Bargain Hunt viewers were left scratching their heads when expert Gary Pe made a peculiar confession.
During the rerun episode, both teams were struggling to impress the auction crowd with their items. However, the blue team held out hope that antiques guru Gary Pe's bonus buy could turn their fortunes around.
Acknowledging their need for a game-changer, he went off to retrieve the item he had gotten for them, teasing: "Well I promised you a mystery!".
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Attempting to provide some background on the antique, he elaborated: "Ethnographica, something from ancient cultures. Beyond that, I do not know! It looks ceremonial."
Presenting the items, he informed the team that one of the pieces was African and the other likely Asian in origin. He added: "They have age! Wonderful carving of a crocodile on the African one."
Confessing that he shelled out £45 for the pair, the team remained optimistic that he'd be able to fetch them a decent return. Having made no profit so far with their purchases, they agreed to put the bonus buy up for auction and see what it could earn them, reports the Express.
However, fans were baffled by Gary's decision to purchase an item without knowing its purpose for his team. Taking to Twitter, @CaptMagenta vented: "WTF... buying something you don't know what it is.
@mdbaggy chimed in: "We need Gary to save the day... Ah. "@Beckie_Miller_ commented: "Gary has no knowledge of them but he still thought they were a good idea." Twitter user "@Hydrogenhill1" posted: "Gary Pe hasn't a clue what he has bought.... sounds about right."
John Cameron, the auctioneer, seemed taken aback by the peculiar item, admitting his uncertainty about it to BBC host Eric Knowles.
The auctioneer said: "A carved wooden piece here looks to me to be African. Possibly some sort of percussion stick.But, the second piece, this copper staff or sceptre here with these bells mounted on it, that has us all perplexed."
He then estimated to Eric that the items could arguably raise around £40 to £60 at auction. The bidding commenced at £40, much to the delight of the Blue team who were optimistic for further appreciation in price.
However, their hopes were dashed as the final selling price stood at £45 - identical to Gary's purchase cost. In this way, no profit or loss eventuated.
In the end, both teams returned empty-pocketed from the auction.BBC host expressed his disbelief saying: "I have to say, both teams brought really nice things, I find it hard to believe that neither of you are going to go home with any money!"
He then revealed the minimal margin victory of the blue team who had the least net loss of minus £28 and commended the red team despite their defeat, mentioning that two of their items had indeed commanded a profit at the auction.
Bargain Hunt can be viewed on BBC iPlayer
