THE old saying about one man’s trash being another man’s treasure rang true at the South West Bottle and Collectable Club‘s annual show at Warrnambool’s Wannon Rooms on the weekend.
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Bottles that may have once filled rubbish tips or ended up on the bottom of a river can now fetch figures of up to $10,000, club secretary Rex Matthews said.
While nothing fetched such prices over the weekend, Mr Matthews said a few bottles did change hands for about $1000.
The show was an opportunity for local club members and enthusiasts from around the country to swap and sell items, but also opened the niche hobby up to the public.
While visitor numbers were down on last year, Mr Matthews said the show attracted collectors from New South Wales and South Australia, with some visitors also taking the opportunity to go diving in Warrnambool’s rivers in search of something to add to their treasure trove.
He said the club had about 50 members and was growing. The weekend event is regarded as the highlight of the club calendar.
“I think it’s like the collecting of all things, whether it be coins and stamps or bottles — some get hooked early, some start late,” Mr Matthews said.
“With bottles though it’s a lot more about nostalgia — they like collecting bottles they remember from their childhood.”
Other collectables on display including historic items ranging from early pressing irons to perfumes.
Mr Matthews said most items pre-dated the 1950s, while the bottles usually pre-dated the 1940s.
