Summer is approaching, and that means that people are heading outside! Many vintage markets and antique fairs see a surge of visitors during the summer.
But many return home with junk or with unsatisfying purchases.
While browsing is always an option, and you should always only buy what you need, you may also be able to find some items that have serious value.
Jonathan Pratt, TV antiques expert and Managing Director at Dawsons Auctioneers, has drawn on years of experience sourcing antiques and collectibles to outline the items most likely to be undervalued and the strategies that help savvy shoppers (like you!) uncover them.
Unusual Items
Novelty items are among the most commonly overlooked pieces at antique fairs, yet they can command surprisingly strong prices.
Pratt recalls discovering a hallmarked silver swizzle stick shaped like a golf club, an early 20th-century piece that, despite its modest silver weight, carried significant appeal among cocktail memorabilia collectors.
“Keep an eye out for unusual or novelty objects, especially those made from silver or silver-plate or other collectible materials, as these can sometimes be worth far more than their raw material value. If an object has an obscure but active collector base, those small novelty items can be worth a great deal more than they first appear.
Papers
Letters, postcards, and historical documents, collectively known as ephemera, are frequently sold cheaply or bundled into bargain boxes, with many sellers unaware of their potential worth.
Postal marks, old handwriting, and notable dates can all add collector value to what might appear to be ordinary paperwork.
Pratt speaks from direct experience: “Always check boxes of letters, postcards, and old documents. Small paper items are often undervalued but can attract strong interest from collectors of postal history and ephemera. I once bought an 18th-century letter for just £1 and later sold it for £28.”
Mixed Boxes
House clearance stalls and unsorted boxes are prime hunting ground.
Sellers moving large volumes of household effects may not have assessed every item individually, which creates an opportunity for the attentive buyer.
Original packaging, in particular, can add meaningfully to resale value.
“Take time to search through mixed boxes and house clearance stalls carefully. Valuable items are often hidden among everyday objects, particularly when sellers are clearing large quantities of household effects. I found a Staunton-pattern chess set buried in a box on a house clearer’s stall. It had weighted pieces and classic design, both signs of quality that collectors often look for. I bought it for £40 and later sold it for £100.”
Quirky Items
Decorative objects with a sense of humor or an unusual design often attract more collector interest than their straightforward counterparts.
Pratt cites a cast-iron doorstop shaped like a wedge of cheese with a mouse on top, produced at a 19th-century Scottish foundry. That is the kind of piece believed to have been made by foundry workers in their own time.
“If something looks quirky, humorous, or unusual, don’t dismiss it. Useful objects with distinctive or playful designs can have strong collector appeal because of their originality and character.”
Textiles
Vintage fabrics and kitchen items from the early 20th century or earlier can hold real financial value, particularly when they feature distinctive designs or unusual forms. One of Pratt’s most striking examples: a 1930s plush velvet tea cozy shaped like a chicken, purchased for £25 and later sold for £250.
“Vintage textiles, kitchen items, and decorative household pieces can often hold surprising value, especially when they have unusual shapes or nostalgic appeal. Vintage textiles in particular are usually very well made, represent a real bargain, and can add period charm to any dinner table.”
Novelty Tableware and Decorative Silver
Regional and novelty tableware is another category worth attention. Pratt once found a glass sugar bowl with silver-plated mounts modeled as a curling stone which is a Scottish novelty design that sold for considerably more than its purchase price.
“Collectors are often drawn to the craftsmanship, uniqueness, and design, which can significantly increase the value.”
Vintage posters
Printed advertising material and vintage posters, particularly those with striking graphic design or notable artists attached, represent perhaps the highest upside category on the list. Pratt bought a 1930s Ski Switzerland poster by Hermès for £180, spent £100 having it backed onto linen, and sold it a year later for £2,100.
Always check posters, prints and advertising materials carefully, especially when they have strong graphic design, film or travel themes, or a well-known artist behind them, as collectors are often willing to pay a premium.
For those considering their first fair visit, Pratt’s overall message is one of patience and curiosity. Whether you’re a collector or simply looking for a fun weekend outing, antique fairs are a wonderful place to uncover hidden gems, sometimes for just a few pounds. The thrill is in the hunt, as you never know what you might stumble across, from quirky decorative items to vintage collectibles that can be worth far more than you expect. Take your time, keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to dig through boxes or browse the smaller stalls, as some of the best finds are often hiding in plain sight. With a little patience, even a casual trip can turn into a rewarding treasure hunt.”
Read More:
- Have Any of These 12 Items? You Could Be Rich
- Where To Sell Used Items for Cash
- 20 Items That Were Considered Normal 20 Years Ago but Are a Real Luxury Now
