AS the cost-of-living crisis deepens and many struggle to pay off Christmas debts, it could be worth checking your loft for hidden treasure.
Experts believe the average UK attic hides valuables totalling a staggering £1,922, and around £33billion worth of “junk” lurks in our cupboards and drawers.
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“Lots of us will have a few gems hidden away that might make getting to January’s pay day a little easier,” explains antiques expert Charlie Ross who regularly appears on Bargain Hunt and Flog It!
“People often think it’s just vintage items that are worth money, but even stuff from the 1990s could make you a bob or two now.”
Here Charlie reveals those forgotten treasures that may be worth bundles of cash.
’90s vinyl
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MOST people know an original Rolling Stones or Beatles LP could be worth a lot of money, says Charlie.
But he adds: “There is a big vinyl revival going on. And if you have anything from the Nineties Britpop era, you could be sitting on a gold mine.
“Records made from about 1992 to 1999 are especially valuable as not a lot was made at that time. Vinyl from bands like Mansun might sell for £80 or Kula Shaker, £65.
“You may need to seek some advice. While some are worth hundreds, others are worth nothing.”
Star Wars
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THE first movie in the huge science fiction film franchise may have been released more than four decades ago – but Star Wars memorabilia is still incredibly valuable.
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“What really sells well is carded figures,” Charlie explains.
“One auction recently sold a rare character called Yak Face, from Return Of The Jedi, for over £1,500.
“At the time of sale, these figures were probably only worth a couple of quid each.”
Charlie adds: “They are also worth more if in good condition and in the original box.”
Fountain pens
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IT may be surprising, but stationery can also make you a bob or two.
Charlie says: “A rare Namiki fountain pen once sold for £6,000 at auction, while auction house Dreweatts sold a limited-edition Montblanc for an incredible £14,000.
“Lots of people throw them in the bin but there is a huge collectors’ market in fountain pens.
“Some of the quality ones have gold nibs and they are worth more if they are from a quality brand such as Montblanc. The rarer they are, the more money they will fetch.”
Old mobiles
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GOT an old Nokia brick phone lying around?
If so, don’t throw it out, Charlie warns.
He adds: “Early or rare phones are becoming collectable.
“Even if they are not worth a huge amount now, there is no doubt that they will become valuable, so they are worth keeping. The first one of any particular series might also be worth something in years to come.”
Autographs
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“MANY older people of my generation would collect autographs in little books when they were kids,” Charlie says.
“If Grandad gave you his and you have got it stashed away in the loft, it might be worth money, especially if the autographs belong to old actors, actresses or sports stars.
“And if you have a collection of all the Beatles’ autographs, you are sitting on a fortune!
“I recently met a chap who had a book full of cricketers’ autographs.
“Even that was worth £100.
“Many are fakes so you will need expert help to check they are genuine.”
Wrestling
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THE figures made by Hasbro in the 1990s are now very popular with collectors.
Charlie says: “Kids would often buy them, rip the card off and bash them around, so a lot would get damaged.
“Even if you have some that are not in mint condition, but near mint, they could be valuable.
“You might look at it and think it’s not worth £2.
“But some of these have fetched more than £1,000, even with clear signs of wear and tear.”
My Little Pony
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GIRLS’ toys do not usually fetch as much as those made for boys, with the exception of My Little Pony.
Charlie explains: “It’s all about the accessories.
“If you stumble across some old saddles or hairbrushes, don’t throw them out.
“If you find a box full, they could be worth hundreds.
“Ponies’ hair would often get dirty and damaged.
“If they are in good condition, they are worth a lot. A collection of 30 sold recently for £800.”
Jewellery
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“HAVE a rummage through old boxes of jewellery,” Charlie advises. “People will often think they’ve just got bundles of cheap tat, but if you find a hallmark on it, it may be gold and therefore valuable.
“Even if it isn’t gold, costume jewellery made in the 1930s or 1940s is on the up and can make good money at auction. Chanel costume jewellery made before the 1980s, which was gold-plated, is also valuable.”
Trading cards
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POKEMON or old football trading cards and sticker albums can be much sought-after and valuable, especially if the album is full.
Charlie says: “Kids bought Pokemon cards for around £1 a pack in the 1990s but some rare ones could now be worth thousands.
“One very rare Japanese version of a Pokemon card sold for £40,000 in America.
“Charizard cards can sell on eBay for several thousands of pounds.”
Comics
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“IF you come across a box of dusty old comics in the loft, those childhood stories could be worth a fortune,” Charlie says.
“The first Beano issue is worth around £20,000. Even a Batman Adventures Comic from 1993 could make you around £800. Comics are valuable as they are typically limited edition and quite rare.
“Pages often get ripped or damaged, so there are few left in good condition and collectors are keen to find them.”
