Tip AN EXPERIENCE FOR ART & CULTURE LOVERS
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The“ HOUSE OF ANTIQUES”
Even from outside, floral arrangements and lavish displays invite you to gaze upon a world of unique jewelry pieces and art objects of times past.
From antiquity to Jugendstil and Art Deco, to contemporary art: at the“ Haus der Antiquitäten” you will find artworks and precious pieces from almost all eras. The diverse collection of Günther Schwaighofer doesn’ t only encompass magical jewelry, beautiful silver, porcelain and ceramics pieces, but also paintings from the widest variety of movements, big collections of old coins, as well as signets, pocket watches and extraordinary clock keys. Numerous Jugendstil and Art Deco vases by famous glass manufacturers such as Lötz, Lalique, Daum and Gallé, enrich the wide-ranging collection of this antique shop, described by its enthusiastic clientele as unique in Austria.
Almost every object in the rooms on Dreifaltigkeitsgasse is unique, and nowadays barely possible to produce. Especially in the area of jewelry, there are many special highlights: rings and pendants decorated with rubies, emeralds or diamonds,
Venetian drop earrings, enamel and filigree work, along with traditional jewelry worn with folk costumes, coral necklaces and cameo broaches- almost every piece is handmade and tells its own story.
The selection at the“ Haus der Antiquitäten” excludes mass-produced items, instead offering outstandingly preserved pieces for all tastes and budgets. Potential repairs, as well as alterations and fittings, are taken care of by an expert goldsmith in their in-house workshop. History buffs and collectors are offered a broad selection of old Salzburg coins, Mozart medallions and many other numismatic items. Newcomers and passionate coin-lovers won’ t only find select pieces to enhance their own collections, they can also rummage through hundreds of coins in drawers, in order to perhaps purchase one or two at a special price. Günther Schwaighofer offers this opportunity to his customers, not only to remain true to his motto“ History you can touch”, but also to draw attention to the uniqueness of Salzburg coinage and its important history.
As an avid Salzburg native through and through, coins and medallions of the Salzburg archbishopric are a specialty of this coin collector. Many people don’ t know that this seat of archbishops was for a long time independent and incredibly important economically. Salzburg can look back on a history of coins spanning over 1200 years, mainly thanks to the archbishops and their intelligent minting and mining policies. The wealth of Salzburg due to nearby gold- and silver-mining areas, as well as the
high-quality and unique coinage design, produced a wealth of numismatic treasures which, along with coins from Russia and Saxony, are counted amongst the most beautiful and most valuable in the world.
The various époques, such as Gothic or Baroque, are reflected in the coin design, making them small works of art. To anyone who loves this city, we cannot fail to recommend the fascinating field of Salzburg numismatics. Günther Schwaighofer doesn’ t just consult, he also helps track missing pieces for collections, represents customers at auction, and runs an online shop with an excellent selection of
Tip AN EXPERIENCE FOR ART & CULTURE LOVERS
HAUS DER ANTIQUITÄTEN Dreifaltigkeitsgasse 7A A-5020 Salzburg Tel. und Fax + 43( 0) 662-871127 office @ antiquitaeten-schwaighofer. at www. antiquitaeten-schwaighofer. at www. antiquitaeten-schwaighofer. at / shop
Hours: MON- FRI 10-6, SAT 10-1 Please call for an appointment!
Salzburg coins and numerous other pieces. When it comes to its wealth of ideas, too, the“ Haus der Antiquitäten” can’ t be surpassed. For example, the big collection of old clock keys aren’ t just used to wind up antique timepieces, but above all as original jewelry items to wear around the neck or as an unusual charm bracelet on the wrist. Similarly, customers searching for a special gift might well be directed to an over 1,000-piece collection of old
signets encompassing coats of arms and almost all monogram variations. These small, very personal artworks were used – at a time when letter writing was still the only way to communicate over longer distances – to seal letters, so that they would be unopened and communicate a personal, charming touch.
The“ Haus der Antiquitäten” in the old quarter of Salzburg City is well worth a visit. Here, beauty of bygone days is preserved and presented anew, the uniqueness of antiques is highlighted, and an interested public is offered the opportunity to acquire unique, historical pieces at reasonable prices. Günther Schwaighofer describes himself as an“ antique dealer out of pure passion”, looking back at 30 years of experience and an outstanding reputation. This is why he is regarded not only as a competent go-to person, but also as a consultant who is happy to share his extensive expertise with his customers and, above all, pass it on to his daughter, Eva. An avid art lover in her own right now, she is following in her father’ s footsteps and, at some point, will take over this one-of-a-kind antique shop.