Tip AN EXPERIENCE FOR ART & CULTURE LOVERS
9
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 .