Springtime is almost upon us, which means outdoor antique fairs and car boot sales will soon become more popular in the UK.
Jonathan Pratt, Managing Director at Dawsons Auctioneers, has revealed his top tips for bargain hunters looking to snap up hidden treasures, from vintage kitchenware to trinkets and other unique items.
Pratt, who appears on BBC‘s Bargain Hunt, said: ‘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 collectables 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 on to discover what items should never be overlooked – and might be worth far more than you initially think.
Jonathan Pratt, Managing Director at Dawsons Auctioneers, has revealed his top tips for bargain hunters looking to snap up hidden treasures at antique fairs this Spring (stock image)
Look for novelty items
First, Pratt advised bargain hunters to search for novelty items. He said: ‘Keep an eye out for unusual or novelty objects, especially those made from silver or silver-plate or other collectable 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.’
The expert recalled the time he found a hallmarked silver swizzle stick shaped like a golf club, an early 20th-century novelty piece that combined precious metal with collector appeal.
Despite the low silver weight, its novelty appeal among the niche cocktail-collecting community gave it far more value than its silver content might have initially suggested.
Don’t overlook small paper items
Next, the expert warned against overlooking paper items, which are often sold cheaply.
Many underestimate the value of historical paperwork, especially if it contains insights into everyday life in the past, such as postal marks, old handwriting or notable dates.
Pratt said: ‘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.’
Check boxes and mixed stalls carefully
Pratt also explained that some of the best hidden gems are discovered in house clearance stalls, where sellers are unaware of what they have.
He said shoppers should take extra care to sift through the items and pay attention if they’re in original packaging, because this can significantly increase value.
The expert said: ‘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.’
Look out for quirky decorative items
Unique decorative items can also fetch high prices from collectors, the expert explained.
He said: ‘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.’
Don’t underestimate textiles and soft furnishings
They’re often underestimated, but vintage textiles, kitchen items and decorative household pieces can be surprisingly valuable, particularly if they are from the 20th century or earlier.
Unlike fast fashion products typical of today, vintage textiles are often very well made, represent excellent value, and can add real period charm to a dining table or interior in a way that modern mass-produced items often cannot.
Pratt said: ‘I bought a 1930s plush velvet tea cosy in the shape of a chicken for £25 and later sold it 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.’
Look for novelty tableware and decorative silver
Next, the expert advised shoppers to pay special attention to novelty tableware, particularly those inspired by regional traditions.
He said: ‘I once found a glass sugar bowl with silver-plated mounts modelled as a curling stone, a Scottish novelty design, which sold for much more than I had paid for it.
‘Other decorative silver pieces can also hold surprising value, such as small silver figurines or engraved serving spoons.
Collectors are often drawn to the craftsmanship, uniqueness and design, which can significantly increase the value.’
Look out for vintage posters and graphic design
Finally, vintage wall art can also be a big hit for collectors, according to the expert.
He explained: ‘I once bought a 1930s Ski Switzerland poster by Hermès for £180, had it backed onto linen for £100 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.’