>> We're hitting the road in our trusty travelling auction house.

>> Whoa-hoa!

>> Your tools are going to be shaking around.

On the hunt for treasures hidden in homes all across Britain.

Whoa.

This is pretty cool.

>> That's huge.

>> And our mission -- to find those unloved and forgotten gems, give them a new lease of life, and make them into money.

[ Blows ] >> Oh, wow.

Look at that.

>> Transforming has-beens into must-haves... >> It's a job well worth doing.

>> ...master restorer Will Kirk.

>> Glue, glue, and good as new.

And finding value in those overlooked objects, auction supremo Christina Trevanion.

>> Is that a Fender Strat?

>> It is.

>> Here we go.

Everything we find... >> And fix... >> Will go under the hammer in our travelling saleroom.

£850, £900.

>> Popping up in the most surprising of places, we bring the auction to you.

>> £2,200.

>> [ Chuckles ] >> You know what we say.

Have gavel will travel.

♪ >> Today we find ourselves in the northernmost part of England, soaking in the scenery of the wild and wonderful Northumberland Coast.

>> Look.

>> I can see the sea.

I can see the sea.

[ Both laugh ] >> Oh, I love it.

I love it.

I love it.

>> I've got bad news for you.

>> Why?

>> No time for the beach today.

>> Ugh.

Why?

>> No time for the beach.

Because we've got stuff to find and stuff to fix.

>> Oh, but there's sandcastles that need to be built.

There are.

[ Chuckles ] He's no fun, that Will, unlike the adventurous pair we're off to meet, Jennifer and Richard.

>> I adore Richard because he's incredibly good-looking, and he keeps me focused.

>> [ Chuckles ] I'm quite grumpy.

>> Yep.

[ Laughs ] But I love him to pieces.

>> This couple have a big passion.

They're both avid hot-air balloonists, and, over the years, they've flown their magnificent vessel all across the globe.

>> It really started for me with my mother.

She was a balloonist.

She flew all over the world.

She then thought it would be a good idea to persuade Richard to take up ballooning.

>> Once I went up in a balloon with a friend and saw the curvature of the Earth from a balloon basket, I was hooked, actually.

>> And 32 years later, they're both big names in British ballooning circles.

>> I mean, they sound like quite interesting travellers.

They obviously like travelling in style.

>> Yeah.

>> Much like us.

>> Much like us, exactly.

>> Luxurious van.

[ Chuckles ] >> Exactly.

>> Have you ever been on a hot-air balloon?

>> I have a bit of a fear of heights.

>> Do you?

>> I don't mind going up in the plane because you're enclosed, and I feel slightly safe.

But being in one of those baskets dangling from a balloon.

>> Yeah?

>> Nah, sorry, I can't do it.

No.

No, no, no.

>> [ Chuckles ] But it's Richard and Jennifer's other obsession that we're on our way to see.

They retired here from Berkshire eight years ago to be closer to family with an aim to downsize and declutter.

But having got hooked on antique collecting, that hasn't quite gone to plan.

>> We do tend to, in my opinion, have an awful lot of stuff.

>> I had a thing about blue glass for about three years.

In fact, there's blue glass everywhere.

>> And you also had a collection of ducks.

>> Oh, ducks, yes, I got rid of those.

I'm off ducks.

>> Ducks in all shapes and sizes and materials.

We got rid of most of that.

As we collect lots of stuff, yes, the house does get smaller, and then we go 'round antique shops and buy an awful lot more.

>> Yes, we're a bit besotted.

It's awful, isn't it?

>> Sounds like they've definitely been bitten by the bug, so we're heading 'round to help thin out their collection before they run out of room.

>> And I think we're nearly there, Will.

What's that say?

>> "Welcome to Amble."

>> Amble.

>> Amble.

Ambling in Amble.

>> "The friendliest port."

>> Of course.

>> Look at that.

[ Both chuckle ] >> And here's hoping for an equally warm welcome as we pull into harbor.

>> This is it.

>> There we go.

[ Chuckles ] >> There we go.

Ooh-ah.

>> A house full of lovely things curated by two avid collectors.

Oh, this is lovely.

Look at this.

>> Look at that.

>> We're looking forward to this.

>> Hello.

You found us.

Well done.

Come on in.

>> Thanks very much.

>> [ Chuckles ] >> Come on in.

Come on in.

>> Richard.

>> Ooh, nice and warm in here.

>> Ooh, it is toasty warm.

Hello.

>> This is my husband, Richard.

>> Lovely to meet you.

>> Hello, Richard.

>> Hello.

>> Now, I believe you need our help.

Is that right?

>> That's right.

>> My goodness.

Well, It looks like we've got lots to do.

>> Yes.

>> So we better get going.

Are we alright to wander?

>> Yes, please.

>> Alright.

[ Chuckles ] Time to put our particular set of skills to work, and you don't need to go too far in here to find treasures.

I mean, this is -- this is incredible.

This is absolutely incredible.

Just walking into this sort of tiny, little hallway here.

We've got a rather lovely sort of 18th-century oak sideboard right next door to a kind of very wacky art-deco-looking hall table.

I mean, we're kind of spanning hundreds of years of styles and periods, and it's eccentric, it's wild, and it's just brilliant, isn't it?

>> Wait till you see the room that I've just found.

[ Chuckles ] It's like an antique shop in here.

My gosh, there's loads of stuff.

Hello, buddy.

Papier-mâché.

A lot of hot-air balloon stuff 'round.

>> I don't think they'll want to part with those, Will.

>> Oh, my gosh.

>> It says "fragile -- china."

Look at that.

What is this?

That is really fancy.

A bit too fancy for me, though.

I could put my crisps, hummus, maybe bits of carrot or something in there.

>> You're just so classy, Will.

What's in here?

Ooh, silver.

This is packed full of silver in here.

Can't really get to it very easily, though.

Ow.

I think I've got my head stuck.

>> Who's classy now, Christina?

This is cool.

What's this?

Some kind of box.

I don't know if it's a coal bucket or something.

It's made of oak.

It's really scratched, but I can see the potential there.

[ Chuckles ] That's pretty cool.

Didn't that little door on the front.

Yeah, I really like this.

Let's go and see what Christina makes of it.

Christina, Christina.

>> Hello.

>> Look what I found.

>> Oh, what is that?

>> [ Chuckling ] I've got no idea.

>> [ Laughs ] Okay, what does it do?

>> It opens up like that.

>> Oh, cool.

The Baxter Box.

>> The Baxter Box.

>> Oh, cool, so is it -- what's -- 'cause that -- oh, okay, So it's some kind of coal box or log box.

>> I thought it could've been some kind of coal box.

>> There we go.

>> There you go.

I'm learning.

>> You are learning.

You are.

Fab.

>> Yeah?

>> Yeah, love that.

>> You can see some potential there, as well?

>> Yeah, I think so.

I mean, it seems like a still very useful piece, doesn't it?

Everybody -- if you've got a fire, you need somewhere to put your coal or your logs or whatever, so why not?

Great.

I would hope that it would make £20 to £30 at auction -- after a bit of work, of course.

>> Structurally, it seems pretty sound.

However, on the top, there's some lifting veneer missing a little patch there.

>> Can you replace that, though?

Is that fixable?

>> Leave it with me.

>> Okay.

Alright.

Work your magic, Mr. Kirk.

>> See you in a bit.

>> Bye.

>> My first fix of the day.

Better get to the van and break out my tools, then.

A workshop with a sea view -- you can't beat it.

>> Now, we're not just here to declutter Richard and Jenny's home.

There's a much more important reason to take their items to auction.

>> Hello, darling.

How are you?

>> I'm well, thanks.

How are you?

>> Their hope is to raise enough cash for a big trip abroad to meet one very special person indeed.

>> Sending this stuff to auction would allow us both to get to America to see family we haven't seen for over a year, 18 months, 2 years... >> Never met one of them.

>> ...and a grandson that we never met.

>> Richard and Jenny's son, Edward, moved to America in 1996 and now lives in Tucson with his wife, two older children, and the latest addition to the family, Auric.

>> [ Crying ] >> Oh, he's in a good mood, then.

>> I love them all to pieces, and it'll be so nice to meet a new grandson.

That'll be very weeping, and I have to take a box of tissues, I think, to have the first hug.

>> We can't wait to see you in person, Mom.

It's been so long, but the hugs that we'll be able to give each other will be well worth it.

>> Yeah.

>> Oh, yeah.

Yeah.

>> A hug would be wonderful.

>> Oh, golly.

It would be so lovely.

>> So if we're going to turn this family reunion into a reality, there's lots we've got to do.

>> I'm going to turn off now.

You go and have a doughnut or whatever you Americans do.

>> We're determined to get Project Cuddles up and running, which is why I've headed back to that hallway.

There's a couple of objects that caught my eye earlier.

Isn't she just exquisite?

I love that.

So art deco.

Carrying that wonderful basket of grapes.

Really, really well-cast bronze.

My gosh.

Ooh, it's falling off.

Oh, but that's nice to see.

No, you've got the original screw in there.

That's a good indicator that this is a genuine period piece and not a reproduction.

Much more salable at auction.

It's just beautiful, and the quality of that casting is quite exceptional and a really nice signature on there.

It's by French sculptor Raymond Rivoire.

Prolific in the early 20th century, his works were the epitome of art-deco sculpture, gracing salons, churches, and even ocean liners.

This lovely lady is titled "Harvest."

Like that very much.

Now, over on the other table is a chap who's a little less refined.

Look at this guy.

I mean, he's just really cool, isn't he?

Look at him.

Straight face.

Very straight face.

Initially, when I saw him, I kind of thought sort of tribal possibly, but, actually, I think he's English, and I think he's late 18th-century, early 19th-century piece of folk art.

I love the way it's been carved, and I love the way they've used this knot here as his ear.

Folk art, especially 18th-century folk art, is really quite popular at the moment, and I think there's so many people that would appreciate this.

Some might say, "Well, he's got a massive crack at the side of him here."

Look, it's huge.

You can almost stick your finger in that massive, great big crack.

But, at the same time, I just think he's really tactile.

He's not perfect, you know, but I just think that adds to the charm.

I could see him fetching £200 to £300 on a good day, and that art-deco figure could go for £300 to £500.

A great result for one little room.

>> Well, it's time for me to get busy, too.

Let's have a look at that coal box I found earlier.

Well, this is a sweet, little box.

However, the top itself has suffered a lot of wear and tear.

There's loads of scratches on the surface, and we're also missing a sort of wedge of oak veneer.

Now I'm a bit of a hoarder.

I always hang on to my offcuts from previous projects.

You never know when you might need a little bit of leftover wood, and it's much more sustainable than buying new timber for a little job like this.

All these small bits and pieces can really come in handy when patching something so small.

And I found a nice bit of oak here and that should patch in really well.

What I'm going to do is I'm going to cut a sort of jigsaw piece out of that bit of wood, and once it's cleaned back and polished, you'll never know that was damaged.

It's time for a spot of surgery.

I'm going in with a scalpel to cut up this patch, making sure the wood grain is going in the same direction as the box lid.

It's better to make it slightly too large to start with, as you can always take wood away from the edges, but you can't add it back on.

Once I finessed it so it fits exactly, it just takes some regular wood glue, a bit of patience, and something to hold it while the glue sets.

Well, there we are.

The new bit of veneer is glued and clamped in place.

I'm going to let that dry for a while, and once it has, I can give the top a light sand and a polish.

>> Well, we can't have you twiddling your thumbs, Will.

I'd better find another project to keep you occupied.

That's rather lovely.

Look, somebody spent hours doing the tapestry on there.

Now, this is piano stool.

It's 'cause you've got nice, low arms.

It doesn't hamper the playing of your piano, doesn't hamper your elbows there.

But, oh, they've got some serious issues going on with this arm here, sadly.

Now, it should have a lift-up seat.

So you'd store your music in there, possibly a replaced base there, but this has got Will Kirk written all over it, so I'm going to take it to him.

>> What is in here?

Oh, my gosh.

Sorry, Christina.

I got a bit distracted.

A workshop inside the house.

Look at these tools.

I wonder if Jenny and Richard might like a lodger.

More tools.

Loads of tools.

Oh, I think we're going to have to have a bit of a tool chat later.

Massive appreciation for this.

>> Aha, there you are.

Oh, my goodness.

I feel like I've just walked into a David Attenborough documentary.

I found Will Kirk in his natural environment.

>> Natural habitat.

Look at all these tools.

>> Surrounded by rather painful-looking things, frankly.

>> [ Chuckles ] Don't touch anything.

It's all very sharp.

>> Yeah.

Found you a thing to do.

>> Okay, so that's broken.

>> Yes.

Mahogany?

>> It looks it, but I think that's walnut.

>> Do you think?

>> Yeah, because walnut has this lovely smokiness to the grain.

You get these sort of areas where it looks like gray, kind of black.

>> Mm, lovely.

>> Also, when you look inside there, that's really dense, and it has, like, a kind of bluey-gray kind of color to it.

So that would be walnut.

Whereas if it's mahogany, on the inside, that would be more likely to be a reddish color.

>> Mm.

>> It's quite an old chair, isn't it?

>> It is, isn't it?

I mean, it's just had years and years and years of use, hasn't it?

It's rather lovely.

>> Yeah.

>> It's had a few too many wild parties, maybe.

>> Yes.

[ Both laugh ] >> Fab.

Well, I will leave you to it.

>> Brilliant.

I'll take that to my slightly smaller workshop outside, then.

>> While I keep looking around the comfier bits of the house.

Dining room now.

I do rather like that.

I do rather like that.

That is beautiful.

Typically, typically art nouveau.

Love that.

Now, we've got quite a lot of tide lines inside here, which means to me it wasn't perhaps as treasured as it should be.

Now, Jennifer?

Jennifer, are you there?

>> Christina, yeah.

What have you found?

Oh.

>> Sorry, I'm, like, disturbing you.

What do you think of that?

>> Personally, I think it's hideous.

>> Do you?

>> Yeah, I do.

>> My mother gave it to me and said, "Darling, put plant pots in it."

I just -- I really found it hideous.

>> Gosh.

So you've used it as a plant pot.

>> Once, I think.

Then I'd wrapped it in the dog towel and put it on a bookshelf.

>> [ Laughs ] Does this not scream to you art nouveau?

>> Oh, yes.

>> This is French art nouveau, which was the birthplace of that movement.

>> Yes, yeah.

>> And you've got this lovely signature on here, which for a gentleman called Léon Kann... >> Right.

>> ...and he was active 'round 1895 to 1910-ish, I think.

>> Yeah, yeah, it's the right time.

>> And what I really love about it is that there's another mark on here which says "Siot Paris."

Now, I think that is a stamp for the Siot-Decauville foundry who were based in Paris.

This French foundry was world-renowned at the turn of the 20th century, casting fine bronze pieces for big names such as Cartier.

If you're looking to sell it at auction, I would hope that it would fetch at least £100.

>> No.

>> Yeah.

>> Really?

>> Yeah, for the dog bowl.

Let's send it to auction and find an art-nouveau collector that will absolutely cherish this.

And you will go and get to cuddle your grandson.

>> Oh, that's what I need, definitely.

>> And something tells me she won't mind parting with that one.

>> And out at the van, I've got some serious repair work to attend to.

That poorly piano stool.

Structurally, it's pretty sound.

However, we've got a broken arm here.

Something heavy has landed on there, and it's split.

It's a nasty break, but it's a clean break.

You can pretty much put the two broken pieces back together.

There's no missing chunks of wood, which is really handy.

So let's pop that arm off... [ Chuckles ] ...and see what we need to do.

This was originally hot animal glue.

It's a traditional glue that would've been used to make a lot of antique furniture.

A lot of this stuff wasn't really made for modern houses with central heating, where, next to a radiator or something like that, the glue really dries out and joints start becoming quite loose.

So job number one is to clean off that gunk.

Just using a chisel here to remove a lot of that crystallized old glue.

And I'll use a really small bit of sandpaper here just to smooth it off.

That means that when the glue is on and it's fully dried, you're going to get a really nice, tight bond.

And, of course, I'll need to do the same to the other side of the joint, and that split needs a bit of a cleanout, too.

I'm really going careful with the sandpaper and making sure I'm not removing any of the actual words, because if I start removing a lot of those bits, there's a high chance that it might not bond as well as I need it to.

And once those surfaces are free from old glue and dirt, we can get that arm reattached.

Now it's time to stick it in place.

It's quite nice that it's quite straightforward.

I mean, everything else structurally is fantastic on here, but it's integral that this is fixed properly because, you know, the arms take a lot of weight, people leaning on there.

So if there's any weakness and this isn't properly glued and clamped, it can break again.

So I've got my G-clamp here.

I'm actually just going to use this bit of rag here as a barrier.

That means I can put the clamp on and apply a lot of pressure, squeeze out all that excess glue without leaving any imprint from the clamp itself.

And when that's dry, it should be as strong as it was before the break.

And pretty invisible, too.

While we wait for that, let's go and see if Christina's spotted anything else.

[ Chuckles ] I thought I'd find you in here.

>> I'm having the time of my life.

>> I bet you are.

>> Did you see this chair?

What do you think?

>> That's a nice chair.

>> It's a cute chair, isn't it?

Very typically -- >> That's great.

It looks very comfortable.

>> You can sit on it, if you like.

Go on.

I dare ya.

>> There's a catch here.

>> [ Laughs ] Oh.

>> Hey, look at that.

>> No, go on.

Sit on it.

Sit on it.

Please sit on it.

[ Both laugh ] >> Okay, I'm not an expert in caning, but I can tell that's broken.

>> But I do think we need to make it at least vaguely safe.

Can you do that?

>> Personally, I can't, but I think I know someone who could help us.

>> I could see that making £50 to £80 when it's done.

>> Should I get them to look at this cushion, as well, or do we keep it as it is?

>> I would say I quite like the cushion as it is.

>> I think it's pretty cool.

>> I think it shows the age of the piece, I think it's great shape for the chair, but I do think we just need to make it kind of sound, don't we?

>> Well, I will take both with me.

>> Okay.

>> And I'll get some to have a look at it.

>> Marvelous.

>> I'll leave you with your toys, Christina.

>> Thank you.

>> [ Chuckling ] Okay.

>> Do you know anyone who fixes teddies?

>> No.

>> Aw.

Do you know anyone who fixes binoculars?

>> No.

>> Mm.

So another item on the list to get Jennifer and Richard a bit closer to their goal.

>> If we can clear shelves and get rid of things and have enough money to fly to America, to go to Tucson to see our grandson and to see our son, Edward, and his wife and the other grandchildren, it would be fabulous, but have to wait and see if anyone likes what we've gone off.

[ Chuckles ] >> Well, we found loads of things we like.

I've got the elegant piano stool and that funny, little coal box.

[ Chuckles ] That's pretty cool.

>> And I've been on a bit of an ornament hunt... Oh, that's upside down.

[ Chuckles ] ...rootling out an art-nouveau bronze bowl, an art-deco bronze figure, and a rather stern 18th-century carved head.

Go on, smile.

Smile for me.

Nothing.

>> We've had a lot of fun so far invading Jennifer and Richard's home.

What on earth is that?

>> That's nice.

And finding some really lovely things.

But to get our two on a plane to the States, we'll need some serious big-ticket items.

And Jennifer might just have something that fits the bill.

Ooh, is it time for tea?

>> No, it's not tea... >> Aw.

>> ...but these were in an old jewelry box I had upstairs.

>> Mm.

>> I'd like to know what you think of those.

>> Oh, my goodness.

Jennifer, wow.

There are some beautiful things here.

Absolutely beautiful.

Where have they come from?

>> Well, lots of my grandmothers and some of my great-grandmothers.

>> Jennifer's collection has everything from Victorian costume jewelry right up to strings of pearls and diamond-encrusted brooches, but it's a couple of rings that have really caught my eye.

You have got a diamond solitaire here.

Now, it is a beautiful stone.

It's got some lovely fire to it.

Let me just have a little look, see if we can assess that clarity.

It is quite a yellowy tint.

Now, what do we think carat-wise, Jennifer?

How big do we think it is?

>> I don't know how it works, but say nine.

>> "Nine."

[ Laughs ] >> No?

>> I love your eternal optimism.

[ Laughs ] >> Really?

>> I think it is probably somewhere between 2.25 and 2.5 carats.

I would suggest at auction you're probably looking somewhere in the region of maybe £1,500 to £2,000.

>> You're joking.

>> No.

No.

Now, you've also got here a really rather beautiful.

>> Is it a star ruby?

>> It is a star ruby.

Now, that's rather lovely, isn't it?

Also known as asterism, it's where the crystal structure of a gemstone forms in a way that reflects light in a star-shaped pattern.

Can you see the star?

>> Yes.

>> A natural star ruby would have a slightly wobbly star because the -- the -- the fibers, if you like, that make up the star aren't normally that straight in a natural ruby.

So I would suggest that, because the star is so uniform and it is right across the center of the stone, that it is probably a synthetic ruby.

>> You don't think it's a real one, and it's a million pounds?

>> Aw, I'd love it to be.

>> Just like to go first class to America.

[ Both laugh ] >> I would suggest we're probably looking at maybe £400 to £600.

It's still a beautiful thing, a really beautiful thing.

>> Good heavens.

>> And I would estimate the value of this entire trayful to be somewhere around the £3,000 to £5,000 region.

That could get to meet little Auric in style.

>> And out at the van, another member of the family has just turned up, one who lives a little closer.

>> Will?

>> Hi.

>> I've got someone here who wants to meet you.

He's got something for you to look at.

>> Hi, there.

>> Hi.

>> What's that?

>> It's a Peter Rabbit bookshelf.

>> This is my grandson, Cormack.

He wonders if you could have a look at that for him and see if there's anything you can do to spruce it up perhaps?

>> Peter Rabbit bookshelf.

That looks great.

How long has this been in the family for?

>> 68 years.

>> 68 years.

Do you know the history behind this?

>> My mum read it when she was little, and then I've read it before, as well, and so has my brother, sir.

>> So the whole family have been through it.

This is fantastic.

This bookcase was made to hold all 23 books by beloved children's author and illustrator Beatrix Potter.

I think just a little bit of soapy water will help remove the years of wear and tear to appeal to potential buyers.

It's really nice of Cormack to let this go to auction, and, hopefully, we can raise lots of money so you can all go to America to see your grandchild.

>> I don't think that that will be part of it.

That specifically, I think, will be a bit of pocket money for Cormack, and he has been promised that the proceeds would go to him.

>> Well, if you leave this with me, I'll get this cleaned up, and I'll get it ready for auction.

>> Thank you very much.

>> That'll go into the auction with everything else, but we'll make sure that whatever it makes heads to Cormack's pocket.

Now, whatever happened to that sorry-looking cane chair we found, Will?

>> It's headed just 25 miles up the road to the town of Wooler and the workshop of Kath Maley.

She's been restoring cane and rush furniture for decades, so she's just the person to take a peek at our dilapidated seats.

>> It had a hole in the back.

It had a hole in the seat.

It just looked a bit of a wreck.

>> However, Kath just can't let a chair in need go unrepaired, so she's set to work.

Caning is done using rattan, a vine that grows in Southeast Asia, which has to be soaked in water to make it pliable enough to weave with.

>> Cane's extremely strong.

It will take any amount of pressure as long as it's not point pressure.

So the only way you're going to break it, really, is, you know, something sharp hitting it.

>> Weaving the same pattern as the original chair seat is a six-step process.

Strips of cane not only go horizontally and vertically but diagonally in opposite directions, as well.

The seat should be strong enough to last another lifetime.

>> Once it's done, it's a potential heirloom.

The person who buys it can pass it on to their family.

Hasn't ended up in landfill.

It's just nice to see something that was broken repaired.

It's better to leave things better than when you found them.

It's satisfying.

>> And I can't wait to show the end result to Richard and Jennifer at the auction, along with the things I've been working on.

Just a few finishing touches to do, starting with that box.

Well, the glue is dried, and that patch fits really well.

Right, I'm going to give this a light sand-over, and I'm going to finish it off with a polish.

Sanding it down will just get rid of those knots and scratches on the top surface.

So when I apply a new coat of polish, it will give the wood a bit of protection and make that lid look as good as new.

And then just a bit of pigment mixed with polish will blend that new bit of wood into the old.

And once it's dry, you'll never know it was damaged.

Now, let's take a look at that piano stool.

With the broken arm now fixed and rock solid, I'm just going to give it a quick refresh.

>> Goodness, Will, what have you done?

>> "What have I done?"

>> That is beautiful.

And you've waxed it and -- >> And I've waxed and polished it.

Now that I fixed the broken arm... >> Yeah.

>> ...it's nice to know it's going to be used again.

>> That's so exciting.

>> [ Chuckles ] >> I'm almost emotional.

>> So this was -- was this your -- >> My father, every morning, he would play the piano, and then he'd push it back, so I think that was why it was broken.

And then my mother would pick up the back and kick it back in again.

>> Well, it sounds like this chair has a lot of history and stories behind it, and I'm sure it's going to have many more with whoever's going to buy it.

>> That's brilliant.

Thank you, Will.

Thank you so much.

>> Absolute pleasure.

>> That beautiful music stool, now it's restored, could fetch £20 to £30 on a good day.

Now, toasty warm inside... >> [ Humming ] Why do I always find the linen drawer?

Always manage to find the linen drawer somehow.

>> ...I'm having a last look through Jennifer and Richard's storage spaces.

You never know what forgotten treasures could be squirreled away in the back of a cupboard.

>> Well, we've got place mats.

Always useful.

>> Always, always useful.

An old ice cream tub.

Gosh, I remember them looking like this.

"Do not refreeze after thawing."

Oh, this looks interesting.

Now, this is full of little objects of virtue.

And I have a feeling that Jennifer might be able to tell me a little bit more about them.

>> Let's go and find the lady with the lowdown.

>> Jennifer, talk me through the contents of your tub.

>> The ice cream thing.

>> Do you know, we moved house and I put it in the cupboard and only found it a week, two weeks ago.

>> Oh, did you?

[ Laughs ] >> And it was so exciting opening it.

>> Well, what I find really exciting is that this was £1.09 when it was purchased.

[ Laughs ] And what's this?

>> Oh, that was my grandmother's.

I know that.

>> Okay.

What's the story behind that?

>> My grandmother was an amazing woman.

She was born in 1882, and she did everything earlier than every other woman.

Like driving a car.

But her father said, "You can't drive it till you can take the engine to pieces."

She took the engine to pieces, put it together again, and she taught herself to drive.

>> She sounds pretty wild.

>> She was.

>> So, are these her initials?

>> Yeah.

>> So, it's silver.

Now, do you know what it was for?

>> Matches?

>> Exactly.

It's what we call a vesta case.

You're absolutely right.

>> Vesta?

>> Vestas.

Yes.

And we've got a nice hallmark on the inside here, which is Birmingham, 1898.

>> Really?

>> Then "T-H" in a little heart, which is the maker's mark, which is Thomas Haynes.

So that's really rather sweet.

>> I could see that making £40 to £60 if Jennifer was happy to let it go.

>> Would you want to sell that?

>> Yes.

It's just sitting there.

>> Sitting in the ice cream tub.

>> Yes.

Which I didn't know was there till two weeks ago.

>> Magic -- we'll pop it towards the auction.

>> Wonderful.

Thank you.

>> So, I think we're done.

We've managed to collect a good number of really interesting items that I think will do well at the auction.

>> And with the things that have been fixed and spruced up, here's hoping we've done enough to get Jennifer and Richard that trip to the USA and the all-important first hug with their new grandson.

>> Richard and Jennifer, it's been an absolute pleasure to be with you today, so thank you so much for having us.

>> It's been wonderful.

I can't believe the things you've discovered.

[ Both laugh ] Thank you both so much.

>> We hope that we found some really, really lovely things for you.

And we will catch up with you at the auction.

I mean, you never know with auctions, but we're keeping everything crossed that we can get you over to America.

>> Look forward to it.

>> Brilliant.

We'll see you soon.

>> Take care!

>> Drive carefully.

Bye-bye.

>> Bye!

>> Am I driving?

>> No problems, Jennifer.

It'll be me behind the wheel.

I'm a very good driver.

>> Have you got another gear in there?

>> There we go.

>> Thank you.

Found it.

Found it.

>> Don't worry.

I'll keep him right.

>> A few weeks have passed since we last saw Richard and Jennifer.

And today we're taking their possessions off to auction.

>> Beautiful County Durham is our destination.

And isn't all this nature wonderful?

>> Sorry.

Pheasant.

>> Oh!

[ Both laugh ] You are quite easily distracted, aren't you?

>> I'm not!

If a pheasant is going to start shouting at me by the side of the van, I'm going to have a bit of a freak-out.

>> Has a pheasant ever shouted at you before?

>> A pheasant was just, like, giving me some grief a second ago.

>> Such a delicate soul, isn't he?

Not like the two adventure-loving antiques fans whose items we're selling today.

>> Do you think they might be coming to the auction in a hot-air balloon today?

It wouldn't surprise me with those two.

>> Imagine if they did.

>> Yeah.

>> Imagine if they did.

>> They could actually just be floating over the top of us right now.

They did have some particularly lovely jewelry, which I've got some really high hopes for.

>> Have you?

>> Mm, the jewelry market is very hot right now.

>> We're going to set our stall at the stunning Bowes Museum on the outskirts of Barnard Castle.

This magnificent building has a definite French look to it, and it's chock full of priceless art and objects of desire.

>> Exactly the same as our little van, then.

Time to get our pop-up auction popped up.

>> Thank you.

>> Yeah.

Got it.

>> You got it?

>> Yeah.

>> Mind your step.

>> Yeah.

Done.

Okay.

Alright.

>> I'm surprised you managed it in those boots.

>> [ Laughs ] >> This place welcomes up to 100,000 museumgoers each year.

So we're hoping that some of them will stop by to see our exhibits and maybe take one home with them, too.

>> Now, it looks like two very special visitors have just landed.

>> Oh, Jennifer and Richard!

>> Hey!

>> Hello!

>> How lovely to see you.

>> We've just brought you to Will's country house.

>> Oh!

[ Laughter ] >> Can't wait to see the workshop.

[ Laughter ] >> Well, should we head in?

>> That sounds super.

>> Let's do it.

>> Thank you.

>> First, a quick detour to the van on the way for a bit of a reveal.

>> What do you think?

>> It's beautiful.

>> Brilliant.

Yeah.

>> Absolutely beautiful.

>> And it gets better.

>> Oh, my goodness.

>> So this has been completely re-caned now, so you can actually sit on this without the risk of going through.

>> Absolutely beautiful.

Sit on it then, Will.

Prove it.

>> Shall I?

>> [ Laughs ] >> Ahh!

>> Look at that.

>> You'll never get me up now.

[ Laughter ] >> Don't get too comfortable.

There's work to do.

There are prospective punters finding seats here at the museum and a growing crowd of dealers and other bidders gathering online.

And we have Guy and the team from local auctioneers Thomas N. Miller looking after the phone and the Internet bids.

>> A huge welcome to you all to our auction here today.

>> There's 19 auction lots from Jennifer and Richard's collection.

So let's see if they make enough to get these two across the pond to meet their newest grandchild.

>> Yep.

Project Cuddles is a go, beginning with that grumpy-looking carved head.

And we've got bids on the book that already get us to our estimate.

And I have a bid here of £200 with my bidder here, at £200.

With me at £200, looking for £220.

At £200 with my bidder here.

At £200, looking for £220.

Otherwise I will sell to my bidder at £200.

>> A very nice start.

But he still hasn't cracked a smile, though.

>> Brilliant.

>> £200!

>> Next, Jennifer's grandmother's vesta case.

£40 to £60 was what Christina had on this.

>> We'll start me at £40 for this, for the silver vesta case here at £40.

Any interest at £40?

£30, then.

£30 for the silver vesta case.

Any interest at £30?

Can't be bad for a silver vesta case at £30.

At £30.

£20, then.

At £20.

Otherwise, we'll pass this.

We've got to get Jennifer and Richard off to America, but we will pass if there's no interest at £20.

>> That's as low as I'm going.

It's worth more for the silver content alone.

So for now, that heirloom is staying in the family.

>> Take it to America with us.

>> Now it's time for one of my fixes, that piano stool, lovingly restored.

>> £10 I have straightaway online.

At £10.

£15.

Thank you, madam.

At £15 is bid with the lady here at £15.

Looking for £20 now.

The bid is at £15.

I'm looking for £20, but I will sell to you, madam, at £15.

>> I think that lovely lady looks rather pleased with her purchase.

>> The main thing is, is that it did sell and it's actually going to be used by someone and not just have it hanging around in the corner of the house.

>> Now, we haven't got our couple on a plane just yet.

Let's see if that art deco figure can bring home the harvest.

>> At £300, anywhere?

At £300 for the bronze.

Looking for £200, then.

£200.

Bid me £200.

£200 I have.

Thank you.

£220 is here with me.

Looking for £240.

£240 with you, madam.

Thank you.

At £240.

Looking for £260 now.

At £240.

And selling, if we're all settled, at £240.

>> She gathered in a very pretty result, and there's plenty more pieces to go under the hammer... >> At £40 is bid online.

At £40.

Where's £45?

>> ...including that beautiful art nouveau bowl.

>> Jennifer thinks it's horrendous.

I think it's stunning.

Let's see what our bidders think.

>> Well, they thought it was worth... >> If we're all settled at £60.

>> But to get these two to America... >> Don't miss it for a bid.

Go on.

>> ...we're going to need some bigger results.

>> It's still creeping up, isn't it?

>> I don't think my little repaired coal box is going to do it, but here goes.

>> Multifunctional.

You put your afternoon tea on the top.

>> On a coaster.

>> On a coaster.

>> We'll start me at £20 for it.

It's had a touch of the Will Kirk's to it as well, for only £20.

At £20 anywhere?

£10, then.

£10.

Bid me someone, for the Baxter Box, at £10.

I can see you hovering at the back -- are you bidding?

Right at the back?

Yeah.

He's bidding.

There we go.

£10 is bid with you, sir, at the back.

Looking for £15 now.

But I will be selling it to you, sir, if there's no further interest, at £10.

>> Sold!

>> Well done, sir.

>> Thank you.

>> Got yourself a box.

>> And now it's smartened up, I'm sure it'll get put to good use.

>> And while you're up, let's see if that cane chair fares any better.

>> This chair has been sent off to be re-caned, and it's got this lovely cushion as well.

>> Is it safe to sit on it?

>> It is safe to sit on.

>> Go on, give us a demonstration.

Is it safe?

>> It is safe.

There we go.

>> There we go.

[ Laughs ] So, here we are.

Who will start me at £60 for it?

For the chair at £60 anywhere?

£60 is bid.

Thank you, madam.

At £60.

Just to clarify, Will doesn't come with the chair.

>> That's right.

[ Laughter ] >> Looking for £65 now.

Otherwise I will sell to the lady, if we're all settled, at £60.

>> I think it was the model that sold that one.

>> Right.

Time to break out the big guns.

Jennifer's jewelry collection, starting with that diamond solitaire ring valued at £1,500 to £2,000.

>> £1,500.

£1,600.

>> Oh!

>> £1,700.

£1,800.

£1,900.

£2,000.

>> Keep it going, keep it going.

>> £2,200.

£2,400.

£2,600.

£2,700.

>> Oh, my God, keeps going up.

>> £2,900.

At £3,000, I have.

£3,100.

£3,200 is bid.

At £3,200.

Determined bidding here online.

At £3,300, and I will sell if there's no further interest.

I'm selling at £3,300.

[ All cheering ] >> Amazing.

That is fantastic.

Are you pleased?

>> You've got one flight.

>> Am I pleased?

>> Are you pleased?

You can take myself and Christina with you now.

>> Just that one item has turned their trip of dreams into a reality.

>> £500, £600, £700, £800... >> And more of that beautiful jewelry is coming up trumps.

>> £1,200 is bid.

>> There's a diamond brooch estimated at £600 to £800.

>> At £1,600.

>> And a string of pearls that I thought could make £500.

>> Selling at £2,400.

>> And suddenly, our travelling saleroom is on fire.

>> Thank you.

>> I'm really cross with myself that I didn't spot that those pearls, I think, are natural, and obviously the price that they achieved, the buyers think they're natural, but that's just an auctioneer through and through.

I'm never satisfied.

[ Laughs ] >> Now onto the last jewelry item -- that beautiful star ruby ring valued by Christina at £400 to £600.

>> I'd like to open the bidding at £400.

Let's see if there's any bidding at £400.

My goodness.

£400, £500, £600, £700, £800, £900.

£1,000, I have.

At £1,100 is bid now.

£1,200, £1,300, £1,400.

They're back.

£1,500, £1,600.

Thank you.

£1,700, £1,800, £1,900.

£2,000 is bid.

>> Wow.

>> £2,000.

>> It looks like Christina has an online bidding war on her hands.

>> £2,500.

£2,600.

£2,700, I have online here.

£2,800, £2,900.

£3,000 is bid.

£3,100.

It's still climbing.

£3,200.

They're back.

At £3,200.

£3,300, their bid.

I'm looking for £3,400.

And I have it, at £3,400.

Fair warning at £3,400.

And selling at £3,400.

>> Oh!

>> What an incredible result!

>> Amazing!

>> I think they'll be travelling in style.

>> And finally, this one's for young Cormack, the Beatrix Potter bookcase.

>> And I'd like to open the bidding at £20.

£20 with the lady in pink.

Thank you.

£25, madam?

£25.

Thank you.

You're out.

At £25 I have at the very back of the room.

I'm looking for £30, but I will sell them if there's any further interest, at £25.

Thank you, madam.

Your number?

Thank you very much.

>> That little boost to Cormack's pocket money fund concludes our business for today.

>> And once we've worked up the totals, it's time to let Jennifer and Richard know just how much they've made.

And I think it might have outstripped all of our expectations.

>> Hello!

>> Hello.

>> [ Laughs ] >> Well, if I tell you that, after fees, today you made... ...£9,396... >> After fees?

>> ...and 30p.

>> Oh!

>> Okay, we're going to have to hold her up.

[ Laughter ] >> That's amazing.

>> So I think you're going to get to the States, guys.

>> Yeah.

>> Might get back again!

>> [ Laughing ] Yeah.

>> Thank you.

Oh, thank you both.

>> That's brilliant.

>> Thank you very, very, very much.

>> I think that's worth waking up a few people Stateside.

>> Hi, darling!

It's Mummy here.

>> We just rang up to quickly tell you how much we've made.

>> [Both] £9,396.30.

>> Wow!

That's incredible!

>> So can you get the spare room ready?

>> A success all 'round, I think, and a bit of an emotional roller coaster for all of us, that one.

>> Oh, my goodness.

I don't want to say goodbye.

>> Really?

>> Can I stay here?

>> You can if you want.

>> I think they might have a spare bedroom somewhere.

>> No, we've got to hit the road, I'm afraid.

Somewhere out there is another house that needs our help.

♪ ♪ ♪