by Rex Nicholl

“Invest for the future by buying the past.”

Wow! You can be lucky when you go out hunting for interesting items from the past.

On a Sunday in September I had the pleasure of a 5am departure for Sydney. A friend, Frank, and I travelled down to attend Wentworth Park Antique and Collectable Fair. This fair is held on the first Sunday of each month.

At 7.45am we were on the doorstep chafing at the bit. They let early birds (super keen collectors) in an hour before the general public. Early birds 8am $10, General public 9am $4

Frank and I were off, looking for a bargain. We headed in different directions to cover more area as there are over 100 collector stalls.

My buys were a 1930s Royal Copenhagen figure, two small smoking pipes in the shape of shoes, two pieces of opalescent uranium glass dishes, two small sterling silver dishes, an unusual railway pocket watch holder for a sleeping carriage, a Murano glass bell – Laticino, 1930s Wade English pig money box, an unusual green depression glass vase and a piece of signed iridescent art glass.

Frank’s main buy was a bronze Japanese mid 1800s Meji period large vase with beautifully sculptured moths around the lid. Frank paid $300. Great buy!

But, but, but …. I bought a ceramic 14 inch jug with a dragon lizard forming a handle. I really liked the styling, the quality and the subject matter. I was showing Jenny, my wife, my treasures the next day and noticed a faint inscribed mark on the base.

After some research, I discovered it was Royal Worcester, 1860s, one of England’s finest porcelain makers.

Sometimes you have a win!

I am constantly doing appraisals for antiques. If you need help ring Rex on 0427 880546 or pop into Olympia Antiques opposite Taree train station. Wed-Sat 9am-4pm.