One of pleasures of going on holiday is having the time to browse in fairs and markets selling a range of antiques, curios and objet d'art
But just how much art is in those objet? Items that might seem terribly cheap and interesting when laid out on a street stall on a sunny afternoon, could look decidedly less charming when you get them home. That is, if you can get them home safely and in one piece.
Sisters-in-law Nell and Beth O'Riordan, who recently retired from the successful Beth-Nell Antiques, Greystones, Co Wicklow went on regular buying trips to Britain: "There is a fair somewhere every week in Britain. Buy a copy of the Antique Weekly Gazette to find out where they are. Come prepared. Some of them are vast, so a shopper on wheels lets you buy and store as you go along. Bring your own bubble wrap if you plan to buy anything breakable.
"Take your time and examine items carefully. Make sure porcelain hasn't been repaired. If in doubt, ask. Restoration will obviously take from the value. On the other hand, a repair might not bother you if it's a little pretty piece in the room colour you want.
"Be aware also of reproductions. Mason jugs, toilet ware and Imari porcelain are being copied very cleverly, fine if you know and still want it, but this should be reflected in the price."
Silverware hallmarks should be visible. Confirm that items sold as sets are genuine sets by checking for a matching hallmark on each item. "If buying silver, make sure it is silver and not plate. Silver is softer, plate is heavier, more solid, less open. When buying gold jewellery, such as a gold chain, check that the links are not worn. Antique fairs in France often have wonderful vintage curtains, and linen sheets which make marvellous loose covers."
To haggle or not to haggle? "They expect a bit of haggling and you will always do better with cash. Many won't take credit cards anyway. Be very careful of your own cash because these places are a mecca for pickpockets."
Fiona O'Reilly, the owner of Sandycove Fine Arts, Glasthule Co Dublin confirms the need to inspect carefully in Ireland and abroad: "Glassware may be chipped, brass or silverware may be repaired with lead. Typically, you can come across a set of early Victorian teacups, two with hairline cracks. You might still want them, but the price should reflect the fact that they are not perfect. A little haggling is expected, particularly in Europe and the Middle East, ask 'What can you do this for?'.
"In Britain, remember the price is in sterling and will be more expensive when you translate back into euro. Always bring a calculator with you and think portable - what can you take on the plane with you as hand luggage?"
French markets may seem to offer great bargains in antique silver, but this may not be the case: "French silver is cheaper, there is lots of it, very ornate, very different, but be slightly wary if buying for resale because it is of slightly lower grade, .800 compared to our .925 in terms of proportion of pure silver," adds Fiona O'Reilly.
Buyers who score at markets generally get up early in the morning, and trawl through the stalls as they are just opening for business. You won't get the best price early in the day, dealers say, but you will get the best quality, as stall holders like to show off their latest finds early on.
So wait as they unwrap the parcels of tissue and newspaper and if you see something you want, buy it there and then. Chances are if you come back for it later in the day, it will be gone.