These are the predicted antiques of the future – are you sitting on a fortune?

These are the predicted antiques of the future - are you sitting on a fortune?
Video antiques of the future

If you are thinking of having a clear out before Christmas, be sure to check what you get rid of, as many everyday modern items are set to be the antiques of the future.

Classifieds website Gumtree and modern collectibles expert Tracy Martin have predicted which products of today could be worth a small fortune in years to come.

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Topping the list of potentially valuable items are first-edition books, with Twilight, Game of Thrones and The Da Vinci code pipped as the top three titles to hunt down if you aim to boost your collection.

Following books, licensed toys and figurines are expected to be big moneymakers in the future, with toys from ranges such as Star Wars, Power Rangers, Harry Potter Lego and Pokemon. Toys traditionally do very well in the collectibles market.

Martin explains: “Many people want to recapture their youth by re-buying toys they had as children,”

(Image: BIRMINGHAM MAIL)

Eagle-eyed fashionistas would do well to get their hands on high-street collaborations – such as Kate Moss for Topshop and Balmain for H&M – advises Martin. She claims “they have all the right ingredients to make them highly prized possessions in the future,” thanks to a “good designer name,” their “original affordable price” and “unique style that epitomises the era.”

(Image: MIN)

Where most modern technology quickly becomes obsolete in favour of more advanced devices, there are still some gadgets that collectors should keep an eye out for – including the 1st Generation Apple iPod Shuffle.

The recently launched voice-activated home audio speaker system, Amazon Echo Voice (First Release), and the revolutionary Dyson Supersonic hairdryer are also likely to be money-makers.

Amazon Echo digital assistant (Image: AP)

Ceramics and furniture will remain highly desirable in collectors’ circles. Tracy says modern designers Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston are the ones to watch out for, thanks to their renowned distinctive patterns and prints.

Finally, if you come across an original version of a board game, including Perfection, Crossfire, Jumanji or Omega Virus, make sure it’s in pristine condition before purchasing, as it’s likely to be worth a fortune in decades to come.

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Tracy said: “If you’re interested in building a collection of items that could be tomorrow’s investment pieces, but aren’t sure where to start, I would advise heading to sites like Gumtree, as first-time collectors can start looking for items without breaking the bank.

“We’ve seen the number of limited edition items listed on the site shoot up 98 per cent since 2012, so there’s plenty of opportunity to find something which could be worth a small fortunate in years to come.”

Tracy Martin’s Top 10 New Collectibles

The first generation iPod Shuffle, released in 2005
  • First Edition modern books (Dan Brown – Da Vinci Code; Philip Pullman – Northern Lights; Stephenie Meyer – Twilight; George RR Martin – Game of Thrones)
  • Licensed toys and figures (Bratz; Power Rangers Dino Charge; Ninjago LEGO; Harry Potter LEGO; Star Warz LEGO)
  • 1st generation Apple iPod Shuffle
  • Nintendo DS (original release)
  • Designer and high street clothing collaborations (Kate Moss for TopShop; Balmain for H&M)
  • Amazon Echo (First Release)
  • Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer
  • Emma Bridgewater home accessories (particularly the Portable Radio)
  • Cath Kidston Furniture (especially the Shabby Chic Chairs)
  • First edition board games (Perfection, Crossfire, Jumanji, Omega Virus)

Tracy Martin’s tips for would-be collectors

(Image: OJO Images RF Getty Images)
  • Look out for merchandise that is associated with a blockbuster film or hit TV series, for example Game of Thrones or the latest Star Wars franchise. These items have an increased chance of becoming collectibles in years to come.
  • If you’re not sure how to start your collection, it’s worth keeping an eye out for any unique items you come across on sites like Gumtree. Think about searching for items that epitomise the era you live in and that have a strong design concept, as they’re more likely to make their way onto collectors’ radars in the future.
  • Buy or hold onto items that had a short manufacturing run or are only available for a limited period, as the small production numbers will ultimately boost their potential worth.
  • The Internet is a great way to hunt down collectible items from the comfort of your armchair. When searching, remember to use key words such as original, nearly new and limited edition as these items will be in good quality to hold on to for the future.
  • Take care of your possessions, as their future value is ultimately always dependent on their condition. Keep them in waterproof and mould-resistant storage containers where possible, especially when packing away toys and technology. They should also be stored in a room with a controlled temperature – think of these items like food. If they are stashed away in a loft or garage, then they could become damaged due to the varying hot and cold temperatures.

Hannah Wilson, head of marketing at Gumtree, said: “With a third of Brits admitting they regret throwing an item away which is now collectible, jump on sites such as Gumtree to hunt down bargains which may be worth a pretty penny in ten, fifteen or twenty years’ time.

“Use key words such as ‘first edition’, ‘new and in the box’ and ‘mint condition’ and localise your search, as you may be a short walk or drive away from someone looking to get rid of something which may be highly collectible in the future.”