(dramatic music) (dramatic music continues) (dramatic music continues) - [Narrator] Today the Secret Dealers are let loose in a home that really gets their wallets twitching.

- Potentially worth a couple of grand.

- Stonking vase.

Serious money.

- [Narrator] It's packed with rare objects like this Royal Lancastrian luster bowl.

- I think it's fantastic.

- This would be the biggest piece that I've ever owned.

Shake in your boots type price.

- [Narrator] Mystery surrounds this 1930s Arts and Crafts silver bowl.

- The most speculative thing in this house.

- I know what it is.

I'm hoping they don't.

- [Narrator] And this early 20th-century bronze and ivory figure will make big money.

- Oh my goodness.

He wants to spend some money.

- [Narrator] The dealers want to buy the best.

- I love it, in fact.

- Fasten your seatbelt, Simon.

- [Narrator] And they'll do anything to get them.

- I want it all.

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] Obsession has driven owners, Richard and Jennifer, to amass their huge quality collection.

- I've always liked antiques, but when I packed up farming, you know, I had so much spare time.

We went to auctions and wife said, "Oh, I like that."

So I bought it.

- [Narrator] Richard just can't let go when he sees something he likes.

Exhibit A, a Persian carpet.

- I was outside and I said, "Some silly so-and-so have bought and paid so much money."

And it was you who came out with it.

- Yeah.

- Every name under the sun.

- [Narrator] It's not surprising a clear out's on the cards.

- We got so much stuff here.

It would look just as well with half of it cleared away.

If the price is right, we should get rid of it.

- [Narrator] That's music to the ears of today's eager dealers.

There's Simon.

- Anything with a bit of profit, that's the thing I'm looking for.

- [Narrator] Tim.

- Secret Dealers is like the Grand National.

I would take a punt on anything.

- [Narrator] And Mike.

- I'm the original antique grafter.

- [Narrator] They've got two hours to find the best of Richard and Jennifer's antiques.

- I've no idea what's gonna be behind that front door when we go in there.

- [Narrator] Placing sealed secret bids on anything they like.

- My game plan is to make money.

- [Narrator] Then they'll fight a bidding war to buy it.

- I'm going to look, I'm gonna decide, and if I want it, I'm gonna buy.

- Right.

In we go.

- Come on, Michael.

- After you, Tim.

- Oh, thank you.

Very salubrious.

- Do you know the one thing that makes me feel happy is when you see a Turkey carpet.

There's always antiques where there's Turkey carpets, trust me.

- [Narrator] You don't know the half of it, Mike.

Simon's first stop is the dining room and the excellent 1900s Royal Lancastrian luster bowl.

- This is fantastic.

One of the biggest ones I've ever seen.

You've got this beautiful luster that runs all the way through it.

I've got about four or five customers that would bite my hand off for this, but it has to be perfect.

Beginning of the 20th century, an English luster bowl.

(bowl thuds) No, that's not right.

That should have a ring.

It's either got a hair crack in it or it's been restored.

And value wise, it makes a huge difference.

Well there's lots of things in here.

I can't spend too long worrying about it.

So that's my first bid of the day in what is a very, very nice house.

- [Narrator] More pottery for Tim.

He's getting his teeth into Richard and Jennifer's Moorcroft collection.

Literally.

- Mike won't be able to do this.

He hasn't got all his own teeth like me.

- [Narrator] The teeth test reveals some softer restoration to these pieces, but the biggest vase seems undamaged.

- And that looks to be in remarkably good condition.

Signature there.

So William Moorcroft.

That's okay.

That is a absolutely stonking vase.

In the right place, you know, that could do serious money.

Anyone is gonna want that for their collection.

That is the Buckingham Palace of Moorcroft, isn't it?

- Well, well, well.

This is all back in the day, isn't it?

- [Narrator] Upstairs, Mike has found a Regency rosewood box with beautiful brass inlay.

- In France, they call that Boulle work.

In England, we just call it brass inlay but that's actually a very sharp box.

That's quality, that.

It needs little bits and bobs doing to it.

I've gotta put feet on it, clean it, and probably line it in silk to get it up to scratch.

But that is a nice thing.

I want that.

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] I can sense some real battles brewing already.

- [Tim] That's for that.

- [Narrator] Simon's moved onto the silver and a very fine 18th-century teapot and stand.

- I'm just not sure that is the original stand.

And normally the stands are just a wee bit bigger, so I'm not 100%.

I don't know.

It looks fine though.

Still gonna leave a bid on it anyway.

And if all the rooms are packed like this, well, then I'm gonna be writing out a nice big check at the end of today.

- [Narrator] Too right, Simon.

This house is not for the faint-hearted.

And Tim's got his hands on one expensive lady, the early 20th-century bronze and ivory figure.

- Sort of in the Edwardian style.

So she's holding a muff here.

It's not the sort of subject that we want really.

We want a really nice sort of naked lady, really, in bronze and ivory with a good name on, Lorenzo, Priest, Chiparus.

So she's a little bit frilly.

- [Narrator] Oh, same could be said for you Tim.

- [Tim] But she is what she is.

She's a big bronze and ivory figure.

She's a big girl.

- [Narrator] And you'll need big money to take her home.

- [Tim] So that's for that.

- [Narrator] Mike's on the move and he' stumbled upon a very intriguing 1930s silver bowl.

- Well, it's in the manner of a man called Omar Ramsden, who was a very specific Arts and Crafts silversmith.

Made things sort of in the manner that you would find in a church.

And he used this sort of script.

See, that's in Latin, isn't it?

And look at the foot as well.

The foot's very stylized.

That foot is like no foot you've ever seen on a piece of silver before.

(curious music) Now, I think I know what this is.

I'm hoping they don't.

- [Narrator] But what if your wrong, Mike?

It could get expensive.

Simon's found the large Moorcroft vase that Tim bid on earlier.

- I'd love to know if he thinks this is restored.

I don't know.

It makes me very, very nervous.

The value of the restored one affects the price by as much as about 75%.

I'm gonna leave a bid on it, but I don't know if that's restored or not.

I can't see anything obvious.

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] That's two bids on the vase.

The dealers are having a field day in this house.

Tim's heading for the dining room.

- This is what I need, a bit of gracious living.

I'd like a dining room like this.

- [Narrator] The 18th-century silver teapot has taken his fancy.

- Nice clean, Regency teapot and the pineapple symbolizes welcome, come in.

So this means welcome to my house, have a nice cup of tea.

Sweet thing.

- [Narrator] And very sought after.

Two bids down.

- [Tim] Up my street.

(upbeat music continues) - [Narrator] Mike's found the Moorcroft vase.

He thinks it's undamaged but finds it hard to love.

- I hate this stuff, but that is worth more than I'm leaving on it.

I'm gonna scrap that.

- [Narrator] He may not like it, but it's a sure seller and everyone's in for this.

The offers are coming in thick and fast and now Simon's taking a close look at the ivory and bronze figure.

It's big money, so he has to know it's right.

- We're a terribly suspicious lot, antique dealers, aren't we?

Worried about things being restored, worried about things being modern.

But, you know, at the end of the day, this is our money we're spending and you've got to be careful.

I'm gonna leave a bid on this.

I would like to buy it, despite all my criticisms.

And I think it'll be hotly contested by both Tim and Mike because it's a fine object.

- [Narrator] Very fine, indeed.

Bid well, Simon.

Tim must be getting thirsty.

- These are quite nice.

- [Narrator] He's taking a look at a pair of large glass pedestal dishes.

- They've got grapevines and leaves running around them.

Smart interior decorators item.

They're purporting to Georgian.

They're not Georgian.

They're probably Edwardian, because in the Edwardian period you had a revival.

We went back to almost sort of like Georgian look and period.

(glass dings) They've got a bit of oomph, a bit of character.

They are an item that I would like to go home with.

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] One hour gone and the dealers show no signs of slowing down.

There'll be big money on offer today.

Mike's moving in for the early 20th-century bronze figure.

- That's about the most clothed one I've ever seen in my life.

I mean, it's come straight out of a snowstorm, hasn't it?

Got mufflers, bags, hats, coats.

You must have 85 different types of clothing on.

If that was a bronze and ivory scantily-clad figure, it'd be 2, 3,000.

- [Narrator] So less is more, but this is still gonna be big money.

- [Make] Let battle commence.

(upbeat music) - The Secret Dealers have been flat out searching through Richard and Jennifer's fabulous collection of antiques.

They're laying secret bids on everything they want to buy.

- Fantastic property full of proper, proper antiques.

- And I love this.

This is my type of house.

- There's a lot of things I'd like to own here.

- Great antique dealers house.

Wonderful.

- [Narrator] And there's still loads more for our dealers to discover.

(upbeat music continues) - This is a very exciting house.

I'm getting very excited.

- Look at the kip of this.

Happy days!

- [Narrator] Tim can't wait to get his hands on the rare Royal Lancastrian luster bowl.

- It's 1900.

We've got lots of like Art Nouveau motifs here.

I think it's fantastic.

Ah, there.

The nasty little crack.

Just there.

We're still bidding because you're not gonna find another one like that.

It's a fantastic piece.

Any collector or academic of Royal Lancastrian is gonna love it.

- [Narrator] Two bids now for the bowl.

- And there's bound to be a bit more silver, isn't there?

- [Narrator] Simon spotted the 1920s silver bowl.

Mike thought it was connected to renowned silversmith, Omar Ramsden.

What will Simon think?

- A.E.

Jones.

He's not one of the really brilliant makers.

He's a good maker, but he's not one of the ones that sort of set bells ringing.

1905.

So, you know, right bang in time, you know, in date for the Arts and Crafts movement.

I like that.

I'm gonna leave a strong bid on that.

- [Narrator] No mention of Omar Ramsden.

Is Mike in trouble?

Right now, he's busy frothing over the Royal Lancastrian bowl.

- Now, this is unrestorable, so I'm looking for any form of damage because this is a high-value item.

The bowl potentially is worth a couple of grand.

This would be the biggest piece that I've ever owned.

And I love it.

This is shake in your boots type price.

I ain't Mickey playing around.

- [Narrator] The dealers are running short of time and need to work fast.

Simon's taking a look at the Regency rosewood brass-inlaid box.

- The brass hasn't lifted at all and that's probably about 1840.

So talking about, it's 150 years old.

I shall leave a bid on that next to Mike's.

That's about as close to Mike as I wanna be.

- [Narrator] You'll be bidding right next to him in a minute, Simon.

Right now, Mike's making his claim for the 18th-century silver teapot.

Is he keen?

Oh yes.

- It was made by candlelight.

It was made in austere times.

There weren't flush toilets, there was no electricity.

There weren't that many about.

There couldn't have been.

There was only 2 million people in England paying tax then.

Changed since, hasn't it?

Don't play about.

- [Narrator] There's no time to play now.

Tim's bidding in the bedroom and has found the rosewood box.

- It's maybe about 1840.

Would've had a tray inside that would've lifted out and you would've had all sections for cottons, silks.

So make a bid on that.

The box.

- [Narrator] It's getting close to last orders and Mike's found the perfect glass for closing time.

- Do you think these would be big enough for me?

Or do you think I'd need a bigger one?

- [Narrator] So a large glass of red then, Mike?

- Oh no, I can't drink.

Oh no, no.

I'll fall apart.

- [Narrator] Probably just as well.

He's cheeky enough sober.

(upbeat music) We're into the last few minutes and the bids are everywhere.

Tim's making a last-minute play for the 1920s silver bowl.

- This is a little bit in the style of the master of Art Nouveau silver, Omar Ramsden.

- [Narrator] So Mike is right.

- Unfortunately it's not Omar Ramsden, but A.E.

Jones is a nice maker of this period silver.

- [Narrator] Uh-oh, spoke to soon.

Mike's in trouble.

(upbeat music continues) And as the last seconds tick away in this amazing house, there's one last surprise box to open.

- Do you think this is gonna be what we've been looking for all these years?

- Faberge eggs in there that you've been promising that I'm gonna find.

- [Simon] Well, we are going to find.

- Yes.

Yeah.

(Simon gasps) Life is full of disappointments.

- [Narrator] After the treats you've had in this house, that's just being greedy.

(tense music) The Secret Dealers have peppered Richard and Jennifer's home with bids for the pick of their wonderful antiques collection.

Now they'll have to haggle hard to strike a deal.

(tense music continues) - I'm sure I want to sell more than what Richard does.

- Yeah.

- 'Cause there's so much and it's on every surface.

I'll just keep quiet, won't I?

- Yeah.

- [Narrator] This ex-farmer knows his own mind and nothing will be bought easily.

- Everything's up for grabs.

The price has gotta be right.

No, I won't go down without a fight.

No, I wouldn't.

- [Narrator] The dealers are certainly in for a battle and with so many items up for grabs, they must've bid a fortune.

But how much?

Time to find out.

- Richard and Jennifer, thank you for allowing us to go around your home today and I hope you'll be pleased with this.

This is what's on the table today.

(tense music) - Good, 19,345 pounds.

Fair bit of money, yes it is.

- Do you wanna take it now and we'll go home?

- I haven't seen what you've taken yet.

- Does that include the house?

(upbeat music) 19,000 pounds.

That's a hell of a lot of money.

- Somebody spent some money today.

- Fantastic amount of money.

- It was more than I thought, but it was a good price, yes.

(upbeat music continues) - [Narrator] Up first is the large 1920s Moorcroft Pomegranate vase.

Jennifer's the Moorcroft fan.

Will she be happy to let it go?

- Not sentimental about it, no.

If the price is right, I shall sell it.

- That's a large vase for Moorcroft.

- I think this vase is restored.

If it's not restored, my bid's stupid.

It's nowhere near enough.

- There's no way that Mike and Simon are gonna let me have that for peanuts.

- [Narrator] Come on, Tim.

Show those buyers who's the daddy.

- And who's the collector?

Or is it both of you?

- Both of us, really.

But the wife started to like it.

- You bought, you paid, and she picked?

- Yes.

That's how it was.

- Can't be bad, can it?

- [Simon] You do love your Moorcroft.

- [Jennifer] Yes.

- [Simon] Is it the colors or the- - [Jennifer] It's the colors and the design.

Especially this one.

- Is this one, to your knowledge, restored?

- No, it was sold as perfect.

- It was sold as perfect.

'Cause I thought this might be restored when I looked at it, to be quite honest with you.

- There are a couple pieces restored, three pieces.

- I looked at this and I thought this one was okay.

- Right.

- [Tim] So we could part you from this then, Jennifer?

- If the price is right.

- Let's see where we've got.

- Let me start off, 'cause I thought this was restored so my bid's not gonna impress you.

It's 140.

(tense music) But I thought it was restored.

- I didn't think it was restored, so therefore I went, and not knowing the value of Moorcroft in any way, shape, or form, I obviously bid a lot more.

570 pound.

- I didn't think it was restored either and my bid was 675 pounds.

- [Simon] Wow.

- Wow!

- [Richard] Just have a look a minute.

(tense music continues) - [Narrator] Wow, Tim's made a strong bid.

Well over the top valuation.

But is it good enough for Richard?

- I did pay more than what they offered.

- Did you?

How many years ago?

- About five or six years ago.

- And you wouldn't sell porkies to me, would you?

- No, I wouldn't.

I did pay.

- It's a nice vase though, isn't it?

- [Mike] Well, come on.

Do you wanna bid more?

- I'd like to bid more than what you've bid, but I dunno if I wanna bid more than what Tim's bid.

That's being absolutely honest with you.

That's a good bid, Mike.

675.

I mean, you've gotta sell it up, but I think it is.

- [Mike] So you're out.

- Yeah, I'm out.

- 700 quid.

Does that help you?

- I'd be happy with 800.

- I bet you would.

710.

(tense music) - Make it 750, someone, and I'll sell it.

Yeah.

- Oh, go on now.

720.

(tense music continues) - [Simon] Not gonna lose it for a tenner, are you?

- I thought that were a good bid.

730.

(tense music continues) - I thought 750 and... (tense music continues) - I think that's all right.

745.

If you're going to give the gentleman 750, you'll own it.

(tense music continues) - 750.

- Yes.

- Yes.

- [Tim] Have we got a deal?

- Yes, we have.

- Thank you, Richard.

- Thank you.

- [Tim] Thank you, Jennifer.

- Well done.

- Thank you.

- [Narrator] Yes, well done, Tim.

You manned up there, my boy.

- I'm very happy to have bought it for 750 pounds.

Absolutely delighted.

- I was making sure the house owners got an extremely fair price.

- I was happy to sell it.

Yeah.

- That's me.

Honorable Mickey.

Believe that, you believe anything.

(Mike laughs) (upbeat music) - [Narrator] Simon was a bit tentative on the vase and he felt the same about the 18th-century silver teapot and stand.

- If it is a matching stand, if it is dead right, I haven't left enough money on it.

It's as simple as that.

- There's only going to be one buyer of that.

And that'll be me.

- [Narrator] Mike started off talking it down.

- I mean, I've had a brew out one of them and it's not good.

I think it had that silver stuff inside it.

You know that polish?

Oh, it was awful.

- [Tim] Do you like it, Jennifer?

- Yes, I like it.

- [Narrator] The dealers liked it too.

- [Simon] 325 pound.

(upbeat music continues) - 480 pounds.

- [Narrator] But no one as much as Mike.

- I love it, in fact.

- Fasten your seatbelt, Simon.

- 735 pounds.

- [Narrator] That blew Tim and Simon away, but not Richard.

- Have to be a better judge on this.

- If I want to sell that, I've gotta make a profit.

I have no intention of paying any more for it.

So the choice is always yours.

- No, I'm happy with that, you know?

- Yeah.

Thank you very, very much.

Thank you, Richard.

- [Narrator] Mike's hardball seals the deal.

- I love that teapot.

And not only that, I think it's very well bought.

- He had the bit between his teeth.

There was no point in entering the fray.

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] Oh come on Tim, Simon, gird your loins.

Up next is the fabulous Pilkington's luster bowl.

- A showstopper is that Pilkington's bowl.

However, it does have an issue.

It's got a crack in it.

- I know Tim knows it's damaged.

I dunno whether Mike knows it's damaged or not.

- I love it.

Gonna definitely try and buy that.

(upbeat music continues) - [Tim] Tell us a little bit about how you acquired this.

- Like we've acquired most things, at auctions.

We were up and it didn't sell for 100-pound reserve, so that's how we bought it.

- And how long ago was that, Richard?

- Five year ago.

Yeah.

- [Simon] And it didn't sell for how much?

- [Richard] 400 pounds.

- 400 pounds?

- Yeah.

- [Mike] Good lord.

- Because this now is is- - Hot.

- Flavor of the month.

- Yes, it is.

- It's hot.

Fantastic item.

Do you like it?

- Yes, we do.

- Yes, we do.

We're prepared to sell it.

Yes, we are.

- You do know it's got a hairline crack, don't you?

- I do know it's got a hairline crack.

- Well, cracked or not, I can show you a small profit in what you left.

There's my price.

760 pounds.

- That's more than a small profit.

That's a good profit, that, Mike.

- Not bad.

- Now this, Jennifer and Richard, now this is a small profit.

My price is 450 pounds.

- Right.

- Right.

- Well, I have to say I love it and I think that reflects in my offer of 950 pounds.

(tense music) - Yes.

- [Narrator] Simon's finally come in with a big bid, but is it big enough to buy it?

- Well, I'll just shop it up for 1,000.

(tense music continues) - I'm out.

- I think that's a brave bid, considering it's got two hairline cracks so I'm quite happy to rule myself out.

- Well I'm happy to accept that, yes.

- Thank you very, very much.

- Yes.

- Thank you.

- Yeah.

- Lovely.

- Thank you.

- [Narrator] That's a 600-pound profit from Richard and Jennifer's auction buy.

They must be pleased.

- Well, good.

- Good, very good.

- Lot more than I thought.

- Yes.

- Definitely got outta that one.

Thank you, Mike.

- I think it's the buy of the century.

Somebody told me it's got a crack in it.

I'm not bothered.

Find me another, I say.

- [Narrator] Is Mike right?

We'll find out later.

Mike continued to rule the roost, snapping up a Moorcroft pomegranate pedestal bowl for 560 pounds, and an early 20th-century French mantle clock for 340 pounds, and a 17th-century oak coffer for 320 pounds.

- I'm loving it.

(upbeat music) - I love those glasses.

They are an item that I would like to go home with.

- I like them.

I think they're smart.

I'll have a go at buying them.

- What a fantastic pair of wine glasses.

Do you fill these up every night?

- I wish I could.

- [Tim] If you go and get a bottle now, me and you could just have a little bevy, couldn't we?

- I think we could.

But I think we'd need two bottles for one.

- Do you reckon they hold two bottles?

- [Jennifer] Yes.

- I think you've tried, haven't you, Jennifer?

- Yes.

- I can just see that little twinkle.

You have had two bottles of wine in there, haven't you?

- Yes.

- Oh, with no more ado, we both like 'em.

I'm offering 190 pound for the pair.

(tense music) - And I'm offering just a tad shy.

180 pounds.

(tense music continues) - I wouldn't sell for that, no.

- [Tim] Oh.

- [Richard] I did know they cost me at least that.

- [Tim] Oh, I'm sure they did.

Yeah.

- But you know, I don't expect to make money on everything.

We like them where they are but, you know, if it's nearer 300, possibly.

- Let me explain something to you, right?

These are hard times.

- Hard times?

- [Mike] The person who can fill them now has got to be very rich.

- Jennifer can fill them.

- I would drink many if Jennifer's about.

and I'm offering 190 pound to get 'em off your hands.

Well, do you want any more?

- [Tim] 200 pounds?

(tense music continues) - Right.

- [Simon] Well, I think they're mad.

- They are a bit quirky.

- Yeah.

Just let me have them then.

220.

- 230.

(tense music continues) - Oh, you're not fair to me, are you?

Would 250 pound buy 'em off you?

- If he doesn't offer anymore.

- You've got about as much chance of selling them as flying to the moon.

- No, but I've- - [Mike] They'll remind me of the old days.

- I know, but I always think when you are talking me out of something.

- They're worth money.

- Yeah, exactly.

- [Narrator] Tim's not backing down.

- 260.

(tense music) - [Narrator] Mike and Tim are battling head to head to own Richard and Jennifer's pair of 19th-century glass pedestal dishes.

- [Mike] The person who can fill them now has got to be very rich.

- Jennifer can fill them.

- I would drink many if Jennifer's about.

- [Narrator] Tim's in the lead with 260 pounds, but Mike's hoovering up everything today.

This will be a fight.

- I can't see them being dear at 140 quid apiece, can you?

- You haven't bid 140 quid apiece yet.

- I have now.

280.

(tense music continues) - Well, then they're not gonna be dear at 150 quid apiece, are they?

300 pounds.

- [Mike] 310.

- [Tim] 320.

(tense music continues) - It's not fair is it?

They're a stupid lot.

Oh, go on.

Stick them to me.

330.

Go on.

You know I can take the pain.

(tense music continues) - [Tim] I just think there's a little bit more there, Mike.

- Oh, go on then.

- 340.

- Do you know, Tim, I know you love 'em and I'm that type of person to wave a white flag sometime between now and next Christmas.

- Yeah.

Yeah.

(tense music continues) - Would you mind if I just had one more bid?

- Carry on.

- Thank you very much.

350.

(tense music continues) Couldn't speed it up, could you?

- I'm thinking, Michael.

I'm thinking it takes a long time.

- I've got a holiday to go on.

- Yeah.

- 2016.

(tense music continues) - 360.

- Have we got nearer to where you paid now?

- Yes.

- [Tim] I think we've reached that, haven't we, Richard?

- Are you happy?

That's the valuation thing there, isn't it?

(tense music continues) - [Narrator] Both dealers have broken through the secret valuation, but Richard can still see mileage in this deal.

- We've gone a bit above it.

Yes.

- We've gone a bit above it?

- [Richard] A bit, yes.

- A bit above it.

- A bit above it.

- That means a lot above it.

- I think miles up front.

Yeah.

- [Tim] I'm not in the slightest bit worried.

- 370.

(tense music continues) Now call my bluff.

He is all in.

(tense music continues) - 380.

- He's worn me out.

They're yours, Tim.

- Thank you, Mike.

Have we got a deal?

- Yes.

- Are you gonna throw me a bottle of wine in or two with those?

- Yes.

- Now that is not fair.

- Well, you would've asked for it.

- I don't drink.

- Oh please.

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] Actually, he only drinks on two days of the year, odd and even.

- I'm happy to have bought them.

Profit wise, it could be slim.

- It could just as well get 600 pound for him as get 200 pound.

- I will be toasting my success this evening with my new wine glasses.

(upbeat music) - [Narrator] Next is the mysterious Arts and Crafts 1920 silver bowl by A.E.

Jones.

- That's a family piece passed down to my mother.

I don't think she knew a lot about it.

- [Narrator] Mike linked it to renowned silversmith, Omar Ramsden.

The others weren't so sure.

- I think that has the potential to be the most speculative thing in this house.

- I'm gonna try and buy that.

- [Narrator] With no buys so far, Simon's keen to break his duck.

- There's definitely room on my bid for some maneuver.

- [Narrator] But can he fend off the competition?

(upbeat music continues) - We thought it might be religious, but that's as far as it goes.

Yeah.

- It's sort of what we call in the trade a classic gambling lot.

It's got two things going for it and one thing against.

- And what's against it?

- The dent.

- What's in favor of it?

- Arts and Crafts and the man who made it.

- [Richard] Right.

- How's that?

- Yeah.

- Spot on.

- I think you're bang on.

Spanking.

- Spot on.

Right, well let's get going then.

I have bid you for your little bits of Arts and Crafts silver, 220.

(tense music) - I have bid you for your A.E.

Jones Arts and Crafts silver bowl, 290.

- [Mike] And I have bid you 325.

(tense music continues) - [Narrator] Wow.

The secret valuer doesn't rate it.

Someone could be in trouble.

They won't go higher, will they?

- Let me put my little twopence worth in.

I like it.

340.

(tense music) - Got a bit of something, hasn't it?

350.

Any time today, Mike.

- Spending the kids' inheritance takes a lot of thought.

- [Tim] You've spent that!

(tense music continues) - 425 pounds.

- It's a big jump, isn't it, Timmy?

- Mm-hm, it is a big jump - He must really reckon it.

(tense music continues) 435 pound.

- No, I'm out.

- [Mike] Ours, is it?

- 435.

(tense music continues) - It is specky, isn't it?

460.

(tense music continues) - 475.

(tense music continues) - 495.

- You like it more than me, mate.

- I think so.

- I'm out.

(tense music continues) - [Mike] Don't even say it.

- [Simon] What did the valuer think?

- 100 to 150.

- Outrageous, isn't it?

(upbeat music) I think we've got yet another deal.

- [Jennifer] Perfect.

- Thank you very, very much, my dear.

Thank you, sir.

Well done.

- Look at Jennifer.

She's laughing little apples, isn't she?

- What's that theme tune to the "Great Escape?"

How does that go?

(Simon humming) - [Narrator] It's the cooler for you, Captain Melody.

- We just looked at it as a silver bowl with a dent or two in it - He's gonna lose a load of money on it.

- That's got plenty of profit in it.

I'll guarantee that.

This is the difference between the proper antique dealer and a semi-player.

- [Narrator] Well, we'll see, won't we, Mike?

Up next is the Regency rosewood brass-inlaid box.

- This item doesn't completely float my boat, but I would buy it at the right price.

- I'll have a go at it, but it's got no innards and it will need feet and restoring.

- I've got an idea of someone that might want that, so I shall be trying very hard to own it.

- [Narrator] Good, Simon, you've not bought anything yet.

- [Mike] It is, believe it or not, about 1820, 1830.

- That old, was it?

- [Mike] It's a pleasant thing.

I mean, what would've raised it to the top division is if all the sides'd had the brass inlay as well.

- There's a lot of work gone into that to inlay that brass.

And none of that is lifted either, which it normally does.

- That's the good news.

So I think we all like it, don't we?

- It's a nice little box.

- Nice, nice, yeah.

- Right, Simon, off you go.

- Yes, boss.

I have bid you for your empty box, 140 pound.

(tense music) - I have bid you for your empty box 150 pounds.

- [Mike] And I have bid you 185 pound.

(tense music continues) - That's more like it.

- Well, I appreciate that.

- Well, it would be.

- That's a bit more like it.

- Being the lowest of three, I shall go first and I shall say 200 pounds for your box.

- I think it's all the money, I have to say.

Without its contents and that, it needs a bit of fettling up.

I'm out.

(tense music continues) - [Narrator] Looks like you jumped too soon, Tim.

There's life in the old box yet.

(tense music continues) - 210.

- Oh, I quite like it.

220.

- Down to fivers, me.

225.

Margins.

- There's the dent, you said.

230.

- I'd be looking 250, but... - I'd miss Desmond.

That was two too.

Look, I'll put him on the pedestal.

240.

(tense music continues) - 250.

- I think there might be other things I wanna spend my money on.

So I think I'll bow out.

- 250 pounds, Richard and Jennifer, for an empty box.

- Yeah.

- Can we have a deal?

I'm going stretch over and shake your hands and say thank you very much indeed.

- [Richard] It's alright.

- [Simon] Thank you.

- [Narrator] Sound a fanfare, Simon's bought something.

(upbeat music) - All the inside had been taken out.

I thought the price was quite good.

- The best of British luck to get a profit on that, Simon.

- It's still really, really under priced for what it represents.

I'm sure I can make a profit eventually.

- He can never lose money on that, I don't think.

(upbeat music continues) - [Narrator] Energized by his win, Simon went on to buy an Art Deco diamond ring for 250 pounds and an Edwardian silver lemonade jug for 400.

But who would buy the Moorcroft pomegranate tazza?

- The other two seem to love Moorcroft, but I think it's boring.

- [Narrator] Mike first needed educating.

- [Simon] A tazza 'cause it's got a pedestal.

- See, you live and learn on this program, don't you?

It's a tazza.

- Simon's posh, you see?

- And we're Northerners.

- [Narrator] Maybe so, but Mike left an upper-class bid.

- So I've only left 680 pound on it.

- 425.

- And 320.

So Mike is miles ahead of me.

Love to see what you bid for it if you really liked it.

That's 680 pound and he doesn't like it.

- [Narrator] And Mike is right on the money, just nudging the top valuation.

- I'm happy.

- I think he probably will get a profit.

Just not the sort of profits that Mike likes.

- [Narrator] Now it's today's final item, the fabulous bronze and ivory figure.

This is one of Jennifer's favorites.

- I do like bronzes.

We went to the auctions and I just thought she would be, her face was fantastic.

- [Narrator] It wasn't her face Mike was focusing on.

- Woman in big daft fur coat isn't the best subject, but I'll have a go at buying it.

It won't scare me.

I know what it's worth and I know what I can sell it for.

- I ought to be the buyer of this 'cause it's the sort of thing I buy and sell every day.

- I'll let you into a little secret, I've already got one very, very similar to that and it's not moving.

It is still on the shelves.

So I actually think that my colleagues might just be a little bit gung-ho there.

- [Narrator] Oops.

Someone could slip up here.

- [Simon] There is definitely a demand for them.

- For what it's worth.

I'll stick my hand up, I think it could be French.

- I think you could be right.

- Yeah.

- And I think the for for it is, I think it's probably has got age.

The against is there could be a very, very strong possibility that all ivory of any age, whether it's, this is pre-1947, could be banned in the very, very near future.

- That's absolutely right, actually.

- So if you want to realize any money for it, there might be a point where you can't sell it.

And it's already in America.

- It won't be illegal to own it though.

As we stand today, you can still legally buy this and I'd like to buy it and I'd like to pay you 780 pound for it.

(tense music) - Not as much as that.

450.

- And I seem to be on a very happy medium.

745.

(tense music continues) - They're not looking very impressed, really, are they, Richard and Jennifer?

(tense music continues) - [Narrator] Nor should they be, Tim.

All of you are well short of the valuation, coat or no coat.

(tense music continues) - Let's have a look, Richard.

- No.

- You can do, yes.

- Oh my goodness.

- Ooh!

Punchy.

- [Narrator] Well, that's food for thought.

(tense music) All three dealers are locked in a battle to own Richard and Jennifer's bronze and ivory figure.

They've just revealed their opening bids and Simon's is the highest at 780 pounds.

- They're not looking very impressed, really, are they, Richard and Jennifer?

- [Narrator] But that's nowhere near what Richard or the secret valuer think it's worth.

Keep going, boys.

- Does that reflect your investment in it, by any chance?

- No.

I'll be quite honest, it does.

- Thank goodness for that.

- Well, I was hoping around about 1,000 pounds.

- What was that?

- Well, I'll bring mine up to 800 pounds.

(tense music) - And I'll just plod on.

825.

- Well, I've better say, let's say 900 pounds and see if we can get rid of the competition.

(tense music continues) - [Jennifer] Tim.

- 910.

(tense music continues) - [Mike] 920.

- 950 pound.

- 960.

(tense music continues) - 970.

- 1,000 pound.

(tense music continues) - I'm out.

(tense music continues) - And 20.

- And 40.

- And 60.

- And 80.

(tense music continues) - 1,200.

- I'm out.

(tense music continues) - I'd be happy with that.

Yes, I would.

- Thank you very much.

It's a bit of a stretch, but I'll shake your hand.

- Yeah.

- [Narrator] Mega-money Mike does it again.

- No, he doesn't seem to back down.

No, he doesn't.

- 1,200 pounds.

(upbeat music) I don't think he'll sell it.

- I do think there's a small profit left in it, but that's too rich for my blood.

- Either I took them an unholy battering or Simon did.

I can't figure out who.

(upbeat music continues) But time will be the test, won't it?

- [Narrator] It's been a day of big money deals.

So how much cash have Richard and Jennifer prised from our dealer's hands?

- Richard and Jennifer, we spent a little bit of money with you.

In fact, we spent a lot of money with you.

13,455 pounds.

- [Richard] Wife keeps all the money, so it goes.

Thank you very much.

- Thank you ever so much.

- A pleasure having you.

Yes, it is.

Yeah.

- If I look at a little tearful, it's because I might have spent too much.

(people laughing) - [Narrator] A huge sum, and mostly from Mike.

He spent twice as much as the others.

- Once he gets going, he's like a steamroller.

- I think he must have won the lottery.

- We've always got to have an equal share of the pie, so long as my piece is bigger.

- [Narrator] With so many quality antiques on offer, the Secret Dealers were spoiled for choice today.

But how have they fared with what they bought?

Simon was slowed to get going, but he battled hard to buy the Regency brass-inlaid box.

But did he pay too much?

- The best of British luck to get a profit on that, Simon.

- [Narrator] It needed work and it's currently being restored.

- I'm sure I can make a profit eventually.

- [Narrator] Tim and Mike fought toe to toe today, with Tim taking less of the spoils.

He paid well over the valuation for the large Moorcroft vase.

- 750.

We've got a deal?

- Yes.

- [Narrator] But still managed to sell it for 930 pounds.

The large 19th-century glass pedestal dishes didn't exactly get corks popping.

Sold for 425 pounds.

Mike confounded his critics.

He spent the most, but also made the most.

He loved the 18th-century teapot.

- It's really crisp.

It's great.

- [Narrator] And he loved the 835 pounds it sold for.

The others thought the cracked Royal Lancastrian bowl would never make Mike money.

- It doesn't matter if it's run over by a bus find me another.

- [Narrator] But he sold it for 1,150 pounds.

Mike laid down 1,200 pounds for the bronze and ivory figure.

- I don't think he'll sell it.

- [Narrator] Well he did, for 100 pounds profit.

But what of the intriguing 1930s silver bowl?

Was it linked to Omar Ramsden?

Did Mike escape with a profit?

Well, no and no.

He hasn't found a buyer.

Maybe next time he'll be a little less bullish.

- My heart has always ruled my head when I'm bidding.

But I make enough.

(upbeat music) (upbeat music continues)