Download Catalog
Download Pricelist

We Guarantee:
Authenticity
Friendly Service
Prompt Shipping
Highest Integrity
100% Satisfaction

Contact:
fragments@aol.com

When is the Best Time to Invest in Antiquities?

To every true collector, the emotional and intellectual investments in an object are paramount to the financial investment. However, financial realities cannot be ignored, and it is worth considering some of the macro trends at work in the antiquities field today.

Despite global political tensions, Enron and the high-tech slow-down, the antiquities market continues to be extremely active. I believe there are several reasons for this.

1) Financial Alternative. The flip side of low interest rates for borrowers is even lower interest rates for savers. Traditional savings accounts and CDs have become unattractive to many. The stock market has been brutal to individual and professional investors alike. Antiquities, and the art market generally, have provided an alternative investment haven during this period of less than robust returns.

2) Lack of Quality Material. We see more than 10,000 ancient objects each year. Despite being very selective, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find good quality objects at reasonable prices. This is not just in the traditionally difficult areas of Attic pottery, Egyptian objects and glass, but in every area including Roman pottery.

3) Relatively Low Prices. Despite a noticeable recent trend of increasing prices, ancient art is still more affordably priced than other areas of the art market. This was obvious at the February 2002 auction in London of the private collection of prominent art critic, David Sylvester. His eclectic collection included a handful of antiquities, but mostly included paintings, drawings, and other art. The antiquities soared well beyond their expected ranges, one of which set a record as the second highest price for an Egyptian statue. But the buyers were predominantly collectors from other art areas who saw the prices of antiquities as a bargain relative to their main collecting area.

Interestingly, the art industry press has written about some of these trends over the years. Now, more than ever, it appears the antiquities market may be poised to respond.

John J. Ambrose

Director