I had some great things from the skip at my high school. The science department had a clearout and there were boxes and boxes of components. I am still making my way through them ten years on! I also found a complete 'Eagle' PA system, a gramophone horn which had been used as a prop in a school play, even loads of tinsel which had only been used one. Used it to decorate my bedroom for a few years
The best find was this Grundig 97 which dad found in a skip. Sadly, the dial glass was smashed and it was sans valves. Otherwise it was in very good condition and still had it's two pin plug. As soon as I put a set of valves in it worked beautifully. It now lives on my bedside table!