© 1997-1998 Susan Scott
No portion of this article may be copied, retransmitted, reposted, duplicated or otherwise
used without the express written approval of the author.
Prices
American female collectors aged 20-60 seemed to be creating the frenzied prices a couple of years ago but chintz collectors around the world are catching up with the American collectors. As a result prices in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have risen dramatically. In September 1996 Christie’s South Kensington in London held one of their British Decorative Arts auctions and lot 232 was listed as a large collection of Royal Winton, Shelley, Grimwades and Empire Chintz tableware and the estimate for the more than forty pieces was £200-300. When the bidding went over £4000 longtime chintz dealers in the room looked at each other in amazement. The final bid was from America for £4800 ($9000 including buyer’s premium!). In August of 1997 Christie’s added a chintz section to their summer auction and prices were generally within estimate with a Royal Winton Breakfast Set in Richmond going for £1035 ($1575). Chintz seems to appeal to people who wouldn’t normally collect anything and who are prepared to pay high prices to get the pieces they want.
In the past year beautifully illustrated articles have appeared in American decorating magazines and a whole new group of chintz collectors have appeared. Prices seemed to be going down in 1997 -- or at least staying the same – but they have been rising steadily throughout 1998. Ann Sachar’s Collection of chintz was auctioned off in Copake, NY earlier this year. Prices were very strong particularly for stacking teapots and breakfast sets.
It is, however, very difficult to establish prices which have any meaning at all. Chintz collecting is still relatively new; a teapot a New York City collector is willing to pay $1200 might turn up at a flea market in Iowa for $25. I still get calls all the time from someone who has bought a Sweet pea jam pot for $20 at a garage sale! An American dealer was bought a Royal Winton chintz teapot at an outdoor Canadian show on June 12 of this year for $8.00!
© 1997-1998 Susan Scott
No portion of this article may be copied, retransmitted, reposted, duplicated or otherwise
used without the express written approval of the author. SusanScottCA@aol.com
