Antique fairs, car-boot sales, charity shops… you never know what you might find.

There are the bargains and the retro gems, and the cheap and the kitsch. Whatever may be hiding out there, here are five items to keep your eye out for…

1. Old Glass

Old glass is a lot more valuable (and interesting) than you might think. Pre-World War Two glass is particularly sought after, and items from 1700-1800 can be worth a small fortune.

The market value of glass fluctuates, but keep your eyes peeled for maker’s marks and stamps to indicate era and origin.

2. Furniture

Furniture that looks old and used might be unattractive to some, but it’s always worth a closer look. The patina of time and grime could be an indication of quality and value.

You see, a piece manufactured by a famous maker that has been reupholstered or refurbished is actually (in most cases) worth less than one that has beeb left in its original condition. The good news, though, is that this means the real gems often go unnoticed…

3. Branded Jewellery

Veteran antiquers have likely seen somebody sell what they thought was a piece of costume jewellery for pennies, only to find that the piece in fact genuine and worth far more. It isn’t uncommon.

Don’t dismiss trinkets with low price tags, and always inspect the maker’s mark. You never know what its true value might be.

4. Cameras

There’s no denying the revival that analogue photography has enjoyed over the last few years, and sadly antique camera prices have sky-rocketed since. There are still deals to be found, though.

Always inspect old cameras thoroughly. Mechanisms wear out and break over time, and it’s not unusual to invest more than you planned for on a costly refurbishment.

5. Oddities

There are collectors for everything, and particularly for strange or unusual items. Nothing looks finer above a mantlepiece than one-of-a-kind pottery or unreleased film posters.

Look out for pieces with connections to famous or well-known figures. Collectors will pay top money for top provenance.