Cash in your attic- How to tell what’s worth saving

According to a recent survey a large proportion of the nation could be sitting on a goldmine.   For example nearly one fifth of Britons own a painting worth over £500 or that 15 percent of households have antique furniture worth over £500.

In order to help you decide whether to try an auction, send to the tip or charity shop, here are the most likely winners.

Pop and film memorabilia

Memorabilia dating from the 1950s to the 1970s is the most popular in the market though more recent items can still be of worth.The most popular and still the best sellers are any memorabilia appertaining to the Beatles.  Goods are always worth more when the celebrity is dead.

Ceramics and porcelain

We've all heard the tales of Chinese originated ceramics selling for fantastic prices.  However there are many more items which can be very valuable.

Old knick knacks and presents can be worth a lot more than you thought. Items needn’t be ancient or from far flung places to be of extraordinary value. At the end of last year a pensioner found a coffee pot at a house clearance which, when he took it with a mixed lot to be valued at his local auction house, turned out to be one of the earliest known examples of Worcester porcelain and sold for £41,900.

Anything Art Deco

Art Deco has been enjoying a steady rise in value. If the designer is right or the lines of the item are appealing to the eye, Deco furniture can achieve high prices at auction. Examples include the increasingly popular Tiffany lamps.

Comic books

Market value of comic books has risen enormously particularly if they are in immaculate condition.  For example at a recent Heritage Auctions sale an amazing fantasy Marvel from 1962 sold for $454,100 in their February 2016 Comics & Comic Art Auction

Also run of the first 1950s Eagle comics went for well over its £200-300 estimate earlier this year when it fetched £520 at auction.

Lighting and architectural items

Lighting fixtures from previous decades still have appeal commercially, particularly pieces with an industrial feel. Other architectural pieces that hold good value include fire screens, staircase end mounts and mantelpieces.

Sports memorabilia

People often do not put any monitory value on sporting memorabilia due to its sentimental value.  However, Baseball cards, sports jerseys, game balls and football programmes all have potential value if they are from the right game or signed by the right people. Their worth can be anywhere from £50 into the thousands.

Books/Magazines

A vintage Playboy magazine with Marilyn Monroe recently sold for over $1,000. Even vintage catalogues can have value, especially if they are linked to major brand names such as Selfridges when they can fetch £50 or more.

You never know when a book or magazine might be worth something. A certain edition by a certain author can fetch surprisingly high prices. First edition books, rare print runs (of less than 10,000) and those signed by the author have most potential.

Royal and political memorabilia

The public has always had an interest in royal and political memorabilia and while today it is more mass-produced lowering the value, speciality items can still have value. For instance, a 1916 menu signed by Edward VII Prince of Wales had an estimate of £150-200.

Toys, dolls and board games

Antique or vintage games, toys and dolls can sell at auction for anything from £50 upwards thanks to their nostalgic appeal.

An item needs the following to do well at auction.

Good condition, rarity, a complete set, a large collection or in its original box. For instance a DINKY – A1026 No. 27 Tramcar set of four in beige trade box, all with cream roofs and advertising ‘Ovaltine’ in gilt letters, circa 1930s, can be worth between £450 to £550.

Still in its original packaging

Clothing and jewellery

Vintage clothing and costume jewellery are always good sellers if in good condition. The most desirable items of vintage fashion are cocktail dresses, particularly from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.