Your Best Investment Strategy for Today’s Economy
Antiques Market vs. Stock Market

by Mary Dessoie

Last year I sold a little apartment, which was located fifteen miles north of Times Square. The sale provided me with some much-needed income for my daily living expenses and it also gave me the opportunity to stash most of the profits in my nest egg accounts.

In recent months the stock market has been sleeping like a Montana grizzly in hibernation. As stocks keep going down and down and accounting scandals hit one after another high-flying company, a serious crisis of confidence has enveloped investors. I invested some of the profits of my sale in stocks and watched my holdings rapidly decline. The carnage on my financial statements was hard to stomach and I lost sleep. However, history has proven that even with the ups and downs of the stock market, stocks are a great investment for the long haul. Common sense dictates that the time to buy is when the market is in a downward spiral.

I know that I was smart to set aside some of my windfall for antiques. Unlike the vicissitudes of the stock market, I do not have to lie awake at night and worry about my antiques purchases.

There are many quality items that were mass-produced in the late 1800's through the early 1900's that were well made and are worth collecting. Pressed glass items, advertising cards, Ruby flash souvenir glassware, butter pats, individual creamers, bone dishes, green and red-handled kitchen utensils – the variety is endless. These diminutive relics of bygone days can be found at antique shops and malls across America. Smalls are easy on the budget and are perfect when space limitations are an issue. Some of the humblest objects in the world of antiques that are often overlooked by others can add beauty to your life, and if you wish, put some additional cash in your bank account. One of the keys to being successful in the antiques business or to establishing a superior collection is to find your niche and stick with it.

Now, where do you get the money you need to add to your collections? Let’s assume you do not have a property for sale within commuting distance of Times Square in New York City.

1) Downsize and Reap the Rewards: Recently, while reorganizing my possessions, I noticed that I had three early 1900's hand-painted candy dishes. I do not collect candy dishes, but three of anything is a collection. I consigned two of the pieces and kept my favorite one. The profits from the sales gave me additional money to spend on antiques that have more appeal to me personally than candy dishes.

2) Open a Mall Booth: If you have enough extra antiques to make it worthwhile, consign your items at your local mall. Have fun operating your own booth and turn your income around into purchasing more antiques for resale or for your own collection.

3) Be Creative: A friend in California told me that she wants to consign but the local malls in her antiques-rich area have booths that are filled to capacity and the waiting lists for new vendors are long. I had success in trying the unexpected places for antiques, namely, a florist shop and an upscale gift store. Neither carried antiques. These relationships proved to be successful for both the store owners and for me. An additional bonus for the establishments was that, with the added cachet of "Antiques Sold Here," new customers were drawn to the businesses. The more attractive the venue, the more you will realize in profits from the sales of your merchandise.

4) Join a Club: Many of the collectors’ clubs have newsletters and allow subscribers to place complimentary ads in order to sell excess items. Joining a club will also provide you with the means to learn more about the antiques that are of interest to you and provide you with pricing guidelines. However, the greatest benefit of joining a club is having the entrée to meet other collectors from around the country and make new friends.

Once you have that extra cash in hand, enjoy shopping for quality antiques that will maintain their value. Most contemporary collectibles are a flash in the pan and, while prices skyrocket during the various crazes, the values soon tumble when the next gaudy collectible appears in the marketplace. Remember Pet Rocks, Cabbage Patch Dolls and Beanie Babies?

A collection is a reflection of a person’s status. Exquisite objects, such as antiques, that exemplify good taste and bear a noteworthy provenance say much about the collector. An outstanding collection is a mirror image of one’s social status and interests. One can never go wrong with antiques. Always remember to buy what you enjoy and the best that you can afford. Build up a superior collection that you can be proud of and take comfort in the knowledge that you are curator of a safe investment.

Unlike the current stock market, the value of antiques keeps climbing. You won’t toss and turn at night worrying about the money you have invested in a carefully chosen collection. More importantly, the beauty of fine antiques is enduring.

Many of the readers of my newsletter, who have been collecting for years, recall the days when Flow Blue butter pats could be purchased for $1 or $2. Now look at the prices! It is difficult to find Flow Blue butter pats for less than $50 per piece.

Finally, you can help to keep our economy rolling by patronizing the advertisers who appear at this site. Have fun building up the quality collection that you deserve.

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