Here
are a few of the questions our customers often ask.I bought a number of pieces of Victorian furniture in
the 1990’s. Have they gone up in value?
On the whole, no. Fashions have changed. Plain and simple styles
are now in keeping with modern interiors. Victorian furniture
is often very ornate, whereas Queen Anne and Georgian furniture
tends to be more restrained. It is worth noting that Georgian
and Queen Anne pieces have always been fashionable, whilst Victorian
furniture enjoyed only a brief period of popularity.
Is antique silver rising in value?
After the crash in scrap silver prices in the late 1980’s, the
market for antique silver was up and down. There is more confidence
now, but only for certain pieces. Domestic silver such as run
of the mill tea services and cutlery are not as collectable
as they used to be. Caddy spoons, wine labels, inkwells and
other novelty pieces are still being sought after and prices
are rising for good examples. It is important to emphasise that
good condition and rarity are features which should be looked
for when considering silver as an investment.
I have
inherited a grandfather clock. Should I keep it as an investment
or sell it now?
The market for grandfather clocks, as with other antique clocks,
has polarised. Good quality clocks with brass dials from the
18th century and earlier are in demand. Most 19th century grandfather
clocks with painted dials and 30-hour movements which require
winding up every day are worth less than they were a few years
ago and it is doubtful if they will rise in value in the near
future. Our advice, therefore, would be to keep an 18th century
brass dial clock and sell a 19th century 30-hour clock with
a painted dial.
