A dedicated fan of the BBC's Antiques Roadshow has demonstrated that a sharp eye can turn a tiny charity shop purchase into a significant windfall. Professional thrifter Nick Sady paid just £1.50 for a simple silver jug, which he later sold for an impressive £250, making what he calls a "very tidy profit".
The Hallmark That Made All The Difference
Nick, who honed his skills from his parents and regularly buys and sells on eBay, explained that his success hinged on one critical action: checking the bottom of the item. While most silver-coloured pieces in charity shops are merely silver plate, Nick searches for official hallmarks.
"I’m looking for Hallmarks," Nick said. "In this case, the all-important lion with a raised paw that indicates a piece is Sterling silver." This specific symbol, known as the lion passant, confirms an item is made from Sterling 925 – meaning it is 92.5% pure silver, a precious metal with intrinsic value.
Building Knowledge and Finding Further Fortunes
For Nick, each small purchase is an opportunity to learn. He researches his finds to understand hallmarks, makers, and history, building his expertise. "My knowledge of the art world is far more extensive than it's ever been because of the research I do on the things I find," he stated.
This jug is far from his only remarkable discovery. He told Newsweek about a sterling silver giraffe sculpture by a renowned South African artist, bought for £1.50 and sold for £848. More recently, he acquired two antique porcelain plaques for £3 each, which fetched around £998.
What Thrifters Should Look For
The key lesson for bargain hunters is to always inspect items for hallmarks. The presence of the sterling silver lion, alongside other marks indicating the maker and year, can transform a seemingly ordinary object into a valuable antique. Nick admits that 99% of the time, items are silver plate, but persistence pays off.
His story proves that with a little knowledge and careful examination, incredible treasures can still be found on the shelves of local charity shops, offering both financial reward and a fascinating education in antiques.
