What antique and vintage buys are best left on the shelf?

We outline the dangers and disappointments of buying compromised vintage and antique items

All copper cookware and food storage pieces must be lined with an unbroken layer of tin or stainless steel. If you want to use them as decorative pieces, there’s no issue, otherwise buy something new instead. Picture: iStock

I’m wincing here crouched at the keyboard at the memory of a small “hospital” of failed up-cycling projects that ended up back in the final lots of our local general auction.

Things are not worth buying simply because they are old, and not all things will suit your situation or skill set.