Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2009 | Page 62
life
ANTIQUES
Antiques and Collectables -
Find Out What They’re
Really Worth!
By Philip Hoare - F.T.V.I
Getting rid of the old to make way for the new could be a grave
such occasion, I was about to leave after inspecting a Japanese
mistake – because that old item could be worth a fortune!
Egg Shell Tea Service worth less than twenty pounds, when the
Recently a candlestick sold at boot fare for less than £10.00
client said to me “There’s a small bureau in the cupboard under
sold to the British Museum for £14,000! Most people have
the stairs, but I don’t think its of any value, I’ve never liked it”
something valuable in their house, but sometimes people just
I opened the cupboard door and was so excited to find an 18th
don’t know what’s valuable and what’s not.
Century Chinese Export Lacquer Miniature Bureau which is now
I have found so many items of interest on the island and often
realised their owners many thousands of pounds. The interesting
in a private collection in New York.
One of my most important discoveries on the Island was the
thing is, that sometimes, when I am called in to look at an
lunar telescope from Fernhill Observatory (Latterly at Wroxall).
object or painting, if it turns out not to be particularly exciting,
This was purchased by a United States University who recreated
a different item may capture my attention. I recall vividly one
a 19th Century Observatory in the Appellation Mountains,
where now, fully restored, it resides.
One of the most unusual items I valued from the island was the
head of a Roman statue of the goddess Aphrodite, which was
discovered a number of years ago in a Niton garden. The owner,
who had been told it was worth about £100, wisely consulted
me to value it, and it later fetched several thousand pounds at
auction.
I have been in the business of valuing Fine Art and Antiques
for over forty years, I was a Valuer and consultant for Philips in
Bond Street for over 15 of those and am a Fellow of the Trade
Valuers Institute with countless contacts in the trade. If you
are unsure about where to place an item I can advise you and
I make no charge for verbal appraisals on the Isle of Wight. I
work entirely on a commission basis, so the more I can achieve
for my client the higher my commission. I am also happy to
value online, so by all means e-mail me images of anything you
are unsure about and I’ll be happy to give you my opinion.
Remember the old adage:
When In Doubt Check It Out!
Philip Hoare has been a specialist and a valuer of Art and
Antiques for over 40 years.
Mobile: 07773 877 242
Email: [email protected]
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