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ANTIQUES 045
Antiquing Holiday
Top tips for buying antiques
abroad – and questions to ask, such as…how will I get it home?
Jennie Buist Brown
f you’re holidaying abroad this year you might, if you’re anything like me, be excitedly planning to visit local fl ea markets and antiques fairs. Over the years, I’ve haggled my way round many markets and the thrill of arriving early on a sunny continental morning to begin the hunt is always exhilarating and never loses its appeal. Of course, buying antiques and collectables
I
abroad is not without its problems, you have to ask yourself more prosaic questions such as: Can I realistically get the item home? Are there rules prohibiting taking certain items out of the country or into the UK? How do I haggle? First things fi rst. Before you go check
where and when your nearest market will be held. Tourist boards often have whole sections of their websites dedicated to local markets, antiques dealers and fl ea markets. When it comes to the language barrier
it defi nitely helps to have a few words of the local lingo. However, if all else fails and you have no idea what fi gure the dealer is quoting be sure to be armed with a pen and pad so that you can haggle on paper.
Just like at markets here, dealers expect you to haggle. If you’re not used to it, it can seem intimidating but you should never pay the fi rst asking price. Each country is different so it’s worth watching locals to see how they haggle. Just remember that the dealer will have a price in mind at which they can realistically sell the item so don’t suggest a ludicrously low price. I’ve found deals up to 30% off can be achieved in cities like Paris and Berlin whereas in Amsterdam 15% is more normal. In Italy you really have to make the effort to please the dealer before any discount will be given. So what can you bring home that
won’t land you in trouble at customs? The best place to check is the website of the Foreign & Commonwealth Offi ce (www.
gov.uk) and the International Air Transport Association (
www.iatatravelcentre.com). Under the United Nations Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna, there are complex rules governing the trade of items made from endangered species. I have found that it’s best to avoid buying anything that was once alive
ANTIQUE OF THE MONTH
Mention Newlyn in collecting circles and thoughts turn immediately to the paintings produced by the colony of artists in the Cornish fi shing village. Less well known is the work of John Pearson (1859-1930). He trained in metalwork in the 1880s, but became a ceramics designer and decorator for William De Morgan. However, his talent for decorative metalwork was recognised by Arts & Crafts idealist, C R Ashbee, who invited him to be the fi rst metalworker with his Guild of Handicraft.
such as coral, ivory, tortoiseshell and taxidermy. Once you have successfully bought your item you have to get it home. If it’s large and unwieldy, your transport options are to send the goods by air or sea freight perhaps using a courier. If you’re driving of course, you can bring the item home yourself but do be aware that even ferry operators have rules governing the transportation of items such as antique knives and fi rearms, so do check in advance. Last but certainly not least, HM Revenue & Customs imposes VAT on any antiques more than 100 years old coming into the UK from outside the EU. Most are eligible for a reduced rate of 5% so it’s important to have the right paperwork. When bought for personal enjoyment, most antiques are not subject to customs or excise duty. However, there are a few exceptions. Make sure your precious antiques are
insured – they should be covered under your home insurance policy but it’s better to check and don’t forget to let the insurance company know within 60 days of returning home so your cover can be increased.
He was subsequently invited to Newlyn to instruct industrial classes set up to help young fi shermen gain new skills. He stayed for six years, producing decorative repoussé (hammered) metalware such as fi rescreens, mirror frames and wall plaques, mostly in copper, decorated both with the designs featuring mythological dragons, animals and birds, galleons, trees and fruit, and local subjects inspired by the sea and Cornish landscape. Pearson’s work is often signed and dated and
often features a phoenix, as was the case with this imposing charger, which we sold for £2,400. • Call 01227 763337 or email
general@tcag.co.uk
Tony Pratt of The Canterbury Auction Galleries
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