Ep 9. Episode 09

In season 17 episode 9 of Antiques Road Trip, the show's two expert antique dealers, steeled against each other, venture from the sunny Southwest coast up to the vibrant Scottish Highlands in search of hidden treasures. In their search for rare items, James Braxton and Angus Ashworth exercise their sharp wits and knowledge in a head-to-head competition to amass the highest profit at a final auction in Edinburgh.

The pair traverses vast landscapes and historic sites, with James starting off his journey in the quaint village of Inveraray. Here, he finds a collection of rare silver items dating back to the 19th century that highlights the area's rich history with shipbuilding and maritime trades. The dealer swiftly haggles with the vendor and makes the purchase, aiming to turn a significant profit.

Meanwhile, Angus has a keen eye for industrial design and mechanics, leading him to visit the renowned Scottish textile mill of New Lanark. Here, he comes across a rare sewing machine from the Victorian era that is a testament to the cutting-edge inventions of that period. Angus carefully evaluates the item and purchases it, hoping to beat James at the final auction.

Both men continue their journey towards the bustling capital of Edinburgh. En route, they stop at St.irling Castle, a striking fortress that has stood since the 12th century. Located atop of a hill, the castle provides a stunning view of the surrounding countryside, which James and Angus admire before delving back into their hunt for antiques.

Back on the hunt, James finds a set of stylish crystal whiskey glasses crafted by the renowned Scottish designer, Walter Schott. Known for his unique, vintage designs, Schott's drab-colored glasses increase the curiosity of James, who haggles with the seller before sealing the deal. Angus, however, is no slouch either, as he, too, stumbles upon an intriguing item - a 19th-century telescope commonly used in the Scottish observatory.

The episode climaxes with the final auction held in an upscale Edinburgh auction house. As the two dealers prepare to be pitted against each other, the tension rises to an all-time high. James leads off the bidding, hoping to land a big blow. Angus counters with a healthy profit margin, and as the auction continues, both men try to outdo the other's bid with a series of intense bidding wars.

In the end, it's anyone's game, and the episode finishes with the auction houses gavel dropping on the final item. The winners are revealed, and the dealer who scored the most profit emerges victorious. But in Antiques Road Trip, it's not always about the highest profits. Each finds unique treasures, learns about Scotland's history, and, most importantly, forms a deep appreciation of Scotland's rich culture.