Shared Information on Buying Antiques in Gauteng

There are undoubtedly many outlets all over South Africa where one can browse, view and buy antiques, especially now that there is such an enormous demand for them and as the economic hub of this country, Gauteng has its own fair share of such stores and dealers.

Our antiques and antique furniture store is located in Pretoria, from where we serve and supply our exquisite products to buyers throughout South Africa. Most of our period pieces are BADA (British Antique Dealers’ Association) certified, attesting to their authenticity, age and origin, prior to being exported to us in Pretoria.

Reigning Monarchs

We specialise in antique furniture dating from the periods during which various British monarchs reigned and these periods (and pieces) carry their respective names, such as Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian, Queen Anne, Henry ll and Regency.

Each era was depicted in its own unique style, which was frequently influenced by the reigning monarch, his or her taste, fashions of the day and the prevailing social and economic conditions. The Regency period dates from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, roughly 1795 to 1820, but more formally, it refers to 1811 to 1820, when George lll’s son ruled as Prince Regent, before being crowned as George lV, upon his father’s death.

During the Regency era, social and economic differences between the aristocracy, upper and lower classes were enormous. Aristocrats lived in opulent excess, while the poor existed in absolute squalor. Britain was at war against the French, under Napoleon, yet the Prince Regent still spent lavishly on the arts, architecture and cultural works.

On Offer to Buyers

Because each item is genuine and unique, our stock of antiques constantly changes as and when items are sold and new stock arrives, but pieces on offer typically include wash stands, dining and other tables, bookcases and desks, dressers and dressing tables, chests, sideboards and servers, bureaux, mirrors, clocks, chaise longues, chesterfield sofas, settees and chairs.

Chair Styles

There are so many varied chair types that it is worth mentioning some of them which we currently have available to buyers. These styles include bustle back, wingback, button back, throne, rocking, balloon, Edwardian, Victorian, and Queen Anne dining chairs, armchairs – carved and also French gilded in style.

More Antiques and Collectables

Collectors and buyers can also find collectable and/or antique works of art, lamps, glassware, Royal Albert crockery, Murano glassware, a silver plated tea service, antique bibles and numerous other objets d’art in our shop.

 

Buying Tips

If you are new to buying and collecting antiques, do some research and only buy from a reputable dealer, since not everything old is antique. The internet is a mine of information and we are only too happy to have a chat and share some of our knowledge and interesting facts about the pieces in our store.

  • Undertake your research and have a budget in mind.
  • Ask lots of questions, especially about the known history of the piece, its age and condition.
  • Learn about different styles and periods, how to identify them and how to spot defects.
  • Reputable dealers will advertise and/or disclose whether a piece has been restored and if so, the nature of restoration work undertaken.
  • The sale value of certain items may increase after restoration, providing that such restoration work is minor or on less than 50% of the piece, whilst the value of others will be adversely affected by restoration – only the experts are in a position to give accurate advice on whether to restore or not.
  • Stick to your budget.
  • Attend fairs and browse through antique shops to get a general feel for prices and what is on offer.
  • Auctions are also great places to bid on antiques, but you should preferably take the time to inspect items in which you are interested in, during pre-auction viewing hours and ideally have information on them.
  • Do not get over-enthusiastic and carried away.
  • Always visualise where you want to place your antique piece – does it fit and compliment other décor elements and furnishings?
  • Do not be in too much of a hurry to find the exact item that you want – half the fun is in searching and browsing

 

Now Enjoy

It is wonderful to know that items from yesteryear are preserved, loved, cared for and appreciated, and have a place in the lives of numerous 21st century homes. Pop in to our Pretoria, Gauteng store; join the ranks of collectors and have fun buying antiques for yourself and the generations who will follow you.