Become an Expert at Antique Bargain Spotting

An Interview with Paul Martin, Presenter of Flog it!

How do you tell the difference between an antique asset and a piece of old tat? One thing's for sure, get it right and your stylish home addition could also prove a safe and lucrative investment. And who better to advise on investing in the beguiling world of antiques than Paul Martin, presenter of Flog It! - one of the most popular daytime shows in BBC2's history.

"I spend all my money on antiques, it's like a drug - I live and breathe them," says Martin. "They're a fantastic investment. Buy something for a few thousand and a few years later, it can be worth double that when you come to sell it. As long as you're trading up, you're on to a winner."

A refreshing change to the staid antiques expert, Martin is genuinely passionate about the subject. "You need to find something you enjoy looking at, something that puts a smile on your face, not something that's going to make you and others go... what's that?!

"I believe antiques should be seen and shown off," he adds. "I don't agree with buying a wonderful oil painting that's so expensive you have to hide it away under lock and key."

Furniture Finds

Having studied art and woodwork at Falmouth College in Cornwall, Martin has some solid advice when it comes to buying furniture. "Why spend a fortune on something from the reproduction line or £800 on having a carpenter recreate an antique look, when you can spend £1,200 on the real thing?"

"Look for good, solid, English furniture made of oak from the 17th and 18th century; wood that you can see your face in. It should look warm and tactile, with a dark colour and lots of texture. The test is, when you walk past a piece, you should want to put your hand out and touch it."

A Piece of History

Part of the joy of buying antiques is to learn about the history of the piece, says Martin, as well as enjoying its architectural delight. "Research a piece of furniture; get a feel for how something was built, learn why you like one piece more than another. You'll see its virtues and appreciate it that bit more. And if it's a painting, go to an exhibition and learn why some pieces sell for more than others.

"And later, should you get fed up with it, sell it back to the auction house you bought it from and make some money. That's the thing with antiques, you're not wasting money, it isn't going to depreciate. And it can be practical, functional and something you can enjoy.

"There are no rules when it comes to choosing an antique that suits you and your home; it's all about good design. At the end of the day, you can't show off your bank statement or your ISA at a dinner party, but you can impress your peers with a striking Cromwellian piece of furniture. It's fun; it's theatre. Enjoy it and have a laugh."

All sage advice from the Flog it! front man, and here's some more from Confused.com: if you're filling your home with pricey antiques, it's a good idea to make sure those perfect purchases are covered by your home insurance - so check your contents cover policy wording.

Paul Martin's Top Tip...

• Do your homework. Research the period and the pieces you're interested in.

Paul Martin and the Flog It! team invite you to come and have your antiques and family heirlooms valued for free at one of our valuation days. If you're interested in selling them, our experts will consider putting them into auction and flogging them for you. You could end up on television and with a tidy sum in your pocket.

We've had some great results - like a small cream jug which sold at auction for £1,300 and a ceramic bowl, bought for £4 at a car boot sale, which was sold for £1,500. So if you're wondering how much that clutter in the loft might be worth, now is your chance to find out.

We're now filming for the next series. Dates and locations of valuations are as follows, and there are more to come. Doors open from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Email: flogit@bbc.co.uk