If that ship's wheel was in Portsmouth it would be £150 probably.

Might be cheaper up here, but we'll ask.

What's his name, Ron, I think.

VO: Roy!

Roy!

Roy!

VO: Don't wear it out Charlie.

How are you Roy?

How are you?

I'm very well indeed.

Loving your shop Roy.

Thank you.

Now, I'd almost tripped over an enormous cast iron fire back coming in here.

Is it for sale?

Hasn't got a price on it.

£40.

That's quite cheap per pound, isn't it?

Yes.

Per pound weight.

And there's a ship's wheel here.

Is that... That one could be £60.

That's not much money, is it, really?

No.

So there's that and the print.

Would you like to come and have a look at the print with me?

You might be able to educate me.

It was this.

Yes, it's a nice early one.

It is early isn't it?

1733 as far as I can see.

Titchfield Abbey.

So it's not far from here.

No, about six miles.

VO: There's more.

William Waynflete, who was bishop of Winchester, they go nice together actually don't they?

If I made you an offer for the fire back, the ship's wheel, and the two prints, would there be a bit of bulk buy?

ROY: I could possibly do something.

Be too cheeky to say 80 quid wouldn't it, for the lot?

Yes, I think it would be.

Where do you see yourself coming to?

£100.

Do you?

I thought you were going to say that.

100 for the three.

Would you show me the door if I said 90 quid?

95.

I love your flexibility.

Can't say no.

I think that's really, really generous offer.

You happy with that?

Absolutely.

CR: You sure?

ROY: Yep.

I think that's fantastic.

Thank you very much.

VO: So that's £20 for the prints, £50 for the ship's wheel and £25 for the fireback.

Fast work, Charlie!

Now where's that Natasha slipped off to?

I think we can rule out shopping!

VO: On her way to Winchester, the county town of Hampshire.

Oh, this is gorgeous.

VO: She's come to visit a museum dedicated to some of our bravest fighting men.

Hello, hi, Gavin!

Hello, Natasha.

Natasha, exactly.

Lovely to meet you.

VO: The story of the Gurkhas begins with the Anglo-Nepalese War in the early 19th century.

The tiny mountainous kingdom came face to face with the might of the East India Company, and such was the tenacity with which its soldiers fought that afterwards they were encouraged to serve for the British.

Then, during the Indian Mutiny in 1857, the Gurkhas' reputation was firmly established.

GAVIN: After the mutineers had seized Delhi, Gurkhas of the Sirmoor battalion stayed loyal and trustworthy to the British in the Indian armies and fought side by side gallantly and bravely against the mutineers, fighting off substantial and huge attacks.

Major Charles Reid who was the officer commanding the Gurkhas at the siege of Delhi, he was carrying that very telescope when a mutineer's shell exploded above his head, sadly killing the Gurkha who was standing next to him.

But as you can see it is carrying the scars of battle to this day.

VO: When news of their bravery reached Britain, our country's love affair with the Gurkhas began.

Military honors were soon awarded and the Gurkhas, with their trademark weapon, became part of the new British Indian Army.

NR: Tell me more about the weapons because I see at the back there a kukri knife.

Used for a variety of purposes the Gurkha soldier obviously uses it as a weapon, but back home in his homeland he would use it for a variety of domestic activities.

VO: During the latter half of the 19th century, Gurkha regiments fought in most of Britain's campaigns and during both world wars more than 200,000 men served with distinction.

NR: What's on this table?

You've plucked a few from the cabinets.

I have indeed.

This particular Victoria Cross was the first to be awarded to a Gurkha.

Until 1911 Gurkhas were ineligible for this award.

And the First World War saw the first award of a Victoria Cross.

Rifleman Kulbir Thapa left the British trenches and attacked the Germans.

And sadly his comrades were all killed and wounded.

He managed to make it to the German front line, crossed the line, found a wounded soldier of the Leicestershire regiment, brought him back to relative safety, went back and saved two more Gurkhas' lives, brought them back, and then went back out again in broad daylight under heavy fire to bring in the wounded Leicestershire man.

On the back you will see his name engraved and the date of his award.

NR: Oh my goodness.

And remember that Gurkha regiments won 26 VCs...

In total?

In total.

13 to Gurkhas and 13 to British officers.

Oh my goodness.

GAVIN: Amazing total.

VO: When India won independence in 1947, the Gurkha regiments were split between the Indian and British Armies.

And 200 years after they first demonstrated their bravery by fighting against Britain, they're still serving.

GAVIN: This is our latest acquisition.

Oh, really?

Wow!

And this was presented to us by Lance Corporal Tuljung Gurung of 1st Battalion, the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

OK. And this is the combat helmet and kukri that he carried when recently in Afghanistan.

He was attacked by Taliban fighters who fired at him in his sentry post.

A round hit him in the front of the helmet and exited at the back.

Oh my!

This knocked him backwards.

He came round to find a grenade bouncing across the floor of his post.

He picks it up, throws it out, it explodes and knocks him back again.

He then comes round again to find a Taliban insurgent inside his sentry post so he takes out his kukri, fights off the Taliban, the two of them tumble out of their sentry post onto the ground.

Another Taliban comes in to join in the fight... Oh my goodness!

And Lance Corporal Tuljung beats them both off with his kukri.

And they flee into the distance.

That is the most unbelievable story but strangely after all these things I've heard about Gurkhas totally believable.

For that action he was awarded the Military Cross.

That is... Do you know, that gives me the chills.

Can you imagine what that felt like?

And did he survive?

He did indeed.

The bullet entered the front of the helmet, exited at the back, and just missed the top of his ear.

So he was really fortunate.

VO: Lance Corporal Gurung remains on active duty.

One of almost 3,000 Gurkhas in today's army.

What a hero.

What an absolute hero.

VO: Now, let's have a look at our Charlie.

With one shop left to go.

Our hero!

He's taken the route both south and east, towards Wickham.

Birthplace in the 14th century of William of Wykeham, who became a bishop of Winchester.

Not to be confused with William Waynefleet, the one whose picture Charlie bought earlier.

They like their Ws round here, don't they?

Hello, I'm Charlie.

I'm Liz.

Hello Liz.

I like the bunting.

Thank you.

It's very Coronation Day.

Very exciting.

I'll have a look round if I may.

Yes, certainly.

VO: What's here for King Charlie then?

Some nice things certainly but he's already picked up a few items.

CR: I like it when you've crossed out one price and put another one in.

As long as it's lower.

VO: Ha!

He's still got £83 left to spend too.

Look at that!

American Frohse anatomical charts.

Wonder what date that is.

Edwardian?

Gosh, isn't that extraordinary?

That's what we all look like when you strip us down isn't it?

VO: You speak for yourself!

It's free.

It's got no price.

LIZ: It's over £100.

CR: Oh, is it?

But I can call him if you like.

I'm not really going to be around the £100 mark.

If you'd like to ring him up.

Certainly, yes.

I think that would be super.

Just get a sort of feel for it.

I'll carry on looking.

Actually, he's here.

What?

He's here.

As if by magic.

He's turned up, yes.

Hello, sir.

NICK: Hello.

CR: And you are?

I'm Nick.

Hello Nick.

I'm Charlie.

Hi Charlie.

You lucky man.

You own that.

We do.

Me and my business partner do.

You and your business partner.

Which is which?

I'm the one with the beating heart.

Wonderful thing.

Where did you get it from?

I got it from a retired GP.

We like it because it draws people into the area.

CR: Immediately!

VO: He doesn't seem anxious to sell, Charlie.

Rock bottom, it would be about £140 for it.

Would it?

Yeah.

VO: Ah well, time for that keen eye to look elsewhere.

Oh!

Is that a thatcher's needle?

Isn't it in super condition?

Yes.

Thought you'd like it.

I... You know what I like.

Quirky things.

I think that's lovely.

Not quite sure how you work it, what you do with it, thatch.

I think you thread something...

Put a cord in there.

Yes.

And hook it over the thatch.

Hook it over the thatch, catch it there and pull it back.

Yes, so it binds the thatch.

Yes.

There's something here that's fab but I'm not quite sure what it is.

A vacuum pump.

Yes.

VO: A piece of laboratory equipment possibly.

Well, you wind the wheel.

(CREAKING) I beg your pardon.

That cylinder produces a vacuum coming out of here.

So it's to suck air out of something.

Who does it belong to?

A guy called Steve.

I can ring him.

He might be able to tell us a bit more information about it.

He's already reduced the price I can see here.

It's come down from £65 to £50.

He's already getting desperate isn't he?

VO: Sounds like Steve's about to get a call.

Hello Steve.

Charlie Ross here.

How are you?

I've been looking at your things.

I love your thatcher's needle.

Isn't that a lovely thing?

It's beautiful.

Well, Liz has shown me how to use it.

She's obviously done a bit of thatching in her time.

Almost more interesting for me is your extraordinary vacuum pump thing, which is quite fun.

But why would you want to suck the air out of something?

Any idea?

Stop laughing!

Looking at the label, you've already got fed up with it.

I can see that.

Is it on an inexorable plunge downwards?

VO: Hey, he might not know how it's used, but he's certainly keen.

I know but I will go onto my knees.

I'm prepared to do absolutely anything to do a deal.

How's that?

LIZ: Shall I confirm it?

Yes.

Hang on, she's just going to prove to you that's what I'm doing.

Hello Steve.

Yes.

Charlie's on his knees.

CR: If I actually lay down could you go to 40?

VO: Is that really necessary Charles?

That's really kind.

I will give Liz 40 quid cash and relieve you of your pump and keep my fingers crossed for the auction.

Thank you very much indeed Steve.

All the best.

40 quid!

Done the deal.

VO: It was an awful lot of kneeling for a tenner Charlie.

Thank you so much.

You're welcome.

It's been... Mwah!

Nice to meet you.

Mwah!

Wonderful!

VO: Shopping done it's time to take a look at what they've bought.

With Charlie acquiring a pair of prints, a ship's wheel, a fire back, a tankard and a vacuum pump for a total of £250.

While Natasha spent just £170 on a uniform, a shoe shine box, a scent bottle, a stamp box and some farming tools.

So what's the verdict?

Natasha's done a lot better this time.

She's learning fast, isn't she?

That collection of agricultural implements I think are a steal at £45.

I think they'll at least double her money on that.

I think Charlie's gone very traditional this time with those prints of the archbishop and the abbey, and he's got that ship's wheel.

He's gone down quite a conservative route.

But I think my fun farmer's tools are a little bit out there and my cologne bottle and my uniform - if that does as well as Charlie's tunic I'm in with a winner.

Cuz Roscoe had a tunic that did well, what do you do?

Don't go out and buy a tunic, not if it's a 20th century tunic, and not if it costs £90.

There's going to be a bit of a loss on that.

VO: After setting off from Portsmouth, our experts are now heading for an auction in Swanmore.

CR: You know what the name of the auction is?

We're going to Pumphouse Auctions.

And what have I bought?

A pump!

Yes!

VO: Well it could work Charlie.

NR: Absolutely gorgeous building.

Can you come and help me out?

Yes.

(LAUGHS) Of course I can.

Welcome to the Pumphouse.

Wait till you're my age me dear.

Come on.

VO: So what are their chances at this establishment?

Let's hear from auctioneer Dominic Foster.

DOMINIC: The British Army uniform, the Regiment of Foot, very collectable.

Military items are very sought after.

The old vacuum pump's quite an interesting item.

Scientific instruments are very collectable.

Maybe £60/80 again.

Maybe 100 if we're lucky.

VO: Encouraging.

Looks like the weather could have helped attract a decent crowd too.

It's mobbed Charlie.

It's mobbed.

They've all come to see you.

They may have come to see me but they haven't come to buy my things have they?

VO: Well maybe Charlie's pictures - will they be a local hit?

You bought something from Hampshire.

Southeast of Titchfield Abbey in Hampshire.

Where are we?

Hampshire.

CR: Framed glaze print of William Waynflete, bishop of...?

Winchester.

A couple of bids here.

12, 14 here, 16 anywhere?

16, 18, 20, two, 24... No, at 22.

24 anywhere?

24?

26?

28, 30, 32, 34, at 32, 34 anywhere?

Some sophisticated buyers in this sale room.

£32 then.

Number?

VO: Holy profits Charlie!

You're too clever.

You're so good.

You're so good.

VO: Natasha's turn.

Her bargain half bottle of scent.

Do you do this with all your arts?

Get given them because you look rather attractive?

No.

Because I look like I need help.

Couple of bids.

20, I've got 25, 28 is there.

28 there is.

30.

Two, 34, can't see you.

34, 36, 38 anywhere, 38, 40...

There's a voice from under a table.

46?

48?

50?

No, at 48 here.

50 anywhere?

At 48 then.

Yes!

Smells good to me.

VO: It does indeed, and if you don't like it you can always use Charlie's vacuum pump to get rid of the pong.

I've got 45.

Right, you're in.

48 anywhere?

48 there is.

50 anywhere?

50 there is.

Two?

At 52.

55 anywhere?

55.

£55.

58 anywhere?

Selling then at £55.

Pow!

Man's a genius.

55 quid.

VO: Getting onto his knees definitely paid off.

Wonder what he's doing later.

I might bring him to the pub.

DOMINIC: Taking me out for dinner.

He overheard that.

VO: Talking of good deals, how about Natasha's £5 shoe shine box?

I've got again a couple of bids.

For 12...

I've got 14.

Keep going!

16 anywhere?

Steady!

18, 20?

Two?

At £20.

Two anywhere?

22, 24, 26, 28?

30?

Two, 34.

At 32.

34 anywhere?

No, selling for 34.

36, 38, Yes?

40?

And two.

44.

46 anywhere then?

Selling at £44.

Yes!

VO: Nobody can beat those profits surely?

Although the auctioneer does have high hopes for Charlie's wheel.

50 for it?

£50 bid.

50's bid.

Are we on the ship's wheel?

And five.

70?

And five.

80!

I want a free ship for this money.

90?

And five?

No, at £90.

Five anywhere?

Selling then at £90.

One more?

Yes!

That's alright.

VO: It certainly is.

What about Natasha's little Tunbridge stamp box?

£50 for it somewhere?

50 for it?

No, I've got 40 here.

And a five anywhere.

He's got 40 quid!

Ooh!

48 anywhere?

50?

At 48 with me.

50 anywhere?

50 there.

CR: D'you know... NR: New bidder!

New bidder!

I'd rather be hit by your thresher.

And that's still to come.

At £56.

58 anywhere?

This is exciting!

DOMINIC: Selling then at £56.

NR: £56!

Thank you!

VO: This is really quite some auction, you know.

Charlie's fire back's next.

£80 for it somewhere?

80 bid.

Oh, straight in.

Straight in at 80.

85 anywhere?

At £80.

85 there is.

88?

90 anywhere?

Come on.

At 88.

Selling then... 88.

Two fat ladies.

VO: Wow!

Everything's made a profit so far, but will Natasha's uniform do as well as Charlie's did?

She's decided against modeling it I see.

Shame.

Here we go.

Regimental... Is this yours?

Already.

£40 for it somewhere?

This could be a problem.

30 if you like then.

30 for it?

30 bid.

And two is there?

32.

34?

We need this to make more.

40 anywhere?

You've just bought it, dear.

At £38 then.

No!

Nooo.

VO: Ouch!

Her risky lot's cost her dear.

Oh, no.

Learn.

Take it as a lesson.

My pump did alright but don't go out and buy a pump next time.

VO: Probably best not to buy one of these either.

Even Charlie's not keen.

Best thing that could have happened to my Capodimonte is that they dropped it and I claimed the insurance.

I've got bids... 30, I've got £35 here.

It can climb.

45 anywhere?

45 there is.

50?

It must be worth more than this.

55?

60?

58 if you like, sir?

58 bid.

Good boy!

Go on!

Selling then at 58.

NR: Oooh!

CR: Aaaah!

VO: Now the old hand's dropped a clanger too.

But if Natasha's tools can make just a modest profit, she'll carry the day.

CR: What do you think your tools will make?

I'm going to say £50.

I'm going to make a fiver.

I'll have a little sportsman's bet with you.

What do you reckon?

I'll bet you a soft drink.

Just a soft.

These make £100.

I've got 35.

And I've got 45 here.

50 is there?

50 anywhere?

50 there is?

And five...

I've got 60... and five anywhere?

DOMINIC: That's £60 then.

NR: See, see!

VO: A bit closer to Natasha's assessment than Charlie's, but good news all the same.

I'm going to buy you that soft drink, which you so richly deserve.

VO: So the new girl wins today's contest and gets back in the game.

Charlie, who started out with £293.06, made, after paying auction costs, a profit of £14.86.

Leaving him with £307.92 to spend tomorrow.

While Natasha, who began with £185.78, after paying auction costs, made a profit of £31.72.

Still in second place, but catching up fast.

CR: Well done!

NR: We did it!

I couldn't have been thrashed by a lovelier girl.

Thank you so much.

I can't believe it.

Take you away.

Feels nice.

You've learned how to do it now, haven't you?

There'll be no holding you.

One tip, no more tunics.

NR: No more tunics.

VO: Full steam ahead, eh?

Next time on Antiques Road Trip, our experts unearth big bargains... Oh, oh, oh, oh, ooh!

You know how to excite an old man, don't you?

VO: And tiny treasures... Come on, giddy up!

They are the best things I've ever seen.

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