What is the best bargain you have ever found at a charity shop or car boot sale?

[RVD]

Charity shops and car boot sales are full of surprises. Most of the time, you find old paperbacks, mismatched mugs and DVDs nobody wants. But every so often, something special turns up for a few pounds, like a designer coat, a rare record, a vintage camera or a piece of furniture that would cost hundreds new. That rare find is what keeps people going back every weekend

Secondhand shopping has become more popular over the past few years, partly to save money and partly to reduce waste. Apps and websites like Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace have grown hugely too. But many people still love the thrill of digging through boxes in person, with no idea what they might find. There is also the bonus that charity shop purchases support good causes

My best find was a Le Creuset casserole dish at a car boot sale for five pounds. It was covered in grime, and the seller clearly had no idea what it was. Twenty minutes with a scrubbing brush and it looked almost new. A new one would have cost well over two hundred pounds

Please share your best bargain, roughly what you paid and what it was worth. Tips for finding the best charity shops and car boot sales are welcome too, especially early bird tactics and which areas are worth the trip. Stories of things you regret not buying are also allowed

What is the best bargain you have ever found at a charity shop or car boot sale?