COLLECTORS CORNER
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Collecting has never been more popular.With the rise of popular T.V. programmes and the addictive Car Boot Sales,we are all interested in what our ancestors threw out! How many times do we antique dealers hear "Oh, my Granny had one of those." The best way to enjoy visits to antique centres collectors' fairs and car boot sales is to start a collection.It is TWICE the fun when you are looking for something specific and bag a bargain when you have some knowledge of the subject.
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ANTIQUE CENTRES AND FAIRS
Do pay them a visit.The dealers have sorted out all the "dross" for you and eliminated reproductions unless they say so, They will give you a description of their items and their reputation depends on genuine items and they can only make money if their prices are fair... A/F means "as found" and means there may be damage or repairs to the item.Mostly, you will gain a wealth of knowledge from experienced dealers and have great afternoon out! -Most Antique Centres have lovely tea rooms!.............................................................................................................Senior Citizens United.A nostalgic look at the lighter side of being over 50.Jokes,photos and stories,"Live Life to the Full".
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INTERNET COLLECTING
Once you have started your collection,the next phase is to go on to eBay and find those more rare items.This is now so popular you will find exciting "finds" from all over the world - that stamp you needed,a replacement for one dinner plate in your service,your favourite books,-maybe just one more pig?.........................New to eBay?
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FINDING RARE BOOKS,RECORDS ETC.
Did you know that you can buy or SELL lovely old books or hard to find out of print items on Amazon? Lots of buying guides for collectables to help you know the value of your treasures and the best prices to pay for them or what to charge when you swap or sell........................Antiques and Collectables Price Guides ....................................................or Search right here for the book or record you are looking for,Those lovely old Childrens books and comic albums,cookery and gardening books from times past......................................
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FETES,TABLE TOP SALES ETC.
Notice I have left out Jumble Sales! if you can queue up for half an hour to be squashed in the scrum only to end up with a chipped jug-you're a better man than me Gunga Din! However,do look in your local paper for Church and School fetes,table top sales and private garage sales.Also,many retirement homes have fund raising sales.Where better to find unusual and interesting items from people who are having a genuine de-clutter.Beswick,Clarice Cliff,Wade,Sylvac,Goss etc. were all everyday items in the Thirties and Forties,some even sold in Woolworths or even given away in sales promotions,highly collectable today.You will nearly always find fine linen tablecloths and hand made lace and embroidered items.Don't overlook lovely leather handbags and beautiful costume jewellery,especially if it has the makers' name on the back.Old compacts,perfume sets and powder boxes.Named silk scarves and of course,vintage clothing.All to be found in these smaller,more personal sales.
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SILVER
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No matter what a dealer might tell you when you are trying to sell a piece of family silver such as " whew" (whistle through the teeth) " There is no demand at the moment"....-there IS....Silver is very "hot" at most auctions.....but like any other antique item,there are certain criteria:.........HALLMARKS: these must be easily identifiable,Some hallmarks such as Chester etc. are particularly sought after by some collectors..............CONDITION: dents,splits,deep scratches and repairs will make your silver much less valuable.
KNOWN MAKERS: such as Mappin & Webb,Wm.Hutton,Bateman etc.
will add value to your item..............
and there is always scrap value,currently approx. £5 per ounce but this can change daily...........
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WISH TO SELL AN ITEM OF SILVER?..................I WANT TO BUY STERLING SILVER TEA SETS,CHRISTENING MUGS,FRUIT BOWLS,ETC.IN PERFECT CONDITION ONLY.LADY DEALER FROM CHIPPING NORTON OXFORDSHIRE EMAIL:... silver@jaxline4@aol.com
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AUCTION SALES
There is an Auction House in most larger towns and some in barns,old churches and schools throughout the country.A must if you are looking for unique pieces of furniture.Why pay £600 for a wall unit made of squashed paper when you can buy a beautiful one in Oak or Pine for under £100!
Auctions are great fun and don't believe the fallacy that if you scratch your nose you have made a bid.Do make sure you catch the auctioneers eye when you make your first bid by raising your hand or waving your catalogue, believe me,he will keep coming back to you until you shake your head.There are always lots of dealers at auctions and this will give you a very good idea of what things are worth.You are always told to decide on a price and stick to it,but if you really want something and an extra fiver will do it-then go for it!You may buy a lovely garden seat,Superb carved mirror for your hall - or four boxes of "bric a brac" for a tenner to sell at your own car boot sale or church fete! Always go to a viewing day,preferably the day before as it's less hectic than an hour before the sale.
Do examine the goods very carefully for damage.The auctioneer in most cases will NOT point this out during the bidding.You may see something no one seems to be bidding on -but there is probably a very good reason! (Been there-done that!)................
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Magnifying Glasses
ALWAYS HAVE ONE HANDY !!
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WHERE DO I SELL?
Of course,in our age group,we often have occasion to want to downsize and clear some of the "dust collectors" we have spent years slaving over! The darling grandchildren will only break our treasured Doulton Figurines and why are we storing all that stuff in the attic or garage? Time to get rid - but a trip to the local Household refuse site really does bring a lump to the throat! Charity shops are starting to get picky about all our liqueur glasses and Foreign souvenirs.So do have a sort out and put all items into sections........................1.Silver,named china,original paintings,furniture and any item that has been in your family for as long as you can remember should be taken to your local auctioneer for valuation or ask them to come and visit.DO NOT FEEL THEY MAY NOT BE GOOD ENOUGH - An auctioneer is a business person constantly on the lookout for stock for an auction.........................................................................
2.Items you can sell on eBay.It is much easier than you think.eBay helps you all along the way.You do need to take a decent photo or just a scan.It really is remarkable what you can sell worldwide so have a go - you WILL become addicted!....SEE How do I Sell?
 ................3. of course,the car boot sale.Do see the hilarious article by Jean Davies on the "Your Stories" page.Get there early,all the " better " traders will be there to catch the dealers and you will not be mixed up with all the old toys and baby clothes stalls.Don't worry about a table cloth,put things like old tools in boxes and let people rummage-they love it but don't allow people to rummage in your boot,take your time to put things out and start to sell - this could be your busiest time and give you a great start.Agree on prices,haggle but make the sale.Once sold believe me, you will never miss that article and it's gone!
The pennies soon mount up.Have a laugh and look as though you are enjoying yourself! Nothing succeeds like success and buyers will be drawn to a busy stall.You may have "given" some things away but there is great satisfaction in having cleared away so much and being left with empty boxes.
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OUR MOVING EBAY PAGES
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Ebay have put a tiny selection of collectors items that are currently for sales on these pages.They change often as the items are sold.Just click on the item if you wish to see the auction page or see similar items in all categories.
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