40 / 60
40
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
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
when you find them:
VINYL RECORDS
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.
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.
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.
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.