VO: The nation's favorite antiques experts, £200 each and one big challenge.

Well, duck, do I buy you or don't I?

VO: Who can make the most money, buying and selling antiques, as they scour the UK?

Look at the color.

VO: The aim is, trade up and hope that each antique turns a profit.

But it's not as easy as it looks, and dreams of glory can end in tatters.

Thank you.

VO: So will it be the fast lane to success or the slow road to bankruptcy?

Bad luck for Thomas.

£50 down.

VO: This is the Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah!

This week, we start a brand new chapter with veteran road-tripper Thomas Plant and new boy Mark Hales.

VO: Thomas Plant is a young blood auctioneer who doesn't take no for an answer.

THOMAS (TP): Halfway at 65.

Oh, you do drive a hard bargain.

I'm only trying.

VO: But sometimes his bargaining doesn't get quite the reaction he wants.

Could we say... ..40?

DEALER: (LAUGHS) VO: Thomas's opponent is new boy Mark Hales.

He's also an auctioneer.

He doesn't mess about though when it comes to buying antiques.

MARK (MH): Yeah, wrap it up for me, that's brilliant.

VO: And he's a real animal lover.

So, an animal in distress.

What do we do?

We give him a home, don't we?

VO: Our boys will begin this week's adventure with £200 each.

The automobile of choice is the sporty 1967 Sunbeam Alpine.

The question is, will they uncover some hidden gems that will reap the profits at auction?

VO: This week's road trip will start off in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

The chaps will journey just over 460 miles all the way to the beautiful village of Pontrilas in South Herefordshire.

But this is day one of the trip.

We begin our shopping mission in the spectacular location of Portrush and will auction just over 60 miles away in the city of Belfast.

The boys roll into this delightful seaside resort on an unusually gray day.

Situated on a mile-long peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean, it boasts three sandy beaches but alas today the sun is nowhere to be seen, and the chaps are met with a bracing chilly wind.

Plenty of parking, then.

Right, here we are.

Portrush by the sea.

TP: I like starting by the sea.

MH: The rugged Atlantic.

Do you feel it in your bones, Thomas?

I do.

There's something in Portrush.

You don't?!

I just feel the sea air.

I like the smell of the sea air and if I don't find anything, I'm going to go for a swim.

Each to their own, Thomas, each to their own.

Naked.

Good luck with that.

Right, I shall see you later.

VO: Well, they seem to be very sporting and jovial.

How long will it last, though?

Let's start off with Mark Hales.

Antiques shop Kennedy Wolfenden is his first port of call.

Good morning.

DEALER: Good morning.

MH: Hello.

DEALER: Morning, hello.

I seem to have brought a bit of a bad weather with me.

I know, it was beautiful a few days ago.

Not so nice.

I'm Mark.

What's your name?

DEALER: Eleanor, I'm Eleanor.

MH: Hello, Eleanor.

MH: What a lovely shop.

DEALER: Thank you.

You have some really, really nice things.

Thank you.

So, would it be alright if I had a... A real... DEALER: You have a nosy.

VO: Mark is a Londoner through-and-through.

He's an expert on ceramics and glass, and has worn many hats in the world of antiques, from senior valuer at Christie's and antiques dealer, to presently running a successful auction house with his wife in sunny Devon.

I do rather like these.

Those are Dublin, 1828.

Dublin, 1828.

And Irish silver is good, isn't it?

It's very collectable throughout the world.

And they're in lovely condition with nice, clear marks.

Silver is so high at the moment, it's what I should be buying, but it's outside my comfort zone.

It's not something I have a great deal of knowledge in.

It's all down to weight and scrap and all sorts of different things, isn't it?

How much are these?

Those are £50 for the pair.

Possibly, maybe if we could adjust the price a little bit, maybe I'd have a go at them, but I haven't got a very big budget, have I?

And this is my first time, isn't it?

And I don't want to blow it with my first purchase.

On the other hand, perhaps these could be my lucky first purchase.

DEALER: I think they could be.

Yeah.

So, I'm very tempted.

I'm going to have a look around first, and we'll see.

VO: There's no stopping this fellow.

He's already spotted something as a potential first buy.

He obviously loves getting stuck in.

It's OK, Mark, don't worry.

Just set it down on the floor, we'll sort it out.

VO: Look at him go.

He's leaving no antique uncovered.

He's certainly thorough.

And as a natural charmer, he's managed to find shop owner Eleanor's secret treasure trove.

There's lots of stuff down here as well.

DEALER: This is the glory hole.

Right.

Indeed.

Yeah.

We do have some nice things.

Ah!

Isn't that pretty?

DEALER: An old money box.

Not important quality-wise, but look at the subject.

Pretty.

Pretty subject.

And people collect money boxes, don't they?

I wonder, could that be a fiver?

Yes, it could.

Yeah?

Deal done.

Yeah, well, for a fiver, we've bought that.

Alright?

We've bought that.

So I've got my money box.

DEALER: Yes.

MH: OK, that's a fiver.

The spoons... erm...

I think you said 40.

DEALER: No, I said 50.

MH: Did you?

Yes, I did.

Bless your heart, you're a hard woman, aren't you?

You're not going to bully me, are you?!

No, I would never bully you.

Oh good.

I couldn't cope with that, not on my first time in Northern Ireland.

MH: I couldn't cope.

DEALER: We can't harass you.

Could they be 35 then?

No, they couldn't, but they could be 40.

But that's it, that's your bottom line?

That is it.

Amen.

OK. Have you ever been in a Sunbeam Alpine?

No, I haven't.

It's a late '60s classic English sports car.

Are you taking me for a little drive?

So, if I took you for a little spin, could they be 35 then?

DEALER: No!

MH: I can't tempt you?

A little trip around the town and then they're £35.

Well, I'll do without the trip, but I'll make them 35.

Bless your heart.

Thank you very much, that's really sweet of you.

A pleasure.

I've got a money box and two spoons, and you've started me off, that's my first time ever.

Good, good.

I hope you make loads of money.

VO: What a great start to the day, Mark.

£40 on two items.

Looks like there's no first day nerves with you.

VO: Meanwhile, old hand Thomas is just up the road at Atlantic Antiques.

Very nice to meet you.

Thank you very much for letting me come here.

And how long have you been here?

13 years tomorrow.

13 years tomorrow?

So are you having a teenage birthday party?

Well, no, I don't think so.

Is it alright if I have a good look around?

You feel free.

Pleasure, Ernie.

Absolute pleasure.

Thank you very much.

VO: He may look young, but Thomas is a knowledgeable auctioneer with his own specialist auction house.

He's an expert in jewelry but he's always on the lookout for the interesting and unusual.

Love the old phone.

Look at that!

Look at that old thing.

He's hilarious.

A big old job.

Ernie, you haven't got a price on it.

Oh.

But I could put a price on it.

No, well... Or I would be open to offers.

Did you pay much for it?

I did.

A lot.

No, you didn't, did you?!

ERNIE: £30.

TP: Did you?

Yes.

I wanted it for a bit less than that, to be honest with you.

Really?

Well, it's in such poor condition...

So, you thought...

I was going to offer you £15 for it.

That's...

It's a harsh world!

That's an awful lot of money you want off.

Yeah, because it is damaged.

Yes.

And that's why it's so cheap.

So, would we say 20?

Would you meet me halfway?

18.

16.

You're awful bad at your...

I'm not awful bad!

..at your sums.

17.

16.50.

Alright.

Deal.

(THEY CHUCKLE) I must be mad.

I love it!

Yes, it's unusual.

They don't turn up too often.

VO: It's a swift first purchase for a very reasonable £16.50.

It's definitely game on with these boys.

VO: Back to Mark.

He's nipped across the road to the Vintage.

What's he got his eye on now?

Brilliant!

Look at that!

That is loved.

That's been loved, that's been played with.

Excuse me, kind sir.

May I just take your dog for a quick walk?

Have a look at it in the light?

Would that be alright?

Yeah, fine.

Thank you very much indeed.

Has it got a name?

DEALER: No.

MH: No?

Not yet.

Right.

Come along, lad.

Off we go.

# I don't love my dog # The way that I love you # He never makes me blue # Like the way that you do # And he loves me too # You know, my dog don't... # MH: Look at that face.

VO: One only a mother could love.

A-ha!

This is what we want.

We've got a label.

I thought it was Tri-Ang, but it's Lines Bros. VO: Lines Bros was a British company operated by, surprisingly, three brothers called Lines.

Following huge success in the mid-'20s, they registered Tri-Ang Toys.

So called because three lines make a triangle.

Three Lines brothers, triangle - get it?

This would be 1940s, I think.

'40s, '50s.

And... ..very collectable.

A lot of fun.

A little bit of damage here, a little bit of wear.

If we look here... ..and here, he's been fighting.

VO: He's not real, Mark.

So, an animal in distress.

What do we do?

We give him a home, don't we?

So, let's go back inside and see if we can buy him for... ..£30.

Let's just have a go.

We might be lucky.

VO: The asking price for this little chap is £88.

Right, sir.

I'll keep it brief.

If you bought it well, I'll give you £30 for it, now, cash.

If you haven't, fair enough, fair enough.

But I know sometimes you can buy things very, very well... ..and just let them go.

What do you think?

I want to give the dog a home.

He's had a bad life.

He needs to be loved.

OK, OK. For you, Mark, 40 quid.

30.

Please, it has to be 30.

I can't sell it for £40...

It cost me more!

Yeah, but I'm trying to make a profit.

Honestly.

Honestly, I am.

35.

Oh, my goodness me.

This is hard work, isn't it?

Are you sure you can't do it for 30?

Cuz 30 would work for me.

I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'll toss you for it.

Oh, really?

VO: Oh dear.

MH: Go on then.

DEALER: Do you want to toss?

Yeah, go on, cuz I feel lucky.

No, you toss, I'll call.

You call.

I feel lucky.

Go on then.

Tails.

DEALER: Heads.

MH: (SIGHS) Is it going to be that sort of day?

Well, I've got to honor that.

35 it is then, sir.

MH: 35 it is.

DEALER: OK Mark.

We'll give it a go.

VO: That will teach you to gamble, Mark.

The boys have had a wonderful time in Portrush, but it's time to move on.

34 miles south, to the village of Broughshane in County Antrim.

Right, Thomas.

There you go.

Is this me?

We're here.

Are you kicking me out?

Yep, out you get, Thomas.

Don't be long.

As you said to me earlier, Thomas, don't mess me about, don't be long.

Come on, you, you...

I'll give you six minutes.

Six minutes?!

Good luck, and come and pick me up.

Thank you very much.

Thank you.

I'll pop back later, possibly.

VO: They're getting on well, then.

Thomas's next shop is Braid Antiques.

I'm Thomas.

Hello, Thomas.

You're very welcome to Braid Antiques.

DEALER: I'm Audrey.

TP: Very nice to meet you.

DEALER: Lovely to meet you.

TP: This is your shop?

Yes, it is.

I'll have a good look around.

DEALER: Yes, do, certainly.

TP: Thank you very much.

You're very welcome.

VO: Thomas wastes no time and sets to work straightaway, carefully looking out for that hopeful second purchase.

And the very helpful Audrey has looked out a few things she thinks may be of interest to Thomas.

Ooh!

Just brought it all out.

Some Mauchline ware.

And just a couple of wee bits of kitchenalia.

TP: They're quite sweet.

Nice little butter stamp, isn't it?

It's a lovely butter stamp, and the egg timer.

And the bread board.

Aha.

So what have we got on here?

White Rock, Hastings.

It's obviously for playing games, you put the die in there...

Yes, aha.

So this is a needle case.

That's a needle case, yes.

Put your sewing needles in there.

Sea Front, Dover.

These are good local scenes, aren't they?

Oh, very local to here, yes!

Very local to here, you know.

The others are all Jersey, I think.

Could I try and buy all of it... ..for 60?

No, that would be too little.

No, I would be losing money.

Would you?

I would, I would.

Well, all of it for 70.

Halfway at 65.

Oh, you do drive a hard bargain.

I'm only trying.

Alright, yes.

65.

OK. DEALER: Thank you very much.

TP: Thank you very much.

VO: Well there you go - our man drives a hard bargain.

That's another two lots to add to his bag of treasures.

VO: Mark, meanwhile, has traveled eight miles away to Ahoghill, Ballymena.

Once upon a time, it was owned by father and son Sean and Ronan McLaughlin.

Good afternoon, sir.

Good afternoon.

I'm Mark.

I'm Sean.

How do you do, sir?

Right, would you mind awfully if I had a little quick poke around in here?

Cuz it looks very, very interesting.

You would be most welcome.

You've got a bit of everything, haven't you?

From the sublime to the ridiculous.

Yes, it's most intriguing.

Just have a quick wander and I'll get back to you.

VO: So far it's been an exciting day for Mark.

Does he have a game plan?

I want to buy something for £8 and sell it for a couple of thousand.

That's my plan, but it doesn't always work out that way, so I might have to settle for buying something for 30 and selling it for... a profit.

VO: Better get a move on then, Mark.

That's what I like to see - lots of bits and bobs.

It's been clean.

It's lost its color, lost its patina.

If you like your parrots...

Bit of fun, aren't they?

Messed about with, but it's nice.

I was just wondering, in case it was pennies, because it's obviously... all the flowers are chipped and broken... ..and the tail's restored badly there.

Very badly!

Yeah.

And is it pennies?

I'm just trying to buy little bits as well, you know.

It could be £8.

VO: £8, you say?

Maybe this will be the one that sells for a couple of grand, Mark.

Yes, ever so good.

Terribly reasonable.

It's made by John and Rebecca Lloyd of Shelton in Staffordshire in about 1835, and they always used a lot of gilt and these colors.

It's worth a go.

Yeah.

Because it's a few pounds, I'm thinking about that as well.

Just because it's a few pounds.

I've got to be in with a chance, haven't I?

I think so.

VO: Better get back to work, Mark.

Isn't it great?

Don't you just love that?

No, I don't either.

Brass shell case, bit of trench art.

I don't think it's decorative enough though, is it?

Pots, isn't that wonderful?

It's all good fun though, isn't it?

What a lovely jug.

19th century, 1830, 1840.

One of the better English porcelain factories.

It's got that Coalport look to it, hasn't it?

It's beautifully hand-painted, has a pattern number on the bottom, it could be researched.

In very good condition, there's no chips, cracks or restoration.

Would have been part of a tea service.

There's always a jug collector at an auction.

Or one hopes there's always a jug collector at an auction.

It's the real thing, it's just nice and if that's coming with a boxed lot, can you do that for pennies?

If you can, I'll have a go at it.

Because it's not terribly salable now.

I could take 18 for that.

It's tempting.

It's a very good quality jug.

It is, yeah.

But you know, I left a very good quality English porcelain basket this morning, just because they're not selling.

VO: Well, this is awkward.

Um... Look, I'll tell you what.

I'm not insulting you - and don't... You tell me...

But having that for a fiver, and if I give you 15 for that, that's 20 for the two.

That's OK. MH: Is that alright?

DEALER: Yeah, fine.

Thank you, Ronan.

VO: Well, he certainly likes to shop.

It's been an impressive first day, with four items already in the bag.

Or should I say the box?

While Mark's been on a shopping spree, Thomas has traveled to Hillsborough Castle in County Down.

Hillsborough Castle is an 18th century mansion and is the residence of the secretary of state for Northern Ireland, including, in the past, Mo Mowlam and Peter Mandelson.

Tony Blair has also held key talks here with US presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush.

It's also the official residence of the British royal family when they visit.

Castle guide Judy Crawford is on hand to show Thomas around.

So, this is the state entrance hall, and this is of course where the great and the good come in.

Wow!

The first thing of course you see is the royal coat of arms.

Actually done in wood, but painted to look like plaster.

Really?

It's wood, is it?

Mm-hm, mm-hm.

Fascinating.

On either side of the fireplace you'll see that we have the ceremonial spades, and... Are we allowed to touch?

Yes, I think so.

These are used because traditionally when a member of the royal family comes here to attend one of the garden parties, they'll plant a tree.

Really?

So this is the ceremonial spade?

That is the ceremonial... yes.

Ooh wow!

I can see the Queen, the Queen Mother... ..the Princess of Wales, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

Her royal highness the Princess Royal.

That's rather wonderful, isn't it?

They don't literally sort of get down and... No.

The gardeners would dig the hole... ..for the member of the royal family.

They just do the little bit at the end with the turf.

I don't think I've ever held something owned or used by royalty before.

Hopefully that sort of bit of glitter will pass onto me and my buying will get better and better, and I'll be able to make more profit with my antiques.

VO: Well, hope springs eternal, Thomas.

Inside this wonderful building, a very important agreement took place.

So this is the state drawing room, and this is where the Anglo-Irish agreement was signed in 1985 between Margaret Thatcher and the late Garret FitzGerald, standing in front of that fireplace.

Not that particular fireplace - that one was bought for the castle in 1989, it came from Mountjoy Square in Dublin.

So when the castle was restored to its former glory?

Yes, exactly.

Is that a bit of Irish porcelain?

Yes, that's a little bit of Belleek.

Belleek china, of course, made in County Fermanagh in the west of the province.

I hate to tell you this, but it is cracked.

VO: Sh!

Thomas!

But I think it's been cracked for a long time.

I think it's something you either love or you hate.

I actually quite like Belleek.

I do too.

I think it's beautiful.

It's so beautifully made.

It is beautifully made.

VO: That's enough for one day, Thomas.

Another exciting day awaits tomorrow.

The boys are up bright and early to tackle a brand-new day of shopping.

So far, Thomas has spent £81.50 on three lots - the candlestick telephone, the collection of Mauchline ware and the Victorian kitchenalia, leaving a comfortable £118.50 at his disposal.

New boy Mark, meanwhile, has employed a full-on shopping frenzy.

He has collected four auction lots and has spent £95 on the baby bank, the silver Dublin spoons, the cute dog on wheels, and the porcelain lot, comprising the Staffordshire jug and the little fox figurine.

Mark has a respectable £105 left to splurge.

First to get stuck in on another day of shopping is Mark.

He's traveling to Lisburn, the third largest city in Northern Ireland.

The first shop of the day is Ballinderry Antiques, owned by Donald.

Good afternoon, sir.

Good afternoon.

I'm Mark.

Donald McCluskey.

Good afternoon, Donald.

Is it OK if I just seek and search?

DEALER: Plenty to look at.

Thank you very much indeed.

Thank you.

VO: And he's off!

I do have to beat Thomas.

Donald?

Yeah?

It has suffered a bit.

Yeah.

What a beauty though.

VO: This is a Troika wheel vase.

Troika was an art pottery, set up in Cornwall in the early '60s.

A serious crack.

Whereabouts?

Oh, there.

DEALER: Worth restoring, possibly.

Oh, I think so.

That is wonderful.

Look at the shape, everything.

I love it to bits.

Um... no hard haggle, no messing about, just bottom line, very, very best, and it's got to be good, otherwise I won't bother.

And I want to bother!

In Ballinderry Antiques we always offer a good deal.

And sometimes you can just knock things out, can't you, and sometimes you can't.

It'll be £30.

Right, and that's the very, very... MH: The bottom line is it?

DEALER: Yep.

I love that.

Love it.

Should be something left in that, I think.

Yeah.

Wrap it up for me, that's brilliant.

We've started.

We've started.

VO: Say "please".

He's quick, and not quite finished yet.

For the Guinness tonight.

VO: And as quick as a flash, he's uncovered a 19th century Chinese hardwood stand.

What's the very best on it, just in case I can do a last minute... Just a sweet, sweet little piece.

..quickie here.

Because... £27.

Almost certainly you'll get some sort of profit on that.

It's a lovely carved wood stand, isn't it?

It's very intricate.

Very much the flavor of the month, isn't it?

Very much so.

It would have had a piece of jade, or whatever, in it.

And they're very, very collectable.

Lovely patina, lovely color.

Alright Donald, I'll have that.

Thank you very much indeed.

VO: Blimey.

He doesn't hang around.

What's the grand total?

It'll be £57.

Right.

And I can't knock any more off that?

That's it, I'm afraid.

£57.

There's £60.

That's brilliant.

I'll get your £3 change.

VO: That's another two in the bag.

Mark now has a mighty six lots.

VO: Meanwhile, Thomas has traveled just over 26 miles to the small village of Grey Abbey in County Down.

VO: He's going for a good rummage in Hayes Antiques.

TP: Hello.

DEALER: Hello.

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you.

Derek Hayes.

Thomas Plant.

Would you mind awfully if I had a look around?

That'd be really good.

VO: Thomas is a bit of an antiques magpie and has a real passion for interesting curios.

TP: I think it is Italian.

DEALER: It's Italian.

I think it is.

With that cockerel on the base, it could be Cantagalli factory from Urbino, in Tuscany, from about the late 19th century, I think, early 20th century.

It's rather good, isn't it?

Rather good fun.

Yeah.

It's a nice piece.

Love that sort of Iznik design to it.

I just think it's so decorative, don't you?

Yeah, yeah.

It's stunning.

It is stunning, yeah.

No, I like that.

VO: The ticket price for the vase is £65.

Could we say... ..40?

DEALER: (LAUGHS) I got that figure in my head.

Ah.

45.

42.

DEALER: (LAUGHS) OK. Yeah?

Brilliant.

Thank you very much.

I like that.

It's a handsome thing.

Maybe if I rub it, my genie might come out.

DEALER: (LAUGHS) And wish me all luck in the world.

VO: That's four lots in the bag for Thomas.

He certainly is a tough cookie when it comes to naming his price.

VO: Meanwhile, Mark has finished all his high octane shopping for the day, and is making his way to a secret location.

You, sir, must be Ray.

Oh, yes that's me.

VO: Mark has an invitation to visit passionate collector and automobilia enthusiast Ray.

He's a housebuilder, who has collected literally thousands of items for the last 30 years - from vintage petrol pumps to the very first motoring signs.

Would you show me around?

Certainly.

Come this way.

Come this way, up to the gritty parts.

VO: This priceless collection began when Ray was passing a garage he used to visit with his dad when he was a little nipper.

He purchased a couple of petrol globes and from that day onwards he has amassed a spectacular collection of automobilia.

Ray has tirelessly sourced items from all round the world.

He begins the tour with an extraordinary collection.

Well Mark, this is the Aladdin's cave.

Oh my goodness me.

Eh?

Oh my goodness me.

Altogether, there's a total of 350 globes here.

MH: My goodness me!

RAY: You have to go to America to get bigger collections of up to 1,500.

And which is the earliest globe in this room?

The earliest globes would be this line here.

The BP, Pratt's, Petrol, ROP, Redline, they're all around 1920.

MH: Right, right.

RAY: Because in 1919, it was when the first petrol pumps came into Great Britain and Ireland.

And what are they made of?

Glass?

All glass, yes.

Plastic globes weren't used until after the war.

MH: Can you still find them?

RAY: Yes.

MH: Do they still appear?

RAY: They still appear.

Or have you got the lot?

No.

Absolutely fascinating.

I couldn't be more impressed, frankly.

I will never forget this.

You won't forget this.

VO: Everywhere you look, there are prized items that preserve the fabric of motoring history.

Everything in this cabinet here is all linked to the 1903 Gordon Bennett race.

VO: The Gordon Bennett Cup races drew attention from all over the world and were established by James Gordon Bennett Jnr, the millionaire owner of the New York Herald.

In 1903, the race was held in Ireland.

And this is the three cars lined up here before the race in 1903.

Now, two of the cars finished the race and one didn't, and the car - I'm not too sure which one it is - its engine blew up.

This is the piston out of that car.

From that very car?

From one of those three cars.

All the drivers in the race were given a goblet, and that's the only goblet that exists.

And this is the clock, one of three or four clocks that were used to time the race.

"Officially used at the Gordon Bennett Cup race 1903."

I only bought that last year.

That is wonderful.

VO: Well, it's obvious Mark's had the time of his life.

But it's now time, boys, to show one another your purchases.

As you're the newbie, show me your first item.

Right, right, right.

Totally out of my comfort zone, it's not my subject at all, but silver is up at the moment, isn't it?

Silver is up.

Silver is good at the moment.

A nice pair of old English spoons.

Go on, have a go.

Yeah, yeah.

George IV, yeah, they're nice.

What did you give for those?

£35.

Get in there!

Do you think so?

Yeah, absolutely!

VO: Yeah, yeah, stop being so nice Thomas.

TP: OK, Mark.

MH: Right.

So you're out of your comfort zone - so am I. Thomas, that's out of my comfort zone too, but I love it.

It needs a lot of work... VO: Oh, you don't say, Thomas.

It's the real deal, all marked up on the base.

Yeah, like it a lot.

I bet you just snatched it away at £20 or something.

£16.50.

£16, Thomas, you can't go wrong!

50!

£16.50!

Really good buy.

Don't take this too seriously.

This was just an impulse buy.

A money box.

What did you pay for that, a fiver?

Yeah, spot on, Thomas.

Was it a fiver?

Right first time, brilliant.

It's horrible!

It's awful.

The only reason I bought it is cuz it was a fiver and I thought if there's a money box collector there on Monday, and it's a fiver... Yeah, it's for nothing.

First bid, two bids, little profit.

It's a profit.

VO: Huh.

Looks a bit like you, Thomas.

My next item - items - I bought as a lot, which I'm splitting into two lots.

MH: Right.

TP: Is that alright?

OK. First of all... Whatever you say, Thomas.

Right.

Then... it doesn't end there.

Oh lovely.

Look at this.

It's sweet, isn't it?

That's nice, I like that.

And then... A bit of Mauchline ware.

So these are my next two lots, but obviously I bought them as one.

That is a little lock with the bread board and the little butter pack and the egg timer, and then the Mauchline ware is a lot.

Yeah.

How much was the whole lot?

I have to know.

I can guess if you like, but it's just... £65.

Yeah, very good.

Now, prepare yourself, Thomas.

It's alright, it's alright.

VO: What could it possibly be?

I can see what it is.

I had to give this dog a home, Thomas.

Aw, it's sweet, isn't it?

He's lovely.

He's been well loved.

He has been well loved.

A little bit on the sort of tatty side.

Why did you buy it?

Well, I couldn't leave him there.

Got to find a home for him.

He's windswept, he's been in fights...

It is play-worn.

You would have paid, I reckon, about 30 quid.

MH: 35, Thomas.

TP: It's a clever buy.

That's encouraging.

MH: Thank you for that.

TP: It's a clever buy.

Here we go.

Oh look, this is you all over, isn't it?

Is this a little lot?

Yeah, well I bought them separately, but I'm going to sell them as a lot.

OK, good idea.

So a nice Staffordshire jug.

Lovely quality.

Nice and clean and crisp and sharp.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's lovely.

Lovely thing.

And, you know, £15.

Ah!

Well, there you are.

£15, fine.

Lovely.

And then, this horrible, horrible Staffordshire figure.

£20 for the two, the cost.

Right Thomas, your turn.

This is my last lot.

Now, what do you think of that?

Hispano-Moresque, Thomas.

Hispano-Moresque.

Or Cantagalli.

Absolutely!

Lots of different factories over there.

VO: In the late 19th century, the Cantagalli brothers inherited the family ceramics factory near Florence and produced copies of Middle Eastern and Italian tin-glazed wares.

Late 19th or early 20th, blue cockerel on the bottom.

Quite often a date with it.

Tin-glazed earthenware, lovely luster.

Isn't it lovely?

Gorgeous condition.

What did you pay for that?

42.

42, that's fine.

Absolutely fine.

Really, really like it.

I'm very impressed.

Oh, right, Troika wheel vase.

Oh, right, but it's whacked.

Yes, Thomas.

Fair enough.

A whacked Troika wheel vase.

Tell me, Mark, did you nick this for a fiver?

MH: I actually paid £30 for it.

TP: £30?

MH: £30, Thomas, yes.

TP: Ooh!

It'll not be end of the world.

In my part of the world that would do very well, even with the damage.

How often do you see Troika, Thomas?

Rarely.

Thank you.

That's all I need to know.

I would be very interested to see what you think of this.

So this is a hard wood stand with prunus flower.

Yeah.

19th century.

19th century.

What a beautiful stand.

I reckon you snatched it at £12.50.

MH: £27, Thomas.

TP: £27?

Yeah.

I'm very hopeful, I'm very hopeful, Thomas.

VO: But the question is, are the boys being truthful with one another?

My worst item is definitely is definitely the Troika.

He should not have bought the Troika, it's whacked.

It's whacked.

I feel sorry for him for buying that.

I don't know why he should have bought it.

But, you know, it could make money at the auction.

I don't know whether I'm going to beat Thomas or not.

I know I will beat Thomas sooner or later, I know I will find something and it will make a lot of money, I know that is going to happen.

But I can't...

It's in the lap of the gods when that is going to happen.

VO: Fighting talk from the boys.

But what results lie ahead?

VO: It's been an exciting first leg with a whistle-stop tour of Northern Ireland.

We've traveled from Portrush via Broughshane, Ahoghill, Hillsborough, Lisburn, Grey Abbey - phew!

And finally to the capital of Northern Ireland, the city of Belfast.

It's the largest city in Northern Ireland and has historically been a center for the Irish linen industry, tobacco production, rope-making and shipbuilding.

It's auction day and the boys arrive at their first auction of the week.

Belfast Auctions has been established for three years.

David Kearny is today's auctioneer, and he has a few thoughts to share about our boys' items.

It's a good array of stuff.

The silver now caught my eye, the spoons.

It being Irish silver, I think they could do quite well.

The item that I wouldn't be as keen on would be the pottery baby.

I don't know if our clients tonight will be interested in that item.

I don't think it's really old enough.

VO: Thomas Plant started today with £200 and spent £123.50 on four lots.

VO: Mark Hales, on the other hand, splashed £152 on his first ever spending spree.

He ended up with a whopping six lots.

VO: Right, all eyes to the front.

The auction is about to begin.

VO: First up, it's Mark's porcelain duo.

Let's find out what he knows about ceramics.

35, 25, £10.

Starting somewhere.

Five, six, seven.

At seven bid.

Eight.

Nine.

10.

12.

Bid's at the back at 12.

Lovely Victorian jug.

All finished, the first lot, now at £12.

Disaster strikes.

MH: So early in the day.

TP: First lot.

VO: Oh dear.

It's a loss, Mark, but don't worry, it's only your first item.

VO: Next up is Thomas's collection of Mauhclineware.

Nice lot there, £80.

60.

£50.

£30 then.

Oh, come on, come on, come on.

35.

7.50.

It's with Paul for £40.

2.50 again.

Bid's beside me now at 42.50.

Beside me now at 42.50.

All out for it now, all finished, the lot, at 42.50.

Do you know, Thomas, my heart goes out to you on that one, because genuinely, I would have bought them too.

VO: Another loss, and not what Thomas expected at all.

Still, could be worse.

It's Mark's turn next... ..with the damaged but unusual Troika vase.

£40.

£20.

For sale, tenner.

Tenner bid.

12.

14.

16.

18.

20.

2.50.

25.

£30.

2.50.

New bidder.

35.

New bidder again.

£40.

All finished at £40.

40 quid!

You got out of jail!

I'm annoyed about my earlier loss, Thomas.

TP: Don't worry about it.

MH: I haven't got over that yet.

Don't stress about that.

VO: Not bad, Mark, but listen to Thomas.

Enjoy a profit when you get one.

VO: Back to Thomas.

It's the Victorian kitchenalia next.

£30, £20.

Tenners then.

I'm bid 10.

12, 14, 16, 18, 20.

Bid's here beside me in the middle at 22.50.

25.

7.50.

Bid's still in the middle.

Bid's here.

In the middle at £27.50, all out for kitchenalia.

All done now at 27.50.

MH: That's OK. TP: So... That sorts out your Mauhcline lot with your bread board, doesn't it?

Well, hang on.

VO: A small profit.

Come on, Thomas, keep your hopes up.

Right, Mark, it's the baby money bank next.

£20.

For £10.

Nice baby.

Fiver.

Thank you.

Five, six, seven.

At seven.

Eight.

New bidder.

Nine.

10.

Beside me now at £10.

All out now at £10.

TP: Oh come on!

MH: Yeah, well... Come on, you made money out of it!

£2 or something.

VO: Come on indeed, Mark.

At least somebody bought it.

Next, it's the decorative Cantagalli ewer.

£80.

£50.

£30.

Thank you.

I'm bid 30.

2.50.

35.

At 35.

Go on!

7.50.

£40.

New bidder.

In front of me, I have £40.

Are we all done for this?

2.50 again.

45.

7.50.

At 47.50, bid's here.

£50.

Bid's in the middle.

All out for it now at £50.

Tell me, when you bought that, if it had been 50 and not 42, and that was it, if you wanted it and it was 50, you would've bought it, wouldn't you?

TP: Oh yeah.

MH: So would I. VO: Oh dear.

Not what Thomas was expecting.

Keep your chin up, boys.

It's Mark's 19th century Chinese stand next.

Fingers crossed.

£30.

£20.

Tenner.

Thank you.

10.

12.

Bid of 14.

16.

18.

20.

Bid's here at £20.

All finished at £20.

Most disappointing.

You were right.

20 quid.

I still think... another place, another time, a lot more.

And I think you thought that too, really, didn't you?

VO: Excuses, excuses.

It's another loss, Mark, but it's not over yet.

VO: Maybe the silver spoons will bring a much-needed smile to your face.

30 I'm bid.

2.50.

35.

7.50.

£40.

2.50.

45.

7.50.

£50.

55.

60.

65.

70.

75.

80.

85.

I have 85 in the middle.

90, new bidder.

Bid's with Kevin at 95.

100 with Paul.

105.

110.

Get another five?

Yes, keep going.

I feel the sea... ..£110.

Good lot, well done.

Thank you.

I'm pleased.

Well, you should be.

I'm only pleased because it's out of my comfort zone.

VO: Well done, Mark.

Silver may be out of your comfort zone, but that is what you can call a result.

It's Thomas's final item, the candlestick telephone next.

£20.

20 I'm bid.

2.50.

Five.

7.50.

£30.

2.50.

35.

7.50.

£40.

2.50.

Bid's here beside me now at £42.50 for the phone.

Are we all done?

Bid's here beside me.

Beside me now at £42.50.

Are we all out for the phone?

All done now at £42.50.

Made money though.

Made money.

Made a profit.

VO: It certainly did make you money, Thomas.

It's better than a slap in the face.

With a wet fish.

And lastly, it's Mark's rather crude pooch on wheels.

Will the bidders of Belfast want to take him home though?

£50.

£30.

Give this dog a home!

Give this dog a home!

DAVID: Give it a home.

£10.

I'm bid.

12.

14.

MH: Give Floppy Ears a home.

At 18 I'm bid.

20.

Go, Floppy, go!

At 20 I'm bid.

He's going out the door here.

2.50, new bidder.

I have 22.50, the lady's bid in the middle.

Lady's bid then at 22.50, all finished for it now at 22.50.

Oh.

Disaster.

Oh, I thought they were going to...

I think we sort of knew, didn't we?

Do you think your outbursts stopped the bidding?

Do you think it stopped the bidding?

VO: Maybe you do need to keep quiet next time, Mark.

Oh dear, another loss.

All in all, it hasn't been a great first auction for the boys.

We can't be down in the dumps because we're all walking away with a bit of extra money jingling in our pocket.

To me, I've got change.

He's got folding.

What can I say?

I'm very pleased to be going forward with more money than I started with, but I'm a little bit disappointed, a little bit frustrated, that the decent profit on the spoons was soaked up by all the other items.

VO: After paying auction costs, Thomas Plant made a tiny profit of £9.75.

He has £209.75 to carry forward.

Keep smiling.

And just inching ahead is Mark Hales, with a £23.89 profit.

He is the winner of the first leg, with a delightful £223.89.

VO: It's the end of the first day.

Both chaps are fairly happy and have a few pennies extra in the kitty - but there's still four more days to go.

Next time on the Antiques Road Trip: Mark and Thomas head for the Republic of Ireland.

Mark dishes out the kisses.

Oh, bless your heart, you're a lovely lady.

And Thomas chances his arm.

Well, what's your price then?

Well, I'd like to give you 75.

Away with that.

No way!

subtitling@stv.tv