Why Antique Furniture is Worth It

"Anyone who buys a high quality piece has the satisfaction of knowing that they're investing money, not just spending it." "You can buy a beautiful 18th Century oak table for less than you might spend on a modern, mass produced piece"  Matthew Paton of Christie's speaking of antique furniture.

 Elle Decoration January 2012 pg 75

Faberge Box Goes Back To London

**Wartski of London have been named as the purchaser of the box.  Wartski are expert dealers in Faberge and their Managing Director Geoffrey Munn is an Antique Roadshow regular.

The Lapis Faberge box sold last night for $78,000 against a pre-sale estimate of $10,000 - $20,000.  The box which featured on television as well as other media, attracted international attention.  Its origins have been traced back to its purchase (by a Faberge expert) in London by a Prince Kinsky on Christmas Eve 1910.  How it then came to arrive in New Zealand and then end up in a box lot at Webb's as still a mystery.

New Breakthrough in Cloak Restoration

Textile conservator Rangi Te Kanawa (pictured above) has been working with the Victoria University
Chemistry Department to find a process to stabilise acids that cause deterioration of korowai.  Article from NZ Herald here.

Expert Advice : Sell Your Stamps!

SELL "Stamps.  The market is bouyant but it is an ageing one and new collectors may not come into it in sufficient numbers to maintain values".  Elizabeth Chilcott (Partner in Chilcotts Auctioneers & Valuers, Devon) pg. 112 BBC Homes & Antiques June 2012.

More Chinese Sleepers at Auction

Lot 586 Pair of Hardwood Carved Armchairs est. $500-800

Lot 589 and 590 Two Huang Lee wood Cabinets est. $450 - 500 each

Two huge performers at Webb's antique sale last week were the above lots: 

The armchairs estimated at $500-800 sold for an astounding $24,000. 
The cabinets estimated at $450-500 each sold for $11,000 and $10,250 respectively.

The Law That Protects Our National Treasures

The latest Sunday Star Times has a detailed article about the complexities of the Protected Objects Act.  Read it here.

A Weekend Antique Fair For Mercy Hospice

Diamond Jubilee Weekend

I hope you are at least having a celebratory afternoon tea with your antique tea service.