The story behind magpies treasures
Welcome to Magpies Treasures UK, where every vintage and antique piece has a tale to tell. Join David and Marie Collins on their passionate journey across the UK, unearthing history and rehoming cherished items with new families. Discover why they are dedicated to quality, trust, and the enduring magic of the past.
We're David and Marie Collins, and our journey together began in 2011, culminating in our marriage in 2015. From our home in the misty South Wales Valleys, we share an unwavering passion for discovering unique vintage and antique items. Every week, with our beloved labrador Dylan by our side, we embark on exciting adventures across the UK, from Bristol to Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall, never knowing what precious find awaits. It's a thrill, a truly addictive treasure hunt!
Our story: a shared passion
Franklin Mint 1916 red fire truck
Every piece tells a story
For Marie especially, the true joy lies in researching each discovery. Where has this beautiful piece of history travelled? Who were its previous guardians? Surviving wars, fires, and floods, each item—whether Georgian, Edwardian, or Victorian, carries its own unique narrative. Perhaps it graced royalty, belonged to a famous name, or was a simple gift to a sweetheart. Our treasures have found new homes with delighted owners across the UK, from Ireland to London, and even as far as Italy. We know these items will be cherished for generations to come.
1978 Japanese Itchimatsu papermache doll
Handmade with glass eyes and real hair, wearing her handmade silk kimono.
The doll maker placed a piece of Japanese newspaper inside the dolls tummy with the date she was made, in this instance October 7th, 1978.
The hunt for hidden gems
Our treasure hunting involves a keen eye for detail. We scan rooms for anything that sparks our interest, especially gold, silver, diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, jade, amethyst, amber, and turquoise jewellery. We seek out exquisite timepieces and pocket watches, along with mahogany, oak, and cedar jewellery and trinket boxes. Beautiful porcelain teapots, teacups, and even full dinner services catch our attention. While we adore connecting with history, we don't collect furniture as we have no storage for it. We also love finding telephones from the 60s, dinky cars, train sets, Tiny Tears dolls, teddy bears, typewriters, and sewing machines – a direct connection to how our ancestors lived.
Vintage sterling silver celtic amber necklace
On the road with our helper, Dylan
"We want you to feel part of our special journey, excited by our finds, and confident in the reliability of Magpies Treasures UK."
David and Marie Collins, Founders