Antique Quest Chronicles: Rare Nautical Treasures and Unforeseen Encounters at Lewes Flea Market

In this continuation of the Lewes adventure, I delve into the heart of Lewes Flea Market. Join me as I uncover a rare nautical gem with an intriguing history and navigate the unexpected challenges that make antique hunting an adventure like no other.

Unearth a hidden compass with ties to a legendary steamship company, and experience the thrill of discovery that drives every passionate collector. This journey is filled with surprises, expert advice, and a few twists you won’t want to miss.

Going on an antique hunting expedition is not for the faint of heart. It demands meticulous planning, discipline, and an unwavering passion for history. The early morning wake-ups and long journeys are fueled by the promise of discovery—treasures that tell stories of the past. In the previous episode of my Lewes adventure, I recounted the beginnings of my journey, and now, I’m excited to share what happened next.

A Journey Fueled by Passion

The thrill of the hunt led me to Lewes, a town steeped in history and known for its array of antique centers. Among them, the Lewes Flea Market came highly recommended by a knowledgeable sales lady from Brighton. Eager to explore, I made my way to the High Street, where most of the town’s antique shops are clustered. After a brief stop for coffee, I headed to the Lewes Flea Market on Market Street, just a stone's throw from the main thoroughfare.

The Flea Market Experience

Upon arrival, I was struck by the market's building, which resembled a medieval hall or chapel, adding a sense of reverence to the treasure hunt ahead. Despite the early hour, the market was bustling with visitors, leaving little opportunity for conversation with the vendors. But that didn't deter me—I was here to find hidden gems.

The scent of aged wood and forgotten relics filled the air, a smell I’ve come to associate with potential profit. As I began my search, I paid close attention to the often-overlooked areas—the lower shelves, the dusty corners, where the best-kept secrets usually reside. It wasn't long before something caught my eye.

A Compass with a Story

In a dimly lit corner, I spotted a small, heavy wooden box made of oak with a sliding lid. Intrigued, I slid the lid halfway open, immediately hit by the scent of history—a sure sign of an antique worth investigating. Inside lay a beautiful, untouched compass, the kind you rarely come across.

But that wasn’t the only surprise. Tucked beneath the compass was a folded piece of paper, which, when unfolded, revealed a note:

The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company
Chairman
The RT. HON. The Lord Sterling of Plaistow, CBE
79 Pall Mall London SW1Y 5EJ
Telephone 071 930 4343
With Lord Sterling’s Compliments

It was an official note from Lord Sterling himself, most likely accompanying the compass as a gift. This discovery added layers of historical significance to the item. The compass, I deduced, was likely from one of P&O's earlier steamships, possibly a prized possession from the captain's cabin.

Made by Imray Laurie Norie And Wilson Ltd, a company formed from the union of three prominent names in nautical navigation, this compass was a rare find. Given the company’s existence and the peak period of P&O steamships between 1903 and 1914, the compass dates back over a century. Its perfect antique working condition and untouched patina further increased its value, which I estimated at around €400.

Learn more and make it yours today!

A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight

My next find was a spirit level crafted from walnut wood and brass, marked with the trademark Hockley Abbey and model number 1621. This spirit level was produced by John Rabone & Sons, a company with a fascinating history rooted in Birmingham. Their factory was established on the site of the demolished Hockley Abbey in 1871, and they adopted the abbey's name as their brand.

Though not as valuable as the compass, this well-preserved spirit level was still a worthy addition to my collection, potentially fetching around €25.

Learn more and make it yours today!

Unexpected Encounters

When I approached the cash desk to pay for my finds, I mentioned the note I had discovered with the compass. The sellers were unaware of its existence, highlighting a common occurrence in antique centers that sell items from various dealers. Often, the staff are not fully familiar with the history or true value of the pieces they offer. This lack of knowledge can be advantageous for hunters like me, who recognize the hidden worth of such items. After some polite negotiation, I secured a 10% discount, even when paying by card.

A Final Twist at the Airport

As I prepared to leave Lewes, I anticipated additional scrutiny at Gatwick Airport due to the valuable items in my backpack. True to form, my bag was flagged for manual inspection. The security officer, intrigued by the contents, struck up a conversation about antiques. We bonded over our shared passion, initially sparked by Drew Pritchard’s Salvage Hunters. He recommended I explore the numerous antique fairs across England—though I still prefer the thrill of discovering forgotten treasures in less conventional places.

What began as a potentially disappointing trip turned into a rewarding adventure, with profits exceeding my expectations. The highlight was undoubtedly the discovery of the Sestrel compass, a piece rich in history and value. This journey reminded me once again of the joy and excitement that comes with uncovering the past. Stay tuned for the next episode of Antique Quest Chronicles, where I’ll share another remarkable discovery—this time with ties to British sports history in the town of Elly. Until then, happy hunting!