Collecting antiques and collectables and in particular, hunting for them in France, has become extremely popular in recent years. This interest has been spurred on by the numerous television programmes such as Bargain Hunt. As these programmes testify, buying at a French flea market can be a daunting experience, and mistakes can easily be made. This book explores the scope and excitement of the French flea market, but its real asset, is its guide to the hazards of buying without a basic understanding; how to recognise age and value and how to avoid fakes and reproductions. It provides examples and advice on a wide variety of antiques and collectables from metalwork to pottery, porcelain and glass to furniture, woodcarvings and architectural antiques. It has useful information on silver and ceramic marks, age-related wear and patina and differences between good and ordinary examples. With twenty six illustrated chapters covering four hundred items bought personally on the Continent, Treasure Hunting the Flea Markets of France provides a brief history, in the French context, of each category of antique. Most chapters have useful tips on how to spot a reproduction and advice on what to look for and what to avoid.