ANTIQUES ADVICE

Advertisements in the press, specialist publications, the internet:

My general advice is not to bother unless it is precisely what you are looking for (ie for yourself) and the price is reasonable and not rock bottom. Otherwise you will be wasting your time because someone else will have beaten you to it.

That advice does not apply where a number of items, eg a

collection, are on offer.

Antiques centres:

The attraction of these is that there is a number of dealers, often

several dealers specialising in one collectable or another.

There is likely to be a higher turnover of stock, so many people find weekly visits worthwhile.

The disadvantage is that with so many dealers and visitors you are less likely to make a real find unless you are a real expert in your particular field.

Antiques Fairs :

Much the same as antiques centres, but with a greater chance of making a find.

Fewer people will have seen the stock and many of the dealers are generalists rather than specialists. However, you are less likely to find a specific item you have in mind unless you go to one of the

enormous events like RAF Swinderby (more than 1000 exhibitors) or nearby Newark (more than 3000).

Advice - get there early and don't be afraid to ask around. I am

astonished by the low number of people who ask stall holders, or at the door, whether there is anybody specialising in (say) commemorative ware or whatever. Venues and admission prices usually reflect the quality of the fair - and the general price levels inside.

You are more likely to find what you are looking for at a specialist fair (eg militaria) but also more likely to have to pay a higher price for it. And don't forget to take a torch to early outdoor events.

Antiques shops:

Here you have a phenomenal range of possibilities. Tiny to enormous, goods priced from pennies to many thousands, specialists and generalists.

Unless you are familiar with the kind of item you are buying, and current price levels, shop around and don't be afraid to ask questions.

The quality and confidence of the response will give you a good idea of the shop in general, and the item in particular. Visit a specialist. You can buy with confidence from members of The British Antiques Dealers Association (BADA) or The London and Provincial Antiques Dealers Association (LAPADA), both of whom have strict codes of conduct. But again, don't expect their prices to be rock bottom - the year's membership of BADA cost nearly £2,000 when I last made abortive inquiries!

Auctions:

The antiques trade has over the last year or so observed the fact that auction rooms are taking a great deal of trade away from the antiques shop.

The logic is obvious and twofold - why pay shop prices when you an buy where the dealers do, and the article you are buying must be worth what you are paying (or at least the bid below) because the other bidder thinks so.

There is also an advantage of the item been identified by the experts and catalogued for all to see. Unfortunately, that logic fails miserably when there are two people in the saleroom who really want the item in question.

Advice - make up your mind what you are prepared to pay before the bidding starts and stick to your guns. And don't forget the buyer's commission - typically around 12 per cent is added to the

hammer price.

Boot sales:

I have yet to find, or meet a person who has found any antique or collectible worth disproportionately more than the asking price at a boot sale, eg an old master painting for a few quid.

But such finds do happen, and bargains, particularly amongst collectables, abound. Advice - make sure you have plenty of time, don't dawdle, wear good shoes and take a bag or two.

Collectors fairs eg militaria, books, autojumbles:

These are usually excellent events for the enthusiast who hasn't the time or inclination to go to general events with specific items in mind.

Mistakes are made less frequently at these events as dealers and collectors know their subjects and are therefore mines of information.

Advice - expect to find what you are looking for, but don't expect it to be underpriced.

If you are looking for the very rare or obscure, or are interested in a very wide subject, leave your details with those dealers who seem most likely to be able to help.

What to look for - quality, authenticity and condition:

Quality is a very subjective issue, especially when confused with taste.

Don't disregard a piece just because the person you are with doesn't like the colour. Look at the seams, joins and detail. Quality usually speaks for itself.

Authenticity is difficult unless you know the subject. If you do not then ask the dealer why he is confident of his description of the item, particularly age.

Don't be afraid to ask outright if it is reproduction and don't settle for "It's not that old" or "'it's not that new." Be very careful indeed where reproduction goods are on display but not labelled as such.

If you are still uncertain, but nonetheless decide to buy, then ask for a receipt with the full description.

Then you may have more comeback if a mistake is made. Condition is important, though slight wear and damage to wooden or metal items is not usually crucial unless any repair is dreadful. But don't buy damaged metal statues unless they are very rare or very cheap.

Damage to most ceramics and glass is critical, especially where it is damage to detail - to a figure's face or an enamel clock dial for example.

Damage to pictures, especially oils, can be very expensive to put right. But, as with most documents, don't worry about a bit of 'foxing'. (rusting caused by particles of iron picked up in the old papermaking process).

Advice - don't settle for second best unless you have a limited budget or know a very good restorer.

AROUND AND ABOUT &

TICKET OFFER

A date for toy enthusiasts and those of you who are wondering if you have any treasures hidden away - Andrew Hartley's auction rooms in Ilkley are having a major toy sale on Saturday, 26

September.

Although the official closing date for entries is tomorrow (Friday, 28 August), Hartley's will be pleased to advise you of the prospective worth of your toys at any time and have said that the deadline for entries may be extended for items of particular interest.

Who knows, you might just have something in the same league as the 16 inch clockwork tinplate from 1910 which sold for £16,000 at Bonham's toy sale in London last month. Hartley's telephone number is 01943 816363.

Star event this weekend is Bailey's Annual Ilkley Antiques Fair at the King's Hall and Winter Garden. Bailey run several events in the UK and Ireland, with all items exhibited vetted independently for age and authenticity.

Though one of their smaller events, the Ilkley fair just oozes quality.

It runs for four days from

tomorrow (Friday) to Bank Holiday Monday.

They have generously offered ten tickets, each for the free admission of three adults, as this months prizes.

To save yourself the entry charge of £5, telephone me on 01943 463380 after 10am tomorrow and answer the following question: "Which world renowned cabinet maker, carver and furniture designer was from Otley?" (clue - his modern namesakes are more renowned for stripping rather than varnishing or painting).

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.