Ep 4. Episode 4

Carrying on with their journey through the British countryside, antiques experts Mark Stacey and Natasha Raskin Sharp hit the road once again on Antiques Road Trip season 7 episode 4. In this episode named Episode 4, the two antiques aficionados travel to Norfolk and Northamptonshire to explore what hidden gems await them.

As they embark on another adventure, Mark and Natasha set their sights on finding antique treasures with the intention of making a profit, and at the same time, learning more about the fascinating history of the antiques they come across. Their aim is to buy antique items that they believe they can sell for a higher price at auction, with the ultimate goal of having the better profit by the end of the trip.

Making stops at various antique shops, flea markets, and auction houses, Mark and Natasha indulge in a bit of haggling as they try their best to negotiate prices with the sellers while finding unique and valuable antiques. With many of the locations they visit specialising in a specific area of antique collecting, such as books, pottery, or vintage clothing, they must assess the worth of each item and decide whether it’s a good investment or not.

With each stop, Mark and Natasha come across curious and rare artefacts, such as a pair of German porcelain candlesticks, some exquisite glass vases, and an impressive silver-plated tea set. While some of the items are worth more than others, the experts must keep in mind the shipping fees and the price of repairing any damaged antiques before committing to a purchase.

Along the way, the duo explores the stories behind some of the antiques they come across. For instance, while at an antiques fair in Northamptonshire, they learn about the history of the stuffed toys known as Steiff bears and their significance in the world of antique collecting. They also come across a rare Wedgwood vase whose intricate designs highlight its significance in the world of pottery and why it’s worth so much.

To add some variety to their trip, Mark and Natasha venture to Oundle School, where they learn about the school’s history and come across some interesting antiques within their archives. They explore the science lab where they discover glass beakers and test tubes that date back to the 19th century, marvel at the architectural design of the school's chapel, and inspect a silver cup presented to the school by Queen Victoria’s son, Prince Leopold.

As the journey nears its conclusion, Mark and Natasha put their antiques to the test by taking them to auction houses to sell. With the anticipation high, they hope that the items they bought throughout the journey are worth more than what they initially paid for them.

Throughout the episode, Mark and Natasha provide insight into the world of antique collecting, including their knowledge of different types of antiques, their skills in detecting fakes and forgeries, and the importance of preserving antiques as a form of cultural heritage.

Overall, Antiques Road Trip season 7 episode 4 delivers an exciting and educational journey into the world of antiques collecting. From rare porcelain pieces to historical artefacts, the episode showcases all the factors that make antiques so alluring to collectors and enthusiasts alike. As with the previous instalments of the show, the episode is both informative and entertaining, making it one of the best yet.