Antique Quest Chronicles: Discovering Sawbridgeworth's Maltings Antiques

Join me on an antique quest to the charming town of Sawbridgeworth, where history intertwines with treasure hunting. Discover the hidden gems of Maltings Antiques, housed in historic malt barns, and delve into the stories behind unique finds like Royal Regiment of Artillery buttons, antique padlock with original key and vintage Weetabix tins.

From travel tips to fascinating item details, this journey offers both practical advice and engaging narratives for antique enthusiasts.

Building an antique business requires quick decision-making. However, these decisions depend on calculations involving transportation, restoration, and accommodation costs. Every expense must be accounted for to ensure a profit. Like other dealers, I constantly weigh my options: Can I profit from this item? How much do I need to spend on marketing, shipping, and packaging? Then comes the research, dating, photography, and description writing. Finally, I get paid.

Discovering Sawbridgeworth

In mid-November 2023, I took an early flight from Vienna to London Stansted Airport and traveled to the small town of Sawbridgeworth. This hidden gem is just ten miles from Stansted Airport and four miles from the bustling city of Bishop’s Stortford. Sawbridgeworth, with its rich history dating back to 1086 around the Norman Conquest, thrived during the Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian eras thanks to its fertile farming land and maltings. The 13th-century Great St. Mary church, holding a collection of high-quality memorials, stands as a testament to its historical significance.

Journey to the Antique Centers

From the airport, I took the Stansted Express toward London Liverpool Street, stopping at Bishop’s Stortford. There, I switched to the Greater Anglia line, also heading to London Liverpool Street. Conveniently, there is a supermarket outside the Bishop’s Stortford train station for any last-minute needs. Remember, you’ll need your ticket to exit and re-enter the station.

The next stop was Sawbridgeworth. Stepping off the train, I crossed the road and arrived at the location of five antique centers, housed in old malt barns in the town’s business area. The willowish-brown brick buildings resembled vaults holding treasures.

Maltings Antiques

It was a sunny but cold English morning. The first antique center I visited was Maltings Antiques. Outside, a nicely framed wooden sign displayed the opening hours: “10-ish.” A small note next to the number “10” was written “-ish.” In the image above, you can see a small white note stuck on the black opening hours board. It is right above the door with the number 3 on it. This reminded me of the finest English humor. At exactly ten o’clock, the lady seller opened the door and warmly invited me in, offering a cup of English tea. This warm welcome, along with the British humor, made for a perfect start to my hunt.

The antique center, housed in a three-story building with wooden steps and ceilings, boasts a collection of antiques, curiosities, and unique interior décor. The items were curated elegantly and artistically. On their Facebook profile, you can find a large image gallery of the shop's interior.

Treasures Found

7 Brass Military Buttons of the Royal Regiment of Artillery

My first find was a set of seven brass military buttons from the Royal Regiment of Artillery, highly sought after by military memorabilia collectors. The regiment's story dates back to its formation in 1716 and spans the Napoleonic Wars to World War II. These buttons stood out not because they are extremely rare, but because finding a set of seven in very good condition is uncommon. Typically, such buttons show heavy signs of usage, but in this set, the embossed surfaces are in perfect condition.

Each button, measuring 24 mm, is embossed with military regalia and features the King’s crown. According to Mike’s British & Commonwealth Military Insignia Database, these artillerymen uniform buttons were made between 1901 and 1952. Due to the absence of a maker’s mark, I’d date them to WWII when the production process was minimal. Depending on the unit within the Royal Artillery Regiment, the Royal Artillery Cap Badge may feature King George’s crown before 1953 or Queen Elizabeth’s crown after 1954, which has a different shape.

On the online market, this set could be worth €40. Learn more and make it yours today!

Old Iron Padlock with an Original Key

Next, I found an old iron padlock with its original key. It bears no maker’s mark, only “Secure 4 Lever.” Made of heavy iron, it locks and unlocks easily. The absence of a maker’s mark makes it hard to date and authenticate. Its design is similar to Hobbs & Co London Lever 4 RPH and Hobbs & Co London SPH 18 padlocks. The key’s design matches another PATENT 145211 padlock, dating from 1920. Based on this, I conclude the padlock dates between 1920 and 1930.

This antique padlock could be worth € 35 online. Learn more and make it yours today!

Weetabix Yellow Tin Box 1960 - 2000

A vintage Weetabix tin box in vibrant yellow caught my eye. As Weetabix became a breakfast staple in British homes mid-20th century, the company introduced this bright yellow tin adorned with the iconic logo. Dating between 1960 and 2000, according to Logopedia, the tin was not just a storage solution but also a clever marketing tool. Judging by its worn look, I'd date it before the 1990s.

For more on the history of Weetabix, visit the Weetabix Food Company's official website.

This vintage tin box could be worth € 15. Learn more and make it yours today!

Treasures Beyond My Backpack and Shipping Solutions

I was very limited in what I could buy this time because I’m a backpacker, and the items I purchased have to fit inside my backpack. But if I had more space, there were amazing items I would have taken home. The most authentic and beautiful Moroccan side table I have ever seen was incredibly appealing. There was also a cabinet with countless drawers and original handles, marked with a “Sold” note, and a gorgeous pair of garden chairs on the first floor. Maltings Antiques is a place full of treasures that every antique enthusiast or interior designer will find attractive.

At the cash desk, I asked for a deal and was pleased to receive a 10% discount for paying in cash. I paid by card but next time, I’ll know that “Cash is King.” For more insider tips on negotiating deals and why paying in cash can get you discounts, check out these tips on getting discounts by paying in cash.

After I paid for my purchases, I had a short conversation with the sales lady about how I could dispatch large items from their antique center to me in Vienna. She provided me with the contact information for a courier company they have worked with for a long time, which could handle those shipments.

Final Thoughts

Today has been a success. I bought three items for my collection and was welcomed with a smile and a warm cup of English tea. Maltings Antiques has items that I can buy for the right price and profit from. Good business!

With fair and honest pieces and easy accessibility from Stansted Airport, I plan to visit this antique center again when I’m in the area. And actually, I did just two months later.