Village Squire, 1979-10, Page 6save a lot of money. Mr. Cline says. Skilled refinishers are
expensive.
Antique experts such as Mr. Cline are not generally in favour
of removing the old finish by any dip tank method. Using a tank
method can make joints come apart on old furniture. The caustic
substances have been known to turn soft materials such as pine
to soft, punky wood. The steel brushes used to take off the finish
can also take off the top layers of wood losing the lustre or patina
of the old wood.
What Mr. Cline recommends instead is to use a paint remover
or methol hydrate and steel wool to take the furniture down
without getting into the wood. In some cases a scraper can also
be used as long as care is taken not to damage the wood
underneath the paint or varnish. If you have a good piece of
furniture, however, it often pays to have the work done by a
professional rather than risk damage and loss of value, he says.
But who can really afford to collect antiques these days? Mr.
Cline turns the question around the other way, who can afford
not to collect antiques. To explain the sense of collecting
antiques, he says, you don't have to take the word of an antique
dealer. Investment councillors are among the biggest boosters of
antique collecting these days. Sources like the Financial Post and
Morton Shulman's new book on surviving the hard times all
advise putting money into things like art and antiques as a good
hedge against inflation. Some experts say that antiques haven't
even begun to take off price wise the way they will in a year or
two. Recently a British dealer made history when he paid $1.7
million for a corner cupboard. Many felt he was insane but only a
couple of months later the piece was in a California home in
exchange for $1.8 million to the dealer, a cool $100,000 profit in
a couple of months.
Even for those who don't have millions to invest in antiques
there is common sense in collecting. A simple production line
piece of furniture from a furniture store today may be nothing
but garbage in 10 years. After 10 years with reasonable care an
antique is likely to be worth more than it was the day it was
bought.
The protection offered by antiques was shown during the
Great Depression when good antiques held their value better
than any other investment, Mr. Cline says.
In summing up Mr. Cline advises protential collectors to study
upon the subject, set a goal and follow the theme through, don't
be in a hurry and buy the best they can afford. Even if they do
make mistakes, he says, they're mistakes the collector will enjoy.
ATTENTION ARTISTS AND WRITERS
Artists and writers will have a chance to show off their work in
a special Christmas issue of the Village Squire.
Village Squire announces a contest for the best Christmas
short story and the best cover illustration for the Christmas
issue. A first prize of $25 will be offered for each.
The short story should be on a Christmas theme, preferably
oriented to the Western Ontario area. It should be 1000 to 3000
words in length.
The cover should be designed in proportion to the cover size of
the magazine allowing room for the title and other essential
information. It should be in black ink on white although one extra
colour other than black can be used in the printing of the cover.
Deadline for entries to both contests is Nov. 15, 1979.
4 Village Squire, October 1979
This is the time of year our minds turn to the long
dreary months of winter.
Let us help you brighten them up by looking over
our fine selection of home furnishings.
We have an excellent
choice in living room,
dining room, bedroom
and occasional furniture.
BLACKSTONE FURNITURE
the Home of
Quality Products
BAECHLER
Nige•Iseaust Itittiritirii
150 THE SQUARE
GODERICH, ONTARIO
524-8600 or 524-4324
Visit our store. We offer you --
Hanover Kitchen Cabinets & Vanities
Armstrong Floor Fashion Centre
Carpets by Richmond, Coronet & Imperial
Kitchen Aid Dishwashers,
Magnestart Garborators & Compactors
Benjamin Moore Paints
Sharp Microwave Ovens
with "Carousel Turntable"
Wallpaper from leading distributors