Royal superfans arise: Is this Australia’s biggest royal fan?

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a time of great celebration for avid collectors – Marietta Ayres could be Australia’s biggest one.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee calls for the most grand and reverential celebrations.

But in many homes around Australia, there are more humble signs of respect — such as a raised teacup or tea towel — for the first British monarch to ever celebrate a platinum jubilee.

Whether purchased on a holiday to the UK, a jumble sale in your neighbourhood carpark or in an opulent antique store, this may be a time to examine any royal memorabilia and especially the Queen’s Coronation memorabilia, stored in precious cabinets.

Camberwell Antique Centre’s Rosemary Caldwell says the better brands of quality china can still fetch good prices and anything celebrating Queen Elizabeth II could fetch decent money.

“The number one preference with all royal collectors, out of the whole royal family, is still the Queen followed by Diana, Princess of Wales. I believe that while the Queen is still alive, she will retain that number one spot,’’ Caldwell says.

“The number of collectors of royal memorabilia has significantly dropped off in the last 10 years and, while younger people aren’t collecting, there’s still the odd one or two who buy something.’’

Avid Queen memorabilia collector Marietta Ayres of Traralgon in country Victoria.

Porcelain is the most collectable, particularly the better brands such as Royal Albert, Aynsley or Royal Doulton.

“We currently have a Royal Doulton limited edition two-handed coronation cup that’s on sale for $980, while a Paragon cup and saucer from the 1959 Canadian tour is only $65,’’ she says.

But avid collector Marieetta Ayres, 59, of Traralgon in country Victoria has no interest in the monetary value of her 500-piece collection on main display in her lounge room but also stored throughout the house.

“I’m not interested in selling them or making any money from them because I’ve been collecting since I was 14 years old and I’m very proud of it,’’ Ayres says.

“They’re just pieces for me to admire and it’s like a fantasy. I admire the Queen so much and am still in awe of her, of what she’s done, how hard she’s worked and her service to the Commonwealth.’’

As one of the school children chosen to travel to Melbourne when the Queen was touring to celebrate her silver jubilee in 1977.

“I’d never been chosen for anything so it was such a huge event, especially for country children and I’ve always loved royalty ever since,’’ she says.

“When I went to London in 2014 I bought a lot of souvenirs and even carried a box of them under my feet on the plane home. But I’ve never wanted it to look tacky. I take a lot of care in the way I arrange things.’’

With items ranging from coronation plates, a children’s tea set, books, glassware and teaspoons to an icing sugar shaker, coach, bobble head and flag, Ayres also uses a lot of her pieces as everyday ware.

Marieetta Ayres has been collecting since she was 14.

Fellow collector Shiva Singham owns every book ever printed on the Queen, expecting their value to increase, and happily drinks tea on rotation from his jubilee mugs.

“It will be a long time coming before we celebrate a monarch’s 70th anniversary again,’’ Singham says. “The generation under me don’t come from the same sentiment of veneration but are more from the show business and celebrity view point.’’

Long-term collector and Chapel St Bizarre stallholder Helen Round says pictures of the Queen are the most in demand items.

“They have such a broad appeal and will sell for $200 to $300 because they’re 80 years old now,’’ Round says.

Currently on eBay, signed photographs of the Queen are selling for between $8000 and $14,000.

Round says unique items attract serious collectors.

“Cheap mugs are a dime a dozen but things like compacts or thimbles that people collect are even more collectable when featuring the Queen. You don’t get people who are serious mug collectors but compacts are very desirable, selling for $80-$90 each.’’

GOLAST (with cover shot of mag)

The Queen magazine, published by News Corp, on sale from May 28 for $7.95 at participating newsagents and Woolworths and Coles stores.

COLLECTABLE TIPS

Collectors of royal memorabilia are known to do it for love more than money and that is also the key to being a good collector because you will have a natural curiosity and willingness to learn.

1. Don’t buy when things are fashionable because prices will be higher and likely drop.

2. Shop at garage sales, clearance sales, auctions and trash ‘n treasures.

3. When searching on eBay – misspell the item you’re looking for. It’s likely the vendor has also misspelt the item, attracting no views and lowering the price.

4. Even though a lot of op shops have become expensive, still look because it’s likely the owner is not aware of market prices.

5. City op shops are better than country ones.

6. Be nice to get a good price. It’s fine to haggle but do so politely.

7. Collect obscure, ephemeral items if interested in monetary value.