VO: It's the nation's favorite antiques experts, with £200 each, a classic car and a goal - to scour Britain for antiques.

That hurts.

(SHE GASPS) VO: The aim?

To make the biggest profit at auction, but it's no mean feat.

There'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

You're a mean lot.

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

And there's always another auction, Mark.

VO: This is the Antiques Road Trip!

Yeah!

In this show two auctioneers called Mark are competing for the Road Trip laurel... VO: Mark Hales is a West Country ceramics specialist who made a bundle on a spectacular last-minute sale in the last leg... MARK HALES (MH): Yes!

Yes!

VO: While Brightonian Mark Stacey is a Road Trip veteran who has proven that his reflexes are as sharp as his eye for a bargain.

MARK STACEY (MS): Ooh!

VO: Well caught.

They both started with £200.

After suffering a mental breakdown... no, mutual losses in the first leg... (GAVEL) MS: (SIGHS) It was a tricky day wasn't it?

VO: ..Mark Hales has now managed to grow his cash pot to a respectable £213.76.

While Mark Stacey is trailing slightly with £200.70.

There's everything to play for on today's leg!

Oh yes.

VO: They're hitting the road in a Great British classic - the nippy Mark III 1968 Triumph Spitfire.

VO: This week, our pair of remarkable Marks will travel nearly 300 miles from Finedon in Northamptonshire through six counties of gorgeous Eastern England, to Colchester in Essex.

On today's show, they're driving from Risby in Suffolk, through Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, to their auction in the pretty market town of Diss.

Don't diss that!

VO: The leafy streets of Risby still speak of its storied medieval history.

Parts of the parish church of St Giles date from the Anglo Saxon and Norman periods.

Risby!

Do you know Risby?

Yes, it sounds like a breakfast cereal doesn't it?

VO: Well it's not.

It's a village.

Tut tut!

Our two Marks are getting on their marks to invade a pair of local antiques shops.

If they can agree on where to start.

Mark, come on!

Yes.

Listen, this is amazing.

It's big.

Two barns, lots of money, plenty of time.

Yes.

You go that way and I'll go this way because it's a long walk from here.

So I'm going to smaller one, am I?

Yeah you are.

See you later.

Lovely, thank you.

MS: Happy hunting.

MH: Good luck.

VO: Well that settles the matter.

Mark Stacey is striding off into Risby Barn Antiques Centre, where the congenial Richard will help.

Nice to meet you Richard.

(JANGLING) VO: Carefully.

What have we got here?

This is fun, this is... a lamp... which actually has got a Chinese vase as its central piece but the Chinese vase has been absolutely smashed - can you see it's riveted and cracked?

But then somebody has mounted it and this was mounted probably at the end of the 19th century.

Even though the vase is smashed it is still quite a decorative piece, it won't make a huge difference of course.

And they've already reduced it from 160 to 100.

I don't want to fiddle too much, it might fall apart.

VO: Hmm, is it the wisest purchase then, Mark?

MS: Oh what am I doing?

You should never buy damaged ceramics but don't you think it looks quite decorative?

I do.

That was a rhetorical questions for the viewers, my millions of adoring fans who listen to every word I say.

VO: Huh, sorry, what was that old boy?

I was miles away...

Anyway Mark's being doing some research and has discovered that their auction at Diss is a specialist art and antiques sale.

So what's his strategy?

It gives me a good opportunity to have a hunt around and maybe find something which is good quality.

If you get the right thing there, then it will sell well.

VO: As luck would have it, Richard has something that might fit the bill.

RICHARD: I had never seen something like that before.

MS: Oh gosh, that's sweet isn't it?

Undo it but be very careful because there's bits inside.

Does it undo like that?

Yeah, untwist.

Oh gosh, that little pair of dice.

VO: It's a miniature ivory egg containing two miniscule dice.

While it's illegal to deal in modern ivory items, things made of ivory that date from before 1947, like this object, can be traded.

On the ticket is £55.

It's a... almost like a little bronze fly on there... ..which has got little decorations on his wings and a little red face.

I can't see a mark for Faberge.

RICHARD: No, we couldn't find anything like that either.

VO: That might be a little over optimistic - and speaking of wild optimism... ..Richard's made a phone call to the dealers who are selling the ivory egg and the cracked lamp.

What kind of deal can Mark strike?

What is the lowest price on that little egg?

This little egg, I've had a quick word with him erm, and he will... rock bottom is going to be 30.

£30, OK. Well that's a reasonable price actually.

And what about that battered old lamp?

RICHARD: Well they would be quite pleased to see the back of it.

They can't give it away.

MS: No, I don't expect them to.

But they have actually said their rock bottom today as a special offer to you, cuz they knew it was you...

There we are, how about that?

..was £50.

£50.

It does seem reasonable, doesn't it?

Do you know what?

I'm going to go for it because I like them and I think they're interesting items and I think fingers crossed I might have a chance with them.

VO: Mean meanwhile, Mark Hales is next door in Past and Present, and seems so confident that he's just lounging around.

Ha!

I think I'll have a little sit down, gather my thoughts, get my head into gear.

Just thinking about a couple of things I've seen.

Rather nice here.

There's a big mixture.

I like it here.

VO: Come on, man!

You're not going to find anything lounging round there in your lilac trousers.

Not everyone could carry those off, Mark.

Natty though.

There's some very nice things here and there's some very reasonable prices.

Nice mahogany veneered sewing box.

I rather like that and it has a use and I do like anything that is useful.

Isn't that lovely?

I rather like that.

Nice color.

VO: He's going to go and speak to dealer Joe.

There's a bit of a gap on the top there.

Nice thing though.

Original condition, never been touched.

MH: It's lovely isn't it?

JOE: Yup.

See, I like that because it's got a use.

Can I get a profit on it?

What's the price?

Well the asking price is £80... MH: Is it?

JOE: Yeah, which isn't... No it's not silly.

A very fair retail price.

A trade price on that would be £65.

Yeah.

I think that I want to buy it as cheaply as I can.

Where are you trying to be on it?

£40.

Give me a profit wouldn't it?

At £40 it will show you a profit, must show you a profit.

I think so.

Thank you Joe, I'll have that.

MH: Thank you very much indeed.

JOE: That's fine, thank you.

It's wonderful and I've started.

Joe, you got the ball rolling.

VO: Smashing!

And you're off the starting block Mark.

On the other side of the shop, some candlesticks in the arts and crafts style have some appeal.

MH: Oh they're great, they're good fun aren't they?

See it's not my specialist subject but I love it.

Yeah.

VO: Items in the arts-and-crafts style - which flourished in the late 19th century - are today highly sought-after.

Candlesticks like these with copper and wrought metal are in the manner of WAS Benson - the premier maker of the period.

Do you know Joe, I really, really like those.

MH: I really like those.

JOE: Unusual.

Come on, get me really tempted.

Sometimes you... JOE: Retail on them was 95... Yeah that's what I'd want from them if I had them - that's fair enough.

JOE: So where would you... MH: 45 quid.

I'm going to get a profit after commission aren't I?

They're going to fly.

I could put them in at 50 but that would be it.

MH: £50?

JB: Yep.

Well we'll have those Joe.

Seems to be your number doesn't it?

MH: We'll have those, mate.

JOE: OK.

Thank you.

40 and 50 I've spent, that's brilliant.

Thank you Joe.

Just stick 'em on the side and I'll sort it.

I'm on a roll.

I'm having a good morning.

VO: The first two lots in the bag!

He's on a roll, a swiss roll.

VO: Now the two Marks are swapping shops - let's hope they can be as successful on the second round.

Listen, go and see Richard.

MS: He's a charming man.

MH: I will do.

Right, you go and see Joe, he's lovely.

MS: Lovely.

Wonderful.

MH: He's lovely.

Right, well, I'm on a roll, I'm on a roll, can't wait.

VO: Mark's having a browse... but can he spot anything the other Mark's missed?

Oh hello, Mark's put a trap out for me.

VO: Hmm.

He wanted me to fall right into that.

VO: Easy to miss that.

MS: Right into that cabinet.

VO: Now, Mark's spotted something.

It's a stained glass panel.

Can Joe shed some light?

Ha!

JOE: Came in yesterday.

It's made by a guy in Somerset - erm, John Yeo.

So it's quite modern then?

It's contemporary, yeah.

Well there's a crack there.

OK.

I mean, you've got 45 on that.

What's the lowest you would take for it?

If I cut that to the bone, it's 25.

MS: 25?

JOE: Yup.

OK, let's do it, are you happy with that?

Yeah, no, that's OK. Are you sure?

It shows me a small profit.

Well, let's do that because I think even if it doesn't make a profit it's a very interesting item.

It's a nice thing, a quality item.

It is.

VO: Mark Hales is browsing in the other shop.

And he's found something dear to his ceramics-loving heart.

Well that's rather nice in there.

Oh, she's missing her arm, what a shame.

There's an early Staffordshire group of the Welsh tailor's wife at the back and it's made by a potter called Obadiah Sherratt in about 1815, 1820.

VO: Staffordshire figures are earthenware pottery pieces made in Britain between the late-18th and mid-20th centuries.

MH: There is a pair to it as well and that's the Welsh tailor.

If we go back 20 years that was a very rare group in Staffordshire and it would fetch a couple of hundred pounds, that sort of thing.

That one is damaged, they often are, it's very soft pottery but it is restorable.

It's got £45 on it and that's a good price.

Richard, could I have a look at something in the cabinet?

Yep.

That's the one.

Thank you very much indeed.

Unfortunately, look, we've got an ear missing, we've got her whole arm missing, and we've got one little... One little baby missing... made up there.

What a shame!

The tail's broken off as well.

Oh, a lot of damage, I'm talking it down now aren't I?

MH: Do you know... DEALER: You're doing your best.

Yeah, no, but I've got to ask.

Well I'll need to phone the dealer just to make sure.

Could you ask them?

See what they can do for you.

Tell them about all the damage.

DEALER: I'm sure they realize.

MH: Tell them I like it.

but I'll only have a go if it's £15 because I could come a cropper with it.

VO: Staffordshire pieces can be highly collectable, but the damage will make it less desirable to a specialist.

MH: Oh Richard.

DEALER: Alright?

Any luck?

I'm not expecting any luck but you know... DEALER: She couldn't go 15.

MH: No.

But she said she would let it go at what she paid for it, 20.

Well you know, that's really decent of her.

You know, I can't quibble at that, she's being very fair isn't she?

Yes, I think we'll have a go at that.

Thank you Richard.

Will you thank the lady for me?

DEALER: Very definitely.

MH: Thank you very much.

We'll have a go.

I like it.

VO: Marvelous.

Ceramics experts Mark makes a specialist buy.

And on they roll...

They're back on the road and driving the 23 miles from Risby to Ely, Cambridgeshire.

After his bumper morning of buying, Mark Stacey is off for a wander around the ancient local landmark, Ely Cathedral.

Ely is one of the smallest cities in England.

Its ancient name commemorates the importance of eel-catching to the city and the surrounding Fens.

Mark's meeting cathedral guide, Michael.

Hello.

Michael?

Yes, hello Mark.

How are you?

Very well thank you and you're very welcome to Ely Cathedral.

I'm delighted to be here.

It's pretty spectacular isn't it?

Amazing, amazing.

I bet the inside is much more interesting than the outside in some ways.

Yes, let me show you.

VO: Ely Cathedral is dedicated to St Etheldreda, the Saxon princess who founded the abbey here in the year 673.

Work began on the present cathedral in the 11th century.

The glorious Norman building survives, but there have been some modifications over the years.

We're now coming into our octagon tower.

Oh right, OK.

Which replaces the Norman tower which stood on this spot for something like 200 years but fell in February 1322.

Good lord.

And created a great hole in the center of the cross of the building.

But with great enterprise Allen of Warsingham, our sacrist at the time, rebuilt the tower much wider than before, for extra security.

But the really impressive bit is the way the wooden roof has been created - it's an entirely new style for the 1300s.

MS: Really?

MICHAEL: Yes.

The lantern in the middle is made of eight enormous oak trees standing on end, 63 feet long.

MS: Well it looks pretty spectacular up there, doesn't it?

VO: For a better look at the cathedral's stunning octagon tower they're climbing up to the heavens.

MS: How many steps?

MICHAEL: About 165.

MS: Oh right, OK.

I'm looking forward to this.

VO: Are you sure Mark?

MICHAEL: Perhaps your knees won't.

No.

Wow!

And now we're in the roof space.

And then you can walk right round it?

You can walk right round and more spectacularly you can open these doors... Wow!

..and you can get to look down into the church.

Oh good Lord!

Gosh!

It really is quite spectacular, isn't it?

They are beautiful when you get up here, aren't they?

VO: These paintings were added during a 19th century restoration of the cathedral.

The work was completed in 1864.

But there's yet another part of the magnificent cathedral to explore.

I'd like to take you into our Lady Chapel.

The largest in Britain, the widest vaulted ceiling then attempted - that was in the 1400s, the early 1400s.

I mean looking around, all this wonderful carving.

It's carved in a very soft white stone - it's a hard form of chalk called clunch.

Oh right.

You'll notice that it's very seriously damaged.

MS: It is, you can see that.

All the heads are missing.

MICHAEL: We think that at the time of the reformation under the orders of the Bishop Goodridge, somebody went round, possibly on horseback and simply knocked all the heads of the saints.

VO: During the Reformation of the 1500s, many of Britain's religious icons were destroyed in the belief that they were ungodly.

The chapel has one last unique property that Michael's keen to share.

The acoustics here are really rather special.

It's such a big enclosed space that it produces a seven second echo.

MS: Really?

MICHAEL: If I clap my hands you can get some impression.

Gosh.

That's quite spectacular isn't it?

Michael, thank you so much.

I've had a wonderful afternoon, I've learnt so much.

I will need to rest well tonight after those stairs but I wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Thank you very much for your time.

Thank you Mark.

Goodbye.

VO: Mark Hales is keen to do more shopping, and has driven the 29 miles north to Kings Lynn in Norfolk.

VO: The port was a vital center of England's medieval sea trade.

It became known as Lyn Regis - King's Lynn - during the reign of Henry VIII.

This afternoon, Mark's heading towards the Granary Antiques Centre, where he's meeting dealer Patrick.

Hello Mark.

Would it be OK if I had a look around?

Yes, by all means.

Tiara stand - I like that.

White star labels.

Ah, the Desert Rat Sketch Book, how lovely.

Now I've sold one of these, quite a long time ago but I can't remember how much I sold it for.

But look at this - isn't it lovely?

Written and illustrated on the spot in full color by Clifford Saber.

VO: Clifford Saber was an American volunteer to the British army in World War Two.

He served as an ambulance driver in the North African campaign.

He was a talented amateur artist and published his moving sketchbook recording his experiences.

MH: It's just caught my eye because it's World War Two and militaria's very strong at the moment.

Patrick, isn't that lovely?

DEALER: It is.

First edition and it's in very good order.

That's lovely, I do like that.

VO: The ticket price is £55.

Is there any possibility it can be £25?

DEALER: No.

MH: Does that work for you?

DEALER: No...

It's too... MH: It's too low.

Fair enough.

So what is your very bottom line on it?

I'm asking 50 - the very best I would take is 35... Yeah, see, I think that's a jolly good buy.

Let's not mess about.

Yes.

35?

£35 Patrick.

Thank you.

DEALER: Excellent.

MH: Thank you.

DEALER: You've got a good buy there.

Thank you Patrick.

I hope so.

Thank you very much indeed.

Right thank you again.

Thank you.

Bye-bye Patrick.

VO: And with that quality buy, the curtain falls on another hectic day of road tripping.

Night-night, chaps.

But our boys are early birds!

And morning finds them back in the Spit and raring to go.

MH: Do you know, I suspect you bought rather well yesterday.

MS: Ooh, well shall we say all will be revealed?

(THEY CHUCKLE) VO: So far, Mark Hales has spent £145 on four lots: the arts-and-crafts candlesticks, the 1920s sewing box, the rare but damaged Staffordshire figure and the World War Two first edition.

He has £68.76 left to spend.

Mark Stacey, meanwhile, has spent £105 on three lots: the unusual miniature ivory egg, the stained glass panel, and the lamp adapted from a Chinese vase.

He still has a generous £95.70 left.

MS: We're still in Norfolk now, aren't we?

MH: Yes we're in Norfolk and we're quite near to the sea.

MS: Oh are we?

MH: Yes indeed.

VO: Of course you are!

They're heading for the costal town of Sheringham, where Mark Hales is keen to visit the town's Fisherman's Heritage Centre.

Sheringham's long history as a fishing town means the local people have always had a powerful connection to the sea - and a respect for its dangers.

Mark's here to meet John from the Sheringham Society, who's going to introduce him to one of the town's celebrated heroines.

Oh my word.

This is huge.

I'm Mark.

Hello Mark.

I'm John.

How do you, John?

How do you do?

Have you seen anything like this before?

This is huge.

VO: This lifeboat - the Henry Ramey Upcher or HRU - was named after the family that donated it to the town.

It was a private lifeboat - one operated by the townspeople rather than the RNLI.

This is the third lifeboat that was provided by the Upcher family for the town of Sheringham.

VO: Built by local shipbuilder Lewis "Buffalo" Emery in 1894, the boat was an essential lifeline for the mariners of the Norfolk coast.

Is this a particularly treacherous part of the coast?

It is a treacherous part of the coast and way back in the 1890s there was a huge amount of sea traffic because the sea was used to carry cargo to a lot greater extent than it is today.

And the boats that were carrying that cargo, most of them would have been sailing boats, wooden sailing boats, totally at the mercy of the elements.

VO: Extraordinarily, the boat would be taken out in treacherous conditions, powered only by brave men at her oars.

If you want to get a feel of it let's climb in.

Oh yes please.

Yes please.

VO: The lifeboat would have taken a crew of 28 men, with 16 of them rowing her through the sea.

MH: Is this an oar here?

JOHN: That is an oar.

Let me feel the weight of that.

Ooh!

That weighs about 22lb.

Oh John, I'm already uncomfortable.

Um, I've... You know...

Frankly I don't think I would have been much help.

I think I'm going to stick to auctioneering.

That is so heavy.

Tell me, John, please, who manned these boats?

Who were these men?

The men who manned this boat were the local fishermen of Sheringham.

They were risking their lives to save other people.

VO: Over her working life, the HRU rescued 202 people, leaving an incredible legacy.

This went on right up until the 1930s?

In 1935, the RNLI acquired a motorized lifeboat and obviously a motorized lifeboat is going to be much easier to use.

That was when this boat was no longer required and so it was laid up in the shed but there was a huge amount of affection for this boat.

The fishermen loved this boat and so they wanted to keep it.

So she was a bit special, wasn't she?

She was very special indeed.

They looked after her.

They looked after her, we now look after her and people love to come and see.

She was retired gracefully.

She was indeed.

VO: And she continues to keep the stories of the brave men of Sheringham alive today.

Thank you so much John.

You're very welcome.

What a wonderful, wonderful boat and what a wonderful story.

VO: Meanwhile, Mark Stacey still has a princely £95.70 burning a hole in his pocket, so he's heading for the town of Holt.

Holt sits at the crossroads of two ancient byways.

Its name derives from the Anglo-Saxon word for copse, or woodland grove.

Mark's on his way to Mews Antiques where an eager welcoming committee awaits.

Good morning.

Ooh.

A trio of lovelies.

How are you?

I'm Mark.

Nice to meet you.

This is Diane.

MS: Hello Diane.

DAVID: And this is Kim.

Kim, nice to meet you, and you are?

DAVID: My name's David.

MS: David.

VO: With his magpie eye for a shiny object, Mark's spotted a right pair of silver spoons.

And where did you get these from Diane?

Erm... from a...

If you don't mind me asking.

It came from a private home.

MS: Oh did it?

DIANE: Yes.

Well they've got little family initials, a B and a K. Yes.

I don't suppose you have an eye-glass do you David, by any chance?

Well that's got a date on it, 1820... DIANE: David must've...

I think David told me... And the other one has 1870 and David's got the eyeglass... Oh, a big eyeglass.

Do you mind if I take them outside if I MS: promise not to do a runner?

DIANE: Not at all.

Not at all.

Thank you.

VO: I'm watching you, Stacey...

I mean these are quite nice spoons.

I think this is what you would call a serving spoon.

This is more sort of a basting spoon for basting your meats.

I mean they're both solid silver and this one is indeed Victorian, we've got a Victoria's head on there, we've got a gothic M, hallmarked for London.

The nice thing is, they're in good condition, there's not a lot of ware on the bowl of the spoon.

They're nice items but together they're priced up at £113.

Now I don't have £113 but they are quite nice items actually.

Oh the decisions of it all, honestly.

VO: I know, it's all such a trial dear!

Better get inside and see what sort of deal you can strike.

Right, DDs - Diane and David - I know you're sharing these, aren't you?

DIANE: Yes.

MS: I do quite like them.

The question is, how much can I get them for?

Best we could do them for is £80.

£80.

It is tempting.

Would you take 75 for them then?

BOTH: Yes.

(THEY CHUCKLE) We've got a deal and a little kiss, I think.

I won't kiss you David but shake your hand.

Thank you very much.

VO: In unison, the deal with D and D is done!

They're back in the car and heading for the city of Norwich.

Norfolk's county town has seen plenty of tumult over its long history: in the year 1004, it was sacked by Swein Forkbeard - ha!

- King of Denmark, who later ousted King Ethelred the Unready.

Mark Hales though is ready for Treasure Chest Antiques Centre.

Pleased to meet you, Pasquale.

Would it be OK if I had a look around?

Please do.

Lovely.

Thank you very much indeed.

Haven't spotted anything yet.

I'm looking for... antiques.

VO: By Jove, I think he's finally got it.

A striking item in the corner catches Mark's eye.

MH: What are these scales all about here?

Aren't they wonderful?

Merchant traveler scales.

They're really nice.

And what sort of price are they?

DEALER: He's got 110.

MH: Has he?

DEALER: 110 on them.

MH: I love those - don't you?

And what sort of date?

I think he said 1940s.

They look '40s and a nice oak stand and the brass trays.

Do you know, I think they're such fun, aren't they?

And it's got the case with it too.

That's the case?

That is the case.

The box?

The original box?

Original, yes.

I wonder if he would sell those for as little as £68.76 pence which is to the penny that I have left.

Do you think we could ask him just for the hell of it?

He might've bought them really well.

DEALER: Yes.

MH: He might've bought...

I'll just give me a ring if that's OK?

I'd be grateful.

He says for you the best he could do is 85.

Aw.

I haven't got 85.

He hasn't got 85, Leslie.

I genuinely haven't, it's the last money I've got and I desperately want to beat my competitor.

What's the best for you?

I've got exactly £68.76 left.

DEALER: Deal done sir.

65.

MH: Thank you.

OK, thank you.

VO: Hurrah!

I bought some scales.

DEALER: There you go.

MH: Yes!

(CHUCKLES) VO: Easily pleased.

Spent up to the very last penny Mark.

Well done.

DEALER: See you again soon.

Bye.

MH: Bye.

VO: A 10-minute walk away, Mark Stacey's at Elm Hill Collectables, and meeting dealer Paul.

PAUL: Hi.

MS: I'm Mark.

VO: Huh!

Mark's now down to the very last of his cash.

I've already bought... Why don't you tell me how much you've got and we can narrow the field down a bit.

Well do you want to know exactly what I've got?

PAUL: Yes.

I've got £20 and 70p.

And 70p... And that 70p is going to be my clincher this week, I think, actually.

VO: Hope springs eternal, Mark.

And now he's spotted an antiquity that's just a shade out of his price range: an early-Christian cross that's priced up at £2,495.

My God, isn't that amazing?

PAUL: Heavy as well.

MS: It is actually isn't it?

So what date is this?

PAUL: Obviously it is Byzantine, so it's post Roman, so you're talking - what?

- 6th, 7th century AD.

I mean, the quality is very good isn't it?

The lovely decoration is wonderful.

If it was 24.95, I could almost have bartered you down but I think even with my legendary bartering skills, I don't think we're going to get to £20.70 somehow.

Thank you for showing me that.

That's fine.

VO: Mm.

You better cast your eyes somewhere else.

MS: Well, I've spotted three little miniature plates down there and I used to like collecting these sort of things.

That's lovely.

VO: Huh!

These small plates are called creamware.

There's a little dinner plate and two little meat platters.

And they are quite nice, cuz they've got this little feathered edging there and these would have been made for a child to put in their doll's house.

VO: Creamware was an earthenware pottery first made in the 1740s.

MS: I think they're rather sweet actually.

You've got them marked up at 28.

PAUL: Mm-hm.

MS: What would you take for them?

I'll take your 20.70 so at least I can clean you out totally.

Well, let's do it.

£20.70.

PAUL: Right, no problem.

VO: Well, blow me down!

Both Marks have managed to blow their entire budgets!

The boys have repaired nearby for the great unveiling of their buys!

Right then Mark.

Let me show you what I bought.

I can't wait.

Seems like you've bought half of East Anglia.

I've got an Obadiah Sherratt Welsh tailor's wife.

MH: Isn't it lovely?

MS: Lovely.

1820.

It's in a sorry shape but it was only £20.

I love it.

Do you know what I really like about it, is the colors and the sort of naive faces.

I love her rouge.

MH: She's lovely, isn't she?

It is actually a rare figure.

I think it's really nice thing actually.

I love it.

Well done.

Thank you for that.

VO: High praise, despite the damage.

Two rather nice arts-and-crafts candlesticks.

Here we are.

Oh no, those are interesting aren't they?

I love the handle.

Those could do quite well.

It's a very good choice.

VO: Marvelous.

And Mr Stacey's taken with something else too.

What did the scales cost you?

Well that was rather exciting because I was down to my last £68... MS: Mm-hm.

MH: ..and 76 pence.

MS: (LAUGHS) And that's what they cost.

MS: I think they're fabulous.

MH: So do I.

Thank you.

I think they are amazing, wacky, out of this world.

I adore them, I absolutely adore them.

So do I.

Would you like to see mine?

I would, please.

Mark, I'm going to be very delicate as there's one or two fragiles.

MH: Right.

VO: You're never less than delicate, Mark.

Now, what do you think?

Well, I do... no, I like these, I like these a lot.

I like the stained-glass window.

I like the Chinese vase.

Cuz it's wrecked, it's absolutely stapled to heavens.

It's very decorative.

But I love the sort of Japanesque mounts on it.

Well, the panel is modern.

Right.

It's by John Yeo of Somerset.

Oh I see.

Late 20th century and in good condition apart from one crack on one of the panes.

That is absolutely beautiful.

I love it to bits and that is such an auction piece isn't it?

I mean, that is wonderful.

MS: £25.

MH: Oh goodness me!

VO: Steady on lads, this is becoming quite the love-in.

What do you think of my little creamware miniature plates?

I love them to bits.

VO: Can ceramics expert Mark Hales cast any light on the mini plates?

Aren't they super?

Probably Leeds.

They're more likely to be late 18th than early 19th.

Do you know, these miniatures you do not find these any more.

You don't see them often.

They're fabulous.

To find two... a graduated meat plate and a little soup plate.

I bet you picked those up for nothing, haven't you?

I had £20 and 70p left...

I knew it.

I knew it!

And I spent it on the three plates.

What a bargain.

£20 and 70p.

And you've spent every penny?

Every penny.

Oh-ho-ho!

That's great.

I've matched you this time.

You certainly... that's wonderful.

VO: Well - on the face of it - they're both being too kind.

But what do they really think?

I think he's done really well this time.

I don't like the clobbered Chinese vase.

The creamware plates - to die for.

You just don't see them any more.

I think we both bought very well and I think we're going to have a very exciting auction and I think we're going to make up for a lot of lost time.

You cannot pin him down.

He definitely has the eye for the unusual.

I mean, who would have thought he'd find that fabulous set of scales in their original box for £68.

On top of that a pair of arts-and-crafts copper-and-brass candlesticks.

You know, every turn that man pulls something out of the bag.

I've got to keep on my toes.

VO: Hmm!

VO: Today, our pair of Marks have taken the scenic route through lovely East Anglia, from Risby in Suffolk to Diss in Norfolk.

The weekly market in picturesque Diss dates further back than most: it was first granted a charter by Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century.

Let's hope our lionhearted lads can take a leaf from his book as they prepare to do battle!

MS: Here we are, Mark, at the auction.

Let the excitement begin!

VO: The Diss Auction Rooms have been central to the town for over a century and a half.

This busy saleroom hosts over 70 auctions per annum.

Fresh-faced auctioneer and valuer Edward Smith is in the rostrum.

But before the first gavel-strike, what does he think of the two Marks' buys?

My favorite item of all of them is basically the little charm egg.

It's a sweet item also having an insect on it, which people are very interested in, and so I think it's just such a nice item that it's my favorite and hopefully it will do really well.

VO: Marvy!

Mark Hales started this jaunt with £213.76.

He spent that entire amount on five lots.

While Mark Stacey began this leg with £200.70.

He also spent right up to the hilt, and has five lots to show for it.

Take it away, Edward!

VO: First up, we have Mark Stacey's stained-glass panel.

Can he see his way clear to a profit?

50, 50 bid, where's the five?

Five, 60, five, 70, five, 80.

EDWARD: Shakes his head.

MS: Come on...

Bit more.

We are selling here for £80.

VO: And they're out of the gate.

It's better than nothing, isn't it?

What do you mean, better than... That was a jolly good start.

VO: Oh indeed.

Do cheer up, Mark.

Now, Mark Hales's candlesticks.

20's bid, 20, who's a two?

It's a start here at 20, two, five... That's ridiculous.

Eight, 30.

30 is bid, 30 is bid.

Is there two?

We're selling here at £30.

VO: It seems that the arts-and-crafts style is not to this crowd's taste.

What a shame.

To be honest, I think that was very disappointing.

I'm sorry for you actually.

VO: Now, Mark Stacey's bonny but battered lamp.

Who wants this for 30, 30 is bid, 30 is bid, is there two?

EDWARD: It is a low start at 30.

MS: Come on.

32, 35, 38, 40, 42, 45, 48, 50?

EDWARD: 50 is bid, 50 is bid.

MS: Come on, a bit more.

Is there five?

We will sell at the £50.

Are we all done?

Oh, you mean lot.

VO: A mean lot - in every sense.

It's a small loss with the commission, it's fine.

It's hardly good, is it Mark?

VO: Ha!

Temper, temper.

Marks Hales next.

I have interest, I have to start in at the £30.

EDWARD: 30 I have.

Two?

MS: Come on.

32, 35, 38 and 40.

42, 45, 48 and 50.

Five, 60, five, 70, five... That's better.

..five, 80, five, 90.

Five.

95 is standing.

95 I have, is there 100?

Sell at 100... new bidder, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150... VO: And it's flying.

EDWARD: 150 is bid, 150 I have, is there 60?

We sell at £150.

VO: What a profit.

Let's hear it for the desert rats.

Yes!

I was right to be worried, Mark.

I was right to be worried, wasn't I?

Do you know, I was so happy then I nearly kissed you.

VO: There's no need to get over familiar.

But that has put Mark Hales in a spectacular lead.

But can he repeat the trick with his sewing box?

£20, 20 is bid, 20 is bid, who's a two?

22, 25, 28.

We sell away at £28.

(GAVEL) VO: Sadly, that sale was not stitched up.

I'm sorry, I liked all your other things, but I didn't like that.

VO: Oh, now you tell us.

Right, one for you, Mark Stacey.

The miniature creamware plates.

20 I have, who wants two?

It is a start here at 20, two, five, eight, 30.

Two, five, eight, 40.

Two, five, eight, 50.

Want one more?

It's 50 bid, 50 bid, is there five?

Come on, one more.

Be nice.

Are we done?

VO: The miniscule plates serve up a substantial profit.

MS: Well, I'm pleased with that.

MH: Good.

Well done, Mark.

Good.

No, that's not bad, is it?

£50.

That's respectable, yeah.

VO: And Mark Stacey's upped his game!

Now, the outsize scales for Mr Hales.

Who wants these for £50?

30 is a start, who's a two?

32, 35, 38, 40, 42...

This is not looking very good.

..48.

Is there 50?

We're selling all the time at £48.

Are we all done?

VO: With that, Mark Hales' lead now hangs in the balance.

Well, I'm surprised, Mark.

I don't know what to say.

I'm really surprised by that.

I would've happily paid 120, 130 all day long for them.

VO: Can his Staffordshire figure secure his win, or will the damage be the death of it?

Erm, I'm just going to start him here just at the £15 for this one.

15 I have, who's 18?

It is the £15, 18, 20, two, five, eight, 30.

30 is bid.

Little bit more, little bit more, please.

..£30, are we all done?

VO: Not a loss.

Well, it's a profit.

I have to say, £30 for half a figure is not bad.

MH: (LAUGHS) VO: So it's all down to Mark Stacey's last two lots.

First, will the silver spoons augur wealth?

65 I have, where's 70?

EDWARD: It is here at 65... MS: Come on.

MH: It's OK. EDWARD: 70, five, 80, five, 90, five, 100, 110, 120, 130.

140 I have.

Is there 50?

We're selling for £140.

Are we all done?

VO: Oh, precious metal indeed!

Mark Stacey has suddenly stolen the lead!

Well done, well done.

We thought that, though, didn't we?

Yes.

That was £65 profit.

That was good.

VO: And finally, auctioneer Edward's favorite - the miniature ivory egg.

Can this confirm Mark Stacey's victory?

I have interest on the sheet.

I have to start in here at the £40.

MS: Ooh, I'm in profit.

MH: There you go.

42, five, eight, 50.

Five, 60.

Good.

Five, 70, five, 80.

EDWARD: Five, 85... MH: Keep going, why don't you?

Is there 90?

I will sell here for £85.

Are we all done?

VO: The mini egg turns out to be a lucky charm, and Mark Stacey has stolen triumph at the very last second!

£85, Mark.

Well done, very good price.

Well done, Mark.

It was a top price, I think, MS: 85, for that.

MH: Very good.

VO: Mark Hales started this leg with £213.76.

Today, after paying auction costs, he pocketed a modest profit of £20.76, leaving him with £234.52 to carry forward.

Mark Stacey began this leg with £200.70.

After making a smashing profit of £131.40, he now has a generous £332.10 to be going along with.

MS: You're not too disappointed, are you?

MH: No, I think best forgotten.

Can't win 'em all.

But yes, I was disappointed.

But worse things happen at sea.

MS: They do, and there's always another auction, Mark.

VO: Sail on, chaps, sail on!

On the next Antiques Road Trip, our chaps are in with a sporting chance.

I'm probably talking a load of BOWL.

VO: As long as they don't panic, Mr Mainwaring!

I'm not saying anything.

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