Bargain Hunt: The Spotter's Guide to Antiques

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From makers’ marks and tell-tale historical styles to details in foils and finials, this will be your one-stop guide to making good choices on your own bargain hunt – while also delving into the fascinating stories behind many of our favourite antiques. She went on to ask Charles: "Surely a victim of its own success, almost every house up and down the country has one of these, so why on earth are you expecting it to sell for a five-figure sum? At that time, it probably seemed that both contestants and the objects they picked belonged to a bygone era. TV presenter Natasha Raskin Sharp introduced auctioneer Charles Hanson, who explained the signs people should look out for in old book copies. In 2020, fans of the BBC show were left stunned when an ultra rare edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone fetched an astonishing profit.

According to The Mirror, 300 of the 500 copies were given to libraries, including the one that sold on Bargain Hunt several years ago. She asked Charles: "Surely a victim of its own success, almost every house up and down the country has one of these.It’s always a joy to be proved right, that far too much has been spent on what you perceive as an ugly item. Before JK Rowling's Harry Potter books became what they are now, some of the very early editions sold for cheap but are now worth thousands. By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions. No missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins.

Natasha reminded viewers: "So, if you have one of these at home, check out page 53, check out the first pages. You've got for example the Staffordshire Library's archive label here, you've also got this all important issue number here. It was sold at auction in Staffordshire in summer 2019, with the magical scenes from inside the auction rooms aired on BBC One's Bargain Hunt in early 2020. It had been picked up at a jumble sale by an office worker for 25p, and sat on their shelf for two decades before they decided to have it valued. A Bargain Hunt is more than just a quest for cash, though - from traveller's trunks and tea caddies to walking canes, coins and quirky costumes, each of the items chosen has their own story to tell, forming a small part of our collective social history.

Honestly, it’s breath-taking to watch how they talk so knowledgeably about an item picked randomly from a stall”. I do think Bargain Hunt has gathered more fans during lockdown, with many more people spending time at home than ever before. The Bargain Hunt Spotter’s Guide to Antiques is packed with essential information from the Bargain Hunt experts on identifying quality across a range of antiques.

The first official book from the BBC series Bargain Hunt, providing tips, advice and anecdotes from the show's experts, to help you spot those diamonds in the rough. With a foreword from Eric Knowles and tips, advice, and stories throughout from each of the show's experts (including 'league tables' of best and worst finds), this is the essential companion to all your future Bargain Hunts!

A Bargain Hunt is more than just a quest for cash, though – from traveller’s trunks and tea caddies to walking canes, coins and quirky costumes, each of the items chosen has their own story to tell, forming a small part of our collective social history. Bargain Hunt has seen plenty of unexpected winners pass through auction rooms up and down the country over the years, but one unsuspecting hardback book sold for thousands of pounds after being snapped up for 25p.