There are few experiences more rewarding to the antique buff than finding a real gem for a great price. This isn’t always easy to do, but with a little effort, the diligent shopper can come home happy.

One place to try is rummage and estate sales. Often people don’t want to bother with discovering the true value of Aunt Flo’s porcelain bunny collection, and will just price the items to sell.

Another source of bargain antiques and collectibles is second-hand or consignment shops. Although these shops are often knowledgeable about the worth of “things,”if the items you seek aren’t as well-known as, say, Hummel, they may escape notice.

You may also find a treasure trove of your particular collectible if you have a chance to travel to other regions of the country. For instance, in the Midwest, depression glass is common but sought-after, and the prices asked reflect that. In other parts of the country, it’s not valued nearly as highly and can be bought cheaply.

Finally, try the giant antiques flea markets that spring up during the summer on fair grounds and the like. In particular, go late on the last market day of the season; dealers are often eager to jettison their inventory at very reduced prices.