QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BRINGING THINGS HOME FROM ABROAD
Shopping for a gorgeous new piece for home whilst traveling can be a thrilling prospect. The exotic ambience of shopping a market in Europe or Istanbul can be an intoxicating experience, but our eagerness in the heat of the moment to snap up a faraway find can often cause an impulse purchase. Often such purchases can be of significant value, so before you reach for the cash, consider a few things before taking the plunge.
BEFORE YOU GO
#1. How much space have I got?
You’d love to find an antique occasional chair or small sofa for that sitting room nook, but how much space do you have for it? Believe it or not, making sure we have the right measurements on hand is the last thing many of us do before take-off. Always measure the space that would be ideal or the width and height of that ideal piece. It only takes a few minutes to do and its critical information to have before you venture off. Picking a too large piece, paying for sometimes hefty international shipping etc only to find that it doesn't fit in that particular space [or anywhere else] is a blow to the finances. Having a clear sizing estimate on the space available is smart thinking from the get-go.
WHEN YOU ARE THERE
#2. Will I die if I don’t buy this now, or do I need to think about it?
We've all been there. In the heat of the moment that Balinese sculptural mask may seem perfect but when you get it home, it's too big, it’s the wrong wood tone or we realise in retrospect it’s completely wrong for the room. If you think that the 18th Century Bergere chair that you’ve stumbled across ‘might work' or you hear that it's a steal because of where it was sourced from, think again. Unless you absolutely cannot do without it based on your heart [not head], it may be a mistake. If in doubt, walk away and come back the next day if you can leave it that long. Buyers regret is real and costs travellers royally every year.
BEFORE YOU BUY
#3. Is it authentic?
Unfortunately, fake goods are a reality of the antiques business wherever you go. Sometimes a dealer might not even be aware that what he or she is selling you isn’t the real thing. If you’re serious about provenance, obtaining paperwork is key.
There are also questions you can ask the seller to check in on their knowledge of a piece’s authenticity. For example, well-made English 19th Century furniture is one of them. Horsehair, for example — used in antique upholstery up until the 19th century — is a mark of quality because it is strong, durable, and was much more expensive than the alternatives. If a piece of antique furniture contains horsehair stuffing it is important to maintain its integrity, since it ultimately adds to the character and value of the piece.
#4. Can you rejuvenate it?
There will be pieces that are considered a terrific opportunity to purchase based on the time period they were made and their provenance. A beautiful relic from the 18th century is only useable if you can have it successfully recovered in a fabric suiting your décor today. Unless your piece is destined for a museum, you will want to make sure you can transform it to have it pride of place at home. Think about how the piece would look if the upholstery was beautifully replaced in a more contemporary fabric. Can you re-lacquer, oil or repair the woodgrain if it is crumbling, or is restoring it more trouble and cost than it’s worth? If in doubt, ask the seller how they would deal with the restoration questions you may have in mind. They should know if there are any lookouts in doing this. If it can’t be reupholstered by a regular trade when you get it back home, you may never see it updated and it could end up in storage for the rest of your days.
#5. How will you get it home?
Your transport options boil down to sending goods by air or sea freight, using a courier (great for single items that won’t fit in a suitcase) or carrying the items home yourself.
Ask the dealer you buy from if they can recommend shipping companies they work with and then contact each of them personally to get a quote and ask questions. It’s also a good chance to get a feel for who you’ll be dealing with if there’s a problem. Your shipper should take care of any paperwork required to get it successfully home.
Other helpful tips
Take a tour
Ask at the local tourist office if there are guided visits to markets or antiques quarters or look for a specialist tour company.
Cash is king
Don’t assume your credit card will be welcomed everywhere – even in Europe cash is generally the preferred option when it comes to buying antiques.
If you would rather have a money trail, many dealers accept bank transfers, but make sure you ask for a receipt however you pay. If you’re spending money with different dealers in the same area and using a single shipping agent, check if they can transfer the money on your behalf, which will save you paying multiple transfer fees to your bank.
Look for the less ordinary
Items particular to a region or country found at markets make great souvenirs but you may pay over the odds for them or, worse, end up with a worthless fake made for the tourist market. When travelling in Asia, for example, you should be wary of carpets and gemstones unless you really know what you’re looking for. Always try to look for something less ordinary and don’t jump at the first stand you see. Instead, wander through the market and see if the same item is repeated on more than one stand. Buying the less obvious pieces is good for the pocket too; less demand means you’re more likely to snap up a bargain.
Cover yourself
If you’re buying high value items while you’re away, be aware that your new purchases won’t be covered in your existing insurance. It’s always best to contact your insurer before you go to check your cover. Generally, you’ll then need to declare those items within 60 days of returning home so your cover can be increased.
Note* Elements of this article was first published in the August 2016 issue of Homes & Antiques.