[UPBEAT MUSIC] TIM WONNACOTT: It's the nation's favorite antiques experts-- Yeah.

Super cool.

How about that?

TIM WONNACOTT: --behind the wheel of a classic car.

[LAUGHTER] And a goal to scour Britain for antiques.

The aim, to make the biggest profit at auction, but it's no mean feat.

They'll be worthy winners-- Yes!

TIM WONNACOTT: --and valiant losers.

Blast it.

TIM WONNACOTT: Will it be the high road to glory or the slow road to disaster?

Oh.

There's something wrong with the car.

TIM WONNACOTT: This is the "Antiques Road Trip."

Yeah, baby.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Welcome to the glorious Peak District, stunning views, even when wet.

Doesn't that look beautiful down there?

Is that a lock?

No, it's not a lock.

What a gorgeous lock at the foot of that glen.

TIM WONNACOTT: You can take the girl out of Scotland, eh?

Our two mountain goats, Natasha Raskin Sharp and Philip Serrell have hit the midpoint of their trip, and the Sunbeam Alpine is living up to its name today-- the Alpine bit, not the sunbeam.

And we're quite high up.

We're peaking.

We peaked.

I peaked a long time ago.

I peaked yesterday.

Oh, did you ever.

But the thing is-- I thought we talked about that.

TIM WONNACOTT: Quite right.

Last time out, our Phil got a proper drubbing at the auction.

Do you know what?

I really shouldn't have bought this.

TIM WONNACOTT: While Natasha sparkled with one piece of glass.

You do not like this one bit.

It feels really good.

Hey, maybe that's my thing though-- glass.

Yeah.

All right.

OK.

Thank you very much.

Do you say glass or glass?

Glass.

I say glass.

I have a bath.

I don't have a bath, do I?

Oh, you're reeking of class.

TIM WONNACOTT: That'll just be all the fresh country air, girl.

Phillip's fortune's crumbled a bit, and he's now left with a little over what he started with at 208 pounds and 44 pence.

But Natasha leapfrogged into the lead, and she's now sitting pretty on 273 pounds and 80 pence.

So you're about 70 quid ahead of me now, aren't you?

(SINGSONGY) Feels pretty good.

TIM WONNACOTT: Makes you want to sing, doesn't it?

Maybe not.

They started their trip in Lincolnshire, and now they're heading up the middle along the Pennines.

They'll eventually end up at a final auction in the west at St. Annes on Sea.

This leg will end up at an auction in York, but we begin this jaunt in the Derbyshire town of Chesterfield.

Famed for its crooked spire, the town was once home to such luminaries as philosopher and naturalist Erasmus Darwin and strongman Geoff Capes, who also kept budgerigars.

And it's where our Natasha, sans Phil, finds her first shopping opportunity at the Chesterfield Antique Center.

Hello.

Hi.

Hello.

Natasha, lovely to meet you.

Wendy, nice to meet you.

Wendy, this place looks cavernous.

TIM WONNACOTT: Its cabinet city in here, and when you've got so many precious things under one roof, it's always wise to have a little extra security.

Meet Tinkerbell.

She looks vicious.

Where did you come from?

[GROWLING] Oh, you're-- oh, you're growling.

Are you purring or growling?

TIM WONNACOTT: She's not a cat, Natasha.

I don't know dogs very well.

I don't think growls are good.

Sorry.

Sorry, darling.

TIM WONNACOTT: She's got your number, girl.

Best keep your nose clean.

There are loads of controversial items in the antique's trade.

Ivory is one of them.

Rosewood is another.

And coral is a very gray area.

Here we have very white coral.

In fact, it's been bleached and scrubbed clean, and I would say that's the perfect indication that this is Victorian.

A lot of Victorian British researchers went to places like New Zealand and Australia and went to the reefs, and they did sort of hack these off.

[SIGHS] But then it's a moral quandary because corals are living things.

Legally, could I sell these at auction?

Yes.

Is there a chance that at 60 pounds for four, maybe with a discount, these could make money?

Yes.

But is there a chance that I would feel bad about it?

Yes.

TIM WONNACOTT: Should you find something a bit less contentious then?

There was a bit of pottery actually over here, Troika pottery from the southwest from Cornwall.

TIM WONNACOTT: I think you may be on safer ground with that.

Founded in the '60s, lasted for a couple of decades if I remember correctly.

Three people founded it.

Their names escape me.

TIM WONNACOTT: Leslie Illsley, Jan Thompson, and Benny Sirota started the studio in 1962 in St. Ives.

The name is Russian for set of three.

This artist, Anne Lewis, was one of their artists, and her work is usually centered around circles.

And here, we have a band of circles around a very cylindrical, straightforward, stylish pot, almost earthen colors, and that's why I really like it.

There's nothing garish about this at all.

It's very, very, very subtle, but there are a few less than subtle imperfections in the design.

We have big scores down, which definitely would have happened in the kiln.

There are mistakes, but 48 pounds is quite a keen price for a piece of Ann Lewis.

To my taste, she's the top of the class.

TIM WONNACOTT: Let's have a chat with Wendy then.

Tinkerbell is having a nap, so you should be OK.

I've kind of fallen in love with a piece of Troika.

Does that belong to-- which particular dealer?

That's mine.

OK. OK.

This is face-to-face battle.

TIM WONNACOTT: Careful.

Watch out for the dog.

Wendy, are you willing to do a bit of negotiating on the Troika?

So normally, 10% off.

Take a fiver off 43 three.

I could come down to 40.

Am I risking it if I say 36?

Am I pushing it?

We'll go 36.

- 36?

- Yeah.

- Are you sure?

- Yeah.

OK. That's no problem.

Well, Wendy, in that case, I'll shake your hand.

TIM WONNACOTT: And with that, we're off to the races.

Let's grab it on the way out.

Oh, it has a wee tiny chip, but the deal is done.

Why did I not look at that earlier?

What a plonker.

TIM WONNACOTT: Whoopsie.

Always check the merchandise.

Off with you then.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Philip, meanwhile, has opted not to hit the shops just yet.

He's headed deep into the Peak District to the hills just outside Castleton.

There are some stunning views to be taken in, but Phil's here to find out what lies beneath.

Welcome, Philip.

Welcome to the Blue John Cavern.

TIM WONNACOTT: Graham Ollerenshaw's family have owned the cavern since the 1920s.

It's a popular tourist attraction, but it's also a working mine for one of the rarest minerals in the world-- Blue John.

It's kind of fluorspar, and fluorspar is a common enough mineral, really.

They make toothpaste out of it, non-stick frying pans, all sorts of things like that.

PHILIP SERRELL: Really?

But what makes Blue John completely different from anything else is that it has this purple banding through it.

Is Blue John mined throughout the world?

No.

No, it's only found in this one hill in the world.

PHILIP SERRELL: This one hill?

A third of a mile wide, half a mile long, and probably about 700 feet deep.

PHILIP SERRELL: So all the Blue John in all the world comes from-- - Comes from this one hill.

TIM WONNACOTT: This highly-desirable, semi-precious stone was soft enough to be worked into ornate vases and the like, which soon became sought after for the great houses of the landed gentry.

It's believed that French metal workers, who fashioned embellishments for the items, called it bleu et jaun.

Translation, blue and yellow.

GRAHAM: Well, you're now almost 250 feet below the surface, Phil.

You're just coming into a cavern known as Lord Mulgrave's Dining Room.

You can see some Blue John in its natural state over here.

PHILIP SERRELL: Oh, wow.

These are very small veins by today's standards.

You see some there, and at least veins here-- look, and there.

PHILIP SERRELL: So what do you do then?

You literally just hack that out, do you?

It's all wedges, and picks, and-- to get underneath the limestone.

They took the largest pieces first, and we're left with the smaller pieces that we make the jewelry with.

TIM WONNACOTT: At its height in the 18th century, around 20 tons of Blue John a year were being excavated.

Nowadays, a much smaller amount of Britain's rarest mineral is mined, but it's still hewn by hand, as blasting would actually shock the color from it.

Time to seek your fortune, Philip.

I think you can see some Blue John there.

Yeah, how do I get that out?

Do I just have to smack it out then?

Yeah, just have a go at the pick.

Presumably, there's a knack.

You want the as big a piece out as possible, don't you?

Right under there.

Yeah.

Oh.

Do you know what?

I knew I'd be good at this.

Is that a piece of Blue John?

- Yeah, there's a piece there.

Look.

Would you enjoy doing it on a regular basis?

No.

No, manual labor and I are strange bedfellows.

TIM WONNACOTT: In that case, let's head back to the surface, find out what you got.

PHILIP SERRELL: This is almost coming alive, isn't it?

GRAHAM: Mm-hmm.

Now I don't know anything about anything really, but it strikes me that that fissure down there means that this is probably not a great bit of-- it's probably a sample to sell as a rough specimen to be fair.

Yeah.

Story of my life now, Graham.

TIM WONNACOTT: Graham has a few exquisite examples of what a good bit of Blue John can be turned into.

PHILIP SERRELL: When was this made?

That will be made, I think, probably in the '40s, 1940s or '50s.

A nice little bowl.

- Yeah, it's fantastic.

Beautiful.

They're called 12 vein.

PHILIP SERRELL: Why 12 veins?

GRAHAM: Because you've got 12 bands of color in it.

That's beautiful as well.

Look at that.

PHILIP SERRELL: That's a real rich color, isn't it?

That's as blue as you nearly get Blue John.

PHILIP SERRELL: But to have this out of your own mine-- Yeah.

Yeah.

--that's got to be so special, isn't it?

GRAHAM: But this-- PHILIP SERRELL: Oh, wow.

Wow.

Wow.

Wow.

Wow.

That, again, is a beautiful piece.

TIM WONNACOTT: That is quite magnificent.

And how old is that?

That, I would suggest, is probably late 19th century.

That's a piece of history, isn't it?

Yeah, absolutely.

You should be really proud of that.

TIM WONNACOTT: Back up on the road, Natasha is still cockahoot about her current position.

NATASHA RASKIN SHARP: I love being in the lead.

It feels so good.

[LAUGHS] I can only say that for so long.

It's not going to last.

TIM WONNACOTT: Well, you never know.

She's off to the market town of Bakewell, which is, I'm sure you know, famous for a particular sweet treat.

But it's tasty antiques she'll be searching for in the Rutland Arms Antique Center, and she's got 237 pounds and 8o P to do it with.

Over 60 dealers in here, and some exceedingly good items on show.

Off you go then.

First thing that caught my eye, a lovely Charles Horner hairpin.

TIM WONNACOTT: A silversmith and jeweler from Halifax, his company were also renowned for thimbles.

Everything about this screams Horner.

The sinewy shape, it's almost like a treble clef.

But what is missing, in fact-- not that it's lost it.

It's just that this is very plain Charles Horner because so regularly, you will find a gemstone, so the color of citrine, the color of amethyst, the color of sapphire, not precious stones.

It would be semi-precious gems, but they had the color and the look.

So 69 pounds, it's too much of a haggle, and it's not very fair.

But it's just art nouveau deliciousness.

TIM WONNACOTT: Well, you'd better keep on the hunt because look who's just resurfaced, our very own troglodyte, fresh from his jaunt underground.

Is there anything in here to fit Phil's 208 pound budget?

There is a bit of Blue John.

If Graham had been a gentleman, he'd let me handle one of those pieces because that's priced at 2,135 pounds.

TIM WONNACOTT: Wow.

I think you can whistle for that Phil, but that is more manageable.

I do like that.

That is a string barrel, OK?

So what you do is you open that up.

Your string goes in there.

You then do it back up again, and then your string comes out of the front there.

And if you look very closely, there's a little blade on there, so you cut your string on there.

19th century, probably about 1880, 1900.

It's 38 pounds.

I actually quite like that.

TIM WONNACOTT: One to put by then.

Elsewhere, Natasha seems to be having her now customary shared shop wobble.

I've looked around for ages.

I've panicked, and I think I might have figured out the psychology behind all of this.

I have quite a lot of money in my pocket.

This is new territory for me.

I don't think I know how to spend it.

I'm panicking about splashing and then losing tomorrow.

I have one shop, and I'm going to do it.

I just don't know how.

And if I sleep soundly tonight, it'll be a miracle.

TIM WONNACOTT: All your eggs in one basket, eh?

Bit of a risky strategy.

Philip, meanwhile, is having no such qualms.

He's racking up potential purchases.

Well, this says this is an unusual [INAUDIBLE] influenced brass seal.

I think that's quite well.

I also like that as well.

TIM WONNACOTT: No price on that, but the 60 pounds on the seal.

Nathan, time to fish out that barrel.

So there's that, that, and that.

This, I found in the same cabinet as this.

Yeah.

And it says it's got a secret compartment.

Does it say how to open said compartment?

I didn't seem to.

I can't find it.

Tell you what, put that back over there.

Let's forget about it.

Yeah, let's ignore that one.

I quite like these two.

OK. What can you tell me about then?

There is some damage on it, which isn't listed.

This one, it's under bullseye agate, mid-19th century, 1860, something like that.

PHILIP SERRELL: Yeah.

Well, actually, I think it might be later than that, and I don't think that does it any harm.

NATHAN: Right.

I think it might be more, perhaps, 1900.

I'll give you 60 pound for the two.

I genuinely can't do that.

So this one only came in yesterday, and it's priced at 45.

We've got 38 on there.

It's got to be 70.

That's the best we can do.

Yeah, I don't think I can do that.

I'll give you 30 quid for that one, but, honestly, that's [INAUDIBLE].. That one, I know that our dealer at least owes me a favor.

PHILIP SERRELL: They don't owe me one though, do they?

So I can say 30 on that one, but I can't move lower than 40 on that one.

So what I'm going to do is definitely have that one off you, and I'll pay you for that.

TIM WONNACOTT: 30 pounds, and his first deal is done.

Just need to get some string for it now.

Thank you very much, indeed.

- Good luck.

- See you soon.

Cheers now.

- OK. Have a good evening.

I'm going to find Natasha.

TIM WONNACOTT: She'll be in the motor.

Let's head for the hills.

PHILIP SERRELL: If you're going to have a Bakewell tart, what better place to have it?

Do you think that Joan Bakewell loves a Bakewell tart?

PHILIP SERRELL: Oh, Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And on that note, it's time for bed.

Nighty night.

PHILIP SERRELL: I saved you a job, Mr. Wonnacott.

TIM WONNACOTT: [LAUGHS] Nicely done, chaps.

Sleep well.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Next morning, it's still a bit peaky in the peaks.

Now, there's a great Scottish word for weather like this.

Isn't it dreich?

Oh, it's dreich.

Dreich.

You've got to get the [GUTTURAL SOUND].. - [GUTTURAL SOUND] - Dreich.

But it does sum it up really well, doesn't it?

TIM WONNACOTT: I think you'll find that around here it's [INAUDIBLE].

It wasn't much of a shopping spree for either of our two yesterday.

Philip only bought one item, a little wooden string barrel.

PHILIP SERRELL: I actually quite like that.

TIM WONNACOTT: So he's got to try and increase his stock with a little under 180 pounds to spend.

Natasha didn't fare any better, only buying a slightly-chipped Troika vase.

Why did I not look at that earlier?

What a plonker.

TIM WONNACOTT: But she's still got over 237 pounds to chuck at the problem.

What happened yesterday?

Panic, stress, one item bought over the entire course of the day.

Can I just ask you a question?

The one item you bought-- - Yes.

I know that you're not going to tell me what it is, but just tell me-- it's not a bit of glass, is it?

TIM WONNACOTT: He'll find out when we get to the auction at York, but, first, after abandoning Natasha, Phil's angling the alpine towards the Derbyshire town of Whaley Bridge.

Also known as Gateway to the Goyt Valley, it's popular with walkers and tourists, so there's bound to be an antique shop or two around here.

And that isn't one of them.

Really, Phil?

An undertakers?

- Hello.

- You must be Mr. Unsworth.

I certainly am.

Yes.

I'm Philip.

How are you?

- Hi, Philip.

- Nice to meet you.

- How are you?

- Nice to see you.

TIM WONNACOTT: Jeremy's been helping people to say goodbye to their loved ones for over 30 years, so best behavior, please, Philip.

Well, I like to go to places that aren't always antique shops, which is kind of what brings me here.

And I don't know what I'm looking for.

I want to be respectful.

Certainly.

TIM WONNACOTT: It just so happens they're about to give their chapel of rest a bit of a makeover.

We have a lectern, and the cross, and the candlesticks here in the corner.

These were all bought from a church, a disused church, in Manchester.

PHILIP SERRELL: So you bought these?

JEREMY: Yes.

Yes.

Probably about 28 years ago.

PHILIP SERRELL: Well, they'd be late 19th century, wouldn't they?

You'd know better than I do.

I think these would be late 19th century.

JEREMY: I'm really just looking to get what I paid for for the things, really, because they'd only really probably get placed out of the chapel and gather dust.

I mean, if I were to offer you 60 pounds for the candlesticks and the cross, would you take that for them?

Yes, I would.

Yes.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Well, I'll tell you what, I'm going to shake you by the hand on that.

- Okie-doke.

My pleasure.

TIM WONNACOTT: Let's respectfully lay them to rest in the boot and see what else Whaley has to offer.

Now that looks like a proper antique shop.

PHILIP SERRELL: This looks good.

This looks good.

Hi.

I'm Philip.

TIM WONNACOTT: He won't be short of things to ponder here by the look of things.

Finding a clear surface might be more of a challenge.

And it's all presided over by Val and Milo.

Right.

So, Val, how long have you been here?

I've been here 20 years.

Really?

Mm-hmm.

You've got some great things in here.

Some of the stock's been here 20 years as well.

Get out of here.

[LAUGHTER] TIM WONNACOTT: Well, consider Phil as your personal life launderer.

He can definitely help you declutter.

PHILIP SERRELL: How much are those, my love?

VAL: Tenner a piece.

And what on Earth would you do with those?

I could see them being earmuffs.

VAL: Suit you, sir.

I know.

But when you started 20 years ago, you'd never have anything like this in your shop, would you?

I mean, this was just junk that got thrown away.

And now, this is more savable than some of the stuff that is you know-- because you've got an idiot like me who might buy these off you.

TIM WONNACOTT: Well, that would clear out a bit of space.

What else?

And how much is your stepladder, Val.

VAL: That's a shop fitting, Phil.

It's the only way I can get up to the electricity box to read the meter.

TIM WONNACOTT: Don't think that'll stop him, Val.

VAL: They are metamorphic, as you know.

Oh, I didn't know that.

Can I have a look at your steps?

Can I pry them out of you?

VAL: No.

Definitely not?

Definitely not.

Oh, Val.

What if they turn into a table?

VAL: No, a chair.

Do they?

Can I have a look at them?

Look at his little face.

Anybody would think he'd never seen any before.

TIM WONNACOTT: I think he's smitten, love.

PHILIP SERRELL: So that goes down.

Oh, they're unusual, aren't they?

When you said they were metamorphic, I thought they were the ones that folded out.

And these don't, do they?

You see-- VAL: It all depends if you make me an offer I can't refuse, Phil, but I doubt whether you will.

Well, that's the worry, isn't it?

40 quid.

No.

Better.

You do any better?

PHILIP SERRELL: Yeah, I'll give you 45 pounds for them.

Make it 50, and you can have them.

I've just completely and utterly-- Done over.

--done over.

Beware the little lady in the antique shop.

Sweet and innocent?

No chance.

Absolutely done like a kipper, I must say.

Yeah, but are you happy with them?

I'm over the moon with them, darling.

Well, there you go.

TIM WONNACOTT: Well said, Val.

Stop your bellyaching, and pay the nice lady.

So this is a chance for me to get my own, but, you know those two lights?

Uh-huh.

Can I have them for a fiver?

How much did I say?

10 pounds each, you said.

Go on then.

You're an angel.

Thank you so much.

Well, I'll tell you what.

With all this money that you've made off me, what you want to go and buy yourself is a nice set of steps to go in the corner.

- Nice steps, yeah.

- See you, Val.

Bye, Val.

TIM WONNACOTT: He's a cheeky blighter, isn't he?

Now where's that Natasha got to?

She's headed back to the fresh air and open vistas of the peaks, and she's yomped her way to Edale.

This little village beloved of walkers and ramblers is the location of one end of a 268-mile trail up the backbone of England.

And rambler Terry Howard is here to show her the way.

We're on to the start of the Pennine Way, from here all the way through to Kirk Yetholm, Scotland way.

Oh, so I could get home from here.

You can do, but it's going to take you two weeks to do it though.

TIM WONNACOTT: Parts of the route are ancient trails dating back centuries, but Natasha's on her way to the site of a more recent historical event, one that would eventually lead to freedom for all to roam the British countryside.

Imagine what it were like for people who were living in the cities, such as Manchester and Sheffield, in the 1800s.

And they wanted fresh air, somewhere to go away from filthy, dirty cities.

Fortunately, when railways came in the 1800s, it offered an opportunity to get out into places like this to enjoy countryside.

But, unfortunately, most of the landowners didn't want the peasants, the working people of Sheffield and Manchester, be going on to the hill.

TIM WONNACOTT: These private merlins were grouse shooting lands and heavily-policed by gamekeepers, who could be aggressive and violent to any trespassers.

By the turn of the 20th century, working class rambling clubs, such as the Sheffield Clarion Ramblers, began to spring up and fight for the right to wander at will in the open countryside.

Clarion Ramblers were started in 1900 by a Sheffielder called George Herbert Bridges Ward.

OK.

But to his friends, he was known as Bert Ward.

He wanted to take people out into the countryside.

And in his first walk was up this valley, all the way around Kinder Scout.

He had got the working class people out into the mountains.

All of them agreed that they would continue walking in this area until they've got the right to roam.

Nothing was stopping him.

Oh, no.

You couldn't stop that man because it was that powerful in his beliefs about why we should have the right to roam.

TIM WONNACOTT: Things came to a head on the 24th of April 1932.

A number of rambling groups organized a mass trespass on Kinder Scout, the highest point in the Peak District.

Around 400 ramblers turned up to take part in civil disobedience.

There were clashes with the local gamekeepers, and by the end of the day, the police were involved.

Five people were arrested, and those five were charged, not with trespass, but with riotous assembly.

As a result, five of them did go to prison.

TIM WONNACOTT: But rather than a deterrent, the arrests helped to promote the ramblers' cause.

The access movement continued to press for change, and Ward, who'd set it all in motion, was recognized for his efforts.

The Ramblers of Sheffield made a large collection of money.

And they bought what is called Lose Hill, and they gave it to Bert Ward.

As soon as he got those documents in his hand, he handed them straight over to National Trust so there would access in perpetuity.

Says, first time in my life of being a landowner.

So is it named after him?

It's called Ward's Piece.

NATASHA RASKIN SHARP: Oh, lovely.

Yeah, Ward's Piece NATASHA RASKIN SHARP: So his spirit is very much alive here.

TERRY HOWARD: Oh, absolutely.

Without a doubt.

TIM WONNACOTT: In the decades that followed, many ramblers, including Terry, took part in trespass walks to increase momentum for public access.

The movement was instrumental in the creation of national parks, but it wasn't until the year 2000 that the right to roam was passed into law.

And I could remember the [INAUDIBLE] ramblers members gathered at meadow moor.

Transistor radios listening, 11 o'clock came, Queen comes on, and my government is going to create a right to roam, et cetera.

Absolutely fantastic.

Bottles of champagne came out at a [INAUDIBLE],, and we celebrated.

Then it suddenly dawned on me.

All those people in the past who campaigned for access to moorland, such as Bert Ward, and they never saw it, and I were lucky enough to be there on the day to enjoy it.

[MUSIC PLAYING] TIM WONNACOTT: Away from all that strenuous activity, Phil's pointed the Sunbeam southwards.

He's arriving in the Staffordshire market town of Leek, where famed designer and polymath William Morris worked for a time.

On the outside of Phil's next shop, he's definitely giving off the arts and crafts vibe.

But the inside of Odeon Antiques is a wholly different ball game.

It's all achingly cool in here.

So this is a printing block, a rolling printing block, that might have been for wall paper or whatever.

But the clever man who owns this place has turned it into a standard lamp.

So you've got a bit of redundant industrial, and it's now a very cool light.

A very, very cool light.

TIM WONNACOTT: And that's the problem with cool, Philip-- big ticket prices.

It might be a bit hard to find something that'll fit your meager 63 pounds and 44 pence budget.

Maybe shop owner Steve can guide you.

Is this all yours?

STEVE: No.

No.

That's another dealer's.

PHILIP SERRELL: They've got a very scary mind, don't they?

STEVE: You should see her house.

I bet going round there for dinner is good fun.

I quite like the tooth denture mold thing that's in here.

Yeah, they're really popular things.

I'm assuming people with no teeth.

Anything medical, dental, ophthalmic seems to be really, really popular.

Lots of collectors.

TIM WONNACOTT: It's 95 pounds though.

You'll need to nibble at that price.

PHILIP SERRELL: Is that '60s?

Yes, I would say so looking at the plaque.

It's hard to date those, really.

Yeah, it's an interesting item.

Looks like it's had a bit of dentistry there by looking at it.

It's making my teeth hurt, that is.

TIM WONNACOTT: Yeah, mine too.

Anything in here that's a bit less, well, icky?

So here we have a gentleman's valet stand marketed by Corby of Wilson.

Do you remember the old Corby trouser press?

Every home should have one.

TIM WONNACOTT: I'm never without mine.

The jacket and shirt would go on there.

Your strides would go on there, and your cuff links or whatever go in there.

And it's 44 pounds.

And it would sit in your bedroom.

TIM WONNACOTT: And you could hang your scarf on it.

So I'm very tempted to box clever and try and buy this.

TIM WONNACOTT: It's what a man of your sartorial elegance needs, Phil.

Let's have a word, shall we?

You've got a trouser valet thingamajig upstairs.

STEVE: Yeah.

Can I give you 30 quid for that?

Yes, I think that will be fine.

Oh, I got to have that for sure.

Let me shake you by the hand.

You're a gentlemen.

Thank you very much.

TIM WONNACOTT: 30 pounds paid, and now I think you can stand down from shopping duty, unlike your oppo, who's only just about to start.

She's made her way to the Cheshire town of Congleton, and it's her last chance to shop before the auction.

Feeling the pressure?

This is an old mill.

This is huge.

The whole center, it says on this thing.

I think I can do it.

Look out, Phil.

TIM WONNACOTT: She's surprisingly calm for only having bought one item so far, and time is ticking on.

Hello.

Hi there.

Hi.

NATASHA RASKIN SHARP: Nice to meet you.

Lovely to meet you too.

I'm so [INAUDIBLE] to be here.

I have a few things to buy, so where should I start?

Well, we are in the process of closing.

You've got about half an hour.

Most of the dealers have gone home.

Oh, no.

Yeah.

Mad dash.

There is one of the dealers here, and I'm sure he would be able to accommodate you with everything you want-- you need, too, a gentleman called Ken.

OK, short and sweet.

JULIA: Good luck.

Thank you so much.

TIM WONNACOTT: Blimey.

That's cutting it fine, isn't it?

So she's time poor but cash rich.

Still with nearly 240 pounds in the old kitty.

NATASHA RASKIN SHARP: Oh, this is such a cool room.

TIM WONNACOTT: Yeah, lots of quality goods for sale in here by the look of things, but you haven't got time to check them out.

Ken?

No.

Ken?

TIM WONNACOTT: He's got to be around here somewhere.

I don't see anyone.

TIM WONNACOTT: Perhaps he's sloped off home too.

I hope he doesn't think I'm rude.

Ken?

Yeah.

[LAUGHS] Hello.

You shouted.

How could you just be there?

I've been looking everywhere for you.

I am Natasha.

Nice to meet you.

TIM WONNACOTT: Right.

No time to explain, Ken.

Take us to your stuff, and go, Natasha.

So right.

Right.

OK. Where do I start?

Where do I start?

I'm looking around, but I keep just looking at these decoy pigeons.

They are amazing in a certain way.

Decoy pigeons, hunting, shooting, fishing set-- we're going to York.

There's money there.

On these stands, which makes them quite quirky.

Vintage pigeon decoys 65 pounds the pair.

They're on the shopping list.

TIM WONNACOTT: That's one then.

Next.

So what do we have here?

Something weird and wonderful.

Collection of optician's instruments.

Seven in the lot.

Are these quite literally how the optician used to gauge the width of the [INAUDIBLE]?

KEN: I think it is exactly that, yes.

Well, that's quite fun in itself, isn't it?

And with them, there are some-- OK. KEN: Yeah, very thick ones.

Those are serious milk bottles.

What's going on there?

TIM WONNACOTT: 30 pounds on those.

Stick them on the list.

Filigree silver posy holder.

Is that in the form of a broach?

KEN: Yes.

Oh, that's quite cool, isn't it?

KEN: Probably used for a wedding or something similar.

NATASHA RASKIN SHARP: That's perfect.

Look at that.

Put that on your lapel.

And it is marked for silver, but it's not hallmarked.

It's not even 925, and that's a very continental style, isn't it?

OK, Ken.

I like this.

Ken, I'm feeling less stressed by the second here.

TIM WONNACOTT: That's number three then.

50 pounds for that.

Keep going.

OK, what do we have?

OK, what's going on with these bookends.

Oh, look at that.

Book ends come inkwell.

That's quite cool.

They're definitely art deco style.

Anything deco is design, and does anything scream simplistic design more than dominoes?

The edge of the inkwell is a wee bit chewed.

But the original liner is there, and it is a bit of blown glass.

Huh.

Are they quite cool?

TIM WONNACOTT: I don't know, but they are 40 pounds.

Are you done then?

I would like to go for opticians instruments, decoy pigeons, posy holder, and I found your domino bookends with the inkwells.

Oh, yes with the-- yes, lovely.

TIM WONNACOTT: All in, that comes to 185 pounds.

Here we go.

This is the scary bit.

How are you feeling?

Have you had a good day?

I'm just kidding.

Had a long day.

Can we call it 110?

We could squeeze it into the middle-ish at 130.

Can we try 120?

125.

125?

OK, go for it.

Thank you.

TIM WONNACOTT: Well, we certainly rattled through that.

55 for the pigeon, 30 for the bookends, 25 for the posy holder broach, and 15 on those optician's instruments.

And all in the nick of time too.

What can I say, Julia, except thank you so much?

Take care.

You saved me.

Cheerio.

TIM WONNACOTT: I think that means our shopping is definitely over.

Next stop, auction.

This is quite a tricky hill with the brakes on this car.

NATASHA RASKIN SHARP: Yeah.

PHILIP SERRELL: I just need to just stop at the bottom here.

The windscreen wipers are dust.

Oh, no.

TIM WONNACOTT: I think it might be time for some shut eye.

[MUSIC PLAYING] It's been known as Eboracum and Jorvik, but the inhabitants of this city finally settled on York.

But what's in a name, eh?

NATASHA RASKIN SHARP: Here we are.

I thought they were from Wimbledon.

Oh, for goodness sakes.

It's Wombell's.

TIM WONNACOTT: You keep him right, Natasha.

Our two trippers started out high in the peaks of Derbyshire, and they've arrived at the auction in the Vale of York, here to sell to this lovely crowd and the rest of the world online.

Philip parted with a total of 175 pounds on his five auction lots.

For some reason, Philip Serrell has spent 30 pounds on this valet.

It's quite sad.

The only redeeming factor, it's on wheels, which, for some reason, is strangely appealing.

But at 30 pounds, I also think it was really expensive.

TIM WONNACOTT: Not a fan then.

Natasha splashed 161 pounds on these lots and that Troika vase.

Why?

TIM WONNACOTT: Philip.

Well, let's hope that today's master of ceremonies, William Rice, is a little more complimentary.

Decoy pigeons, I love them.

Really nice.

They're hand-painted, carve-wooden, and I think there'll be a few people interested in those.

Yeah, my favorite item was probably the library steps.

I like those-- quirky, useful, and they're ready to go.

There's nothing wrong with them, so I like those.

And I think they should do quite well.

TIM WONNACOTT: That's more like it.

Right.

Let's find a chair and get this party started.

Troika's coming.

Your favorite.

Ah.

Your fave.

TIM WONNACOTT: Yes, it's her chipped pot up first.

I have 10 pounds bid.

We're selling at 10 pounds.

Any advance on 10 pounds.

No, that's not right.

At 12 pounds.

Holding at 12 pounds.

14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32.

30 pounds.

- Oh, for goodness sake.

At 30 pounds.

Are we holding at 30 pounds?

- No, certainly not.

WILLIAM RICE: Selling at 30 then.

Holding at 30 pounds.

I could have sworn that that would have made twice what I paid for it.

TIM WONNACOTT: Well, lesson learned, eh?

Always check the quality first.

I've got to tell you, I love you dearly.

I do love you dearly, but I'm delighted that didn't do very well.

TIM WONNACOTT: What a meany.

It's his big industrial lights up next.

Got them very cheap.

10 pounds bid.

10 pounds bid, these lamps.

It's a great start.

Any advance on 10 pounds?

12, 14, 16, 18, 20.

Selling at 18 pounds.

A commission bid still at 18.

20, 22, 24, 26.

Still a commission bid.

Val.

I love you, Val.

What a lovely lady.

Selling at 26.

Holding at 26 pounds.

I'd love to congratulate you, but at 5 pounds spent, I just-- Shh.

I won't do it.

TIM WONNACOTT: Five times what you paid for them.

Very impressive.

(SINGING) Da, da, da, da, da,da da, da, dun, dun.

Here he comes.

[LAUGHTER] TIM WONNACOTT: Natasha's deco style domino bookends now, the first of her last-minute buys.

Rather fun.

20 pounds bid.

These bookends selling at 20.

20 pounds.

22 in the room.

At 22, 24, 26, 28, 30.

30 pounds, lady's bid.

Selling at 30.

At 30 pounds.

We're holding at 30 pounds.

Selling at 30.

32, 34.

Selling at 32.

In the corner at 32 pounds.

Oh, Phil.

I'm having a [INAUDIBLE].

TIM WONNACOTT: A tiny gain, but it's hardly knocked spots of Phil.

- Can I tell you a secret?

- What's that?

And it's probably an open secret because we're sitting beside one another.

Lots of people are sniffing around those blinking stairs.

Are they?

Mm.

TIM WONNACOTT: The auctioneer was a fan too, and they're up next.

I have 30 pounds bid.

30 pounds.

No.

32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85.

At 80 pounds.

Any advance?

I don't think they're done.

85 behind you.

90.

I'm really pleased with that.

Well done, Val.

We're selling at 90.

Golly gosh.

TIM WONNACOTT: Very transformative.

Although, I'm still worried how Val will read the meter.

I mean, it's only a game, you know?

It doesn't matter who wins.

TIM WONNACOTT: He's so magnanimous, isn't he?

Next up is her speedily-bought posy holder broach.

20 pounds, you please.

20 pounds anywhere.

20 pounds.

Oh, we're struggling.

20 pounds.

10 pounds.

It's selling at 10 pounds.

[INAUDIBLE] move 10 pounds.

Selling at 10 pounds.

Any advance?

Holding at 10 pounds.

I should have known.

I should have known they've all got them here in York.

Darn.

TIM WONNACOTT: A case of shopping haste.

Repent at leisure, perhaps.

This was my voyage into vintage and retro.

Your what?

Your voyage?

My voyage.

Voyage TIM WONNACOTT: Look who's reeking of class now.

Phil's valet next, or should it be valet?

It's anything over 15 quid, I should be delighted.

You paid 30.

I know.

I know.

Why?

10 pounds.

As a result, I'm happy.

Selling at 10 pounds.

At 10 pounds, any advance?

12, 14, 16, 18, 20.

Oh, stop.

Stop competing.

Stop it.

We're holding at 22 pounds.

Selling it then commission bid at 22 pounds.

For a second, that was about to sell for a tenner, and the world would have been normal.

And then there was competition to 22 pounds.

TIM WONNACOTT: Someone must have really, really needed to hang up their strides.

What's next?

I got to tell you, I love your pigeons.

I do.

Yeah, I do.

TIM WONNACOTT: That will make him a pigeon fancier then.

Do you think it's a couple?

I thought of you and I when I saw them.

Oh, well-- You were the slightly smaller one.

No, that would be cooing doves.

30 pounds.

Must bid 30 pounds.

Commission bid at 30 pounds.

Any advance on 30 pounds?

32, seated.

32 pounds in the room.

34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48.

No.

WILLIAM RICE: Stood at 46 pounds.

48, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75.

70 pounds.

Yay.

WILLIAM RICE: 70 pounds.

That feels so much nicer.

WILLIAM RICE: Stood at 70.

At 70 pounds.

We're all done then.

Thanks.

TIM WONNACOTT: That's more like it, Natasha.

Better to be the pigeon than the statue.

I mean, they cost nothing to feed, do they?

Very good point.

You should have told that gentleman before the bidding was over.

TIM WONNACOTT: It's Phil's bit of [INAUDIBLE] now, his barrel, string not included.

This was a real, real old-school, this.

Oh, is that R-double E-L?

Yeah.

I have 10 pounds bid.

10 pounds bid.

This lot selling at 10 pounds.

At 10 pounds.

12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24.

22 commission bid.

24, behind you.

26, 28.

28 pounds.

30, 32.

30 pounds.

We're all done at 30 pounds.

Selling it then at 30 pounds.

At 30 pounds, we're all done.

I'm in no position to criticize, really.

TIM WONNACOTT: Bad luck, Phil.

It washed its face at least.

Now, Phil.

You wear glasses.

Yeah.

You must visit the optician.

- Yeah.

- The ophthalmologist.

Yeah.

Did you do so in the early 20th century?

1920s?

I was thinking '30s.

Would you have been a patient then?

TIM WONNACOTT: What a blinking trick, eh?

So can she see a profit with her last lot?

10 pounds then, please.

10 pounds anywhere?

Five pounds.

Five pound bid.

6, 7.

Oh, no.

Don't go in pounds.

WILLIAM RICE: 7 pounds, back of the room.

This is 100, surely.

WILLIAM RICE: 8, 9.

8 pounds.

- Oh my goodness.

WILLIAM RICE: 8 pounds.

Selling at 8 pounds.

We got 8 pounds.

We're all done.

Oh, this is bad.

TIM WONNACOTT: And that is why you don't leave your shopping until the last, last minute.

So we're in Whaley Bridge, and I heard that undertaker chap was sort of altering the way he ran his business.

And it was interesting because-- Can I ask a question?

How did you hear that?

Who told you on the grapevine that the undertaker in Whaley Bridge is-- It's the old Whaley Bridge antique mafia.

And I'd love to tell you, but then I'll have to kill you.

TIM WONNACOTT: Lovely.

His last lot, the ecclesiastical garniture.

That's cross and candlesticks to you and me.

Have you been to an undertakers before?

I never have.

Well, you only ever want to go once.

[LAUGHS] You want to leave that as late as possible, really, don't you?

35 pound bid.

No.

Watch it go.

WILLIAM RICE: This lot at 35.

38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 55, 60.

55 pounds.

60, 65, 70.

75 new bidder.

80, 85, 90.

85 pounds.

90, new bidder.

TIM WONNACOTT: Oh, they're definitely going for it.

110, 120, 130.

Very good.

WILLIAM RICE: 140.

That is bonkers [INAUDIBLE].

That is bonkers [INAUDIBLE].

WILLIAM RICE: 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220.

Phil.

WILLIAM RICE: 210 pounds.

At 210.

We're all done at 210 pounds.

Someone's looking out for you.

TIM WONNACOTT: Not half.

Jolly lucky that somebody wants to start up a church around here.

Come on.

Let's go do the sums and do the summary.

Even though I've lost, can I buy you a cup of tea?

Yeah, it's just a game, you know?

It doesn't really matter.

TIM WONNACOTT: Hey, we believe you, Phil.

Thousands wouldn't.

Natasha started off with 273 pounds, 80 pence.

But after auction, costs have been dented slightly.

Now she's got 235 pounds, 80 in equity, whereas Philip powered into the lead.

He made a profit after sell room charges of 134 pounds and 96 P, so he has 343 pounds and 40 pence to spend next time.

So well done, old fruit.

Well, Phil.

As suspected, you're back in the game.

I'm off to find another undertakers.

I'll bet you are.

[MUSIC PLAYING]