TREASURES In the ATTIC

Brian Howes unearths some nostalgic collectables that might be discarded as worthless junk but actually have a value to today's collectors. Can you estimate what each object might be worth and pick out which one is the big-money item? The values are printed on page 80.

- By Brian Howes

1 Going well on Shell

This diecast model Shell petrol tanker sporting a Bedford cab was one of five different petrol tankers made by Modern Products of London. These toys were the forerunners of the Budgie Toy range which was launched in the mid-1950s to rival Matchbox Toys. Both Modern and Budgie brands were marketed and sold through Woolworths stores.

2 Funny man

Kinema Toffee was made by TW Parker and company at its toffee works in Newcastle upon Tyne. These small tins were sold in cinema confectionery booths throughout the northeast of England, hence the appearance of that wonderful silent cinema funny man Charlie Chaplin on its lid. Charlie's persona was set after the release of the film The Tramp in 1915.

3 Star man

I was just 17 when David Bowie released this classic album which was one of the first LPs I bought after starting my first job earning £7 per week. The track list included his classic early hit Starman, which climbed to No 10 in the charts in 1972. It was produced and recorded at Trident Studios in London.

4 Smoothness & Flavour