Antiques & the Economy

Watching the continually bad news on television or reading about it in our newspapers doesn't put anyone in the mood to go out and buy antiques. Yet times like these can actually be one of the best times to buy.

Firstly, antiques worldwide have been used as a safe haven for money. Antiques are a valuable alternative asset in which money can be protected. They have traditionally played an important role for the wealthy across the world. For instance, when Brazil had serious inflation and worries about its government, our firm, Earle Vandekar of Knightsbridge, sold a significant amount of antiques to Brazilian customers who transferred various percentages of their assets into Chinese Export.

Chinese Export has an international collector base and has risen in value over time. When clients needed cash for a business project or a personal event like a wedding, we were called upon to sell the items back into the market-allowing our client to protect their money against the terrible inflation they faced at home. With fears about the stability of our banking system, reallocating assets into antiques is a wise move right now.

Secondly, antique dealers have been affected by the decline in retail sales in the past months and certainly are eager to do business. Dealers also buy heavily in the summer to build up their inventory for the new season so now is one of the best times to negotiate a good deal.

Thus, in response, I’ve just introduced a 25% discount for those who wish to buy something from my web site, www.vandekar.com or at one of the antique shows where I will be exhibiting over the next month. I'm doing this to reward loyal customers and to encourage new clients to think about the good value they can get from me.

The shows are as follows:

THE 54TH WASHINGTON ANTIQUES SHOW

08 January 2009 - 11 January 2009
Stand 2-13

Katzen Arts Center at American University

4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW

Washington DC

"Art & Antiques in Red"

Preview Wednesday January 7th, 2009

5:30-9:30

THE NEW YORK CERAMICS FAIR

21 January 2009 - 25 January 2009
Stand

National Academy Museum

1083 Fifth Avenue at 89th Street

New York City

Preview: Tuesday January 20th

5-9

PALM BEACH JEWELRY, ART & ANTIQUE SHOW

13 February 2009 - 17 February 2009
Stand 918

Palm Beach Convention Center West Palm Peach, Florida