Going on the road to find forgotten treasures

MEMORABILIA mania has hit the country.

Rock bottom interest rates have helped to persuaded people to invest more in treasures from the past.

Television programmes like Bargain Hunt, The Antiques Roadshow and Antiques Roadtrip are helping to fuel a growng interest in finding treasures and collectables from bygone times.

Auctioneers are working harder than ever. None more so than Lockdales of Martlesham.

They are going far and wide to bring in auction lots for what has now become a global market.

The firm’s Auction Manager James Sadler said: “There’s never been a better time for people to sell, and never a better time for the collectors to collect.”

The two-day auction in the expansive Lockdales premises recently this month brought in an astounding £463,000.

Many of the medals, coins, postcards, stamps, weapons and sporting memorabilia went for sky high prices.

“People are buying in our market due to nostalgia and a genuine urge to keep building on their collections,” continued Mr Sadler.

He explained that a “huge decision” taken eight years ago has put the company to the fore nationwide in the quest for the best lots to auction.

This was to go all over the nation on ‘Valuation Days,’ or as some call them ‘Road Shows.”

“We took the big decision to go out on the road, to take ourselves to people with interesting items for us to value, instead of just waiting for them to come to us,” said Mr Sadler.

He went on: “It’s been successful, with venues for valuation days having been set up in cities, town’s and villages from Durham right down to Cornwall.”

Buyers of Lockdales valuables come from all over the world, including the prolific spending China, India and Russia.

“They are buying back their heritage it seems. They have the cash to spare and collectors in these countries are making the most of it,” added Mr Sadler.