Suzanne Packer and Susan Cookson

Season 6 Episode 15 | 58m 56s | Video has closed captioning.

Actors and friends Susan Cookson and Suzannne Packer battle it out on around the northwest of England. Susan discovers her inner haggler as Suzanne keeps the purse string very tight as she bids to discover an item with some real age. As the trip winds across Yorkshire, they meet a very special woman from Sheffield and a look around some incredible gardens with an amazing history.

Aired: 07/21/22

Expires: 09/30/26

Rating: TV-PG

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NARRATOR: The nation's favorite celebrities.

Ooh I like that.

NARRATOR: Paired up with an expert.

Oh we've had some fun, haven't we?

NARRATOR: And a classic car.

It feels as if it could go quite fast.

NARRATOR: Vanishing to scour Britain for antiques.

Yes!

Fantastic.

I do that in slo-mo.

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

Come on, boys.

NARRATOR: But it's no easy ride.

Ta-da!

NARRATOR: Who will find a hidden gem?

Don't sell me.

NARRATOR: Who will take the biggest risks?

Go away, darling.

NARRATOR: Will anybody follow expert advice?

I'm trying to spend money here?

NARRATOR: There will be worthy winners.

Yes!

NARRATOR: And valiant losers.

Put your pedal to the metal.

This is the Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.

Yeah.

[MUSIC PLAYING] Today, we're dashing along in the company of two doyennes of drama and very good pals.

We're beyond this gorgeous car.

And not a scalpel to be seen.

Not a scalpel.

No more recess, Sue.

No more-- We've escaped.

SUSAN COOKSON: There's likely no school in there, I know.

NARRATOR: Yes, former casualty actors, Susan Cookson and Suzanne Packer, have swapped their scrubs to lend their bedside manner to a spot of antiquing.

SUZANNE PACKER: So Sue, I know you're going to beat me.

Do you know what, I'm just so not.

You know I'm not about antiques.

No, I-- - You do.

- That's only because I'm old.

You've got a good eye.

[CHUCKLING] NARRATOR: Susan's stellar career spans a wide array of roles on British soap operas and dramas.

She first appeared as Dr. Maggie Coldwell in "Casualty" back in 2005, which is where this pair of pals met.

Suzanne won a place in the nation's heart in nearly 500 episodes as Nurse Tess Bateman.

But she's also well known for numerous top drawer dramas.

Have you got a strategy?

Um, leave it to the experts.

Leave it to the experts.

What do you think looks good on this, doll?

NARRATOR: And we have just the expert guidance for you.

I've been known to put people in the emergency position but, Well, Very often not during an emergency.

NARRATOR (LAUGHING): Oh crumbs.

Helping to nurse our celebs through their antiques adventure, our auctioneer, James Braxton and dealer, David Harper.

These two are such well-known actresses.

Been around for a long time.

I think they're going to be consummate professionals.

They will be.

Will be.

And, you know, never know.

They could be antique collectors.

NARRATOR: I wouldn't be so sure.

Have I ever even been into an antique shop?

Ever, ever.

I don't think I have.

You must have.

I don't think I have been though, Sue.

NARRATOR: Our pairs have 400 pounds each to spend.

And will be poodling around the country in this 1960s Triumph Fury and a 1965 Sunbeam Tiger.

So without further ado, Yeah.

What a, what a car, isn't it?

What a great car.

Look at that.

That is a cracking car.

Very nice.

It's a Tiger.

A Sunbeam.

Hello, good morning to you.

Hello.

Lovely to meet you.

You too.

Lovely to meet you.

[INAUDIBLE] belt.

This is a beasty of a car.

Lovely to see you.

Oh yes.

I think it suits us.

- It does suit you.

- Nice to meet you, James.

It really does suit you.

Yeah.

We're very excited about this.

Very excited.

Antiques is the way forward.

Really is.

- I think it probably is.

- The way forward?

I thought it was the way backward.

[LAUGHING] Sometimes you need to take a step back, to move forward.

So that's the way we look at it.

Actually, yes.

That's true.

And we're both convinced that the other is going to win.

Oh really.

Are you?

Are you very competitive?

Of course.

A little.

Oh.

A little bit.

Should we have the Tiger?

You know, I was born in the year of the Tiger?

Come on.

And I love Tigers.

- I'm taking Susan.

- There you go.

- Dragon.

- Susan.

Dragon tiger.

But we got the Fury.

I've got a tiger that's In the Tiger.

You've got a tiger in the Tiger.

[MUSIC - SURVIVOR, "EYE OF THE TIGER"] Look at that.

See you guys.

Bye.

NARRATOR: Today, our intrepid antiquers are exploring the highways and byways of South Yorkshire.

Starting off their trip in Sheffield, they wind and loop their way around the County before rushing West and leaping the county border into Lancashire, as they head for an auction in Warrington.

Right.

Let's get acquainted.

David.

What?

I have no taste whatsoever because I have-- Can't believe that.

Honestly, I have zero knowledge of antiques.

It's great that you don't know anything about antiques because, really, I can just make it up as I go along.

And you're going to be-- There you go.

NARRATOR: Well that's encouraging.

What all the others look for?

I like arts and crafts.

So do I.

And William Borris' famous, it either has to be useful or beautiful.

Anything in your house should be useful or beautiful.

Well, yeah.

So I need a very big skip.

That's what I need in my house at the moment.

NARRATOR: It sounds positive, all round.

But at least local girl, Susan, is in for a treat.

She'll be showing James around some of her old haunts.

So you've been here before, have you?

Long, long time ago.

I've been in here.

And it's huge.

There's lots to, lots to see.

Hey, look at this.

Hello.

- Hello.

Hi.

Hello, James.

- I'm Jill Mitchell.

- Hello very good see.

Hi, Jill.

Susan.

Hi, nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too, Jill.

This family run business is crammed to the rafters.

So plenty to get stuck into.

There's so much, isn't there?

All the flotsam of life, isn't it?

Come on.

Leaf House of me.

Come on.

See.

Because we're going to win Suzanne, see.

Yeah.

Come on.

Speak to me.

Handmade glass egg.

What would you do with a glass egg?

Where you going to put your glass egg?

My friend had a pram like that.

Really?

And I used to go and play with it.

Say, can I play with your jail's pram?

She was a bit older for it.

So I would play with it.

What you coveted about the pram.

Yeah.

23.

[LAUGHING] That's that's quite fun.

That's harrogate.

Moss harrogate.

So it's a stone, Yeah.

Like crystal.

And often associated with Scotland.

And moss has been just caught like fossils.

NARRATOR: While this pair get their heads around all this shop has to offer, the other team are still on the road.

And are still getting to grips with what they might be looking for.

So you're interested in history, social history.

Yeah.

Is there a particular period of time that really intrigues you?

My favorite bit of history was always the Tudor Elizabethan period.

Right.

But I doubt we're going to get bits of antiques Just blow my idea.

Yeah.

Couldn't you say something like the late 19th century.

No.

I couldn't actually because that's a big, that's probably a bit of a gap for me.

So you're talking about 1530.

Yeah.

15-- Right.

Let's try and find something from 1530.

I doubt whether that will be possible.

Thanks, Suzanne.

Oh, sorry.

NARRATOR: Good luck with that.

I wonder how the other pair of faring.

I like this.

Now, why do you like that?

Well, I think it's very fashionable at the moment.

Yeah.

What do they saying it is?

Deco, deco.

Yeah.

Dec-- Do you think it's deco.

It's later.

Do you think it's more 50s?

Yeah.

I think it's more 50s.

Right.

You know, deco wouldn't have the frilly bits, would it?

Right.

OK.

So Deco was all about angular lines.

It was about, you know, the new industrial age.

So what about that engraving in it, in the glass?

Then, then you get the frilliness towards the late 30s.

So you start getting flowery, cottage-y things.

So that's either late 30s or 50s.

Should I dared to take it off?

[GASPING] You should always look at-- oh what a weight.

It's lovely back to it.

Oh.

So heavy back, isn't it?

In your own time.

Let me get over here.

NARRATOR: Easy James.

Sorry.

I think I'm getting too big for antique shops, you know.

For all like having a sort of rhino coming in.

But, but good neck, isn't it.

Yeah.

I'm not even look at the price.

Let's forget it has a price tag.

NARRATOR: Typical Braxton tactic.

Let's see what owner, Jill, has to say.

Jill, we like this.

JILL MITCHELL: Right.

JAMES BRAXTON: - Susan's got one at home.

JILL MITCHELL: - Yes.

And I bought mine in a charity shop.

Right.

Yeah.

For 3 pound 50.

Oh my word!

Well we can't do 3 pounds 50 on it.

What was you sort of thinking?

4 pounds.

I would like 25.

Oh gosh.

I think more realistically, probably about 60 quid or something like that.

What about the 50.

Let me go away and just have a-- Quiet thing.

We'll do a conflab with my husband.

So then it's not-- - Have a-- Just on me.

JAMES BRAXTON: Have a conflab with your husband.

Go on.

50 pounds.

That's, that's up.

Oh, I think you should shake Jill's hand.

Go on.

Jill, thank you for auctioning.

No, no.

That's fine.

I think that's fair enough.

It's always nice to buy something of quality.

Yes.

NARRATOR: That sounds like a great deal for a nice item.

The 1950s mirror is yours for just 50 pounds.

Yay!

Isn't that good.

Very good.

NARRATOR: Whilst James and Susan pack up their wares, David and Suzanne have arrived at Kelham Island Museum to hear the incredible story of the forgotten women, who helped win World War 2.

By the end of the war, over 7 million women in Britain had been called out to fill the jobs of the men who'd left to fight the Nazis.

Here in Sheffield, their work was vital.

The factories in the city supplied munitions for the frontline.

And Sheffield steel was used to build the tanks, spitfires, and warships.

Suzanne and David are lucky enough to meet Kathleen Roberts, one of the city's heroic women of steel.

How did you get to work in the steel industry, here in Sheffield?

Because of the war.

You had no choice.

And you got your calling up papers, just like the the boys did.

I started in this inspection department.

And the men were terrible.

Why?

They didn't want to show us anything.

What was the problem?

Was it that unusual to see women in a factory.

Yeah.

They didn't think we should be there.

And so they got a bit uppity about it.

But, eventually, they came round.

And we all became good friends.

Well they had to.

NARRATOR: These women were trailblazers in a new world of working women.

But their pay was around half that received by the men they replaced, despite the hardship and strain of wartime working demands.

We lost our youth, having to work long hours in the works.

12-hour shifts.

Nights and days.

And so, I just had to come off nights Saturday morning and go back on days 6 o'clock Sunday morning.

And that's how I went on for 4 years.

NARRATOR: The working conditions in steel factories were tough.

And the noise from heavy machinery, like this 1,200 horsepower engine, was a constant companion to workers.

So this noise would be going all day long?

Wow.

There was a steam hammer.

Boom.

And that was going 12 hours, nights and days.

That's what caused my loss of hearing.

NARRATOR: Workers had to maintain a relentless pace to supply the frontlines.

And they took greater risks in harsh conditions.

They had got some machines and they never used them, because they could work quicker.

And they got fingers chopped off.

And you'd hear somebody scream and you think, oh dear, what's happened now?

You know, health and safety?

No.

NARRATOR: The factories were a prime target for German bombers.

When the Sheffield Blitz began on the 12th of December 1940, a reported 300 Luftwaffe aircraft bombed Sheffield for 9 hours.

KATHLEEN ROBERTS: When the sirens went, just popped a tin hat on.

Where did you go when the sirens went?

We didn't go anywhere.

We carried on working.

You're kidding me.

No.

Fully expecting to be bombed.

No.

Because we couldn't stop the machine.

So we had to stay with it.

How did that feel?

So the sirens are going.

You're continuing to work with a hard hat on, which will not protect you from a German bomb.

No, not at all.

Fully expecting to be bombed.

Explain how you felt?

Well, if it's got your name on it, you'll get it.

And we get, became very philosophical about it.

You know, we just-- well I wouldn't have gone, anyway, in the shelters.

Because they were ridden with rats.

And I-- no way.

I'd prefer the bombs.

Prefer the bombs to the rats.

I think I'd rather do, you're not alone there.

NARRATOR: Despite over 600 deaths during the Sheffield Blitz, the attacks did not deter the workforce.

It was just bad news everywhere.

And so, we just start to put our backs into it.

And get the stuff that the boys wanted, you know.

And we were quite willing to do that.

And so, if it hadn't been for the women, I think we could have lost the war.

NARRATOR: The heroic women of steel have now been recognized here in Sheffield by a statue, erected in their honor.

SUZANNE PACKER: How did this come about, that you managed to get this sculpture?

Well I got rather hattle about seeing everybody getting recognized for what they did in the war.

And we weren't.

This is what we leave in the people of Sheffield.

And I hope they like it.

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: Meanwhile, James and Susan have journeyed 11 miles North to the village of Elsecar.

Go and see.

Get in there.

Bargains.

- Hello.

- Susan.

Hi, Susan.

I'm Carl.

- Nice to meet to you, Carl.

- James.

James.

Carl.

Good to meet you.

Good to meet to you.

What a lovely place, isn't it.

- Yeah.

Really good.

NARRATOR: Certainly is.

Carl is one of over 100 dealers here.

So, there's plenty to choose from.

They reckon that the majority of jewelry still in circulation today was made during the Victorian era.

They really pumped it out.

A really good quality bronze there.

But it's just the base.

Look at the base.

It's not quite right.

Right.

It's funny, isn't it?

And it's that new quite, quite, quite new-ish slate.

Yeah.

Always look at the bases.

NARRATOR: Top advice, James.

Yeah.

NARRATOR: Oh, here comes trouble.

OK, here we go.

DAVID HARPER: After you.

SUZANNE PACKER: Oh, gosh.

DAVID HARPER: So this is it.

This is your shopping experience.

There's so much.

DAVID HARPER: I know.

SUZANNE PACKER: It's a bit overwhelming, David.

DAVID HARPER: Everywhere you look.

It is overwhelming.

SUZANNE PACKER: Wow.

DAVID HARPER: Let's find out your taste.

SUZANNE PACKER: OK. OK.

So the pressure is on you.

What do you like.

Well the pressure.

Well, see this appeals to me already.

Go on.

Tell me why.

First of all, because I love things that have that sort of Japanese, kind of, lacquer look.

Yeah.

And I could imagine that being very useful, in terms of holding jewelry.

Ah, right.

Maybe.

I can tell you that it's miniature furniture.

Probably Eastern European.

Often, a miniature piece of furniture was given to you on your wedding day.

Yeah.

But it would tell you, that when you get home, the big piece is waiting-- Wow.

In your house.

NARRATOR: Interesting.

And only 85 pounds.

Oh my goodness.

What.

That's expensive.

Oh.

I get the impression you're a bit tight.

NARRATOR: Charming.

Come on.

What else do you like?

What else do I like?

Well nothing is grabbing me here.

Although-- Yeah.

I'm, I'm very-- always very keen to see things, ornaments, that are of people of color.

OK. Because when I was growing up, you didn't see that.

No.

- It was always-- - Yeah.

Let's have a look.

European looking or-- Yeah.

Certainly, white.

I've never seen those figures before.

No.

So do you know anything about these?

Well, I can tell you from here, that they're probably glazed terracotta.

Right.

They're not old.

Do you think they actually belong together or was it just that they've been grouped together.

I think they've been grouped together.

- They've just been grouped.

- Yes.

NARRATOR: These handmade pieces look like they may have been made in the Caribbean for the tourist trade.

Maybe in the last 20 years or so.

Worth a closer look, perhaps.

I can absolutely tell you that it's not a machine factory-made thing.

This is in a little workshop somewhere.

Yeah.

I know.

I would agree there.

Because it's not perfect.

No.

Which, which makes it really charming.

That, yeah, that does add to its charm.

If I'm going to be really honest, it's probably not the best looking baby I've ever seen.

Oh my God.

I think they were off asleep when they did the baby.

They didn't do badly with the mother.

But the mother looks all right.

I think they were in a rush when it came to baby.

Yeah.

The baby.

They could have spent a bit more time on the baby.

NARRATOR: I think you're right.

These are not Carl's items but he can negotiate for the vendor.

So what do you say, Carl.

The good news is, collectively, they add up to about 50 pounds.

SUZANNE PACKER: Right.

But he's prepared to give you 30.

30 quid, the lot.

Oh.

Would he go for complete half price, do you think?

[GASP] I mean-- Carl, I can, I can apologize.

And then, that's a good deal, isn't it?

I don't know what to say.

Don't shoot the, don't shoot the messenger.

But, I'm going to say yes.

You're very good.

Shall we shake on that then.

Very good.

NARRATOR: I think you already have.

That's Suzanne's first purchase of the trip.

25 pounds for the 5 figures.

Something to brag about, then.

SUZANNE PACKER: Look who's here.

DAVID HARPER: The hands behind my back.

Yeah.

So what they got behind their backs, eh.

No.

I haven't got anything.

Have you been purchasing?

Yeah.

I think we might have been.

We might have been.

Might have been.

We've bought.

We've bought 5 objects.

No, you haven't.

Wait.

We have.

I didn't even realize but we have.

Don't worry.

They're toying with us.

We've been in, for what, 10 minutes.

The absolute true thing is we have 5.

10 minutes and you've peeled off a tenner.

We've bought 5 objects.

- Peeled off a tenner.

- Yeah.

- OK. - OK. - Yeah.

- OK. Good luck.

Bye.

Watching you.

NARRATOR: I'd keep your eyes on the shelves.

There's shopping to do.

Oh, what have you found.

Look at that.

Isn't that lovely.

And all made of oak, isn't it.

Yeah.

Look at that grain.

Very sort of, it's much collected, isn't it.

A lovely sort of kidney shaped.

Your medical.

It's nice, isn't it.

Though, because if you were sitting with that tray like that, say having your tea.

I don't think the Mouseman, I don't think the Mouseman, did he make it for TV saucers.

Well he might of done.

He might have done.

Catching up with the tides.

For the queen.

2 mice.

NARRATOR: Mouseman work was first carved by Robert Thompson in the early 20th century.

A mouse featured on every item he produced.

A tradition which has been continued by his family company.

This one has a ticket price for 290 pounds.

What could that be, Carl?

Think cheap.

Well I'll try.

And I'll say 200 quid.

200 quid.

How does that sounds?

NARRATOR: She doesn't sound convinced, James.

Well, it's much sought after.

And one to keep in mind.

Hang on, what's this?

It was the first thing I ever broke in the auction room I worked at.

Was a decanter.

First and only.

Always be suspicious.

Feel how it fits.

Yeah.

And then, you know, it's really tight, isn't it.

Because if you get a decanter stopper and it's sort of frosted, it means it's generally being ground.

Right.

So when they were finished-- Yeah.

They were always tight.

So what you want to do is you want to check that the stopper fits.

Fits.

And it should be polished.

Is it all right?

Not great.

No.

That's good.

And then you've got silver on the edge there.

Yeah.

That is, that is very lovely.

NARRATOR: Ticket price is 75 pounds.

What do you think, Carl?

The best on the decanter will be 40.

40.

NARRATOR: Well that sounds promising.

We could have a deal in the offing.

What are the others up to upstairs?

Look what I found.

Oh.

Now they probably aren't worth very much, maybe now.

OK.

I mean, I can imagine somebody thinking, well I'll hold onto these because maybe 10, 20 years I can sell them on.

And I could make myself a pretty penny.

OK. And it's quite odd.

I've never seen them like metal.

It's metal.

What is-- The Metal Box Company.

I think they were chocolate biscuit box makers.

Right.

They scream the 1950s, don't they.

Wow.

Yeah.

And '50s things are quite cool and quite trendy.

'50s Stuff is really cool at the moment.

How much are they.

You know I hate spending money, David.

OK.

I think you're going to shock me, aren't you?

I think I am.

How much?

They are 2 pounds.

For the pair?

For the pair.

Wow.

Unless I misread the, the, the price tag.

Did it say 200 pounds?

Do you think I would have pick them up for 200 pounds?

No.

Well, 2 pounds.

2 pounds.

You can't go wrong, can you?

- I think for a bit of fun.

- I think so.

Take a chance.

Let's just have them.

I'll stick with the price.

I'm not going to negotiate on this one.

I know I'm being a bit soft.

No, you are.

I know.

I know it's not my usual form.

You've lost that hard edge.

I'm so disappointed.

Come on.

NARRATOR: Well Carl's still has some business to settle elsewhere, first.

If we said 175 on the tray, are we getting near?

Come on.

He's a kind man.

I really love the mouse.

Well we have to have a deal, don't we.

Yeah.

We have to have a deal.

I'll say 180.

Surely.

Yeah.

I think we should.

I would shake his hand.

So we'll have that decanter at 40 and that at 180.

And we got 2 really lovely lots.

Yeah.

I'm happy with that.

- You happy with that?

- Yeah.

Yeah.

NARRATOR: We got there in the end.

That's a sizable 220 pounds for 2 items.

Right.

Let's go.

Go on.

Come on.

NARRATOR: Right, Carl, your work is not done just yet.

I think we're ready to settle, aren't we?

I think we're done Carl.

Yeah.

We also would like to take these.

2 pounds?

So we owe how much?

27 in total?

27 pounds.

They were actually 2 pounds each.

Oh.

NARRATOR: Anyone feel awkward now?

Oh that's a bit expensive.

Oh, there she goes.

Well, OK. What about just 2 pounds for one.

Chuck the other one in for free.

A two for one deal, Carl.

That's what she's looking for.

I think we can offer that.

Oh, you're so kind.

Thank you so much.

Two for one.

OK. NARRATOR: Thrifty Suzanne and David are taking the opposite approach to their opponents, by polishing off their shopping for the day, for just 27 pounds.

Time for our celebs to catch up and swap notes.

You know, like, sometimes with wooden furniture, if it's got woodworm-- Yeah.

That's usually-- A good, standard value, doesn't it?

No.

That will show its age.

SUZANNE PACKER: OK. SUSAN COOKSON: And if it hasn't got a woodworm, it's not been- What happens if it's, like, comes from Buckingham Palace.

The spit and polish they put on those things.

So I can't imagine there's going to be many items.

There'd be classy wood worm.

There'd be really upper crest woodworm.

They're only going to be the best wood.

NARRATOR: Nighty night.

Another day dawns on our road trip.

I've got to say, James, you are looking for red hot.

But cool.

NARRATOR: And time to reflect on everyone's performance yesterday.

Did Susan buy what she likes?

She did.

I did try and sort of muscle in a couple of things that I thought might make a profit.

But they were met with, not quite grimace, but disappointment.

SUSAN COOKSON: I felt sorry for James.

Oh yeah.

Most of the time I was just standing there, like-- Oh dear.

I don't like that.

And there was a couple of things he said, do you like that?

And I said, no.

Oh bless.

So he just put it back.

DAVID HARPER: So you're doing your job properly then, were you?

- I was.

- That's surprising.

- I know.

How about you?

- I'm disappointed.

How about you?

No, I did my job dreadfully.

NARRATOR: I think you're being modest there.

Yesterday, Suzanne and David picked up a pair of commemorative plates and a set of handmade figures, leaving them with a rather grand 373 pounds left to spend.

Oh.

I get the impression you're a bit tight.

NARRATOR (LAUGHING): While Susan and James got their hands on a Mouseman tray, a whiskey decanter, and a 1950s mirror.

All right.

Let's go.

Go on.

NARRATOR: Leaving them with 130 pounds in their pocket.

Time to get everyone back together again.

Look at the big smiles.

You two look very happy.

- Whoa.

Oh, hello.

Oh God.

You arrive have you?

We've arrived.

How are you?

Good.

Yeah.

Yeah, good.

Good morning, gorgeous.

How are you?

- Oh, very well thank you.

- You look fantastic.

You too.

I love that jumper.

That is cool.

Is that a jumper?

We're rearing to go.

Well, we better go because we're short on time now.

- OK. - OK. Oh yeah.

Yeah.

They've all-- and he bought sort of a couple of slightly underperforming lots.

Yeah.

Oh, that's not very kind.

SUSAN COOKSON: We might just go and have a light, long-- Oh.

JAMES BRAXTON: No mistake.

Yeah.

I'm doing my best.

Oh no.

I know where this is going to end.

OK. Good.

Come on.

Come on, let's go.

And they'll be my tears.

NARRATOR: Well, hopefully, they'll only be tears of joy as we embark on another day of shopping.

SUSAN COOKSON: I know it's not totally Audrey Hepburn.

JAMES BRAXTON: Yeah.

But we've got the top down.

I've got the glasses.

I've got some kind of headgear.

We're away.

I'm into this now.

You look very smart.

Yeah.

You should, you should be worrying for your job now.

JAMES BRAXTON: - I am worried.

DAVID HARPER: We were really stuck in the 20th century yesterday.

SUZANNE PACKER: We were.

What was it '50s and '80s.

DAVID HARPER: Yeah.

Not very good.

- We want, we want to go past.

- Further back.

- That's it.

Yeah.

What are we going, we going get-- - We got to get serious today.

- All right.

David.

I think-- I do apologize.

Do you know what, I think you were easy on me yesterday.

Let's try and find a real antique, shall we.

Let's do it.

NARRATOR: Yeah.

That would be nice.

David and Suzanne are getting things underway this morning in the market town of Penistone.

So we're going to get serious, eh?

We're going to buy a real antique.

Definitely.

We-- OK. SUZANNE PACKER: We've got to.

It's a competition.

DAVID HARPER: Get serious.

SUZANNE PACKER: After all.

NARRATOR: Time to get serious then.

Not sure what they were doing yesterday but never mind.

- Hello.

- Hello there.

Hi there.

- Hi.

Nice to meet you.

I'm Ben.

Hi, Ben.

Suzanne.

- Hi, Ben.

- Hi.

David.

- Nice to meet you.

- Good to see you.

Is this yours?

- It is, yeah.

Mine and my dads.

Right.

Yeah.

SUZANNE PACKER: Wonderful.

DAVID HARPER: Show me what you like.

SUZANNE PACKER: Oh God.

I've got a bit nervous.

No.

Where's this come from?

I, I don't know.

It's serious now.

It's a delayed reaction.

I know, isn't it?

NARRATOR: Did anyone catch if they were taking this seriously.

Right, David, time to take a celeb under your wing.

You've got to, sort of, hone in on a cabinet that you like the look of.

SUZANNE PACKER: Oh.

DAVID HARPER: Because they will probably have the same taste as you.

To suit to me.

SUZANNE PACKER: Oh yes.

No.

I see what your saying.

Like you bypass cabinets.

I just have no interest, no interest, no interest.

- No.

- Yes, I like that.

OK. NARRATOR: So what does pique your interest?

[MUSIC PLAYING] Now that looks very-- I don't even know what it is.

But it looks very old.

DAVID HARPER: Oh.

Train, bus ticket machine.

That's a bit bonkers.

Well there you go.

That's where you put your ticket in.

Put your finger in.

- OK. - Bah!

Ahh!

[LAUGHING] You had me, for real, then.

You're going to kill me.

What's that say there now.

"Newcastle on Tyne."

You see another, you know, real, heavy, and industrial.

Yeah.

Industrial item.

You would have found that exact design in America, in Australia, and Canada.

All of them.

Right.

Lifts way up there.

What is that?

That is the original rhythm.

Like, oh listen.

There you go.

There's-- OK. You are interested in time travel.

I am.

And people, and connecting to people from the past.

I'm now going to take you on a journey into the past.

NARRATOR: Oh, hang on.

You're going to hear something.

I'm going.

I'm there.

Real people heard.

Get-- tune in.

I'm tuning in.

That real people heard 100 years ago.

Ready?

Yeah.

[CLICKING] - Are you feeling that?

- Yeah.

I'm so pleased.

I definitely did, definitely did.

I definitely felt it.

But we're not going to buy this though, are we.

Why not?

Do you think this would be a good purchase.

I think it's a bit wild.

It's an oddity.

And when you are buying things for auction, oddities are brilliant.

Because you can't value them.

NARRATOR: Well, you can't David.

But dealer, Ben, has priced it up at 48 pounds.

Look at those screw heads, they've almost disappeared into the metal.

Can you see that?

Well I don't know how to respond to that.

Look at-- - But if the-- Those screw heads.

Am I meant to get excited?

Yes!

I'm getting excited.

OK. Now, I am interested in purchasing this.

But I think this is a little excessive.

So what's your best price at this current time?

25.

And it shows.

- Oh.

25.

DAVID HARPER: The way I feel, if Ben said you can have a 20 quid, I'd take it at chance range.

It's not much of a chance.

We might lose 18 pounds, right.

But if it sparks a little bit of interest, might make 18.

But our-- How does 20, 20 pounds strike you?

Yeah.

Go on.

I'll take it.

- Good man.

Good.

NARRATOR: Well done, chaps.

An old ticket machine at better than half price.

Anything else catching your attention?

- I don't know.

- No.

No.

- No.

I don't know.

I mean, I know we want to go early 19th century, but I can't help you be drawn.

Oh what?

What have you been drawn to?

OK. OK. Am I, am I hot?

See if you can tune in.

Yeah.

OK.

I'm hot, am I?

- Yeah.

Hot baby.

- I'm very hot.

Yeah.

We're not looking at the hat, are we?

No.

Well if you want to look at that.

No.

That doesn't appeal to me at all.

It's very big.

Big?

And it's very close to you.

It's very mid-- Oh.

Oh.

It's just cool and trendy.

SUZANNE PACKER: Yeah.

DAVID HARPER: Now.

Yeah.

Go on.

What would you put in there.

I would put maybe a tea service.

Yeah.

It's a sideboard for a dining room.

You put bottles of liquor.

What would you have?

I don't know.

What would you have?

Baby shower.

Baby shower!

- Oh.

Baby shower.

Yes.

It's in very good condition.

It really is.

You know, honestly, take this and put it into, seriously, a London interior design shop.

Yeah.

And it's going to be several hundred pounds.

It really is.

OK. Well, it's marked at 50 pounds reduced.

I think it's remarkably cheap.

Do you want to talk to Ben?

- Yes.

Let's talk to Ben.

- OK. - I mean, you are.

I love it.

You've, you've actually convinced me.

Ben.

OK.

I want to make an offer on this.

OK. 20 pounds?

No.

More than that.

It's going to have to be-- More than 20?

35 pound.

Oh, I'd say 25.

I'll meet you in the middle at 30 then.

27.50.

[SIGH] Go on then.

You've got a deal.

OK.

I'm going to shake immediately on that because I think that's an excellent deal.

NARRATOR: So David and Suzanne's tactics are clear.

Buy them cheap!

The mid-20th century sideboard is theirs for 27 pounds and 50p.

SUZANNE PACKER: I'm not so nervous now.

Good.

We've done really well.

- Brilliant.

Fantastic.

Excellent.

NARRATOR: Meanwhile, James and Susan are back on the road and heading towards the city of Sheffield.

SUSAN COOKSON: When I was on "Casualty" I used to get lovely letters.

I don't think I ever got a nasty letter off anyone.

Yeah.

SUSAN COOKSON: But when people start asking your advice, you know, or can you recommend something for me, hemorrhoids.

Like, no I can't.

I'm an actor.

NARRATOR: Well it's time for Susan to turn her hand to something new, as she and James travel back into Sheffield to spend some time in the botanic gardens.

Created by Robert Marnock, one of the 19th century's leading garden designers, these gardens are a testament to the desire of local people to provide a fresh green environment in the heart of a thriving, industrial city.

Here to tell all is curator, Ian Hunter.

SUSAN COOKSON: Can you tell us why Sheffield felt the need to have these kind of gardens.

IAN HUNTER: In the early 1800s, there were very few parks and gardens around, around the city.

This town was developing as a, as an industrial center.

And actually, we needed green spaces for people's health.

NARRATOR: Botanic gardens were first established in Italy, with the study of medicinal plants.

But in the Georgian age of exploration, botanical gardens like this one, promoted the cultivation of new and exciting splendors.

Money was raised by the people of Sheffield to provide this green space.

And the gardens were created to improve the general well-being of the local population.

Although, the attraction wasn't just restricted to the plants.

IAN HUNTER: It actually opened as a combined zoo and botanical gardens.

So we had bears in the bear pit.

We also had a troop of monkeys and all sorts of other animals.

We're standing in the bear pit here.

NARRATOR: The chance to see wild beasts, from far flung places, was limited to traveling menageries.

The bizarre animals and plants within Sheffield's new botanic gardens drew big crowds.

Its opening days saw 12,000 visitors.

But soon the gates were closed to the public, with access limited to just a handful of days each year.

A membership fee meant only the wealthy could enjoy it.

IAN HUNTER: The garden went through various times of sort of boom and bust.

The initial society went bankrupt.

Was replaced by a new society.

And then in the 1890s, the gardens were bought by the Sheffield Town Trust because it was going through another period.

And that's when the gardens were made free to entry for everybody.

SUSAN COOKSON: Oh, right.

NARRATOR: Leafy places to promenade within smoke-filled cities became popular in Victoria and Britain, as the number of "free to enter" parks in the region increased.

The botanic gardens were forced to open their doors to everyone, all year.

How big is the garden?

The garden's about 19 acres.

SUSAN COOKSON: Wow.

So it's, it's not huge.

But it's a fair size.

SUSAN COOKSON: It's very intense though, isn't it.

There's a lot of work here.

Yeah.

A lot of intensive horticulture.

A lot of very formal areas as well.

Yeah.

SUSAN COOKSON: Robert Monarck's designs were in the Gardenesque style.

It meant flower beds and trees were to be positioned within Sheffield's botanical gardens in a very fastidious fashion.

IAN HUNTER: It's about art, not nature.

So each plant has its own position, its own style.

And it's about showing off the plants to their full potential.

So every tree has the space to develop fully.

So it can have its full crown, beautiful symmetrical crowns.

Gardening should be about art and celebrating the plants themselves.

So you get the trees planted as specimens.

And you've got very narrow beds so that you can walk along either side, and see every single plant, and appreciate JAMES BRAXTON: Oh, I see.

IAN HUNTER: Each plant.

JAMES BRAXTON: Rather than a border.

Rather than the border-- JAMES BRAXTON: I've got you.

It's about appreciating each individual plant and the beauty of each plant.

NARRATOR: Sheffield's botanic gardens host an incredible collection of 5,000 species.

And remains one of the best examples of the Gardenesque style of design.

The 19 acres are now looked after by a team of gardeners, who maintain the neat and lush surroundings.

Time for Susan and James to earn their crust.

JAMES BRAXTON: I'm worried about my hole.

I think it's a bit deep.

I'm quite tired having done all of this now.

Yeah.

But can you not ruin this last bit.

Got to get the lines right.

Yeah.

You've got-- I think-- Don't ruin all my work.

I know you've done a fabulous job.

NARRATOR: Robert Monarck's vision, to show off the artistic beauty of nature, was his gift to the people of Sheffield.

Where the garden remains a testament to him, and a peaceful have, in the heart of a bustling city.

[MUSIC PLAYING] While their opponents relax in the gardens, Suzanne and David are on the other side of Sheffield for their final stop.

Still in search of that elusive item of a certain age.

DAVID HARPER: Hello Hello there.

Hi, I'm Suzanne.

I'm Danny.

Hi.

Danny.

David Harper.

Very good to meet you.

Are you, is this all yours?

DANNY: No.

Mine, we are a collective.

DAVID HARPER: OK. DANNY: But, I am the big cheese, as they say.

DAVID HARPER: The big cheese.

We're honored.

NARRATOR: How very mature and tasty.

Right, you've got a whopping 325 pounds and 50 pence left to spend.

Get cracking.

Oh, there you go.

Who do we have here?

Oh.

Is he the Buddha of good fortune?

I'm going to rub his tummy.

I don't think he's Victorian, however.

He is not.

No.

I don't even think he's wood.

Quite like those candlesticks.

Do they look old to you?

No.

Not at all.

No, they don't look old.

We're, we're barely looking at anything at all.

No.

You know what, we really need to focus here.

Try find something really old.

Oh, please.

OK.

Follow me.

Follow me this time.

- Yeah.

OK. Let's find you something old.

NARRATOR: Change of tactics.

So while David picks up the reins, James and Susan have meandered their way to Barnsley.

Famous for coal mining and glass making.

And the home to their final shopping destination of the trip.

RACHEL: Hi.

JAMES BRAXTON: Hello.

Hello.

- Hi.

- Hello.

James.

- James.

Rachel.

Pleased to meet you.

JAMES BRAXTON: Rachel.

SUSAN COOKSON: Susan.

RACHEL: Hi, Susan.

SUSAN COOKSON: Nice to meet you, Rachel.

We want some really lovely-- Really lovely antiques.

Yes.

We can find you some, some really lovely antiques and perhaps, a bargain as well.

Yeah.

We, we definitely want bargains.

You heard it here first.

- Yeah.

Bargains.

This is the right place.

Take us to your bargains.

Come this way.

Come on.

RACHEL: I think this is particularly interesting unit because there are one or two really nice bits in here.

SUSAN COOKSON: Yeah.

Yeah.

RACHEL: Think you might find.

SUSAN COOKSON: I'm sort of thinking arts and crafts.

OK. Yeah.

Well look down there.

SUSAN COOKSON: Look at this.

JAMES BRAXTON: Look at that.

RACHEL: Already waiting for you there.

SUSAN COOKSON: What do we think?

JAMES BRAXTON: Look at that!

That's arts and crafts, isn't it.

Yeah, definitely.

Nice brass.

Is it, is it marked at all?

Always look for that.

Newlin.

Cornish.

Like lots of stuff came from the Lake District, didn't it.

The Catholic school.

Oh.

So they had a lot of copper deposits up there.

OK.

So wherever you find the metals, you tend to find the schools.

NARRATOR: There's no maker's name, but a ticket price of 12 pounds.

JAMES BRAXTON: What can you do on that.

SUSAN COOKSON: Wow.

I can do-- Hold on.

There's a price on that.

- Is there a price?

- Yes, there is a price.

I never seen a price.

- There's a price on that.

- What is that?

A fiver?

Well-- What did Rachel say?

Well if you written down to 5, maybe pushing it a bit too much.

We could, perhaps, do 8 on it.

SUSAN COOKSON: What about 6?

If we went down that low low, would be the absolute death on it.

And I could not push that any further.

OK. 6?

Are we saying 6?

- OK. We say 6.

Go on to 6.

Yeah, less.

Well on, Rachel.

NARRATOR: Blimey!

Susan's become quite the negotiator.

That's a speedy and rather good deal.

How's the hunt for "old" things going in Sheffield.

DAVID HARPER: Something old, old.

Old.

OK. Old like that.

Nice.

OK. Old.

- OK. Yeah.

We're looking for 100 years old-- - At lease.

- At least.

Yeah.

Now this is an oak coffer.

It can be used for storing blankets or treasure.

Right.

Literally treasure.

In times of trouble, a coffer could be filled with all your worldly goods and taken off to the hills.

There are coffers today, in Britain, buried, undiscovered, full of things.

Oh.

Amazing.

If you look a bit harder now, you'll see something.

I see numbers.

And it says 1660.

- 17th century coffer.

- Yeah.

Oh There you go.

250 quid.

How cheap is that, bearing in mind how old it is.

NARRATOR: Not cheap enough given Suzanne's previous form.

So I want to talk to you about this one, though.

OK.

It's attractive.

OK.

Put your umbrellas and-- OK.

So you know exactly what it is.

Yaeh.

- It's called a stick stand.

Sticks and umbrellas.

- This is a stick stand.

Yeah.

When was it made?

So I would say, 1840s, '50s.

OK.

Very good.

It certainly Victorian.

But I think just a little later because it's got that kind of Gothic revival.

So mid 19th century to, kind of, the last quarter of.

Yeah.

I'd say 1870.

OK. Oh well.

40 years out.

That's not bad.

- Look in the world of antiques, - For an amateur.

It's nothing.

It's minutes out.

That's all.

I think it's quite saleable.

It's all down to money, really.

And I'm afraid it has to be cheap in the market.

The way it is, it has to be cheap.

NARRATOR: Now you're talking Suzanne's language.

No ticket price.

So time to get the big cheese in.

DAVID HARPER: Danny.

SUZANNE PACKER: Hey.

Tell us everything you know about the stick stand.

I know it's a lovely Victorian stick stand.

Original liner.

DAVID HARPER: Yeah.

SUZANNE PACKER: Yeah.

DANNY: Arts and crafts.

A lot, lot going for it.

DAVID HARPER: Is it particularly cheap for us?

DANNY: I think it's really cheap.

Is it?

I think it's priced-- 15 quid?

15 quid.

What about 65 quid?

SUZANNE PACKER: Oh!

I thought I heard the word cheap.

I know.

Oh, that's really interesting.

DANNY: Beautiful piece of Victoriana.

SUZANNE PACKER: Yeah, but.

DAVID HARPER: I know.

Market isn't so good, is it, there for Victoriana these days.

Unfortunately, no.

SUZANNE PACKER: No.

- I agree with you.

- Sadly.

Sadly.

What's the absolute death on it?

DANNY: The absolute death on it is 45 pound.

Know what I'm like.

I know.

Out of control.

I mean.

Well, I'm going to-- It seems a lot.

It seems a lot.

Considering the market.

Right.

OK. Because it's not selling.

DAVID HARPER: Yeah.

DANNY: I will through the stick in with it.

- Oh.

- There you go.

Do you know what, then.

That's a deal then.

DANNY: We happy with that?

Yeah.

I'd be happy with that.

DAVID HARPER: OK. Yeah.

DAVID HARPER: Go on then.

Shake his hand.

- Oh.

Thank you very much.

You're more than welcome.

Thank you, Danny.

NARRATOR: Well done, chaps.

A Victorian stick stand, with its very own stick, for 45 pounds.

That's it done.

Nothing else we can do.

NARRATOR: But time's running out back in Barnsley.

JAMES BRAXTON: Look at this.

What?

What have you found?

What you found?

I just found a silver photograph frame.

So we've got the hallmarks there.

Where is it from?

London.

But it's quite bright condition.

You could get that as a wedding present, couldn't you.

It's quite a good stock item.

It's not terribly old, but it's bright.

Condition with, with something like this is all.

Yeah.

And look at the back.

Always look at the back.

Because nobody's going to buy anything with a floppy stand.

NARRATOR: Quite right.

Rachel's off to consult the vendor.

Here's hoping she can bring back a discount to please Susan.

The very best.

I could do this for you for today.

- Today.

- Would be-- Time and place.

Time and place.

Yeah.

It, there would be 50% off.

But that, that would take us down to 12.

That's a discount.

That, that would, unfortunately, guys, be the very best.

Well I'm, I'm almost happy about it.

But I know my friend here, Susan, is very unhappy, aren't they.

Go on.

Thank you.

No, thank you.

Oh.

You're welcome.

NARRATOR: Become quite the pair, haven't they.

Another very generous offer from Rachel means they wrap up their shopping with a silver photo frame, and an arts and crafts brass plate, for a grand total of just 18 pounds.

Time to show off your wares then lads.

Come on.

What's going on here.

Looks like a house clearance.

Well, I mean, if you mind me saying, that looks like a very disappointing-- Oh, you haven't seen it, David.

Oh, that's not nice.

- Size isn't everything.

- Come on.

- I can believe it.

- Let's have a look.

OK. Let's have a look.

OK. Go on.

OK. OK.

I've got it.

- Wow.

- There we are.

It's the Double Mouser.

It's the Double-- Double Mouser The elusive Double Mouser!

We got everything.

- Not one, but two.

- Two!

- Yes.

- Wow.

I like that a lot.

I am liking the decanter.

Yeah.

That is a beautiful thing.

- To my taste.

- Silver.

Silver color.

Is it silver?

Oh wow.

And the stopper fits perfectly.

Does it?

And we've got the James Braxton brass tray.

Brass tray.

I would be disappointed not to see brass.

- Art and crafts.

- Yeah.

Arts and crafts.

Mrs. arts and crafts.

- Yeah.

Yeah.

And the mirror.

- Good looking mirror, that.

- Good looking.

Good looking mirror.

That is a lovely mirror.

Go on, pry me on price.

Oh my goodness.

Pry me on price.

Well the, the one that really concerns me, as the opposition, is the Double Mouser.

It could be 200 quid all day long.

- Oh.

- Really.

- It could be.

- How much did you buy it for?

- A Double Mouser.

- Let me know.

- 180.

- Oh, well.

180.

So you get-- See.

He's smiling.

OK. That's, I feel a bit better.

Because, because I do.

I feel a bit better.

Oh, forget that.

Double Mouser.

Rubbish.

I think they look nervous.

I think they are.

Right.

Come on.

Stop laughing.

Come on.

- OK.

So, you know.

- Should we gently.

I'm a bit nervous.

- Look at that.

What is that?

Watch their faces when they see this.

Tell me.

- Watch their faces.

Oh dear.

SUZANNE PACKER: Oh, we have to do this one.

Oh yeah.

This one we got us, as well.

JAMES BRAXTON: Another table.

SUSAN COOKSON: OK. Can't get too excited.

- God.

It's like a, like a horror movie.

OK. Tell me, James.

Which object do you like the best?

The stick stand.

DAVID HARPER: Stick stand.

SUZANNE PACKER: Stick stand.

JAMES BRAXTON: Yeah.

OK. JAMES BRAXTON: Yeah.

You wouldn't get over my threshold with the rest.

What's that?

DAVID HARPER: Oh.

Very special.

A late 19th century train ticket machine.

SUSAN COOKSON: No.

- Really.

Is it?

SUZANNE PACKER: It's got ribbon in it and everything.

JAMES BRAXTON: How much did you pay for that?

SUZANNE PACKER: 20 quid.

- 20 quid.

JAMES BRAXTON: All right.

OK. How much was the vinyl-covered piece of furniture?

DAVID HARPER: Oh.

What do you think?

SUSAN COOKSON: OK. My arm was up my back?

DAVID HARPER: Yeah.

JAMES BRAXTON: I don't know.

Tenner?

I was going to say 20 quid.

20 quid.

I can't believe it.

SUZANNE PACKER: How much is it?

DAVID HARPER: I can't remember.

27?

SUZANNE PACKER: 27.50.

27 pounds, 50.

DAVID HARPER: So you were close.

You think there's going to be a profit in that one?

Moving on.

Well, it's been great.

DAVID HARPER: It's been really great.

- Yes.

- See you at the auction.

Well done.

May the best man, woman win.

JAMES BRAXTON: Yeah.

May the best team, team-- Yes.

Team.

DAVID HARPER: Excellent.

Team effort.

NARRATOR: There's no "i" in team.

But there is one in, tell us what you really think.

What do you think of James and Susan's highly ordinary collection?

Oh, that's nasty.

But actually, I think it is.

I think it's a bit predictable.

You look sort of slightly frownly.

What's going on?

Because, because they've not paid very much.

Yeah.

For their items.

Yeah.

Well would you, would you pay a lot of money for those.

- No, I wouldn't.

- And a brass tray.

That's not going anywhere.

- No, that not-- Certainly not going in my house.

No.

It's not going in my house either.

We've sown our seed.

OK. And we spent about 300 pounds.

They've just tickled over 100.

OK. We're going to win.

So we're happy?

I'm very happy actually.

- I'm happy too.

- I'm very, very happy.

Let's get to auction.

Come on, you.

Let's get to auction.

We have it.

Go on.

I'm going to be so excited.

So excited for tomorrow.

Yeah.

Come on.

Let's go.

- Yeah.

OK. OK. [INAUDIBLE] cup of tea.

Cup of tea.

NARRATOR: Milk and 2.

Thanks.

It's been a delightful jaunt around South Yorkshire.

But it's time to leave the County in search of an auction in the Lancashire town of Warrington.

Oh.

Suz.

Oh.

SUSAN COOKSON: I am so excited about this.

Do you know, I am so excited because I've never done it.

No.

I've never ever been to an auction.

It's so exciting.

SUZANNE PACKER: Yeah.

We can say this because we're good mates.

Do you honestly think you're going to make money?

Forget what James and David are saying.

Do you reckon you'll make money?

SUSAN COOKSON: I think you have the potential to make more money because you bargain very well.

NARRATOR: Well hopefully it'll be smiles all round at Warrington Auctions.

DAVID HARPER: Look at the size of this place.

It's huge, isn't it?

That's a good sign, isn't it?

NARRATOR: Yeah.

The bidders are in the room and online.

So here's hoping.

Oh, here they are.

Right.

What a car.

- Gosh.

They look good in there.

They look smiling.

What a car.

Good morning.

- Good morning.

- Morining.

Morning.

Lovely to see you.

Lovely to see you too.

Oh.

You look gorgeous and warm.

Oh.

Morning.

Suzanne, have you been to an auction before?

Never.

You're in for a treat.

I'm-- yeah.

I think so.

Yeah.

I'm excited.

OK. NARRATOR: But before all the excitement starts, let's remind ourselves of what everyone's bought.

James and Susan picked up 5 auction lots for a total of 288 pounds.

Suzanne and David, on the other hand, parted with just 119 pounds and 50p, but also have 5 lots for auction.

But what does auctioneer, Peter Critchley, make of it all.

PETER CRITCHLEY: I like the Gothic stick stand.

Original, nice condition with the original drip tray, which is very good.

Sticks a bit of a bonus.

A lot of stick collectors about.

And so stick stands tend to do very well here.

The wooden tray is probably the most valuable item rolled in today.

Robert "Mouseman" Thompson.

We had a pheasant of his in here a couple of months ago, which we sold for about 900 pounds so it does make very good money, if it's an original piece and in good condition.

Which that tray is so it's a very nice item.

NARRATOR: That all sounds promising.

So, time to get things started.

First up is Suzanne and David's figures.

It's nice things, these.

10 is bid.

Looking for 12.

- Go on.

- 10 pounds.

In the room.

Is there 12 pounds anywhere?

Only 2 pounds each of the 12.

10 I have in the room.

I sell at 10.

[GAVEL] Oh.

Oh.

What is it?

What did it-- I'm not telling you.

I'm not-- 10 pounds.

10.

It was the ugly baby that was putting them off.

I know.

Drat!

NARRATOR: Harsh comment and a tough start.

The figures go for a maiden bid, but there's plenty of time to make it all back.

Such an individual taste, isn't it?

Not everybody-- Well, somebody's bough them.

You seemed surprised.

Cheeky devil.

NARRATOR: How quickly words of comfort turn into cheek.

Better watch out, Susan.

Your arts and craft's tray's up next.

10.

10 online.

Looking for 12.

10 on 9.

- Made profit already.

- Come on.

10 pounds online.

Is there 12.

10 pounds online.

Is there 12 pounds anywhere?

If 10 is the bid, then I sell at 10 pounds only.

[GAVEL] NARRATOR: Well it didn't set the sell room on fire, but it's a profit to start you off.

A profit.

It's a profit - Yay, Sus.

- It's a profit.

It's a profit.

Well done.

Well done, James.

NARRATOR: From one plate to another.

Well, 2 of them actually.

Surely Suzanne's haggled deal will come good.

10 online.

Looking for 12.

- Come on.

10 online.

Is their 12?

It's warming up.

10s the online bid.

Then is there 12 pounds anywhere?

10s the bid.

Selling at 10.

[GAVEL] Does anybody buy in the room?

Margin, still, 5 times the money.

NARRATOR: So no royal collectors in the room today.

But a first profit for Suzanne and David.

Hello.

We're on the way back.

NARRATOR: Aiming to halt the comeback in its tracks is James and Susan silver photo frame.

I've got a feeling in my waters.

I'm feeling, yeah, optimistic for this.

You can always knit to the loo very quickly, James, before we got time.

Selling for just 10 pounds on this one, please.

Someone's got to go for 10 pounds.

- It's going crazy.

- 10 is in the room.

10 is here in the room.

It's going crazy, James.

10 is in the room.

I've got online 12.

12?

Yes!

In the room at 15.

Looking for 18, now.

18 online.

Do you want 20?

20 bid.

Looking for 25.

25 pounds online.

I'll sell online at 25 pounds.

[GAVEL] - Yes.

Yay!

Well done.

Get it, James.

Oh.

They are creaming us.

We got to get a move on.

- Go away.

Go away.

NARRATOR: Suddenly, it's all come alive.

Susan and James have more than doubled their money on that frame.

Great, Sue!

Oh come on.

Do you know what though, they're all creeping up.

We're channelling the money.

Let's channel the money.

Channelling.

NARRATOR: David hoped the Victorian ticket machine would take Suzanne back in time.

But will it bring them a historic profit?

Channel.

- Money.

Here we go.

Start with me at 40 pounds.

Come on.

40 pounds.

40 pounds for the [INAUDIBLE].

20 then.

- Oh come on, guys.

- 20.

20.

It's starting to auction.

20 pounds.

20 online.

- 20 online.

- 25.

OK. We've started.

The engineering ticket punch.

Now, it's an unusual item.

We've never had one before.

We'll never have one again.

20 pounds now.

Come on.

Is there 25 pounds anywhere?

20 pounds to bid then.

[GAVEL] Can't believe it.

Broke even.

NARRATOR: Certainly did.

Someone has grabbed themselves a quirky slice of history for a very reasonable price.

If only I'd been allowed to bid.

I'd have been all over it.

You would, James.

Like a rash.

He's teasing us.

Like a rash.

Wouldn't you?

Oh yeah.

He is.

NARRATOR: James was charmed by the delights of this decanter, but will it serve them up a profit.

Sell me a 30 on the lot, please.

A mere 30 pounds.

Start me at 20 then.

20 pounds.

Oh Come on.

20 pounds.

20 online.

25 online.

Are we asleep here?

30 in the room.

30 pounds online.

Keep going.

35 online.

How about 40 now.

35, the bid then.

All online.

Wow.

That's shocking.

It's certainly knocked James for 6.

Someone grabbed a bargain, leaving Susan and James with their first loss of the day.

That's a bargain, then, they got then.

Yeah.

A real bargain.

Bargain.

NARRATOR: That's what I say.

Now, can the sideboard help Suzanne and David make a profit.

Fingers crossed.

Sell me 20.

20 bid.

20 online.

20 online Give me 25.

I told you.

20 pounds online.

Is there 25 anywhere?

20 pounds.

The online bidder selling for-- - I can't believe it.

I can't believe it.

- --20 pounds only.

[GAVEL] I can't believe it.

Shocked.

I can't believe it.

I am so shocked.

That is not bad for a skip find.

NARRATOR: Now, now, James.

It's not a lot to pay for a piece of furniture, but it means another loss for Suzanne and David.

We haven't done well, David.

We haven't, have we.

And I thought we were such-- I thought we were the a-team.

We were the a-team.

I think with the zed team now.

NARRATOR: Can the 1950s mirror fare any better.

Start me at 30 pounds for the art deco mirror.

Start me at 30 pounds.

- Is this you?

- Yeah.

30 pounds online.

35.

35 in the room.

Looking for 40, now.

40 online.

I've got 45.

40 pounds is the online bid.

Is there 45 anywhere?

40 pounds for the deco mirror.

[GAVEL] Oh.

NARRATOR: Oh.

Disappointment all round, as the mirror clocks up a loss.

I'm not positive.

I'm not positive about our last lot.

NARRATOR: Suzanne and David's final lot is the Victorian stick stand with stick.

OK, Sue.

This is it.

Sell me at 80 pounds.

80 pounds.

- Come on.

Come on.

Let's get some action.

60 here then.

60 with me.

- 60.

Looking for 65.

I got 65 online.

Do you want 70 at the back?

- Come on.

- 70.

Yes.

I got 75 here.

Do you want 80.

80.

We're in the room at 80 now.

Is there 85?

- That's more like it.

In the room at 80.

Is there 85?

80 pounds in the room.

Is there 85 anywhere?

Make and bake those losses.

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