BBC Antiques Road Trip experts James Braxton and Raj Bisram went head to head in the latest episode of the show as they tried to score the biggest profit in the auction
Antiques Road Trip stars James Braxton and Raj Bisram were in fierce competition during a memorable episode, which saw them journeying separately throughout Somerset before a heated auction kicked off in Woking. While James became one with the Morris Men, Raj braved life in a tank, only to meet later for a showdown with their quirky finds.
The treasure hunt had them almost on par by the halfway mark, but James placed his bets on some slightly damaged Staffordshire figures, whereas Raj hoped for a win with his unique Moorcroft vase. The true game-changer was James revealing to a stunned Raj a Sir William Russell Flint print he’d cleverly bagged for just £8 – a piece adorned with the artist’s signature.
“I think James has done extremely well. He bought a Sir William Russell Flint print – signed – £8!” remarked an impressed Raj, unable to hide his shock at the low price: “£8? I can’t believe it!”
Excitement peaked at the auction as bids flew in both online and from the floor, culminating with the print going under the hammer for an impressive £150, leaving James over the moon with his lucrative find.
James was positively buzzing after the auction delivered a smashing result, beaming as he declared: “Top estimate! £150. Put it there Raj. Come on,” reports the Express.
Raj, just as chuffed with how things turned out, gleefully agreed to a celebratory handshake, saying: “Top estimate. That is a good profit. That’s worth a shake of the hand. Well done, well done James.”
In high spirits, Raj playfully tapped an elated James on the head with his papers in a fun show of camaraderie.
The host, Tim Wonnacott, couldn’t hold back his delight, laughing as he said: “Yes, that’s a great result for print and it’s profits all round.”
In another episode of the BBC show, Christina Trevanion and Mark Stacey were left astounded when a humble vegetable barrow they snapped up for a mere £10 transformed into a treasure at auction, commanding an unexpectedly high price.
Renowned for their prowess in the world of collectables, the duo watched in disbelief as the bids for what was nearly dismissed as mere firewood skyrocketed during a frenzied bidding session among eager collectors.
At the peak of the excitement, a shell-shocked Mark couldn’t help exclaiming: “Good Lord. Why?” while Christina, equally puzzled, replied, “I have no idea.”
As the numbers soared higher, Mark could only jest: “Can I go home now?” but Christina, basking in the success of her find, quickly responded: “No! Stay here and hold my hand!” The sale of the vegetable barrow concluded at an impressive £130.
Antiques Road Trip airs weekdays on BBC1 and is available on BBCiPlayer