Antiques & Homes on Antiques Road Trip: Blofield in the Spotlight

We were thrilled for our tiny shop to be featured on the BBC’s much-loved Antiques Road Trip. The episode followed experts as they toured Suffolk and Norfolk in search of standout pieces, culminating in a stop at Antiques & Homes, Blofield.

A Warm Welcome to Blofield

Cameras rolled as presenter Irita Marriot arrived at our Blofield shop, set in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. The Small shop’s mix of antique, vintage and quirky decorative pieces made a perfect playground for treasure-hunting, exactly the sort of varied stock the Antiques Road Trip team loves to dig through.

Star Find #1: Wata Joy Steamer Cabin Trunk with Cunard White Star Label

One of the first pieces to catch Irita’s eye was a vintage steamer cabin trunk made by Watajoy of London, renowned early-20th-century suitcase makers. What really sealed it? The original Cunard White Star Line destination label, partially worn but still boldly legible. As Irita pointed out, that label tells a story: an era of grand voyages and glamorous crossings. Period travel labels are highly collectable in their own right and add strong decorative and historical appeal to luggage.

• Ticket price discussed: £85
• Agreed price: £40 (after a bit of cheerful haggling)
• Auction result later in the episode: £50

A lovely, story-rich buy; the label alone makes it a talking-point trunk for display.

Star Find #2: Silver “Witch Ball” Table Lighter (Richard Comyns)

Next up, Arita spotted a round silver table lighter, affectionately nicknamed a “witch ball” lighter thanks to its spherical form. On the base she identified the initials “RC”, attributed to Richard Comyns, a respected London silversmith active from the late 19th century onward. Silver table lighters sit in a sweet spot for collectors: practical, decorative and often crafted by noted makers.

• Ticket price discussed: £65
• Agreed price: £35
• Auction result: £60

A tidy profit at the sale room and exactly the kind of small, quality piece that performs well on Antiques Road Trip.

The Blofield Buying: How the Deal Came Together

The visit captured the fun of a classic shop-floor negotiation with our own Steve. After a quick look at a few items, Arita secured the pair of purchases, the trunk and the silver lighter for a combined £75. The segment highlighted exactly what we love about the trade: friendly chat, shared knowledge and fair deals that let special pieces move on to their next chapter.

Why These Pieces Worked

Travel Trunk with Ocean Liner Label

• Display impact: Trunks make strong decorative storage and coffee tables, while labels like Cunard White Star add instant history.
• Collectability: Ocean liner ephemera has a loyal audience; original voyage labels are increasingly scarce.
• Condition vs. character: The worn label enhanced the story, evidence of genuine travel rather than a repro finish.

Silver “Witch Ball” Lighter (Richard Comyns)

• Maker appeal: Hallmarks/initials help buyers attribute and date pieces; Richard Comyns is a recognised name.
• Decorative & functional: Spherical lighters are eye-catching desk or bar items with everyday use.
• Giftable scale: Small, quality items have broad buyer appeal—great for the saleroom.

What Happened at Auction

Later in the show, both Blofield buys went under the hammer:

• Cunard-labelled trunk: Sold for £50
• Richard Comyns silver “witch ball” lighter: Sold for £60

It’s always exciting to see how pieces perform in the room, especially when the story and maker name come together.

Antiques & Homes: What We’re About

The episode gave viewers a glimpse of what locals already know about Antiques & Homes, Blofield:

• An eclectic, ever-changing stock, small modern and antique furniture, vintage luggage, decorative oddities, collectable silver, coins, stamps, and quirky pieces that make a room or a smile.
• A friendly, informal atmosphere where browsing is half the fun and there’s always a conversation to be had about history, makers and materials.
• A focus on character and quality, items that feel good to live with and have a story worth telling.

Visiting Us

If the episode has inspired you to hunt for something old, quirky, or unique, whether it’s a period trunk with a travel label, a silver conversation piece, or a modern decorative oddity, pop in and see us at Antiques & Homes, Blofield. New stock arrives regularly, and there’s always something you haven’t seen before.

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Quick FAQ

Do you only sell Antiques

No, not at all, we are a small business, but we offer a complete eclectic mix of new and modern items, anything old, interesting or unusual.

Do you buy as well as sell?
Yes, if you have interesting items with history or maker provenance, we’re happy to take a look. We are always interested in Pre-1930 stamps and coins, along with glass paperweights, and art glass.

Can I reserve an item I’ve seen on social media?
Drop us a message, and if it’s still in stock, we can arrange a hold or viewing.

Do you offer local delivery?
On many larger pieces, yes, ask in the store for details.