[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: It's the nation's favorite antiques experts.

I think I've found something.

Pretty good.

Yeah.

NARRATOR: Behind the wheel of a classic car [HORN] - Oh, stop it.

NARRATOR: And a goal, scour Britain for antiques.

Ooh.

I think it's brilliant.

NARRATOR: The aim, to make the biggest profit at auction.

[GAVEL BANGING] But, it's no mean feat.

You're some man.

NARRATOR: They'll be worthy winners and valiant losers.

[LAUGHING] Will it be the high road to glory?

Yeah, baby.

NARRATOR: Or slow road to disaster?

[ENGINE GRINDING] Oh, oh.

NARRATOR: This is the "Antiques Road Trip."

[GIGGLING] [MUSIC PLAYING] Not half.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Happy Days are here again.

It's another "Antiques Road Trip," and we're in lovely Leicestershire.

It's a new day, new county.

You're very good companion.

Oh, James, thank you.

I have to say, I am having the best road trip with you.

Oh, lovely and-- It is great fun.

Moi OC.

NARRATOR: Oh, how sweet.

Our cheery chums are James Braxton and Catherine Sutton.

[LAUGHING] But, is something troubling our Catherine?

I feel Sorry for cows.

Why?

Because they just stand there, and they look so bored.

[COWS MOOING] NARRATOR: I'm sure, inside, they're smiling.

[JAUNTY MUSIC] James and Catherine have been doing quite a lot of county hopping, so far, on their five leg adventure from Eversley in Hampshire, via the West Midlands, to Bourne in Lincolnshire.

The hat's come out today, I see.

Yeah, it's chilly, isn't it?

Hm, it is a bit chilly.

- I think it's chilly.

- Yeah.

Does the hat come out when it's chilly?

It's enough to keep my brain warm.

[LAUGHING] NARRATOR: With both of our experts neatly poised in an almost equal show of strength, things are certainly heating up in that classic 1969 Rover P5.

OK, let's get down to business then.

James started the trip with 200 pounds, and, after two auctions, has 280 pounds and 58 p. While Catherine, who started with the same amount, has fared slightly better and has 356 pounds and 76 pence to spend this time.

What's 70 pounds between friends?

Listen, this is-- (JOKINGLY) Well, I'm finding it deeply irritating.

(SURPRISED) Oh, are you?

Yes, I am.

But, we are midway-- Yeah.

--it is anyone's game now.

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: It is indeed and how exciting!

This crucial leg sees our pair heading northwards, from Shenton in Leicestershire to Barnsley in Yorkshire.

Barnsley.

Barnsley.

Barnsley.

What's Barnsley known for?

Chops.

[LAUGHING] Have you ever eaten at Barnsley?

Of course, I've eaten a Barnsley's chop.

They're huge.

I think they're huge.

NARRATOR: Somebody get that man a chop, not the chop.

James has dropped Catherine off in the medieval village of Shenton in Leicestershire, right next to the site of the Battle of Bosworth.

And, our battle is about to commence.

Take aim Catherine.

This is Whitemoors Antiques.

Very nice, too.

Oh, look at this, a bit of garden equipment.

James would love it here, he loves a bit of outdoor furnishings.

Very nice.

NARRATOR: It's a huge Antiques Center, with a very large selection of furniture, curios, and fine art from the last two centuries.

Now, where's Catherine gone?

Anybody seen her?

You see, I could lounge around here all day and be so well camouflaged, that no one would find me and I wouldn't have to do anything.

[GIGGLING] NARRATOR: Goodness.

Well, while she's lounging about, let's catch up with James, who's headed to Burton on Trent.

Famous for its brewing, but it's not just beer James is after.

Not this morning anyway.

It's antiques.

[TIRES ROLLING ONTO GRAVEL] And, there's lots of goodies waiting for him in Drake Low Bars.

Plenty of stuff in the yard, for sure, should suit James down to the ground.

Now, I'm sure everybody's seen these roughly hewn stones, often referred to as sort of mushroom stones.

They are, in fact, staddle stones.

And, the purpose of staddle stones was to protect grain.

And, these would form the foundations to granaries, and this is where your precious grain was stored over winter to sustain you, your village, and your community.

And, this particular design stopped rats or mice getting up into your grain store.

They generally make anywhere-- I'd expect to see a price tag-- 80 maybe 150 pounds each on these.

But, summer's over, you know, we're back inside again now.

They're too heavy and I don't think anybody's going to buy them now.

I'm leaving.

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: Righty ho.

Meanwhile, back in Shenton, Catherine's finally sprang into action.

Oh my goodness, this place is even bigger.

Oh!

NARRATOR: There she goes.

Where do I start?

NARRATOR: She doesn't really know.

At the beginning, I suppose.

This is when you miss things, you see, because you just walk and walk and walk and walk and you're not focusing.

NARRATOR: Well, you could try slowing down a bit, then.

No?

Oh, no.

She's off.

Do you know what I'm drawn towards automatically, in this little corner?

NARRATOR: I haven't got the faintest idea.

I am drawn towards, something that I've never been drawn towards before, a Georgian water bucket, that's banded with metals or double banded there.

Sir, would this be yours, by any chance?

Yes.

NARRATOR: That's Bryn, the man in charge.

Georgian, I love-- Yes.

I love the grease.

I love the color of it.

It's beautiful isn't it?

It's something that you certainly couldn't fake.

To me it's beautiful.

Yeah.

I think as an object, it's such a lovely piece.

I mean, the history behind that who knows?

You've got 85 pounds on it.

May I ask, what would be your bargain price on it?

Well, I would come down to 70 for you.

Would you?

Yes.

CATHERINE SUTTON: I think I might take that from you-- BRYN: Very good.

CATHERINE SUTTON: --for 70 pounds.

BRYN: For 70 pounds, you're a gentleman.

- Thank you.

- No, you're not.

No, I am not.

NARRATOR: Well, he's certainly not a gentleman.

I think he needs an eye test.

[LAUGHING] I'm going to carry on though, because I feel there's more.

BRYN: Oh, there is.

More to be had.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: That's one in the bucket for Catherine, the Oriental bucket.

Now, what's James up to?

Tell me the story of that, Mentesh.

Because, I think I know what it is.

I reckon it's, it's an arts and crafts thing, isn't it?

Wouldn't you think?

Yeah.

I just wondered whether this was an engraved plate for transfer decorating pottery, Yeah.

Because we're in the potteries area.

You put a paper transfer, you'd put it onto the pottery before it goes in the kiln.

You think of those big meat plates and things like that.

NARRATOR: You may be right, there, James.

What could that be a humble table like that?

OK. A lifetime of cleaning.

How much you want to give me for it?

I don't know.

45?

OK. You've got yourself a deal there.

You'll definitely make money on that.

- Do you?

- Yeah.

- Do you think so?

- Yeah.

You'll make money on that.

Yeah, 45.

First one in.

I want to buy more though, Mentesh.

OK. NARRATOR: Great start there.

Seems they're both hungry to buy today.

Eh, Catherine?

I like your biscuit tin.

NARRATOR: Me too.

Yum, yum.

Typical of the 1920s.

Crawfords.

What have you got on that?

Is it a biscuit-- it looks like it is a biscuit tin.

25.

Can I give you 10 pounds for that?

- Yes.

- Yes?

Yes, OK. Nice.

Nice and easy.

Yeah.

I love an easy deal.

An easy, quick deal.

This is a Crawfords [INAUDIBLE]..

There you go.

Love it.

I'll put it in my bucket.

[LAUGHING] NARRATOR: That's a biscuit tin for a tenner in the 70 pounds oriental bucket.

Lovely.

Thank you very much, indeed.

Thanks, Bryn.

BRYN: Bye.

NARRATOR: And, just over 276 pounds in her purse for the next shop.

Back in Burton, James hunts on.

[MUSIC PLAYING] That's nice.

There's an art and crafts, isn't it?

I'm sort of getting all arts and crafts, here, aren't I?

- Yeah, you are.

- The table.

Yes.

JAMES BRAXTON: The light.

What's this like?

It's got a nice chain to it.

Get a bangle out of that, couldn't you?

Hm.

Get a bangle.

So, that would have hung up like that.

What could that be, Mentesh?

70.

70?

Would you take 50?

60.

60?

Got yourself a deal, mate.

OK. NARRATOR: The table was 45, so that's a total of 105 pounds for the two arts and crafts items.

James and Catherine are both off to a flying start.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Catherine is taking a break from shopping, detouring to Lichfield in Staffordshire.

A cathedral city with strong military connections.

It's home to a regiment that has played its part in British army wars and campaigns for the last 300 years.

The Staffordshire Regiment was formed in 1705 in Lichfield by Colonel Lord Lillington and is unique amongst all of Britain's infantry in its continuous identity with the a County.

Catherine's here to learn more about the soldiers and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier mascot, traditionally called Watchman, from warrant officer, 2nd class, Greg hedges.

When exactly did the Staffordshire Bull Terrier become the mascot?

In about the 1880s.

The regiment was sent to the relief with General Gordon, who was besieged at Khartoum.

And when they landed in Alexandria in Egypt, they adopted a small dog.

And, the dog joined the regiment on the troop train, but was seen to fall off it, presumed unconscious or dead.

NARRATOR: Oh, no.

The troop train carried on.

Two days later, they encamped to the edge of the Nile and then the dog entered the camp having done a 200 mile trek into the desert.

All that time?

Two days?

Two days, 200 miles.

100 miles a day is a lot to anybody.

[MARTIAL DRUMS BEATING] It's such an amazing story.

No wonder it's used as the mascot.

NARRATOR: And, this dogged determination sets the regiment apart.

Their motto, stand firm, strike hard, has inspired them in their engagements across the centuries, from the Spanish war of Succession to the Crimean War.

And of course, through both world wars.

And, in honor of the Regiment's contribution during the First World War, a replica British front line trench has been built at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum.

Catherine is suitably dressed to find out more from retired Major Jim Massie.

Sir!

You're obviously trying to recreate the feeling of the trenches here.

Yes.

We're trying to portray as people lived in it, and what it was like to fight from, patrol from, get gassed in, and everything else.

So, it covers all aspects.

CATHERINE SUTTON: You've done a great job, actually.

It does feel very, sort of, chilling.

[MARTIAL DRUMS BEATING] NARRATOR: World War I trenches had to be large enough for the men to live in and were never built in straight lines.

This was to stop the enemy from having a straight firing line along the trench, if they ever breached it.

What's the achievements of the Staffordshire Regiment during the war?

We had three regular battalions in right at the start.

And then, they were followed in 1915 by the other battalions.

They fought in, mainly, Flanders and France, but they were also in Italy, Mesopotamia, Gallipoli, and we had one battalion on the North-West Frontier for the whole duration.

[OMINOUS MUSIC] NARRATOR: It's of little surprise that seven of the Regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross, including Lance Corporal Bill Coltman, who became the most decorated soldier in the British army during the Great War.

MAJOR JIM MASSIE: He not only got the Victoria Cross, but he has also got the Military Medal twice, the Distinguished Conduct Medal twice, then, a week after getting the second one, he got the Victoria Cross.

And, this was right at the end of the war in September 1918.

NARRATOR: Most remarkably, Bill Coltman never picked up a rifle.

[MOVING MUSIC] A deeply religious man, he trained as a stretcher bearer.

And, setting his firearm aside, he repeatedly rescued severely wounded soldiers, under heavy machine gun fire, from no man's land.

His courage was the stuff of legend.

But after the war, the gentle hero returned home and took a job as a groundskeeper.

He died in 1974 at the age of 82.

The bravery of Coltman, and many others, echoes in this trench and it's ingrained in the very depths of the Regiment's Staffordshire pride.

James is motoring to the charming village of Middleton in Staffordshire.

At this stage, if I am to beat Catherine, I need to choose wisely and the goods need to make more than a tenner.

This may be my opportunity.

I want to leapfrog.

NARRATOR: Ribbit!

After buying two items earlier, James still has 175 pounds for his next shop, which is nestled in the grounds of the magnificent Middleton Hall.

Meadowview Antiques offers rare, vintage, and collectibles.

[JAUNTY MUSIC] JAMES BRAXTON: Well, this is rather interesting.

This is a sort of very early multi-tool and it's commonly known as treen.

This is probably a turned Sycamore or I think, in this particular case, boxwood.

Boxwood is a very dense wood.

You undo the handle here and then inside, here, it's got these various tools.

You've got like a little screwdriver, a little bit there.

And then, you just tighten it up here and then you go.

It's unusual and it's a survivor This is over 100 years old and it seems to have most of its implements with it.

But at 48 pounds, I think it's just too expensive.

A nice item, but not for me.

[TRUMPET MUSIC] JAMES BRAXTON: Oh, you've got a lot of stuff.

NARRATOR: [INAUDIBLE] SHOP OWNER: Yes, we have.

Should we refer to it as stuff, though?

SHOP OWNER: (LAUGHING) Yeah.

JAMES BRAXTON: They're all treasures.

Aren't they?

NARRATOR: Oops, treasures it is.

JAMES BRAXTON: What are these?

SHOP OWNER: These are lead buttons.

I would say, lead buttons are rather vulnerable.

You know, this is the sort of stuff that would be turned, by boys, into fishing weights or something like that.

Wouldn't it?

Amazing.

Sort of very humble items, aren't they?

SHOP OWNER: Yeah.

JAMES BRAXTON: So, lead is very soft, isn't it?

SHOP OWNER: Yeah, lead buttons, yeah.

Lead buttons.

So, they could be pressed out and pierced to make something.

I wonder what age they date from.

Could they be 18th century?

I think they are.

JAMES BRAXTON: I think they could be 18th century.

SHOP OWNER: Yeah, I think so.

JAMES BRAXTON: I would imagine, 19th century ones would have been pressed and manufactured, wouldn't you?

SHOP OWNER: Yeah.

JAMES BRAXTON: Well, what would be your best on those buttons?

SHOP OWNER: Well, we've got 25 on them.

I'll do them for you for 15, if that's a help to you.

NARRATOR: Nice deal for such rare buttons.

Mike, I wasn't going to do this, buy a small value item for the hope of making 5 or 10 pounds, but I've rather fallen in love with them.

I've never seen lead buttons before, and sometimes you just have to go with your instincts.

Take this.

Thank you very much, indeed.

And, I have the cash.

SHOP OWNER: That's lovely.

JAMES BRAXTON: A whole 15 pounds.

Well, thank you-- SHOP OWNER: Thank you.

JAMES BRAXTON: --very much, indeed.

SHOP OWNER: Thank you.

JAMES BRAXTON: Thank you.

NARRATOR: So, with that small purchase, James still has 160 pounds for tomorrow.

Is that a Rover P5 and two antiquers I can see?

I spy with my little eye something beginning with P?

Profit.

Profit!

No.

Oh.

JAMES BRAXTON: Pigeon!

Pigeon!

Where's the pigeon?

It just flew in front of us, didn't it?

NARRATOR: Spot the pigeon, eh?

Nighty, night.

Beats counting sheep.

[UPBEAT MUSIC] Day two is dawning in Cheshire.

Oh, old jelly babies.

[LAUGHING] Jelly babies.

1 pound 50.

So, you couldn't negotiate the price?

[LAUGHING] NARRATOR: Now, now.

Do you want to nibble them now?

Shall we nibble?

I think we need to nibble.

I always feel guilty about eating jelly babies.

JAMES BRAXTON: Why?

CATHERINE SUTTON: I don't know.

JAMES BRAXTON: What?

Because they're babies?

Have a jelly baby Cruella.

See, I do think of you.

And you bought me?

Nothing.

[LAUGHING] NARRATOR: With the contest pretty evenly balanced, so far, we have an intriguing skirmish developing between our dueling duo.

James went arts and crafts crazy yesterday, netting a copper top table, quelle surprise, and a similarly styled light fitting, together with a group of rare 18th century lead buttons.

I've never seen lead buttons before.

NARRATOR: He's still got 160 pounds to spend.

Catherine bagged a 1920s Crawford's biscuit tin and a oriental bucket.

I think that's a lovely.

God.

NARRATOR: And, with her large stash of cash, has almost 280 pounds for today's shopping.

Catherine's dropped James off and is heading for Sandbach in Cheshire.

I'm going to Sandbach to fill my boots.

NARRATOR: Here, in the 9th century, local Saxons erected crosses to proclaim the Christian message.

Not only are the crosses still standing, look there's one, Catherine's shop has been named after them.

Saxon Cross Antiques is brimming with an eclectic mix of goodies.

Everyone says that diamonds are a girl's best friend.

And if you open this little box, you will see why?

Look at this.

[PEOPLE TALKING IN THE BACKGROUND] That is a corker.

This stunning 1930s, round cut, very classic diamond ring is just over 5 carats.

This diamond ring would set me back just over 30,000 pounds, but I can still look and love.

[JAUNTY MUSIC] NARRATOR: Moving on.

Keep hunting, girl.

CATHERINE SUTTON: Oh, I like that.

Oh, I like that.

Well, this is nice.

This is not something I would normally look at, at all, but the marquetry and the parquetry on this mirror is absolutely fabulous.

Do you think about the amount of work that's gone into this?

NARRATOR: Marquetry is the pictorial application of veneers, whereas parquetry, as in this case, is the creation of a geometric design using blocks or strips of wood.

It's definitely Continental.

Italian, possibly, mid-19th Century.

There's blistering, there's marks to the mirror, but that tells you that it's the original mirror.

This hasn't been replaced.

I like it.

John?

JOHN: Yeah?

Hello.

I found something a bit different.

Yes.

Which is not normally my thing.

What sort of price is on this?

I've got 300 on it.

OK. NARRATOR: Yikes.

Catherine's expensive taste is showing today.

I came in with a lot of money, I haven't, quite, got that much.

[LAUGHING] Is there anything you could do on that?

250?

NARRATOR: Remember, dear viewer, she has around 280.

CATHERINE SUTTON: Right.

I'm going to think about that.

NARRATOR: Okey dokey, then.

Moving on.

CATHERINE SUTTON: I like this table.

It's a really nice shape, actually, like a sort of feather or leaf design.

NARRATOR: Hey, aren't tables James's territory?

John?

JOHN: Yeah?

Can I welcome you to my bar?

Cath's bar.

Can I get you a drink?

Oh, gin and tonic.

CATHERINE SUTTON: Gin and tonic.

Man after my own heart.

There you go, have a glass.

Oh, thank you.

[LAUGHING] Cheers.

CATHERINE SUTTON: Cheers.

Right.

I like your table.

This is perfect.

1960s?

1960s, feather top table.

CATHERINE SUTTON: Yeah.

And, what's your price on this?

85.

85?

Gosh!

OK.

But, I do like your mirror, could you do a deal?

NARRATOR: She'll need one, if she's interested in the table and the mirror.

John's best price on the mirror was 250 pounds, remember.

If I said 240, [INAUDIBLE].

NARRATOR: So, that would be 200 for the mirror and 40 for the table.

Catherine?

Can I squeeze you a bit more?

NARRATOR: Crikey Moses.

Can I say 220?

NARRATOR: Say what you like.

You got me on a good day.

Have I?

Oh, I love a good day.

NARRATOR: I'd say it's a great day!

That's a whopping 120 pounds off the mirror and 45 off the table!

Crikey!

Now, how generous.

Thank you very much, John.

[CELLO MUSIC] Meanwhile, James is heading to Stoke-on-Trent, a city synonymous with pottery making.

Here, the abundance of coal and clay, combined with the revolutionary manufacturing techniques of the likes of Wedgwood and Spode, allowed the industry to thrive.

And in the shadow of the Jesse Shirley's Bone and Flint Mill, James is meeting local baker Jason Adams.

He still makes Staffordshire oatcakes, the traditional foodstuff that sustained the pottery workers for generations.

Jason, why oatcakes in Staffordshire?

Around this area it was more difficult to grow wheat, because of higher rainfall and sometimes later starting seasons.

So, without the wheat and the gluten from the wheat for bread, people baked cakes out of oats.

The proteins in the oats were slow releasing for energy [INAUDIBLE].

JAMES BRAXTON: Rather like porridge.

They say-- - Yeah.

JAMES BRAXTON: --you should start the day on porridge.

Don't they?

- Yeah, yeah.

So, it was like a cooked cake of porridge, really.

NARRATOR: That sounds very good, doesn't it?

Bet your mouth is watering, eh James?

Let's hope Jason has an oatcake up his sleeve.

Come on, give me some of your complex oats.

NARRATOR: Blimey O'Reilly!

JOHN: So yeah.

JAMES BRAXTON: I wasn't expecting that.

NARRATOR: Language, James.

That's what you would've had in the early 19th century, your oatcake.

JAMES BRAXTON: Feels pretty weighty, I must say.

How is this-- is this baked?

Yeah, it's cooked on top of a hot bake stone, which is made out to local grit stone, because it was cheaper than, actually, buying a home oven.

And, this stone would be placed above a fire.

JAMES BRAXTON: Oh, I see.

So you'd warm it on your domestic fire, that was providing warmth for you, and then you'd just bake your oatcake.

[GUITAR MUSIC] NARRATOR: It's said that people would take their oatcakes to work and heat them up on a shovel in the pottery kiln.

Little known outside North Staffordshire, oatcakes fueled the workforce at the center of the world's ceramic production at the time.

If we can just go back in time, when this mill was buzzing with people, I'm holding a piece of history here, aren't I?

JOHN: Yeah.

So, when this was being baked, this was for people working along this sort of two path or maybe wharf side.

Here was the mill where they were crushing both flints and bone for the potters in the area.

And, this kept them going, isn't it?

Yeah.

NARRATOR: It did, indeed.

From the workers to the top dog.

Legend has it that the great Josiah Wedgwood was out walking with a friend on a very hot summer's day.

They couldn't find a pub, something to eat, so they begged a moldy oak cake and some cheese with caraway seeds from a workman, who was carrying it for his lunch.

[BOAT ENGINE CHUGGING] Is this something that's produced today or have they changed?

No.

Like most things that have survived, the oatcakes have changed through the years.

NARRATOR: In the 19th century, oatcake makers started to add some wheat flour.

This made the thick cake more pliable.

And, oatcakes today look more like that.

JAMES BRAXTON: That's a sort of floppy fellow, isn't it?

JOHN: It is.

Is this the call center oatcake?

(LAUGHING) Yeah, pretty much.

This is the call center.

That's the manual, that's the mill-- Yeah.

--mill oatcake.

This is the call center one.

JOHN: Yeah.

JAMES BRAXTON: Like, it's like something you polish something with or-- I can taste the difference, Jason.

So, this one has got more salt in it?

It might have a bit more salt.

Yeah.

NARRATOR: Today, Jason, like several other bakers hereabouts, continue the tradition of this great regional dish.

Time for some baking meetings.

Mix at the ready, deep breath, James.

JOHN: So, put the metal light down, yeah, and then tip it.

[GRIDDLE SIZZLING] JAMES BRAXTON: Oh, dear a bit [INAUDIBLE]---- JOHN: There's probably not going to be a lot of chaff.

JAMES BRAXTON: And, another one here?

JOHN: Yeah, just put it down gently.

[GRIDDLE SIZZLING] JAMES BRAXTON: Am I doing it a bit roughly?

JOHN: A little bit, yes.

JAMES BRAXTON: OK. NARRATOR: Oops.

I always thought James was a bit drippy.

We are ladling in the footsteps.

This is a great regional dish.

NARRATOR: And with a little help from his friend.

[MUSIC PLAYING] JAMES BRAXTON: Look at that.

The Braxton oatcakes here.

NARRATOR: A triumph.

Oh, look!

A customer.

- Afternoon.

JAMES BRAXTON: Come on in.

Come in, come in.

Now, would you like an oatcake?

Yes, please.

I've got Jason's, who are fabulous oatcakes, here.

And, these are mine.

The advantage of mine is they're still warm.

These are a bit clingy.

Do you want to chance your arm with mine?

I think I will chance, because I know Jason's are really nice, so.

They're 1 pound, 10.

OK.

Mine are 1 pound 20.

[LAUGHING] NARRATOR: James, I think your work here is done.

Meanwhile, Catherine, has been wending her way to Congleton in Cheshire, which first saw settlements in Neolithic times.

Blimey.

Any regrets, Catherine, after that big spend in Sandbach?

Have I spent over 200 pounds in one shop?

[ENGINE RUMBLING] But it doesn't matter, because I bought lovely items and I'm happy with them.

So, onto Congleton.

Bring it on, bring it on.

NARRATOR: And bringing it, is Victoria Mill Antiques and Collectors Centre, which offers three floors of goods from around 50 dealers.

It's the last shop of this leg and Catherine will be sharing it with James.

When he gets here.

This place is enormous, but I got to focus this, because I've just got one item, now, to buy and just over 50 pounds pounds.

So, I'm really looking for something around the 70 pound mark, and hope that I can get it for around 50.

Doesn't sound too hard, does it?

[WHIMSICAL MUSIC] Yes.

NARRATOR: Ha!

Easy peasy.

Oh, here comes James, full of oatcakes.

JAMES BRAXTON: Look at this!

Oh, I like a bit of clutter.

I've got roughly 160 pounds to spend.

And, yeah, I'm feeling really good, you know.

I think that the oatcake is kicking in, that slow release of energy, feeding both the body and the brain.

NARRATOR: Now, what's Catherine doing with that gnome?

[LAUGHING] JAMES BRAXTON: Yeah.

G-nome.

JAMES BRAXTON: What are you doing fondling a gnome?

CATHERINE SUTTON: Well, we're just gnoming around.

NARRATOR: They've lost me.

I made some oatcakes today.

And, I promised you some oatcakes, didn't I?

(EXCITEDLY) Oh, goody, goody!

Close your eyes.

Close your eyes.

Put out your hands and feel the oatcake.

(SURPRISED) What?

Oh!

So-- Oh, it's like a crepe.

It's like a crepe.

It's like a crepe.

It's really nice.

It makes a nice hat for the gnome.

[LAUGHING] CATHERINE SUTTON: Here we are.

I think that's better, James.

Come on-- - Do you?

- --let's go shopping.

(FACETIOUSLY) Don't worry, I've got a whole bag for you.

(LAUGHING) You can keep them.

NARRATOR: She likes them.

Really.

Back to work you too!

Oh, it's got the Braxton weight test.

Well, what is it?

Well, late Victorian, for sure.

Cast iron.

It could be a doorstop.

You could use it for a boot scrape.

But, I think it's more likely that it's one of a pair and it would have gone next to a fire place to rest your irons on.

But, I think it's rather nice.

68 pounds.

I don't have 68 pounds, but there may be a deal to be done.

Julia?

JULIA: Hi, Catherine.

Hello, there.

NARRATOR: Julia is the woman in charge.

I've got a bit of cast iron here.

Do you think it's actually one of a pair?

JULIA: I think, maybe, it could have been one of a pair.

Yeah.

It has the sort of, maybe, on a fireplace.

CATHERINE SUTTON: I don't quite have 68 pounds.

Is there-- can I throw an offer at you?

Can we say 40 pounds?

Oh.

OK. All I can do is go and ring the dealer and see.

Yeah?

See what he says?

Oh, fantastic!

- OK. - That's lovely.

- OK.

Thank you very much.

- No problem.

Thank you.

I shall wait.

NARRATOR: While we're waiting, how's James getting on on the other side of the mill?

Now, cabinets.

Cabinets always draw people.

Solid silver stamp holder.

15 pounds.

Now, that seems cheap on the face of things, doesn't it?

Oh, lovely that.

We've got some hallmarks.

We've got sterling silver and we've got a date letter.

NARRATOR: Silver it is, then.

It's not a stamp box, though.

Stamps are a lot smaller than that.

Slip a matchbook in there.

It was a matchbook holder.

That's rather fun.

At 15 pounds, I think that's a good value.

I think it's even a bargain.

I'm having that.

NARRATOR: Good stuff.

One set aside for James.

And, perfect timing, Julia is back with news for Catherine.

I got hold of him.

He said, he has had it a while, so he will-- (SURPRISED) 40 pounds?

- He will go for 40 pounds.

- Amazing.

Thank you.

JULIA: (LAUGHING) Deal of the day.

CATHERINE SUTTON: That is a deal of the day.

Wonderful.

Thank you, ever so much.

NARRATOR: Hoorah!

And, that's Catherine pretty well spent up.

[BILLS RUSTLING] - Here you go.

Brilliant.

Thank you, so much.

Thank you.

Wish me luck.

Gosh, it's pretty heavy.

NARRATOR: Is James still in that cabinet?

These are these funny wire mesh silver purses that were very fashionable in the 1920s.

This is what flapper girls had and they probably had, probably, had a cigarette holder in there and things.

It's got some damage.

Can you see the fringing here?

But this is all silver.

It's quite heavy.

I'd imagine it's continental.

A lot of these were made in France or maybe even in South America.

It says alpaca, which would suggest South America.

Yeah, that's rather nice there.

What have they got on it?

40 pounds.

If I got this at 30 pounds, I think we could ignore the damage.

I think it seems like quite a cheap punt.

NARRATOR: James does seem set on buying silver, doesn't he?

Remember, he's already put the silver matchbook holder to one side.

Here's Julia again!

Gosh, she gets about.

So, I find this rather nice art deco, it says purse here.

I think we can elevate that to bag, can't we?

JULIA: Yes.

JAMES BRAXTON: But, I've also found this.

I rather like this.

This silver stamp holder.

JULIA: That's really nice, isn't it?

JAMES BRAXTON: Yeah.

I think it's more a matchbook holder, but I'll give you 15 for that.

I think that's cheap enough.

But, with the damage, here?

JULIA: You're looking for a better deal?

JAMES BRAXTON: Yeah.

JULIA: (LAUGHING) OK. Any chance to something, like, 30?

Yes, because of the damage.

JAMES BRAXTON: Yeah.

Yeah, that's fine.

NARRATOR: James has only cashed out 45 pounds on his final two items.

That's really kind.

Thank you.

NARRATOR: Leaving him with more than 100 pounds in his pocket unspent.

He calls that lazy money, when Catherine does it.

We're going further and further North and we're ending up in Barnsley, aren't we?

In Yorkshire, for the auction.

Off to Barnsley, to sell our wares.

Barnsley.

And, in Barnsley we will have a Barnsley job.

NARRATOR: He's a man obsessed, you know.

But now, it's time for some shut eye.

Sleep well, you two.

[GUITAR MUSIC] Ah!

Yorkshire, county of contrasts, with its culture firmly rooted in its industrial heritage of coal mining and textiles.

After kicking off in Shenton in Leicestershire, our plucky pair zipped around several counties and will fight it out for the biggest profit at auction in Barnsley.

Wilbys are the auctioneers.

JAMES BRAXTON: Excited?

CATHERINE SUTTON: Yes, but I'm playing it in your own game.

I'm playing-- - That's my game.

--the table game.

I've bought a table.

Well, I'm playing your game.

Lazy money game.

(SURPRISED) No!

This is isn't lazy money.

A banks masses.

CATHERINE SUTTON: (MOCK FRUSTRATION) Oh, James.

NARRATOR: James, actually, only spent 165 pounds on his five auction lots, including, it almost goes without saying, a James Braxton table.

There.

Said it.

CATHERINE SUTTON: I really like this arts and crafts table.

It's actually rather clever.

And, it's got a wonderful transfer print top to it.

I think this was an absolute steal at 45 pounds.

On a very good day, this should really make 80, 90 pounds.

Well done, James.

I'm liking your style.

NARRATOR: Catherine's quite stylish lot set her back 340 pounds, though.

How does James rate her chances in this critical midway auction?

This is Catherine's splendid lot.

Her top lot.

180 pounds.

It's very showy.

The only problem is, it carries quite a lot of damage, especially to the silver plate.

Now, if you want a mirror, do you want to look at blemishes?

You know?

You're looking for blemishes in on the old face, not on the mirror.

I'd definitely buy it at 70 pounds.

Whether I'd pay 180 pounds, we'll find out.

NARRATOR: We will indeed.

Now, what does auctioneer, Pierre Maciag, have his eye on.

[GAVEL BANGING] We have a rather nice mesh evening bag, or money bag, as it's been called.

It is, unfortunately, silver plated.

Had it been silver, it would have made a great deal of money.

But, it will still sell quite well.

It's a nice, interesting piece.

The retro look is very much in today, and here is a very stylish glass top occasional, or coffee table, that would sell very well at today's sale.

I'm sure.

[DISCO MUSIC] NARRATOR: No internet bidding today.

But, with our two experts so closely matched, the packed sales room adds a certain frisson to the proceedings.

Do you know what I love about this?

Yeah?

Is it's really busy.

And, this is how auction rooms were.

I remember them.

Really busy.

It's got a great buzz about it.

NARRATOR: And, here we go.

Catherine's up first, with her vintage 1920s biscuit tin.

It started at 36 pounds with a-- (SURPRISED) 36 pounds.

- Oh, there you go.

- Wow.

PIERRE MACIAG: I'll take 8.

Nobody else coming in?

At 36 pounds, 38, 40, and 2 now.

At 40 pounds, commission bid you're out.

At 40, with me all finished.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: Now, that's what you call a profit.

- We'll take that.

- That is-- You see?

That is good.

NARRATOR: Next up, James' silver matchbook holder.

10 bid, 12, 14, 16, sir.

18 now.

18.

You're coming back?

No?

At 16 pounds on bid.

Nobody else want this one, then?

Are we all done?

And, I'm selling it at 16 pounds.

All finished.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: A pound is better than naught.

Hand on heart, that should have made a bit more.

Honestly.

Honestly!

- You're stifling your smile.

- No!

You are.

You're enjoying my misfortune.

(LAUGHING) I would never.

NARRATOR: Never.

It's Catherine, with one of the pair of fire dogs, next.

I have a bid.

30 pounds straight off.

35, I'll take.

Don't miss this one.

35, 40.

5, say, in the room.

50 now.

CATHERINE SUTTON: Oh, 50!

Oh, no.

It's nice.

PIERRE MACIAG: [INAUDIBLE], 55.

And, 60.

And, 5 now.

And, 70.

And, 5.

80.

And, 5, sir?

No?

At 80 pounds, then, all done.

And, I sell it at 80 pounds.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: Another fabulous profit for Catherine.

Wow.

Well done.

80 Pounds.

- Well done.

- Yeah.

It's a nice thing, that.

I'm glad I bought that.

NARRATOR: James looks pleased, too.

Not!

Maybe some bids on his copper top table will cheer him up.

I have 20 bid and 2 I can take for this one.

32 and 5.

28.

- No.

It's a nice thing.

PIERRE MACIAG: 5.

38.

And, 40.

And, 2.

40.

45.

PIERRE MACIAG: 42 and 5.

48.

Still cheap.

At 45 pounds, then.

(ANXIOUSLY) 45 pounds, come on.

At 45 pounds.

We're all finished and I sell at 45.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: Wipes its face.

Oh, dear.

I really thought that would do very well.

Maybe they knew I owned it.

Maybe.

NARRATOR: Ha!

Now, it's Catherine's most expensive lot.

The Italian 19th Century mirror.

I have two bids.

I start with the highest bid of 145 pounds.

Commission bid on the mirror-- (SURPRISED) 145.

PIERRE MACIAG: 150, now.

150, 60, 70.

180, 190.

Oh, thank you.

Oh, thank you.

PIERRE MACIAG: [INAUDIBLE] now in the room.

190.

I have 200.

And, 10.

Bidding?

- 200.

PIERRE MACIAG: And, 10.

220.

230?

At 220 pounds commission bid.

220.

PIERRE MACIAG: Over.

And, I sell at 220 pounds.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: Ha!

That's three profits in a row for Catherine.

There's no stopping her.

Oh.

[LAUGHING] Oh.

Nothing's stopping you, is it?

Oh, I do feel like I have got a little bit of-- Magic.

--luck on my side, today.

NARRATOR: Can James's arts and crafts light fitting catch some of Catherine's magic glow?

At 24 pounds commission bid.

6, anywhere now?

She-- I guess.

No, but she loves it.

She's going for it.

That lady.

PIERRE MACIAG: [INAUDIBLE] 34 bid and 6, now.

At 34 pounds.

Nobody else coming in, then?

Still cheap.

Come on!

PIERRE MACIAG: At 34 pounds, we're all done.

And, I'm selling it at 34.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: Aw.

That was one of James's favorite lots.

That was not-- You can't even by a dozen bulbs for 34 pounds.

NARRATOR: Moving swiftly along.

Next up, Catherine's bucket.

Shall I start at 40 pounds.

45, I can take for the pail.

Come on, don't miss this one.

At 40 pounds bid.

Nobody else coming on this?

Come on.

45, 50, 5, 60.

5 in the room now.

At 65, in the corner seated.

70.

At 65 pounds, then.

Anybody else coming in?

Surely, at 65 pounds, then.

And, we're all going to finish.

And, we are selling it at 65 pounds.

All done.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: That's a small loss for Catherine.

Have the tables turned?

You win some, you lose some.

NARRATOR: Here's James's rare, 18th Century, lead buttons.

Let's have a 5 pounds bid.

Let's have a bid at 5 pounds.

Nobody want these at 5?

[INAUDIBLE] PIERRE MACIAG: Come on.

A couple of pounds, anyway.

Surely, now.

I've 2 bid, 3 bid, 4, madam.

At 3 pounds your bid, sir.

Nobody else want these?

At 3 pounds, then.

And, 4.

And, 5 now.

At 4 pounds you have them.

At 4 pounds.

Nobody else coming in?

All done.

5 pounds bid.

6, 7.

Another one.

8, now.

7, 8.

Aw.

I have 8 pounds this time.

Crikey!

It's a good bid.

At 8 pounds, then.

And, we're all done and we sell them.

Oh, James.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: Ouch!

And, they were so nice, too.

Don't worry, you've got all that lazy money to play with.

I know.

Jolly will need it.

[LAUGHING] NARRATOR: The 1960s feather shaped table is Catherine's final lot.

And I start-- and, actually, I have to start it at 38 pounds with a commission bid.

40, now.

I have 38 pounds, 40 bid.

42.

4, sir?

44.

46.

48.

50 and 2.

In the room now.

55, I have.

58, sir?

At 55 pounds standing in the back of the room.

58, new bidder.

60, now.

And, 2.

65.

Coming back?

He looks a bit of that [INAUDIBLE]..

They do.

PIERRE MACIAG: My bid.

68.

But, there are hands everywhere.

PIERRE MACIAG: And, 2, sir?

And, 5.

78, now.

78 pounds, you have it now, then.

Are we all done?

I'm finished.

At 78 pounds all done.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: She's really got the hang of this table game.

Interesting.

Really interesting.

I thought that would be slightly out of place.

No.

I think you've done very well.

Well done.

NARRATOR: Now, will James pull it back with his final lot?

The flappers evening bag.

10 bid.

12 anywhere, now?

I've 12, 14, 16.

In the room, on my left standing at 16 pounds.

Still cheap.

- 19.

PIERRE MACIAG: Anybody else want it?

Come on, don't miss it.

18 bid.

And, 20.

And, 2, sir?

22 and 4.

No.

At 22 pounds, your bid.

Are we all done?

And-- - [INAUDIBLE] - We're getting there.

PIERRE MACIAG: At 22 pounds all finished.

[GAVEL BANGING] NARRATOR: I think James would rather not dwell on that.

I know.

I'm going to hover around you.

Whatever you're going for, I'm going to buy?

(LAUGHING) Come on.

You're a lucky lady.

Let's hover together.

Come on.

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: James started out with just over 280 pounds, but, in spite of some great finds, he's ended the day with only 218 pounds and 8 p in his piggie.

[GAVEL BANGING] Well, you can look happy, Catherine, because, after auction fees, you've made a profit today of just over 56 pounds.

And, your piggy is now just shy of 413 pounds.

So, well done girl!

I'm sure you won't rub it in.

Much.

JAMES BRAXTON: Come on-- CATHERINE SUTTON: (CHEERFULLY) Oh!

JAMES BRAXTON: --winning lady.

You must be thrilled?

Well, I'm basking in the sun and I'm basking in my pounds.

My gold.

My-- - Pounds.

- --pot of gold - Profits of pounds.

- Yeah-- Pounds of profit.

--it's been fun.

Well, it may be fun for you.

(LAUGHING) Oh, come on, James.

It's fin.

Listen, there's a long way to go.

- Is there?

- There's-- I think I'm running-- I'm running out of auctions.

Running out of steam.

[JAUNTY MUSIC]