Auctioneer Ben Gamble on hand to give impartial advice

Look to alternative investments in 2010

With the global financial climate remaining unsettled as we enter a new decade it’s time to think outside the box when making investments – and antiques and collectables remain a safe mid to long-term bet, according to Ben Gamble, MD and head auctioneer at Staffordshire Auction House Cuttlestones:

“Now is a great time to get involved with antiques as an investment – while prices for many investment areas have dropped significantly due to recession there remains a strong marketplace for both antiques and collectables and, if you invest wisely, you should see a good return as things pick up and collector activity gathers pace.

“If you’re interested in starting to buy for investment, why not pop into our Penkridge sale rooms for a chat – we’d be happy to offer advice and introduce you to buying at auction.”

Ben’s top tips for investment in 2010 include:

Antique silver

	Silver represents great value in the present climate

Antique silver is currently good value compared with how much pieces would have originally cost to make and buy, some can be picked up from as little as £10-£20 as well as items that are many thousands of pounds; plus the fact you’re investing in a material that carries value in its own right. Silver is also relatively easy to learn about – hallmarks mean that you can educate yourself to spot not only the real deal but when and where a piece was made and, due to the fact that many items are small, it is easy to store and maintain. Look out for unusual items and, as always, pieces in good condition - preferably by a recognised maker - and buy yourself a good guide to hallmarks as a starting point.

Art

	British and Irish art could prove a sound investment

Now’s a great time to start buying art, especially British and Irish paintings, as prices have come down significantly during the recession. Bankers with large bonuses and the nouveau riche have had to stop investing as heavily at the top end of the market and this seems to have filtered right down to entry level works. Be among the canny few to buy now, however, and you could reap rewards of recovery.

Militaria

	Militatria commands a loyal collector fan base

Military items attract a strong, loyal collector base that tends not only to be interested in the items themselves, but their history. From medals to uniforms and armoury, look out for lots that have strong family connections or other items of interest associated with them - this can provide collectors with an added incentive to buy as they’ve got a point from which to start their research.

Sporting Memorabilia

	Look out for sporting items in all sport especially those attached to clubs or personalities

As any football fan will know sporting memorabilia associated to specific clubs or teams can evoke great passion. As with militaria, look out for items with a good back story, or those connected with famous personalities. A prime example of sporting items’ sale potential came in our recent fine art sale which featured a feather filled golf ball dated circa 1830’s which sold for an impressive £1,800!

Furniture

	Furniture is enjoying a renaissance

Having been through a dip in the noughties, during which people moved away from solid pieces of furniture to identikit flatpack style pieces, solid wooden furniture – both antique and contemporary – is enjoying a renaissance. Prices have just begun to rise and if you act now you could ride the wave, as it looks set to continue; and enjoy a beautifully furnished home to boot.

Cuttlestones holds fortnightly general sales at its Penkridge sale room, in addition to four Fine Art and Antique auctions a year, the next of which is set to take place on Friday, 5th March. If you’re new to the auction process, or would like advice on how to go about investing in antiques, contact Ben Gamble on 01785 714905 or email office@cuttlestones.co.uk. Further information on Cuttlestones sales can be found online at www.cuttlestones.co.uk.