TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): It's the nation's favorite antiques experts with 200 pounds each.

I like.

I like.

I like.

Ah!

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): A classic car, and a goal to scar Britain for antiques.

The aim, to make the biggest profit at auction.

But it's no mean feat.

They'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

It's fine.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): So will it be the high road to glory?

Or the slow road to disaster?

Pull on the ignition.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): This is the Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah.

Stop the clock.

It's the penultimate leg featuring our Road Trip lovies, Christina Trevanion and James Braxton.

Cool shades.

Ah, what a glorious day.

Isn't it just beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful.

Spring sunshine.

Spring sunshine.

So I've dressed like a blue bell.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Oh, lovely of you.

Christina may be keen on jewelry and silver, but most things have taken her fancy on this road trip.

Is it heavy?

Very heavy.

It looks some oars.

Look at those.

Let's talk.

I like it.

Choo-choo-choo.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Whilst James has a more tactile approach.

So I might sniff carpet.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): To each their own.

What's the plan of action, then?

It's-- I would say almost sunny enough for a little light paddling.

Or paddling and an ice cream.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Sounds great.

From her original 200 pounds, Christina has 318 pounds and 86 pence.

James also began with 200 pounds and he streaking ahead with 507 pounds and 70 pence.

And James is very determined today.

Employ all my, all my faculties I think.

How many of those have you got?

Well I've got sight.

Yeah.

I got smell.

OK.

I got touch.

Taste.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Sounds sensational.

Our past road trip kicked off in Northumberland, and we've already auctioned in Hamilton, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside.

The trip will continue towards Tyne and Wear, and we'll cross the border once more with the concluding auction in Ayr on the West coast of Scotland.

Today, our adventure begins in Merseyside with an auction in East Bolden in Tyne and Wear.

And they're clocking up the miles in this 1965 Jaguar Mark II.

It's very reliable, just like James, so far.

I don't want you to be firing on all cylinders.

I think I'd prefer it when you just on the one.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Let's not wait a minute longer because shopping beckons in the sunny resort of Southport in Merseyside.

The town's Lord Street is said to have inspired the tree lined boulevards of Paris.

If you believe that, you'll believe anything.

But right now, let's get spending.

Wonderful.

Enjoy.

Have fun.

- Good luck.

Oh, your scarf.

Your scarf.

Oh, did it fall on the floor?

Very chivalrous of you.

Thank you, Sir Walter Rally.

Bye.

Bye.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): We'll catch up with Sir Walter later, but let's have a nosey in here with Christina.

Looks great.

And owner John has been in the biz for over 50 years.

Nice tie, John.

So this is your empire, John?

Part of it, yes.

Yeah, this is wonderful.

My goodness, what a selection.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): With one auction win under her belt, Christina still needs to find something profitable to overtake James's mighty lead.

Fabush, I'll have a little look around.

Look around and-- Hey, that's cool isn't it?

What's that?

Well, it's from the scout movement.

A totem.

A totem.

From about 19-- I think it's dated 1929.

1929.

Oh, wow, look at that.

1929.

So you've got-- what's that?

Some sort of-- --frog, or something is it.

You got a wolf there.

So what would it come off that would have had arms there.

Possibly, yes.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Totem poles would sometimes be carved by the scouts themselves and be proudly displayed outside their tent.

What's on that, John?

That's cool.

I would think it would be worth about 150 pounds, but I'd probably sell it for what 90-- 80 pounds, something like that.

OK. All right.

That's quite cool.

I like that.

Right.

Let's have another look around.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Very interesting.

What's next?

I like this hat.

The smoker's cap?

Yeah.

That's cool, isn't it?

Rather than a smoking cap, can I call it a thinking cap?

You could do.

I think-- I sort of imagine somebody sitting by the fire thinking.

It suits you well lass.

Ruminating about the day.

I like that.

What's on that?

50 pounds.

Is it?

That's really rather lovely, and it's original tassel as well.

It's over 100 years old.

Yeah.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): This little velvet number would be worn by men in the 19th century to stop their hair from smelling of smoke.

That's two possibles.

I like that, as well, what's that?

Gosh you've got so many interesting things, this is like a feast for the eyes.

This is printer's blocks, and this is the printer's tray where all the different letters would be kept.

Love that.

How much is on that?

The whole thing is 125.

Is it?

Where's that come from?

It came out of a printers.

It was in his garage.

He went out of business about 30, 40 years ago, he said.

And he took all of the old stuff home.

But this is probably 100 years old.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Blimey, lots of potentials here Christina.

Elsewhere, James is still making his way to his first shop.

Tactics for today, Jimbo?

I wouldn't mind spending a bit of money.

And whether I do that blindfolded, or with the power of extra sensory nibbling, I don't know.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): You OK?

Back to Christina.

Has she made up her mind yet?

I've got my cap on so I'm thinking, and I really like the totem pole.

And I am interested in the printing blocks at the back of the shop.

And I'm interested in the hat, as well.

But I think the hat might be a little bit too expensive for me.

So what could you do for the totem pole, and the printing blocks.

Right.

John?

I'm giving it a lot of thought.

You've got the-- - Do you want the hat?

- the hat on.

OK.

Hang on a second.

I'll have to have the-- Give it some-- give it some thought.

That's it.

Yes, OK. OK. Well, I feel as though that would be a 200 pound deal for the two items.

That's what I feel with the thinking hat on.

OK. Now you have to now think.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Blimey we could be here all day.

200 pounds.

That's a lot of money.

That's nearly all the money I've got.

That's what buying and selling is all about.

Oh, John.

Spending your money.

Can we just nudge it under there.

Can it begin with a one?

Well, I'll tell you what we'll do.

Yeah.

It's got to begin with a 2.

Oh.

Why?

What I'll do is, I'll include in the price the hat.

So for 200 pounds you get three items.

That's very interesting.

It's a very good deal.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Gosh that's a gamble.

It would leave her just over 118 pounds.

Well, do you know what?

There the kind of things I wouldn't normally buy.

And I think the printing tray is fab.

I love that.

I have no idea what that's worth.

I mean it's fun, but that's kind of the joy isn't it?

You've got to take a risk in life.

--business is about.

Yeah.

And my hat, well, I like the hat.

200 pounds let's do it.

I don't know what on Earth I'm doing but there we go.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Brave, brave spending from Christina there.

80 pounds for the totem pole, 100 for the Victorian letter press, and 20 pounds for the Victorian thinking hat.

Right.

Me and my totem pole will toddle off.

Woo, thanks, John.

Bye bye.

Bye, John.

Bye.

Thank you.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Meanwhile, back to James in the snazzy classic car.

These seats, although there don't seem to be have any form to them, they are beautifully sprung.

It's rather like lying on a well sprung bed.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): James has purred the Jag all the way to the village of Burscough, in West Lancashire.

And West Lancashire Antiques Exports is where he's destined.

This looks like a good trade warehouse.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Certainly does.

There's 30,000 square feet absolutely jammed full.

And there's three floors to have a mooch in.

My word.

There are some chairs here.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Nothing likes staking the blooming obvious, James.

Look at that.

Wow.

There's more, and more, and more.

Pufferfishes, walking sticks, amazing.

Ah, something akin to my heart, bamboo.

Now, what on Earth is this?

We've got a bamboo shaft here and then we got brass both ends, the handle here, and it works, you know.

When was this made?

Late 19th century probably.

Anyway this one-- this might come in useful here.

Because it's very far away.

I can pick stuff that I can't reach normally, and then again, I can't see.

Maybe you held it above your head and then released it.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Oh, dear.

Anything else grab your fancy James?

Oh, they're heavy.

Always.

You know.

The vase-- the vase.

The rule of thumb thing, if it's heavy it's good.

If it's light it's bad.

Anyway bit of restoration going on.

These are Chinese.

They're not early.

They're quite roughly potted.

You can feel that.

In fact, if I had a blindfold now, OK, I could feel that they're quite rough, and it's not very well thrown.

See he would have got his arm in that and he would raise the pot up like that.

And then, they'd have an initial firing, and then they do the enameling.

But what do they have?

They have height.

They look impressive.

There's a pair.

And, actually, the damage is there to one only.

That could be restored.

Has the Chinese ship passed?

They're not-- it's not as buoyant.

So something like that, if they were cheap, sort of round about 150, I'd have a go at them.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Time to find data Brett to chat prices.

I've looked at some possibilities.

The vases.

Chinese vases.

I recount some vases.

Quite a bit of damage on the rim.

Yeah, I saw that.

I need 250.

250.

Woo, OK. And that rather strange bamboo thing.

Over grabber?

80 pounds.

80 pounds.

What if I bought the pair of Chinese vases and that fabulous grabber.

300 pounds.

320.

310, Brett.

Come on.

310.

Thank you much indeed.

Really kind.

Really kind.

And I hope you make a good profit.

So do I.

The nightmare could have begun.

It could do.

Definitely.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Well, let's hope not.

Both our road trippers are spending big today.

240 pounds for the pair of 19th century Chinese vases, and 70 pounds for the Victorian long arm.

Hoi, stuck in reverse, James?

Lord, he is going on.

Bang.

Elsewhere, Christina has traveled to the city of Liverpool.

The world famous Anfield Stadium is home to Liverpool Football Club, since its formation in 1892.

But it also has a strong connection with the first major conflict of the 20th century, the Boer War.

We are walking from-- TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Christina is meeting with the club's museum curator, Steven Doane, to investigate further.

Here is the famous, This is Anfield Sign.

It's always good to touch it for luck.

That's something to do isn't it?

Yes.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): But then this state of the art stadium that seats over 50,000, lies a military connection like no other.

Stephen, is a phenomenal piece of architecture.

It really is.

But I'm very confused about why I'm here, because I thought I was coming here to learn about the Boer War.

Well, the Boer War does have a connection with this.

This stand is called the Spion Kop.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Spion Kop, or Spy Hill, was the highest hill on a Ridgeline in Natale, in South Africa.

The year was 1900, the Boers were fiercely opposed to British rule within the region.

Hence, the onslaught of war.

British forces began to climb to the summit to relieve captured troops in nearby Ladysmith.

But they made a catastrophic error.

They went up the hill, and failed to remember that it had false horizons.

So they camped for the night on stone, and sand you couldn't really dig in.

Dawn came and they realized that up above them, all around, were Boer forces looking down on them.

So they were totally exposed.

Completely exposed.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Around 350 British soldiers were killed that one day.

One in 3 British combatants were either dead, wounded, or taken prisoner.

It was the most shocking casualty rate to that date in the history of the British empire.

Despite this terrible tragedy, the Boers were eventually overcome, and the war was won by the British.

So why have they called the football stand after something that was quite such a terrible disaster?

Yes.

It is quite strange.

It does make some sense though, here.

Because most of the people involved in the disaster from the British side were actually from Lancashire, or from Liverpool in other words, so they were locals.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Britain was at its imperial height and the Battle of Spion Kop was portrayed as a heroic defeat.

Actually, the word Spion Kop was used on an awful lot of football grounds.

In fact, we now have about 23 in Europe.

There was also a racehorse, there was a steam engine, some of the slate galleries in the North Wales slate quarries were called Spion Kop, as well.

All of which doesn't really make a lot of sense.

What we do know is that our stand was a large sort of heap of Earth at first, then later remodeled in about 1906.

Ah, so the heap of Earth.

It looked a little bit like a hill.

By 1908, we know definitely it was called the Spion Kop by the supporters and by the press.

We can imagine that the Boer War was ending, and the sort of the Lancashire soldiers had come back home.

Those who survived were standing on there perhaps.

Maybe they lost colleagues, maybe they remembered them.

Brothers in Arms.

Yes, Brothers in Arms.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): By chance, in the mid-60s, a stadium worker found a precious piece of evidence of the stand name.

Here, I have a little object.

This is from 1928.

And this isn't the only actual piece of painted evidence of the name.

The club officially named it as such.

And recognized that this is something important.

So this was hanging here in 1928?

Yes.

Yes.

Gosh, how fascinating?

It's really fascinating.

[CROWD CHEERING] Here, it does have a resonance.

And certainly, this Spion Kop is The Spion Kop.

You ask any football supporter, whatever the team, anywhere in the world, you mentioned the Kop, Spion Kop, it's Anfield.

And although there are many other football grounds, and other places that have taken this name, really it doesn't have the same cachet.

Resonance somehow.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): 125 years after the club was formed, the Spion Kop is synonymous with the team's red jerseys and liver bird logo.

Renowned globally, the stand pays tribute to the local heroes that lost their lives on a distant hill in South Africa.

Meanwhile, how's James feeling about his big money buys?

I think it must be the sunshine, it's brought out a bit of madness in me, but Christina's can be absolutely delighted.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Well, you're not the only one blowing the budget.

James is off to the Wirral in Merseyside, the town of Birkenhead to be precise.

Amorini Antique's Centre is James' next stop.

And he has a little under 200 pounds to spend.

What will take your fancy in here then?

This is a vesta.

It's for striking matches.

And if we open it up we might have a field match in there.

We do, look.

There's a match.

Rather nice.

And I bet you that would still work.

So there's a roughened edge on the bottom.

You just strike it on.

And that is rough.

I can feel it with my nail.

What attracts me to this is we got a lovely engraved crest here.

And we've got a fitty figure of Neptune with his trident.

Very, very apt for here.

Years ago, if something was engraved it was seen as detrimental.

But nowadays it's prized, because it has a decorative value.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Dating from the early 20th century, it's priced at 28 pounds.

Oh it's a nice bell.

I wonder if that came off a ship or something here.

Oh, this is my-- this is my sort of thing.

Training Ship Mersey.

What a very fabulous image.

Photographic image.

There's more and more interest in historical photographs.

And that's a very powerful image.

Look at that.

Sort of slightly becalmed isn't it?

And then you've got this mighty great squaring boat coming out.

So that would be a steel hull.

This is the sort of thing that went very quickly.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Price tag is 39 pounds.

Summon Carol.

Ah, Carol.

Stop this.

It's all right.

That's rather rude.

Isn't it?

Carol, I'm loving this picture.

It's really evocative.

Isn't it?

Very moody.

Also, I like the vesta, with the rather nice figure of Neptune on it, engraved figure.

I know the one.

Prices?

Well.

Can you do, can you do deals?

This dealer, I'm sure, will be comfortable if I took the 9 pounds off it.

OK, 30.

Yeah, I like that.

And how much on the vesta?

The vesta actually belongs to a friend of mine, and I'm sure she'd be happy to take 10 pounds off that for you.

That's 18.

I will buy the picture at 30.

Carol, if that's all right?

Yeah.

And I would definitely buy that vester at 18.

- Yes.

- Thank you very much, indeed.

That's very kind of you.

Good luck.

Really kind, thank you.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): 48 pounds on two distinctly maritime items.

I've got my Neptune, and I've got my boat.

Though I'm off to the Americas, thank you.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Whatever you say, James.

What a lovely shop.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): That's the end of the shopping for today.

And our two are hatching a plan for tomorrow.

Maybe if I just wore a blindfold and just relied on touch and taste.

That's an idea.

That would be an idea.

Yeah, I like that idea.

OK, so what are you going to use as a blindfold?

Oh, you could use your cravat as a blindfold.

Yeah.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Something to look forward to.

Nighty-night.

With the heavens descending our pair are exchanging beauty tips.

Do you sleep with rollers in?

No, I don't.

Are you sure?

I sleep with shower cap on.

A shower cap on?

Yeah, to promote hair growth.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Blimey-o-riley, he's joking.

Here's a reminder of what our road trippers have bought so far.

Christina has three lots-- the scout totem pole, the Victorian thinking cap, and the Victorian letter press.

She's spending big and has 118 pounds and 86 pence left for today's shopping.

Our wealthy leader is also digging deep into his wallet.

James has four items-- the Victorian bamboo long arm, the weighty pair of 19th century vases, the silver vesta case, and the photograph of the training ship.

James has just a few pounds more than Christina, with 149 pounds and 70 pence left.

What?

Can you stop breathing please?

This is getting a bit foggy in here.

Is it me, breathing?

No, it's your garlic breath.

No, I don't-- TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Heavy breathing actually.

Our road trippers are pointing the car towards the City of Preston in Lancashire.

And mischief is in the air, because this couple of swells are sharing a shop a go.

Do you find it intimidating or not?

Um.

Do you feel more self-conscious?

Yes.

If it's a small shop.

Yeah.

Then, I so don't want you to see what I'm picking up, or-- Lurking.

You'll be sort of looking through the-- Lest I steal that deal.

Yeah.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Oh, dear.

Preston Antique Centre is this morning's first stop.

This is the homeland of industry.

This is Richard Arkwright from Preston building his mills.

And now, it's an antique centre.

Now, it's an antiques centre.

How app.

Still a beating heart of industry.

Beating heart of our industry.

Yeah, exactly.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): This late 19th century building was the last of the large cotton mills to be built in the city.

There are two floors with over 40 dealers selling goodies.

I've never really been in a big industrial building.

Isn't it glorious?

It's wonderful.

Isn't it?

Can you imagine it kind of just vibrating with all that machinery.

All the machinery.

All the people.

Yeah, look at these floors.

Turn around.

Turn around.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Now, what's going on here?

Yeah, can you see anything?

No, not now.

I will go and find something, and you've got to tell me what it is.

- OK. All right?

Are you going to present it to me?

Yeah, stay there.

I won't be long.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Crikey.

She's not going to-- This is the sort of zen art of buying antiques.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Blimey, she is.

Look.

A bit like the generation game, this.

OK.

This is quite interesting.

This is the zen art.

Blind me.

OK.

I'm going to look for an early identification.

OK.

I think it's, sort of, it's definitely a metal.

It is.

Softness.

And I think it's a sort of tier, a somervale.

Well done.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): What on Earth?

Are you sure you're ready?

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): It must be a melon.

It's his lucky day.

I think it's a model of something.

Something I may have ate this morning.

Is it an apple?

It is an apple.

How did you know that?

Well, I just felt the stalk.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): That's what he says.

That might test him, wouldn't it?

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Certainly hope so.

Oh, god.

It's quite heavy.

It is heavy.

I think it's two materials.

I think-- - Go on.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Has that blindfold being fiddled with?

Oh, I know what it is.

I hate to tell you-- isn't this boring?

It's the shoe maker's last.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Four marks to our contestant, Mr. James Braxton.

Clairvoyant and antiques expert.

That's what I should have given him.

Oh, my goodness, his senses would have been blown away by that.

[CRASH] Look, it's like a snake, so fluid the way it rolls down like that.

I love it.

Oh.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Find anything, James?

I like this.

This is quite fun.

If you had a conservatory, and conservatories get ever and ever popular, this is a fabulous thing.

It doesn't look much now but this has age, so it's mid-19th century Victorian.

And it would've had lots of terracotta, maybe things like auriculas that have many different varieties.

And you had your prize one on the top there, and then all its companions round there.

It would look fabulous.

It needs to be peopled with terracotta potted plants-- preferably auriculas.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): All right Percy Thrower.

If it was 30 or 40 pounds it's worth risking because you don't see many of these today.

And if you spent, whatever, 10,000, 20,000 pounds on a conservatory, what better way of furnishing it.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): James has found the lady in charge, Sue.

I quite like this but it hasn't got a price tag on it.

I do remember how much it was.

It-- Is it low?

No.

(LAUGHING) It's 75 pounds.

That's what he had on it.

75 pounds?

Yeah.

Do you think he'd do a deal?

I might do a deal.

You're not gonna smack me or anything if I said, sort of, 30, 40 pounds, are you?

I might do it.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Smack.

I don't blame you, Sue.

I'd do 45.

How about 40, Sue.

Come on.

40.

Well done.

Thank you very much indeed.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): 40 pounds for the wire jardiniere.

Well, that's James finished in here.

What about our glamorous Christina?

See now, doesn't that look really boring?

With that nasty, much later, 1970s cushion on.

Take this away and you have a very beautiful solid oak seat desk chair.

Swivel detail captain's chair.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Interesting find, but how much is it, Christina?

We got a price tag on here.

95 pounds.

I don't think that's too bad.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Right, where's the lovely Sue?

Take a seat in that very-- The comfortable one.

Yeah.

So, it's got 95.

What could you very best price be on it, Sue?

It really should be 80.

I can eat another five, but that's it.

75 pounds, Sue.

I am a happy girl.

I'll give you some money.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): A generous 20 pound discount on the oak desk chair.

Meanwhile, James has journeyed to Accrington.

This Lancashire town is famous for producing the toughest bricks that were used in the iconic skyscraper, the Empire State Building.

But this isn't the only connection to the USA, it was the hometown of a young engraver who left Accrington to live the American dream.

Lancashire lad, Joseph Briggs, went on to run the world famous Tiffany Glass Company.

James is meeting with Gillian Berry at the Haworth Gallery to find out about this remarkable craftsman.

Hello I'm Jillian, I'm the curator.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): The gallery holds the largest and most public collection of Tiffany glassware in Europe.

In the late 19th century, the Lancashire cotton industry didn't appeal to a young Briggs.

A talented engraver, he had a thirst for adventure, and his one way ticket bound for America would offer him more than he could ever have imagined.

He arrived in New York and started doing some odd jobs.

After two years, he saw an advertisement to work at Louis Comfort Tiffany studios.

He applied for the job a few times, and on the last time he was refused.

He came out of the building, he saw Louis Comfort Tiffany on the streets, and it was raining.

So he took his umbrella over to Louis Comfort Tiffany and walked him back to the building.

Louis Comfort Tiffany asked him to draw for him.

So Joseph drew a religious scene, and on the basis of that drawing, it got him a job as an errand boy.

So manners make it the man but also provided opportunities.

Absolutely.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Louis Comfort Tiffany would become the leading exponent of our nouveau glassware.

The beauty of the design and artisan techniques more than appealed to the talented Briggs.

So how did Joseph Briggs go from errand boy to managing director?

Well, Joseph set himself some little tasks of practicing making mosaics in the mosaic department.

And he practiced using eggshells.

So cutting them out very delicately, coloring them, and making mosaics.

He very quickly became the foreman of the mosaic department.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Briggs masterminded some incredible pieces ranging from the iconic peacock vase to this exquisite sulfur crested cockatoo sampler.

It's very beautiful isn't it?

It's almost bejeweled.

It is.

It's incredibly beautiful.

It's an exhibition piece.

And what they would have done with it is show off all the techniques of glass that they had.

So you've got every color of iridescent glass in it, you've got opalescent glass in it, and you've also got Mother of Pearl within the feathers.

Yeah, that's very clever.

Talk about simulating nature.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): When art nouveau and Tiffany passed into the dark years of obscurity in the 1930s, Joseph had the unenviable task of closing down the once hugely successful company.

What heralded the end was basically the end of art nouveau when art deco came in.

Fashion.

Fashion, but alongside that came the Great Depression as well.

So people didn't have the money to pay for these ironed pieces.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Despite this, Joseph Briggs ensured that over 140 of the finest pieces were sent to his beloved hometown.

After the collapse of the company what happened to Joseph Briggs?

Unfortunately, Joseph passed away shortly afterwards.

Which shows incredible foresight of him to send these sort of great specimen pieces back to Accrington, rather than just sell them with the general stock of Tiffany's.

It is a wonderful legacy.

And a legacy that belongs to Accrington.

And it explains exactly why an American collection is in Accrington.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): For 40 years Joseph was personally involved in some of Tiffany's most sensational commissions.

Not only head of the company, he also became one of the firm's finest craftsmen responsible for some of its greatest works.

Now talking of a great piece of work.

Where's Christina?

So in this last shop, this is my final opportunity to find something that is really going to catch up with James Braxton.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): You can do it Christina.

She's off to the seaside.

Blackpool is where she's hoping to find an auction winner.

The Regent Antiques Centre is next on her list.

This beautiful building first opened as a cinema in 1921.

With over 50 dealers spanning the three floors, what can Christina find in here?

She has just over 40 pounds left in her purse.

Let's go exploring.

Stairs this way.

OK.

Tea in those.

Tea in those.

Tea in those.

Tea in those.

Tea sets.

Oh, my gosh.

How many cups of tea?

Oh, that's nice.

That is quite cool, isn't it?

British glass stand.

I wonder what that would have been used for?

I mean that's-- when in Victorian.

That was the era you used to get glass lusters, which used to have big old cut glass crystal drops all around here.

But I think this is probably styled with the most amazing sort of iridescent, metallic finish to it.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): This decorative pedestal stand would probably have started life as one of a pair.

It would have been very much cherished within the parlor of a Victorian household.

It's priced at 25 pounds.

Time to chat to dealer Steve.

So what could your best price be on that Stevie?

Stevie knows I like a bargain.

15?

15 pounds?

I mean, I can't argue with that.

That's brilliant.

Oh, thank you.

Thank you very much.

15 pounds.

Smashing.

I'm such a klutz.

I might break that.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): The Victorian pedestal stand completes this leg's shopping.

What's the mood in the Jag?

You pleased with what you bought?

I am.

They're risks.

They're risks.

One could lose 100 pounds, or gain 100 pounds.

Oh, wow.

OK. TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Come on you two, time for a bit of shuteye.

Can you believe it?

The penultimate auction has arrived.

James and Christina have skedaddled to the village of East Bolden, in Tyne and Wear.

Hey, look at a sale today.

Oh, look at this.

Magic.

Theater of dreams.

Here we go.

In we go.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Bolden Auction Galleries are our hosts today.

Christina has had a good go at blowing her budget.

She has spent 290 pounds on five lots.

James has also been splashing the cash.

He's doled out 398 pounds, also on five lots.

Let's find out what they think of each other's antique plunder.

Wow, look at this.

I mean, I've not seen one of these before.

Look at the bamboo handled grabber.

It's useful, if you needed to grab something, and you know who doesn't?

Oh.

Great fun isn't it?

You can imagine a scout jamboree, somebody carving and painting.

This is good times, 1920s.

This is-- I can smell wet canvas tent, burnt sausages.

80 pounds?

It's in the laugh of the gods.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Tom Robson is today's auctioneer.

What do you think of their offerings?

The thinking cap, it's an interesting thing.

Nobody's ever going to wear it, and you're going to stick it on the desk, it's always going to be a little bit of fun.

Potentially, the one item that will run away will be the enamel vases.

It's always a bit of a gamble.

It's very hard to judge that market.

We'll see.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Take a seat.

The auction is about to begin.

And today, we're also open to internet bidders.

Hey, now, we're coming up soon aren't we?

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Soon.

Now, more like.

Christina's thinking cap is first to go.

I think it's going to be good.

20 pound if anybody wants it.

20 pounds.

20 pounds.

Magic.

20 pounds.

Anybody else for 25?

The bids upstairs at 20.

25.

30.

35.

40.

You got friends here.

Bids at 40.

Anybody else for 45?

[GAVEL STRIKE] Look at you.

Oh, happy days.

Start on a profit.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Always helps.

Well done, Christina.

Small acorns.

Warming up.

Warming up.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): James' photo of the training ship is up next.

10 pound for it, anyone?

It's lovely.

A boat.

Who doesn't love a boat?

Nobody wants it for 10 pound?

Would anybody like it for five?

Thank you, sir.

5 pound.

Gentleman at the back with 5.

10 pound anywhere else?

Starting thing.

With the gentleman at the back with the hold for 5 pound.

Anybody else for 10?

[GAVEL STRIKE] TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Blimey, that's disappointing.

Sunk.

Five pounds?

That doesn't seem enough.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): I concur.

But dib, dib, dib.

It's the scout totem pole next up.

It's just wonderful, sort of, childhood.

- It is memories, isn't it?

- Yeah.

It is memories.

30 pound start.

35 pound anywhere else?

35.

Next 5 bid out.

On the left, with Lori, on the sale roof floor.

45.

45 pound.

Anybody else for 50?

We've stopped at 45 pound.

Is there 50 pound anywhere else for it?

Anybody else for 50 pound?

I'd take it home for that.

[GAVEL STRIKE] Welcome to the club.

(LAUGHING) Thanks.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): It's early days you two.

Someone's got a very quirky pie there.

Oh, I'm sad.

I wanted that to go for more.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): James' white jardiniere is next.

20 pound.

Anybody for 20 pound?

20 pound.

There's two people bid at the same time 20 pound.

On my left, with Lori, on the sale room at 20 pound.

25 pound anywhere else?

The bids with Lori at 20 pound.

Anybody else for 25?

Oh.

Go on a bit more, a bit more.

[GAVEL STRIKE] Oh.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): That must have hurt.

It's like a wounded rabbit at once it was dispatched.

Oh, dear.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Now it's time for Christina's Victorian letter press.

With me, it's on commission at 50 pound.

Anybody else for 55?

The commission bid still with me at 50 pound.

Anybody else for 55?

--should take this.

55.

60.

65.

70.

70 pound.

It's with me, but only just at 70.

It's 75 pound anywhere else.

Anybody else for 75?

Again, I would take this home for that.

[GAVEL STRIKE] TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): It's a lovely example, but another good buy for the lucky bidder.

It's war out there, Christina, war.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Tension is rising.

Can James' silver vesta case put up a good fight?

20 pound bid on my left.

On the internet.

See, instant profit.

Well done, James.

--else.

It's with Lori on my left at 20 pounds.

Anybody else for 25?

[GAVEL STRIKE] TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Kind of helped, but it's a teeny weeny profit.

Is that all?

Yeah.

Oh.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Oh, indeed.

Christina's Victorian pedestals up next.

10 pound for it, anyone?

Bid a bohemian glass for 10 pound.

10 pound, thank you, sir.

Upstairs on my left at 10.

Anybody else for 15?

With the gentleman upstairs on my left of 10 pound.

Anybody else for 15?

[GAVEL STRIKE] TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): James' mood isn't improving and Christina seems to be feeling the same.

I sort of knew that was going to be a disaster.

Well.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Maybe the bamboo long arm can turn things around, James.

Great thing.

One bid.

15 pound start.

20 pound anywhere else?

20.

25.

30 pound.

Gentleman on my left first at 30.

35.

40.

40 pounds still upstairs on my left with the gentleman at 40 pound.

45.

50.

50 pound.

The bids upstairs with the gentleman on my left at 50 pound.

Anybody else for 55?

Come on.

Come on.

No.

[GAVEL STRIKE] Oh.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Maybe not.

Such a shame.

Well, it certainly didn't grab their imagination did it?

Sorry.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Someone's not pleased.

It's time for Christina's oak chair next.

One, two, three bids, and I'm straight in at 60 pound.

65 pound anywhere else?

60 pound it's with me on commission at 60 pound.

Anybody else for 65?

[GAVEL STRIKE] TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Oh, dear.

Neither are having much luck today.

Anyway, I've got one more item after.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): This is the biggie.

James' large pair of 19th century vases.

Beautiful.

Big pair of Chinese vases.

50 pound for them anyone?

It was still out.

- 150.

- That's better.

Online.

See.

On my left at 150 pound.

160 anywhere else?

The bids with Lori at 150 pound.

160.

170.

170.

Settled at 170 pound.

180 anywhere else?

On the sale room at 170 pound.

Anybody else for 180?

Two, three.

[GAVEL STRIKE] Through.

Oh.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Oh, the brave gamble didn't quite pay off, James.

Well, it all started well.

You doubled your money on that cap.

And then it all went a bit south didn't it?

What happened?

Well, I'm not really sure.

Should we go and count some numbers?

- I think we need to.

- Uppie then.

Go on.

Heave ho.

Heave ho.

TOM WONNACOTT (VOICEOVER): Chin up, chaps.

It's not all bad news.

Let's check the figures.

James began with 507 pounds and 70 pence.

He's made a loss of 180 pounds and 70 pence.

Ouch.

But James still has a respectable 327 pounds for the road trip finale.

Christina started the third day with 318 pounds and 86 pence.

She also made a loss, but it totals 105 pounds and 50 pence.

Which makes Christina today's victorious winner.

She has 213 pounds and 36 pence for the last leg.

What a lovely day.

Isn't it beautiful?

But not our day today, sadly.

It wasn't.

Onwards and upwards I think.

Yeah, or sideways, in my case.

I would even diagonally.

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