"Antiques as Investments"

Staffordshire Life Article

In today's ever changing world, it is sometimes hard to decide where best to invest with a reasonable expectation of a good, reliable return on that investment. Property has always been a perennial favourite, but for those with more modest amounts to invest, antiques are an option that comes with built-in fringe benefits in terms of interest and excitement. The antiques and collectables market has been through its own period of depression, but there are now signs of a revival in many sectors of this fascinating market.

The proliferation of television programmes about antiques and auctions has brought many new visitors to the many auction houses throughout the country, such as those of Richard Winterton Fine Art Auctioneers. With three salerooms in Burton, Penkridge and Lichfield, Richard Winterton prides itself on being a specialist auction house, holding a large variety of dedicated sales to cover the vast diversity of goods being offered for sale. All three salerooms have a regular 20th Century Ceramics and Furniture Sale, but also have periodic Fine Art, Jewellery, Toys and Militaria orientated sales, aimed at specific sectors of the market and advertised worldwide through the Internet and the national and antique press.

Despite the modern inclination towards 'minimalism', there are still 'trend' collectables which are regaining a vibrant level of interest amongst dedicated collectors and the general public alike. In a recent Penkridge Home & Antique Sale, there was keen pre-sale interest with many commission bids combined with strong competition on the night resulting in a very successful sale. Beswick was particularly popular- a Standing Fox together with three hounds fetched £160. The other good performers in this section were a "Girl on Jumping Horse" (with restorations) £220, and a "Huntswoman on Grey" £110. Royal Doulton is also enjoying a resurgence in interest, with figurines such as "Spring Flowers' selling well. The more modern Flambé ware is also well liked, with a large red flambé owl recently flying out at £140. Carlton Ware and Royal Worcester are also once again becoming desirable for collectors.

Silver remains a reliable area for investment, particularly if in good condition and with hallmarks. Even more eclectic items from Mexico are collectable, particularly if they are unusual. At a recent sale, there was considerable excitement over a Mexican gold religious medallion which was won for £160. Often, the more unusual items hold surprising potential, giving life to the saying "One man's junk is another man's treasure". Two pairs of Scandinavian Hickory Skis c.1955 slid to £32 and £35 respectively and are destined for a chalet in France. A George V ceremonial short sword together with WW1 memorabilia reached £200.

Furniture continues to have mixed fortunes. Much mid to late Edwardian "brown furniture", in great demand five to ten years ago, struggles to compete with the modern preference for light coloured woods and contemporary lines, and the influence of Far Eastern imports. However, good quality Georgian, Victorian and early Edwardian furniture still has its dedicated followers and must be considered as a prime area for investment against the day when the public interest swings back to the classical workmanship of past eras. Another recent Richard Winterton Fine Art sale featured an impressive mid-Victorian Carved Oak Four Piece Bedroom Suite, which sold for £1850. A mahogany Edwardian five piece bedroom suite settled at £600 and still in round figures a Georgian oak panelled box settle made £500. On the whole, Georgian furniture often performs best although an early C20th oak glazed display cabinet doubled its lower estimate at £320.

So the would-be antiques investor has good reason to believe that now is indeed the time to invest for the future, especially in the parts of the market not currently hugely in vogue, but which are bound to 'come around' again. Quality craftsmanship and the living beauty of real solid wood furniture and beautiful ceramics and glass will never truly go out of fashion, you may just have to wait until tastes change once more towards having and enjoying these pieces of our heritage, all of which have a story to tell, if only they could talk. The trick is to source good quality pieces, be it furniture or smaller items of any kind, keep them, enjoy them and then hope to pass them on, at a profit, some time in the future. Antiques collecting can be a fascinating hobby or full-time occupation, and there is much pleasure and enjoyment to be derived from seeing the results of careful research coming to fruition in time to come.

Get out there and start collecting. Go to your local auction house. Watch, look and learn, then don't be afraid to root through boxes of china in case there is a valuable piece hidden amongst the rest. Look at books with a new eye, old books can be valuable. One day, you may be the person selling an item which you found at an auction for next to nothing.