Our search for the hidden treasures amongst the boxes at the flea market, or hidden in the back of the shelf in our favorite thrift shop, can be a powerful thrill. What does it really take to find it? “Simple matter of knowledge” would sound as the simple answer to that question. The trail to this knowledge can see a hard a rugged on for the beginner, and for the veteran it is a ever changing river through the valley of dreams of the collectors. However there are many shortcuts to the understanding of what is a sleeping treasure, a napping jewel, or just plain How did that survive the file 13 category. I will begin by trying to give away my tips to what to and what not to look at here. With a little knowledge one can be two steps ahead of many, and with more one will dance around all the fanciful collectors that hoard the thrift shop at 8 am. Sunday.