A treasure trove

Press, 20 April 1979, Page 11

A treasure trove

There is a potential fortune falling into the laps of those who barter, trade and market second hand goods. A yearning for the old world charm of yesteryear is sweeping the world "and those dealers who are aware of the significance of their humble wares have only to open their doors. . . This massive com-

pulsion to possess such sentiments of the past hits the bargain hunters’ pocket in many different ways and although it might seem that in a country as small as New Zealand supplies of quality items must surely become a rarity, it appears this is only where the innovations and reconstruction of our resources begin and where the true

potential of a second hand dealers’ store takes over.

Gone are the days when the Matchstick girl would have worn rags of the trade. Jewels are more than simply. an inheritance. Clumsy, handcarved Victorian oak chests are not ugly any more, they are "fought over. And gramophone records no longer lie inchthick in dust — they are

sought after along with a huge assortment of nick nacks, quaint curios, china, picture frames and veeran soldiers’ medals. And who collects it all? Certainly, there are the avid junk collectors, quite often tourists who monopolise the market, but beneath the surface there is a terrific amount of rivalry that goes on amongst the army of collectors who haunt the dealers’ shops. People are either searching for something a little different from everyone else or for a piece to join their own personal collection.

Several second hand dealers in Christchurch have signs in their windows requesting Clarice Cliff and Suzy Cooper Art deco chinaware. The Art deco era has been followed spasmodically by New Zealanders for the last five years according to one dealer. And it is very popular in the United States. Although the styles were radically different from the decor and art pieces of more conventionally decorated homes, he felt the art deco pieces looked attractive because they were unusual, if incorporated with items of good taste. Three of probably the most sought after items are stained glass, hand carved furniture (preferably off the first four ships) and clothing. Second hand clothing is probably the fastest recycling business around. It is very cheap in comparison with commercially manufactured products and many people today fight the high costs by adapting their wardrobe to co-ordinate both the old and the new.

Clothes that are selling well include waistcoats (for men and women), pinstriped- suits, Victoriantype blouson shirts with small collars, velvets, silks, lace, scarves and “granny” shoes and boots. Accessories are high in demand. Hat pins, Mother of Pearl and sterling silver brooches, stick pins and sequinned hair clasps, Art deco ornaments, chain watches, military medals and signet rings.