Out & About March 2017

Cash in your attic Spring is a time of dusting off the cobwebs, when many of us decide to get organised. We stop putting off the jobs we have been meaning to do and attempt to inject some order into our lives. Thomas Plant says a great place to start is the attic, where you might discover some unexpected treasures M any of us can’t remember what we have got in our attics – me included. We try to declutter the house and the space in the roof is a great place CHILDREN’S TOYS Tinplate toys, boxed Dinky and Corgi vehicles, Steiff, Dean’s or Schuco teddy bears and trains are also very popular at auction. Lots can go from £40 and into the thousands depending on their rarity and condition.

And here are some of the more unusual and interesting items you may find – don’t write them off without further inspection… Watches (especially men’s), silver, binoculars, postcards, vintage clothing, Army uniforms, medals and badges. Even if you don’t find anything of huge monetary value, you could find something of sentimental value… you could even have that clear out and create some of the much-needed space you have been wanting for so long.

to hide things away. As a result, the attic is often a treasure trove full of family heirlooms, precious and interesting items that we have forgotten about. Maybe grandma told you a story about an item you have kept up there, maybe there’s something of value that you had no idea about…you never know. So, before you throw out worn-out books or dusty toys, it may be worth considering getting them valued – you could be sitting on a fortune. Here are some examples of the type of things you may have hidden away and what to look for Any records from iconic singers or groups such as David Bowie or the Sex Pistols will always be sought after at auction. Prices can start from £50 for one with a sleeve in good condition. Look for the condition it’s in as well as the popularity of the artist. when you find them: VINYL RECORDS

Look for the trademark Steiff button on teddy bears and soft toys and other markings as well as the good condition of the toy and if it has its original packaging. CAMERAS Cameras do not spring to mind when thinking about items at auction, but they are hugely popular – not only the cameras themselves, but also the lenses. Look for top makes including Nikon, Leica and Hasselblad. Cameras with mahogany cases are also worth further investigation. JEWELLERY All diamond jewellery will sell well. Also the vintage and more unusual examples from rings, necklaces, brooches to bracelets. Again, pieces can fetch upwards of £50 each. Have a good look through your jewellery boxes and drawers. Try and look for hallmarks and the clarity of the stones to get an indication of quality and year of make.

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