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 purchased a simple silver jug for just £1.50 and later sold it for an impressive £250, making what he calls a "very tidy profit".
The Hallmark That Made All The Difference
Nick Sady, who credits his parents for his keen eye and operates largely on eBay, explained that his success hinges on one critical practice. Whenever he finds a silver-coloured item, he immediately flips it over to check for official hallmarks. In what he admits is "99%" of cases, the item turns out to be silver plate, which holds minimal melt value.
However, the humble jug was different. On its base, Nick spotted the all-important symbol: a lion with a raised paw. This specific mark indicates that an item is made from Sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver. This classification as a precious metal gives it intrinsic value, with further worth added by factors like age, brand, craftsmanship, and rarity.
Building Knowledge Through Bargain Buys
For Nick, a low-cost find is more than just a potential profit; it's a chance to learn. He stated that a £1.50 purchase acts as a "learning opportunity". He takes items home to research their hallmarks and history, systematically 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 revealed.
This jug is far from his only remarkable discovery. He told Newsweek about previous triumphs, including 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 painted porcelain plaques for £3 each, which sold for approximately £998.
The Thrill of the Hunt Continues
Nick's passion for treasure hunting was ignited by his first major find: a 1956 Superman board game discovered in a rubbish pile. His story serves as an inspiration for bargain hunters, emphasising that incredible value can be hidden in plain sight. The key, as proven by his £1.50 jug, is knowing what small details to look for on even the most ordinary-looking objects.
His success underscores the potential lying dormant in charity shops and thrift stores across the UK, waiting for an informed eye to recognise it. For those hoping to emulate his finds, the lesson is clear: always check for the hallmark.
