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Thursday, February 5, 2009
Are Antiques a Good Investment Now?
From another site Are Antiques a good investment. Finders Keepers Soquel, CA
www.craftersonline.com/articles/investment.html
Antiques remain good investments for knowledgable buyers.
Antiques, art, and old jewelry continue to hold their value as investments.
"People are buying good art and good furniture," Carolyn Patton, owner of Reunions in Black Mountain, said. "Antiques and art hold investment value, although it does fluctuate."
"I definitely agree with the advice," Patton said. "Buy what you like. Never buy any antique or piece of art just to have it as an investment. Also, make sure the dealer you are buying from is reputable, and one that you trust. Get to know the antique dealers in your area. There are some really good reproductions in antiques and art, and they are getting better all the time."
Debbie Morris, one of the owners of Ivy Corner in Black Mountain, agrees with Patton.
"Antiques hold their value much better than new furniture," she said. "Also, I think the quality of construction of antiques is better than it is in some new pieces of furniture."
Judy Emory, also an owner of Ivy Corner in Black Mountain, says she feels that antiques can still be purchased cheaper than buying new furniture.
"Always collect what you like, and purchase antiques that are in as good a condition as is possible," she said. "If a piece needs work, then if you can do it yourself; you are better off than taking it somewhere for restoration. Stripping the paint or finish off of a piece of furniture not only ruins its value as an antique, it is also extremely expensive."
Investment authorities recommend not putting more than 10 to 15 percent of the value of your investment portfolio into art and antiques at any time.
"A lot of people I deal with have a pay check to think about and not a portfolio to consider," Patton said. "They need to think about their paychecks carefully. Decide how much you can safely spend without depriving yourself and your family to purchase a special piece of history. Again, buy what you like and live with it, making it a part of your everyday life."
Morris feels that interest in antiques is steadily growing, especially in younger buyers now.
"Baby boomers are collecting toys," she said. "They want the toys they grew up with. Also, they want their children to have the same quality of toys they had when they were growing up."
Investment-quality art and antiques are expensive and usually not an option for the small investor. They are not "liquid" investments. Usually they cannot be resold quickly for a profit. One reason is that the market for such items fluctuates. Also, when you buy you usually pay retail price. When you sell, you may have to sell at a wholesale price or lower. To make a profit, you need to keep your antique items until their value increases enough to make up the difference. In the art and antiques markets, this can be a very long time.
Experts recommend that art lovers buy a range of works that appeal to them by different artists. The chances are that some will appreciate in value. Always think long term when dealing with art or antiques.
When investing in art and antiques, top quality items are the best choices. Reputable dealers have years of experience to offer, and most are willing educators. Auction houses rarely offer educational resources, and are not places for the beginning antique investor.
When you have developed a level of expertise, auction houses can be excellent sources of art and antiques. The chief advantages of buying at an auction house are the lack of retail markups, and lower prices. Remember, many antique and art dealers purchase at auction.
"When you purchase an antique, take the time to look it over thoroughly," Patton said. "Close your eyes and run your hands over every inch of the piece. Feel the joints. You’ll be surprised at what your hands can tell you. I never buy a piece of anything until I examine it this way. Find out all you can about who made the piece and how much skill did the craftsperson have. What is its condition? Does it have the original finish?"
Jewelry is another popular collectible now.
"It doesn’t have to be expensive jewelry," Patton said. "Costume jewelry from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s is very popular right now."
Authorities agree that when you purchase fine art, you need to consider the artist’s technical skills, the strength of the message conveyed by the artist, and the condition and degree of restoration the piece of art has to have. You don’t want to wind up with just an old picture.
Peter Temple, the author of "Superhobby Investing," recommends specializing in an area that interests you, such as ceramics, glass, clocks or furniture, and read up on the subject and talk to antique dealers to become as well informed as you can.
"Don’t expect all your antiques to make you a fortune," he says.
Antiques and art investments have to be protected. When you are living with investments, make sure you have adequate house insurance. An insurance oversight could cost you all of your investment.
Ralph and Terry Kovel are two of the top nationally recognized authorities in the antique circles, having over 40 years of collective experience. They recommend toys such as tin ones as the most popular ones, and then battery operated toys. Lithograph-paper covered wooden toys as well as Barbie and all her friends and accessories are very collectible. Then there is GI Joe, board games, model sets, space toys and the list goes on and on.
The Kovels point out that usable furniture of any style has kept pace with inflation, as have rugs and lamps. Advertising collectibles have proven to be good investments. Also, they recommend buying what a person can use and enjoy. They warn against buying collectibles as investments. They prefer to leave that area to antique dealers.
"Never buy pieces that have been reworked, refinished, repainted, repaired or altered," the Kovels say. "They have lost their antique value and have only a use value."
Patton advises buying southern primitive furniture and accessories, especially those locally made.
"Many of these are one of a kinds, and the only way the resale price is going is up," she said. "Primitives are the hottest things in today’s antique market. Pie safes, jelly cupboards, chairs, footstools, and other southern primitives are good investments."
www.craftersonline.com/articles/investment.html
Antiques remain good investments for knowledgable buyers.
Antiques, art, and old jewelry continue to hold their value as investments.
"People are buying good art and good furniture," Carolyn Patton, owner of Reunions in Black Mountain, said. "Antiques and art hold investment value, although it does fluctuate."
"I definitely agree with the advice," Patton said. "Buy what you like. Never buy any antique or piece of art just to have it as an investment. Also, make sure the dealer you are buying from is reputable, and one that you trust. Get to know the antique dealers in your area. There are some really good reproductions in antiques and art, and they are getting better all the time."
Debbie Morris, one of the owners of Ivy Corner in Black Mountain, agrees with Patton.
"Antiques hold their value much better than new furniture," she said. "Also, I think the quality of construction of antiques is better than it is in some new pieces of furniture."
Judy Emory, also an owner of Ivy Corner in Black Mountain, says she feels that antiques can still be purchased cheaper than buying new furniture.
"Always collect what you like, and purchase antiques that are in as good a condition as is possible," she said. "If a piece needs work, then if you can do it yourself; you are better off than taking it somewhere for restoration. Stripping the paint or finish off of a piece of furniture not only ruins its value as an antique, it is also extremely expensive."
Investment authorities recommend not putting more than 10 to 15 percent of the value of your investment portfolio into art and antiques at any time.
"A lot of people I deal with have a pay check to think about and not a portfolio to consider," Patton said. "They need to think about their paychecks carefully. Decide how much you can safely spend without depriving yourself and your family to purchase a special piece of history. Again, buy what you like and live with it, making it a part of your everyday life."
Morris feels that interest in antiques is steadily growing, especially in younger buyers now.
"Baby boomers are collecting toys," she said. "They want the toys they grew up with. Also, they want their children to have the same quality of toys they had when they were growing up."
Investment-quality art and antiques are expensive and usually not an option for the small investor. They are not "liquid" investments. Usually they cannot be resold quickly for a profit. One reason is that the market for such items fluctuates. Also, when you buy you usually pay retail price. When you sell, you may have to sell at a wholesale price or lower. To make a profit, you need to keep your antique items until their value increases enough to make up the difference. In the art and antiques markets, this can be a very long time.
Experts recommend that art lovers buy a range of works that appeal to them by different artists. The chances are that some will appreciate in value. Always think long term when dealing with art or antiques.
When investing in art and antiques, top quality items are the best choices. Reputable dealers have years of experience to offer, and most are willing educators. Auction houses rarely offer educational resources, and are not places for the beginning antique investor.
When you have developed a level of expertise, auction houses can be excellent sources of art and antiques. The chief advantages of buying at an auction house are the lack of retail markups, and lower prices. Remember, many antique and art dealers purchase at auction.
"When you purchase an antique, take the time to look it over thoroughly," Patton said. "Close your eyes and run your hands over every inch of the piece. Feel the joints. You’ll be surprised at what your hands can tell you. I never buy a piece of anything until I examine it this way. Find out all you can about who made the piece and how much skill did the craftsperson have. What is its condition? Does it have the original finish?"
Jewelry is another popular collectible now.
"It doesn’t have to be expensive jewelry," Patton said. "Costume jewelry from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s is very popular right now."
Authorities agree that when you purchase fine art, you need to consider the artist’s technical skills, the strength of the message conveyed by the artist, and the condition and degree of restoration the piece of art has to have. You don’t want to wind up with just an old picture.
Peter Temple, the author of "Superhobby Investing," recommends specializing in an area that interests you, such as ceramics, glass, clocks or furniture, and read up on the subject and talk to antique dealers to become as well informed as you can.
"Don’t expect all your antiques to make you a fortune," he says.
Antiques and art investments have to be protected. When you are living with investments, make sure you have adequate house insurance. An insurance oversight could cost you all of your investment.
Ralph and Terry Kovel are two of the top nationally recognized authorities in the antique circles, having over 40 years of collective experience. They recommend toys such as tin ones as the most popular ones, and then battery operated toys. Lithograph-paper covered wooden toys as well as Barbie and all her friends and accessories are very collectible. Then there is GI Joe, board games, model sets, space toys and the list goes on and on.
The Kovels point out that usable furniture of any style has kept pace with inflation, as have rugs and lamps. Advertising collectibles have proven to be good investments. Also, they recommend buying what a person can use and enjoy. They warn against buying collectibles as investments. They prefer to leave that area to antique dealers.
"Never buy pieces that have been reworked, refinished, repainted, repaired or altered," the Kovels say. "They have lost their antique value and have only a use value."
Patton advises buying southern primitive furniture and accessories, especially those locally made.
"Many of these are one of a kinds, and the only way the resale price is going is up," she said. "Primitives are the hottest things in today’s antique market. Pie safes, jelly cupboards, chairs, footstools, and other southern primitives are good investments."
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Pig Scraper
What is it? It's a Pig Scraper
Back in the old days everybody raised pigs. You could send them out to be butchered or you could do it yourself. After the pig was killed and the blood saved (all parts of the pig were used in something) you would haul the pig to a tub of hot (150-160 F) water and brush the pigs hair with a long-handled brush to agitate the bristles while the pig is in the hot water. After 5 minutes or so, you would haul the pig out onto the table and scrape the bristles hard and furiously with your scraping tools shown above. If the bristles do not come off easily with your scaper you would have to dip the pig again. NOw these items are used for decorations and this one is a nice primitive. The one pictured was found a small farm auction in PA. These are the types of items we sell at Holly Hill Anriiques. If you need one of these send us an email and we will see if we can help. Saturday, January 17, 2009
What is it? It's a Hay Hook
Here is a real nice old Collectible Farm Tool, uses may include Hay, Straw, Meat, Ice etc. etc. The hook is 8" long and the handle is 5 3/4" wide. The metal hook appears to have pounding marks that may have come from the blacksmith or person who shaped it. I have no idea how old it is.These are the types of items we sell at Holly Hill Antiques. We have several kinds of these and if you are interested we can send you a picture. If you need one of these send us an email and we will see if we can help.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Hay Hook
What is it? It's a Hay Hook
Here is a real nice old Collectible Farm Tool, uses may include Hay, Straw, Meat, Ice etc. etc. The hook is 8" long and the handle is 5 3/4" wide. The metal hook appears to have pounding marks that may have come from the blacksmith or person who shaped it. I have no idea how old it is.These are the types of items we sell at Holly Hill Anriiques. We have several kinds of these and if you are interested we can send you a picture. If you need one of these send us an email and we will see if we can help.
What is it? It's a Fence Stretcher
This is a old time fence stretcher. To put fence up tight you need to put some tension on the wire before you staple it, I believe this one is used for a single stand of wire. If anyone has a different opinion please email me. The one pictured was found on Ebay as we do not have one exactly like this one. These are the types of items we sell at Holly Hill Antiiques. If you need one of these send us an email and we will see if we can help.First Post
This blog will be used to to make recommendations on sources for buying Antiques in Virginia. Holly Hill Antiques is located in Gloucester VA.
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