Buy Antiques Now Say Leading Accountants

Deloitte’s August statement to clients finds in favour of buying antique furniture rather than modern pieces which have increased in price by about 32 per cent over the last six years, while antiques have dropped by about 20 per cent. Antiques Trade Gazette reporting on the statement highlights three reasons why antique furniture is a good investment: one, the credit crunch has drastically reduced the return on cash, two, it is always wise to spread your risks into a range of assets, and three, antiques are illiquid and therefore avoid big price swings.

But best reason of all for buying antique furniture is that it is better made and cheaper than new. The same rationale fits antique silver which is less costly per ounce than new silver. And there is plenty that fits well into today’s lifestyle such as candlesticks, bowls, trays and cutlery. The bloom on a piece of antique silver is also easier on the eye than the modern chilly, white silver offering.

The London Silver Vaults has thirty different shops selling everything from jewellery to sugar bowls. This summer the selling exhibition showcases three great British silversmith dynasties. Hester Bateman’s family in 18th century London, known for high quality, classic Georgian design, the Elkingtons in the Victorian era who made wonderful extravagant dining table centrepieces and James Dixon & Sons (1806 to1976) which became a world wide brand supplying silver and silver plate to famous names such as Harrods and the Savoy Hotel. BRITISH SILVERSMITH DYNASTIES 1 June - 4 October 2009
www.thesilvervaults.com

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