Antique Quest Chronicles: Discovering Sawbridgeworth's Riverside Antique Center
Join me on an exciting journey through Sawbridgeworth as I explore the largest antique center in town. Discover unique finds, learn their fascinating histories, and experience the thrill of the hunt in Riverside Antique Center.
Ready to uncover hidden treasures and delve into the captivating world of antiques? Let’s dive into my latest adventure and see what valuable finds await!
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
Breakeven and Beyond
In my previous Sawbridgeworth adventure, I found valuable items that brought me close to breaking even. To make this journey a financial success, I needed more items with a good profit margin. After a short break, I headed another 50 meters down the road to the Riverside Antique Center.
First Impressions of Riverside Antique Center
The antique center has two entrances: one from the parking lot at the back and the main entrance at the front. I entered from the parking side. The ground floor featured mainly furniture—not high-class antiques, but well-priced, functional pieces. There was also a restroom, an essential amenity for travelers like me.
Source: Stable MARK own work
The cash desk was situated on the top floor, accessible only by a 20-step staircase as there was no lift. The showroom upstairs was expansive, with numerous cabinets and designated areas for various dealers. More valuable items were strategically placed closer to the cash desk.
Two gentlemen and a lady were assisting customers, and they offered to open cabinets for me when needed. With their help, I began my hunt.
Engraved Brass Pub Sign
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
My first find was an engraved brass bar plaque that read: "Do not drop cigarette ends on the floor, as they burn the hands and knees of customers as they leave." On the reverse side, the name Nauticalia was engraved.
Nauticalia Ltd., founded in 1974 by Lynn and Val Lewis, began as a floating marine antiques shop on the River Thames at Shepperton. The couple's passion for nautical items fueled the growth of Nauticalia, which eventually expanded to include a wide range of nautical-themed goods. The black paint marks suggested this brass sign had been used in a pub or club, and the simplicity of the logo hinted at a 1990s origin. Discovering this brass pub sign, with its charming and slightly cheeky message, was a delight. I estimate its value at around €70, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Learn more and make it yours today!
Small Miner’s Lamp: Ferndale Coal & Mining Co
Source: by Stable MARK - own source
Kneeling to inspect a lower shelf, I discovered a small miner’s lamp, 17 cm tall, produced for Ferndale Colliery by E. Thomas & Williams Limited. This company, founded in 1860 by Evan Thomas, specialized in manufacturing Cambrian miners' lamps and other mining equipment. These lamps used a special gauze or mesh around the flame to prevent the ignition of flammable gases in mines.
E. Thomas & Williams Limited thrived for over 136 years but faced challenges with the decline of coal mining. In 1996, economic factors and industry changes led to the company ceasing production, marking the end of an era. This small miner’s lamp, in excellent condition, could be worth around €65.
Learn more and make it yours today!
A Set of Railway Buttons
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
Continuing my exploration, I reached the bottom of the showroom and discovered a set of railway buttons locked in a cabinet. The London Midland and Scottish Railway Company (LMS) set and Southern Railway Company (SP) set caught my eye.
LMS was established on January 1, 1923, consolidating over 120 railway companies into four entities. It merged major players like the London and North Western Railway and the Midland Railway. Southern Railway, under Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) since 2015, serves southern regions of London and parts of Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire.
Railway items, especially buttons, are highly coveted by enthusiasts. The LMS set could be worth around €60, and the SP set could be worth €15.
Learn more and make it yours today!
Final Finds and Friendly Assistance
At the end of my hunting, near the cash desk, I noticed an old French table watch in its original box. Unfortunately, the original key was missing. One of the gentlemen immediately called the dealer to inquire about the key, but there was none. Despite this, I appreciated the effort to assist me.
At the cash desk, I asked for a discount and was promptly offered a 10% discount for paying in cash. We had a short conversation about other valuable antique items, and they recommended I visit antique fairs. They even provided me with a program of antique fairs in the UK for the whole of 2024. Thank you, Riverside Antiques! Although I prefer antique centers, this insider information was priceless.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
Reflections and Next Steps
Riverside Antiques, with its many corridors, shelves, and small rooms dedicated to different dealers, turned out to be the largest antique center in Sawbridgeworth. I spent considerable time exploring the vast array of items and was pleasantly surprised by the fair prices. The Riverside Antique Center proves that treasures can be found outside luxurious showrooms.
With a decent haul already in my possession, my next and final stop had to be pure profit. Join me in the next episode of the Antique Quest Chronicles as I explore the next antique shop. There, I discovered some weird items, proving the rule: “The weirder, the more valuable.” Happy hunting, fellows!
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