Antique Quest Chronicles: Discovering Treasures and Lessons at Snoopers Paradise – Part 2

In this installment of Antique Quest Chronicles, I delve deeper into Brighton's beloved Snoopers Paradise. Uncover the thrill of unique finds, learn from a costly mistake, and explore fascinating historical artifacts in this antique haven.

Step into a world where every corner holds a potential treasure and every mistake offers a lesson. From vibrant anatomy models to vintage royal memorabilia, join us on an exciting journey through the labyrinth of curiosities at Snoopers Paradise.

A Treasure Trove of History and a Lesson Learned

Snoopers Paradise, founded by Frank and John Thompson in 1991, spans over 7,000 square feet and is a treasure trove of antiques, coins, memorabilia, toys, pottery, kitchenalia, furniture, automobilia, nautical instruments, wedding dresses, clothes, paintings, and almost everything else imaginable. Located in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine, it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

In the first part of my visit, I explored the vast and eclectic showroom, uncovering treasures like a Yale padlock from the 1930s, a nautical brass sextant, and a vintage OXO tin. Eager for more unique finds, I continued my journey through this bustling antique center.

In this article, I continue my antiques hunt. I also want to share a mistake I made, underscoring the importance of careful inspection before purchasing. Even experienced collectors can be fooled, as my story reveals.

The Costly Spyglass Mistake

Amidst a cabinet marked 55, I found a telescope labeled Henry Barrow Co London, placed among other telescopes. Excited by my previous finds, I hastily bought it without thorough inspection. Later, in my hotel room, I realized it was a replica. The absence of wear marks, the brand-new screws, and the pristine condition should have been immediate red flags.

Initially, I believed it was genuine because it was among other antique telescopes in a reputable center. The brand-new appearance, lack of scratches, and light weight all indicated it was a replica. The wooden box and screws were also too new to be authentic.

This experience reinforced the importance of patience and careful inspection. Always look for signs of wear, such as scratches and bends. Authentic antiques will not have new materials or perfect conditions. Despite being a replica, the quality was impressive, and it could still fetch around €70.

Learn more and make it yours today!

Paper Fold-Out Anatomy

On the top shelf of another locked cabinet, a vibrant paper fold-out anatomy model of the human body caught my eye. This medical marvel, with its detailed layers, was part of a larger anatomy book used at the Medical Faculty of Paris University.

Crafted by the French producer Paul Vigot from Vigot Frères, Editeurs Paris, and published by Bavarian publisher Gerson Löwensohn around 1900, this model was an educational tool for medical students. The excellent Art Nouveau fold-out anatomy is in very good antique condition and could be worth around €130.

Learn more and make it yours today!

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Tin Box from 1977

Needing a tin box to safely carry my smaller finds, I chose one from the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee in 1977. The box, featuring stamped images of Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh, was in excellent condition. Such memorabilia are highly sought after by collectors and could be worth around €25.

Learn more and make it yours today!

Final Reflections and Tips

When paying for my finds, I discovered a tip worth sharing: always ask for a discount. The polite staff offered me a 10% discount for paying in cash. Unfortunately, I paid by card, missing out on this opportunity.

My visit to Snoopers Paradise was fantastic. The highlight was the Male Torso Anatomy model. The staff was knowledgeable, passionate, and ready to assist, making the experience enjoyable. One memorable interaction was with a kind and polite staff member who helped me inspect the anatomy model. Her good mood and helpfulness left a lasting impression.

For other antique hunters, always check corners, bottoms, and tops of shelves for hidden gems. Don't rush, inspect items thoroughly, and don't forget to ask for a discount.

Although I found many items at Snoopers Paradise, I am still short of breaking even financially. Stay tuned for the next episode of the Antique Quest Chronicles, where I explore the Brighton Flea Market. Happy hunting!