The Argus reported Paul Myson, the auctioneer and appraiser with Ashbeys Galleries in Cape Town, saying there is a large range of material that one can collect - from furniture and ceramics to glassware, silverware and
memorabilia. For novice collectors, Myson suggests they follow a few basic rules. First, always buy from a reputable dealer, and insist upon a receipt with a full description of the item.

Second, compare prices of similar items that various dealers may have on offer, and third, ask if any restoration has been undertaken on the item, and if so, to what extent it has been restored.

Condition is paramount when It comes to antiques. The reason they are so regarded and valuable is that they have survived the passage of time and If damaged they wifi be less desirable.

On whether he thought art and antiques were a good alternative to the stock market, the Argus reported Myson advising “The South African as well as the
mternational contemporary art market have seen fantastic growth in the last few years, with world record prices achieved for a number of artists.

With the recent instability in the world financial markets as well as the ever increasing oil prices we would expect that the art market would reflect the sentiments held by investors.

At a recent auction South African works of art proved in demand, with a Maurice van Essche Nude fetching R145 000 and a Gregoire Boonzaier Still Life R130 000.

Ashbeys Galleries are accepting entries for their next fine art and antiques auction on the August 22.

VALUE: Piet van Heerden s Elim Street Scene, above left, went for R62 000; Frans Claerhout s Mother and Child R75, 000, and Maurice van Essche’ s Nude
R145 000