BBC Bargain Hunt's Caroline Hawley stunned as item quadruples during bidding blitz

Bargain Hunt's Caroline Hawley has shared some fascinating insights into her most memorable auction triumphs. With a background in BBC's Flog It! and as a co-founder of Hawleys Auctioneers, she's a pro at spotting treasures amongst the tat.

Recalling her biggest profit, Hawley spoke of an ornate golden chandelier shaped like a hot air balloon that "soared at auction", quadrupling its £60 purchase price to rake in a tidy £210 profit. She also mentioned a silver charm shaped like a knight's helmet bought for a mere £1 by a Bargain Hunt team that sold for a handsome profit.

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However, it hasn't all been smooth sailing, with Hawley admitting to some disappointing losses, including a pair of Arts and Crafts iron and copper candle stands that didn't fare well at auction. Despite her love for them, she was their only admirer on the day.

For budding antique dealers, Hawley recommends specialising in a specific area and using that expertise to find hidden gems. She added: "Auction viewings are great places to handle and examine things. Read as much as you can, but nothing beats hands-on examination."

"Knowledge is power and could enable you to spot that hidden gem that others may overlook."

Earlier this year, a seemingly ordinary yellow 'teapot' showcased on Bargain Hunt was revealed to be an 18th-century Chinese wine ewer, fetching a staggering £390,000 at auction. In another episode aired in 2021, two rare Fabergé Flowers, kept in a shoe box for four decades, were sold for a whopping total of £340,000.