Do you love antique fairs and vintage markets? They make you feel like you are walking through history! You can find some excellent quality items on places such as eBay and Etsy. But if you want a real feel of antique and flea markets, you need to make it a day out and attend a fair.
Some of the biggest and most varied markets in the UK include collectables, vintage homeware and furniture, and delightful fashion. You can find fantastic bargains that you wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. The Lincolnshire International Antiques and Home Show is among the largest in Europe, and it's held every month at the Lincolnshire Showground. You need to be in the mood for treasure hunting, but there are plenty of opportunities for exciting fine antiques and items. The Alexandra Palace Antiques & Collectors Fair in London happens quarterly on a Sunday. It hosts a fabulous collection of collectable decorations, nostalgic homeware, and vintage clothing.
You could make amazing discoveries at a flea market if you have a keen eye for treasures and exciting items. Not everything there is valuable. Yet, more often than not, valuable items may require a little love and DIY care before you can make the most of them. Here are some of the best finds at a vintage fair and how to use them:
An old Rolex watch and other precious items
Rolex has been making watches for over 100 years. In 1926, the company introduced unique serial numbers, which you can use to identify the production period of the watch. The serial numbers have come in different formats, but knowledgeable watch experts would be able to help you identify the right period and model. You could even come across expensive models that may only require a small repair job to regain their full value. If you are less familiar with luxury watches, take a look at The WatchBox | Global Luxury Watch Platform, which can help you identify your vintage model. You can even sell your watch via the platform, so it's worth buying a damaged vintage watch and getting it fixed professionally if you can turn your £50 purchase into a £70,000 watch.
Other jewellery items worth investigating at an antique fair may include brooches, earrings, rings, and pendants. Silver, gold, and other precious metals often require specialist products to regain their shine. It is also a good idea to replace damaged or worn-out parts, such as the closing mechanism on a necklace or a bracelet. Brooches can also develop rust along the pin, so do make sure to wash it and protect it if you wish to use it.
You can sell jewellery items online or by attending specialist events. You can also make sure to get items evaluated by a professional jeweller who can help identify the value and sometimes even model. Some jewellers will also offer to buy the most precious items.
Designers' fashion
How much would you pay for a Vivienne Westwood dress or a Jean-Paul Gauthier blazer? What might seem outside your budget could become more affordable than you realise. Indeed, vintage fairs are filled with items from different decades. So you could uncover designer fashion at a bargain price.
However, you may want to get your sewing machine at the ready. Vintage clothes may require new seams to regain their solid structure. They could have lost a button or have a damaged zip. They could also have a hole or a stain that refuses to disappear. All these can be easily fixed if you are confident with a sewing machine. When it comes to stains or holes, more often than not, you can try to mask them with simple embroidery tips. Making vintage clothes wearable requires some extra preparation work. You may also want to reach out to a professional laundry to have the items safely washed and cleaned.
What happens to vintage clothes once they're fixed? The choice is entirely yours. You may decide to keep them and wear them. Alternatively, you may choose to sell them. Places such as a vintage market are great, but it can be tricky to organise depending on your schedule. Instead, you can also try online platforms. EBay is a popular platform, but many buyers expect cheap items. If you are not confident using a sewing machine, you can sell vintage clothes in their current condition on eBay. Etsy is a great platform for craft artists who want to sell slightly modified vintage items — such as with a modern zipper — at the best price. As a piece of advice: It's best to offer international shipping options to appeal to a broad audience.
Antique furniture
You can find elegant 1950s chests of drawers or even quirky 1970s chairs at an antique fair. While you may be expected to pay more for historic items that were produced over 100 years ago, furniture from the past decades could have a more reasonable price tag.
Unfortunately, it may not be in perfect condition. The good news is that you can fix and improve old furniture as long as you have the right DIY skills. You can gradually improve your DIY skills with proactive research and practice. If you are going to renovate an old table, it's best to practice with something small and manageable first. Yet, once you get the hang of it, you could give a new life to an antique piece of furniture.
How can you use antique furniture?
It entirely depends on what you find. Simple items such as a small child's chair or a wooden box can be repainted and varnished, and you can use them inside your home.
Large items, such as a wardrobe or even a rustic wooden table, may need extra love and care, and it can be worth talking to a professional about it. Large items could be a fantastic addition to your interior. But they can also be sold on specialist platforms for a profit.
In conclusion, there is a lot you can find at a flea market. Not everything may be of high value. But with the right care, some items can regain a second life and transform your interior and style. Alternatively, you can also sell the most precious items at a good price!
Leave a Reply