Sometimes I haven’t a clue! “Call yourself an antiques dealer?” I hear you say! No seriously, it’s such a vast subject, I’ve made huge inroads of knowledge in some areas, but only recently Mark Hill picked me up on some glass.

“That’s not Murano that’s Czech!” I’d been told! His knowledge was valuable. I like Mark, he’s a great bloke and he was just trying to help. However, every dealer makes mistakes, they say it helps you learn. It certainly doesn’t help your reputation or your pocket.

This is where a buyer has the edge over a dealer. Why? Because you’re buying something to use and something you love. However, it shouldn’t knowingly be sold to you as George II if it’s a late Victorian copy, should it?

That’s why people spending any amount of money should learn about the antiques they’re going to buy and find a dealer they trust. 

If you watch a film or TV show featuring antique dealers you’ll either think they’re all kindly like Mr Gruber from Paddington or selfish wide boys like Charlie Gimbert from Lovejoy.

Let me say, that most are thoroughly decent people. In 2016 I was diagnosed with cancer. Dealer friends rallied round and I shall never forget their kindness.

Before you all get misty-eyed, we’re not all saints, we’re generally people who love history and “things” and we use our noses to sniff out beautiful and quirky things that sell. We’re mostly a bit eccentric but we we take our work seriously.

Anyway, I’m not here to give a reference, I’m here to say again, find a dealer whose style you love.

Basingstoke Gazette: Andrew Blackall and Paul Martin Andrew Blackall and Paul Martin (Image: Andrew Blackall)

Antique dealer Paul Martin always says “buy the best you can afford” and he’s right. Don’t get in above your head, you can buy a quality Edwardian chest of drawers for under £100 and whilst it’s suddenly jumped in value, you’ll still find mid-century modern furniture at affordable prices too.

When I buy from a dealer I want them to make a profit. We are all in this game to make a living. However, in reality, the private buyer wants a bargain too; don’t get silly though. Ninety-nine per cent of dealers will do a deal, however, when you’ve asked for their best price, when they come back to you, either buy the item or walk away.

My best advice too, before you even set foot in an antiques shop or an auction is to read a few books on antiques, visit museums and look closely at things.

Unless you’ve won the lottery or inherited millions, be realistic and set a budget. In fact, ignore that too; the wife of a film star I’ve sold to is a notoriously hard-nosed bargainer. Everyone wants a deal and guess what? There are always bargains to be had but pay a fair price.