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: [phone] Email: [email protected] 62