Antique Quest Chronicles: Exploring Brighton’s Snoopers Paradise
In this episode of Antique Quest Chronicles, I journey to Brighton, uncovering treasures like a 1930s Yale padlock, a brass navigation sextant, and a vintage OXO tin. Explore the vibrant antique scene of this historic seaside city with me.
Embark on an adventure through Brighton's bustling antique markets and hidden warehouses. Experience the thrill of uncovering forgotten treasures and delving into the rich history of this vibrant seaside city.
A New Adventure Begins
I’m always on the hunt for weird and wonderful objects. My quest for treasure takes me far and wide, and there's nothing I won’t buy if it catches my eye. With my analytical skills, I delve into the history behind every item I find.
After a successful and profitable trip to Sawbridgeworth, I was ready for a new adventure. I needed a destination that met a few key criteria:
- Close to an airport with inexpensive flights from Vienna
- Accessible by train from the airport
- Boasting a concentration of antique centers with plenty of Google reviews
After some research, Brighton in South England fits the bill perfectly.
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Brighton
In early December 2023, I took an early flight from Vienna to London Gatwick Airport. A direct train brought me to Brighton, where the city welcomed me with cold weather and rain. Despite the dreary weather, my excitement was palpable.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
Brighton, part of the city of Brighton and Hove, lies 47 miles south of London. Developed as a fashionable seaside resort during the Georgian era, it attracts around 8 million tourists annually. The resort city offers several antique centers, especially in the market area and the eastern part of town.
The Unseen Treasures
On my way from the train station to the central market area at 76 Church Street, I noticed an inscription on a large building: “Patrick Moorhead – trade only". Surprisingly, this antique store wasn’t listed on Google. Several men stood outside, drinking coffee and preparing for the day. I asked if I could take a look inside. One gentleman informed me they were a trade-only venture but kindly invited me in.
Inside, I found the largest warehouse of French antiques I had ever seen. Furniture, lighting, clocks, ceramics, oriental items, sculptures, mirrors, paintings, and more filled the space. The quality was outstanding, but unfortunately, the items were too large for my backpack. I moved on.
My next stop was North Laine Bazaar, located in the middle of the market area. The showroom was vast, offering jewelry, paintings, pottery, clothes, vinyl records, furniture, books, household appliances, toys, souvenirs, and more vintage and antique items. Despite the impressive collection, I still didn’t find anything that fit in my backpack.
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
Remarkable Finds: A Closer Look at Unique Antiques
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
As I walked a block further, I stood in front of Snoopers Paradise Antique Center. Situated in the heart of the main market area, it was already bustling despite the early hours. Inside, it felt like a supermarket with numerous corridors, locked cabinets, employees, and visitors. I felt a surge of hope—I might find something to buy here.
Old Yale Padlock With Two Keys
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
The first item to catch my eye was an old and massive Yale padlock with two keys. A helpful lady opened the cabinet for me to examine it closely.
The Yale Lock Manufacturing Company was established in 1868 in the United States, and this padlock was made by its English branch. This specific design was produced in the 1930s. The padlock, complete with its original keys and in perfect operational condition, could be worth around €60.
Learn more and make it yours today!
Brass Navigation Sextant
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
In a nearby cabinet, I spotted a nautical brass sextant. Although it bore no maker's mark, the patina, wear marks, and traces of use suggested it was manufactured in the 1980s. All parts were present and functional, making it worth approximately €70.
Learn more and make it yours today!
Vintage OXO Tin Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 1953
Source: by Stable MARK - own work
In another cabinet, three identical small red tin boxes celebrated the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. I chose the one with the most signs of use and wear, which gave it character and an authentic look that antique enthusiasts cherish.
In 1840, Justus von Liebig pioneered concentrated meat extract, inspiring the birth of Oxo. The brand, which began with beef stock cubes, expanded to include herbs, spices, dried gravy, and yeast extract. Liebig's Extract of Meat Company (Lemco) introduced this innovation in 1866 in the UK. During WWI in 1915, the company supplied the army with Oxo meat extracts and beef stock cubes, presented in tin boxes. The coronation tin box, a clever marketing campaign, could fetch around €60.
Learn more and make it yours today!
Stay tuned for the second part of my visit to Snoopers Paradise, where I'll reveal more exciting finds and the history behind them. Happy hunting, fellow antique enthusiasts!
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