This activity will allow you to choose where you want to focus your time and
money, and give you years of pleasure and profit, along the way.
They say that trust can take years to build and can disappear in an instant, that is what has
happened in the financial markets.
Many people have decided to hold cash, to feel happier and more in control of their wealth, but the
income on cash is at an all time low, and even some of the respected banks have gone bust, needed
bailouts, or look to be in a very perilous state.
Major institutions and so-called wealth managers have been found to be lacking, and even some
mega Ponzi schemes have been uncovered.
Security is key, and the knowledge that your wealth is secure and not about to disappear or be
attacked. It’s at times like these, when the news is all doom and gloom that you need something to
raise your spirits, and something you can rely on.
I want to tell you about a market where trust is still the watch word... That will give you a unique
opportunity to take control of your finances and enrich your life.
This is a market where you can acquire a profitable asset that is solid and tangible, that you can both
enjoy and profit from in years to come.
In fact, in these times of global recession, this market is doing better than ever.
“Paul Fraser knows collectibles like Warren Buffett knows stocks,
or Bill Gross knows bonds.”
My name is Paul Fraser and I have been dealing in the top level of the collectibles markets for over
30 years.
During this time, I’ve learnt that the best way to secure your money is to invest it in something that
you can feel passionate about, where supply is diminishing and demand is rising.
In this report, I want to show you how you can discover where your passion lies and at the same
time make a solid investment.
Collectibles represent a chance for you to explore the hobby or interest you’ve always secretly
harboured... or the hobby or interest you’ve always dreamt of having.
Do you have an interest in art? Or have you ever wanted to learn more about it? How about vintage
wines or whisky?
If none of these appeal to you, then how about classic cars, rare books, vintage watches, jewellery,
war memorabilia, space memorabilia, autographs, coins or stamps?
If any of these things interest you, then good. Because, as you read on, I will tell you how you can
both enjoy and profit from them.
The fact is, most of us don’t have enough time for the things we enjoy doing. Our commitments,
responsibilities and schedules often get in the way. As they say: that’s life.
In my opinion, no it doesn’t. All it takes is the right organisation, help and expertise.
And I know there are millions of people worldwide who agree with me.
Over 30 years, I’ve learnt that collectibles can enhance your life and make you money at the same
time. And I’m going to show you exactly how.
I have always loved collectibles. And, ever since I sold my first major item – a signed Beatles LP – in
1978, they have been my absolute passion.
That same year, I founded Fraser’s Autographs. We were among the first companies to make people
realise that you can make money from autographs and manuscript material.
Fraser’s is currently Europe’s largest autograph and memorabilia dealer.
From autographs, I moved on to stamps and became sole owner of the Stanley Gibbons Group, the
world’s oldest and most famous stamp dealer.
Later, as Chairman of the Stanley Gibbons Group Plc, I successfully floated the company on the
London Stock Exchange.
This experience taught me how you can get the most enjoyment from collectibles and the best
investment returns.
And, now, I want to share everything that I’ve learned with you.
That’s why, in 2008, I sold my shareholding in Stanley Gibbons to dedicate my time to Paul Fraser
Collectibles Limited.
The global markets are supported by millions of passionate and dedicated collectors, with billions in
sales each year.
Also, without collectors, much of our history wouldn’t be here today. There would be no museums
or art galleries to enjoy.
For instance, did you know that Bill Gates, the richest man in the world, has a huge collection of rare
and classic paintings – and owns Leonardo Da Vinci’s Codicil, for which he paid £19 million?
Johnny Depp, meanwhile has a passion for rare, first edition books; Angelina Jolie collects Banksy
artwork (incidentally, Banksy’s largest ever exhibition is on in his, and our, hometown of Bristol as I
write); and Arnold Schwarzenegger collects vintage watches...
Of course, these people are millionaires. But you don’t need to be massively wealthy to make money
from collectibles.
But, before you get involved, it is vital that you have the right people helping you.
We understand that the two most important things with collectibles are quality and rarity. These
two characteristics ultimately define how much enjoyment and profit you will get from an item.
With collectibles, authenticity is where the true expertise comes in. That’s why we are here to offer
guidance, integrity and opinion where it matters so you can be confident in making the right
decisions for you.
• Diversification can reduce your exposure and risk. This is well documented. Merrill Lynch
advises clients to invest 10% of their wealth in these types of alternative investments
• Most collectibles bring annual percentage returns in the high single and low double figures,
and can be accurately calculated from historical data, price guides and auction results
• Collectibles are very liquid, so you can obtain the best prices with the right thought,
preparation and timing – and buy or sell them wherever is best in the world
• An increasing number of high-net-worth individuals are moving into these markets, looking
for a more active and personal involvement in their investments
• The demographics behind the markets are immense and growing rapidly. Baby-boomers are
resuming childhood hobbies, and it’s estimated that the over 50’s population will soon
control 80% of the world’s wealth.
So, while more and more people are appreciating the benefits of holding items of great historical
interest as physical assets, they don’t have access to the right specialist information or expertise, to
give them the confidence to invest.
At Paul Fraser Collectibles, our aim is to make sure that you do.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is establishing itself as the world’s #1 online information resource on all of
the world’s fastest-growing, most sought-after and most profitable collectible items.
The possibilities are endless, and over the next few pages, I will highlight some particular favourites
of ours. But whatever your area of interest, we hope that it’s covered here now or in the coming
months.
We will show you how to get involved, why, and how this should enrich your life.
Here’s a great 1st example...
Rare coins
“The opportunity to buy a rare coin is often rarer than the coin itself.”
Rare coins are one of the best categories for illustrating how
collectibles can offer enjoyment and rewarding investment
opportunities.
Rare coins are among the oldest and most prized forms of collectible.
Famous collectors include the former British Prime Minister Tony
Blair and actress Nicole Kidman.
Better still...
A recent study monitored the appreciation of coins over seven years. It found that coins can
accumulate gains of anything from 90% to 200% in that time.
For instance, an 1813 George III Guinea rose from £800 to £1,950 in seven years. That’s a growth
rate of 144%. Better still, the value of an Elizabeth I Sovereign coin rose from £3,100 to £8,500; an
increase of 174%.
Even better growth came from a 1723 George I SSC shilling. It rose from £85 to £300 over the seven
years – an amazing rise of 253%.
As you read on, I will show you some top range coins. High-end coin investing can open you to a
world of history and fascination...
For instance, Paul Fraser Collectibles currently has the Gold Sovereign, one of the most famed 22
carat bullion gold coins in the world.
First issued in 1817, during the reign of King George III (1760-1820), only 10 of these coins are today
thought to exist. Our example is for sale priced £40,000 ($66,000).
Also in our stock is a Gold Doppio Ducato (Double Ducat) from 1509. The second of four issued, it is
the only one to depict its subject Alfonso, 3rd Duke of Ferrara, with a beard.
Again, this coin is rare. Only five examples are thought to exist, two of which are in museums. We
are offering it to collectors priced £80,000 ($132,000).
Meanwhile, big coin sales have been taking place across the globe - most recently at Heritage
Auction Galleries’ Numismatic Auctions Week.
Heritage’s week-long auction in Texas made a total of $52 million in sales, led by the jaw-dropping
$3.7 million sale of the 1913 Liberty Nickel.
Recent years have seen a number of coins sell for record amounts. These include an English coin, a
single Edward III gold Double Florin or Double Leopard, which sold for £460,000.
One of the reasons I love coin collecting is for the surprises it can throw up.
For instance, last year, a lady dug up a coin in a field in Salisbury, England. Once the dirt had been
rubbed off its surface, the coin was identified as an extremely rare ninth century Anglo-Frisian gold
solidus.
“I like the history... coins don’t just bring you back to the Mint, they bring you back to the meeting
rooms at the Mint where they discussed what they were going to strike next. The designers came
up with all kinds of possibilities.”
Andrew Lustig, leading rare coin collector
As with stamps, rare misprints can also bring in large sums. Last year, between 50,000 and 200,000
UK 20 pence coins were accidentally minted without a date mark. Soaring demand saw one sell on
eBay for £7,100.
The sheer demand for rare coins ensures that they remain one of the most traditional, portable and
rewarding collectible investments.
Space
“Half a century ago the idea that the world’s leading fine art auction houses would one day be
selling space memorabilia might have been dismissed as science fiction...”
Last year was the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landings, and space memorabilia has been
making headlines.
These artefacts signify mankind’s bravery and scientific ingenuity unlike anything else. The heroism
and significance of the Apollo explorations will remain unique for all time.
These envelopes were signed by Apollo 11 crew members as a means of financial support for their
families, because they were unable to secure life insurance for their dangerous mission.
A personal cheque signed by Neil Armstrong on the day of his lunar mission sold for a record
$27,350. Astonishingly, its minimum bid price was only $500; it fetched 54 times the price.
Neil Armstrong lives the life of a virtual recluse and is the world’s rarest living signature.
I discovered this myself ten years ago, when I offered Armstrong £250,000 to sign 1,000 signatures.
He turned down my proposal.
And more recently, he politely refused to sign an autograph for the Speaker of the US House of
Congress.
I’ve now met seven of the 12 astronauts who have set foot on the moon.
And, in my view, space collectibles are among the
greatest tributes to mankind’s courage outside of war
memorabilia.
An Apollo 8 command module control panel ($2,196), a miniature U.S. flag carried on Apollo 11
($2,745), a medallion carried on Apollo 16 ($4,880) and ‘man’s first celestial measurements made
while on the moon’ ($128,000) have all sold at recent auctions.
As you can see; the 40th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission proved to be very lucrative for holders
of space memorabilia.
And, with the three Apollo 11 astronauts now approaching their 80th birthdays and Bonhams’ next
Space Sale scheduled for the 40th anniversary of Apollo 13 this year, you would be wise to consider
getting involved...
Classic cars
“These cars — with their exquisite lines and innovative designs — are works of art,
and their designers are artists.”
It gets better...
The highest valued car in the world is the 1957
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa. It sold for $12,402,500 at
RM/Sotheby’s in May, 2009. Rare finds like this 1937 Talbot BG110 Speed Tourer
can crop up at local auctions. It sold for £63,140
But, did you know that 16 of the top 25 collector cars with the greatest value appreciation are priced
at under $10,000. Their values rose by over 370% in four years, according to recent NADAguides
research.
Collector cars worth over $125,000 appreciated at an incredible average of 47% over four years,
according to the NADAguides survey.
The second highest, appreciating at 45%, were cars valued between $75,000 and $100,000. Cars
priced between $25,000 to $50,000 came third, appreciating at 39%.
Another recent auction, at Rétromobile in Paris, saw an impressive World Record sale. The 1970
Monteverdi 450SS Hai Berlinetta drove off the auction block for a record-breaking €398,000.
Of course, the older the car, the more it becomes a labour of love. Helpfully, sellers and auctions
uphold codes of honesty regarding the cars’ restoration histories, present conditions and MOT.
Rare stamps
“Remember, I wish to have the best collection – not just one of the best collections in England.”
King George V
The global stamp market includes two of the world’s most astute investors.
Warren Buffet, the second richest man in the world, is one of them. Bill Gross, head of the PIMCO
fund – the world’s largest with assets of $1 trillion under management – is another.
Mr Gross famously sold part of his Great Britain stamp collection to raise charity funds. He had
bought it for approximately £1.25 million. Its estimated selling price was £2.5 million. In the end, it
raised an overwhelming £5 million.
You should forget about the ‘stereotypical’ stamp collector – they don’t exist. Noteworthy collectors
include The Queen, Portuguese footballer Louis Figo, the Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, pop
singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor and tennis superstar Maria Sharapova.
As former Chairman of Stanley Gibbons, a great
deal of my background has been in stamp
dealing.
Well, for starters, let’s look at the Stanley Gibbons GB30 rarities index, which tracks the performance
of the 30 rarest British stamps.
It has outperformed UK property, the Standard & Poors 500, the Dow Jones index, the FTSE 100
Total Returns Index, the Hang Seng index, and gold over a 10-year period.
The Index shows an average return of 9.5% per annum over the last 50 years. This highlights the low
volatility of stamps and other collectible markets.
And prices for individual stamps have appreciated by as much as 466.7%. The average return within
the index is +245.2% over the 10 year period.
Here’s something else...
The overall current stamp market is estimated to be worth some £6 billion per annum. And stamps
are recognised to be the third most traded category on eBay.
“Stamp collecting dispels boredom, enlarges our vision, broadens our knowledge, makes us better
citizens and, in innumerable ways, enriches our lives.”
President Roosevelt
The values and appreciation of stamps continue to amaze each year. In February, a rare “invert”
1869 American 24-cent stamp sold at Philip Weiss auctions for $1.2
million – a new world record for a U.S. invert.
Another record sale was the sale of a plate block of four 1918 24¢
USA Inverted Jenny airmail stamps to Bill Gross for $2.97 million in
2006 - easily the highest price ever paid for any USA stamp item of
any era. It trebled the block’s previous selling price of $1.1 million in
1989.
The sale then gained further publicity when Mr Gross swapped the
block of Jennys for a single Scott 85 “grill” US stamp, worth $935,000
(the most expensive single US stamp). As a result, he now owns the
Small stamps mean big only complete collection of 19th Century US stamps in existence.
business: this 1869 American
24-cent stamp sold for a These, of course, are high-end market examples. The great thing
staggering $1.2 million about stamp investing is that entry level investments can be as low
as £1000...
The stamp market is underpinned by 50 million collectors worldwide. And there are now over 18
million stamp collectors in China alone.
China is sure to have a positive impact on rare stamp prices over the next decade as the country’s
personal wealth and disposable income grows. A similar growth in interest is expected in India,
where the hobby is still in its infancy.
Stamp investing is also growing thanks to the global ageing population. Many people are returning
to their childhood hobby, or starting afresh after years of being too busy with other things.
Stamp collecting is not only a massive worldwide hobby – its markets are highly lucrative and
accessible, and it is one of the most rewarding forms of collectible investment.
Memorabilia
“Like the museums that protect and preserve artefacts for future generations, collectors share a
similar responsibility – we are insuring that the smaller pieces and parts are not forgotten.”
A collector
Memorabilia – from the Latin, meaning ‘memorable’ – can be anything of value associated to a
person or event in history.
We could be talking about the Beatle’s multi-coloured soldier uniforms, or Jimi Hendrix’s Fender
Stratocaster guitar. Even the young Henry VIII’s chainmail and suit of armour...
This makes it one of the most unlimited and varied collectibles categories – with endless
opportunities for you as a collector or investor.
And how would you like to own the Chesterfield sofa that once
belonged to Britain's war-time leader Winston Churchill and
adorned his private Whitehall office? It sold for £7,500 at auction
last year, with an initial selling estimate of just £80.
The accompanying photo of Memorabilia doesn’t just relate to historical items. They can be rare
Marilyn Monroe wearing this and unique items from sport or modern popular culture.
necklace helped the now-
damaged item sell for $63,000 At the recent Hawaiian Islands Vintage Surf Auction, an 11 foot
foam sandwich board from 1950 used by the early surfing pioneer Bob Simmons sold for $40,000.
Elsewhere, the chair on which author JK Rowling wrote the first two Harry Potter books while still an
unemployed single mother living in an Edinburgh council flat recently sold for £20,000.
The sale was testament to Rowling’s status as the Beatrix Potter of her generation. At Paul Fraser
Collectibles, we have an edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone signed by Rowling,
valued at £1,250 ($2,065).
If you have a love for celebrities, pop culture, sport or politics, then memorabilia can be the most
exciting and rewarding investment route for you to explore...
Art
“Buying art should feel the same as falling in love.”
You will have seen the large figures that high-profile paintings
sell for. Currently, the highest valued artwork is No. 5, 1948
by Jackson Pollock. It was sold privately in 2006 by U.S.
record company mogul David Geffen for £140 million.
Famous art collectors include the business luminary Samuel Irving, composer Andrew Lloyd-
Webber, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who are both fans of the British artist Banksy, and Banksy
himself.
But art investing isn’t just for the super wealthy... In fact, many pieces auction for £1,500 to £2,000.
And you can put together a reasonable portfolio for £25,000.
The beauty of art as an investment is that its language is subjective and unique.
Wolfgang Wilke, Vice-President, Dresdner Bank's Economics Department, has been researching art
and economics for the last 20 years. According to him:
“... the search for alternatives to the classic forms of investment will ensure that art as an asset
class will enjoy an unimagined upswing."
Imagine what that can mean to your life...
Icons – whether it is the artist or the subject – generally make good investments. My own experience
in the art world has included selling a unique Picasso sketch for just £25,000. Just imagine: you, too,
could own a genuine Picasso...
That’s more than 100 times what Pauline Karpidas, the London-based art collector, paid for it in
1986.
“There are no rules... Sharks can be good. Artist’s dung can be good. Oil on canvas can be good.”
Recent auctions and fairs have demonstrated that known names, old and new, are selling for large
amounts.
Last year, ‘The Property of a Lady’, a portrait of Venice by the 16th century artist Giovanni Antonio
Canal, aka Canaletto, sold at Sotheby’s for more than twice its £8 million maximum bid estimate,
bringing in £18.6 millon.
And the leading contemporary British artist Julian Opie proved a success at the Lisson Gallery,
London. Seven of his works sold on the opening night, each in the region of £25,000.
“He is a good artist for the recession as his prices have remained very reasonable,” said Nicholas
Logsdail of the gallery.
One of the big surprises of the Yves Saint Laurent sale in Paris in February was the huge prices given
for work by the husband-and-wife sculptors François-Xavier and Claude Lalanne. A set of 15 mirrors
by Claude, for instance, sold for £1.6 million.
Economic downturn can equal great opportunities for investors. At a Christie’s Orientalist sale in
London, a Turkish market scene by the Italian painter Alberto Pasini sold for £375,000 (with fees).
This was a clear bargain – Panini works last year sold for $945,000 and $2.2 million.
John Keats
Ten years ago, a 1950s Rolex Datocompax stainless steel chronograph would trade for around
£9,000. Today, it sells for up to £85,000 – almost ten times the price.
For instance, also ten years ago, Panerais watches - designed to strap over a wetsuit and featuring a
huge, clear dial – could be found lying unwanted in boxes in Italy. Today, they can’t be bought for
less than £20,000. But once a watch acquires value, it will generally retain it.
Estimated at $10,000 to $15,000, the bracelet sold for three times this amount thanks to its
historical significance and rarity, selling for $42,700.
Incidentally, two very rare Patek Philippe watches sold at the same auction for $252,000 and
$132,000.
By scouring the market and hunting out older, classic watches, you can acquire both a bargain and a
safe home for your money.
With watches from the 1950s selling for £300,000 to £400,000, it is easy to why the Financial Times
and CNN view vintage watch collecting as a guarantor of monetary growth and “safe haven” for
investors.
“The quality remains long after the price has been forgotten.”
You have an opportunity to own a solid, uncommon and highly-collectible vintage item - and to wear
it for all to see and be dazzled.
The quality, magnificence and rarity of jewellery and vintage watches surely guarantees their place
as a sound long-term investment, and an enjoyable and profitable part of any portfolio.
And you can learn more about them in our FREE newsletter...
Winston Churchill
• They are in limited supply: so the production of a particular vintage of, say, Margaux wine is
constantly diminishing. And younger vintages are constantly improving.
Prices for the very best wines have risen by an average of 15% per year over the past 25 years. Quiet
periods, i.e. 1998 to 2002, being more-than balanced out by the busy ones, i.e. 2005 to 2007.
And, according to a report by The Guardian, investors who had the foresight to put their money into
fine wine in the late 80s have been lately been enjoying returns of 12% a year.
For long-term investment opportunities, it is worth considering China’s rapidly developing interest in
fine wines...
Hong Kong has become the capital of high-end collecting. Chinese collectors are spending
substantially on investment-quality wine, adopting it as a luxury good and a mark of prestige. And, in
China, they don’t just store vintage wines, they drink them...
There are no limits to alcohol or cigar investing – but it is vital that you know what you’re doing.
However, if you do your research and match your investment with passion, the rewards can be
huge...
A recent wine auction held in Hong Kong by Sotheby's saw all but five of the 1,010 lots sell-out -
bringing a combined HK$61.5m (over $7.9m).
Most impressive was the record-breaking sale of a six-litre bottle of Chateau Pétrus 1982, selling for
HK$726,000 ($94,000).
And this success is set to continue into 2011, despite the recession, say leading economic analysts.
Collectible and vintage wine consumption is set to increase by a staggering 41.4% in China and 36.8%
in Hong Kong before 2011, according to their new research.
Last year, Aubrey K. McClendon, chief executive of the Chesapeake Energy Corporation, auctioned
his 9,000-bottle wine collection at Sotheby’s in two parts – half in New York and half in Hong Kong.
The sales came close to $9 million – well above the $5 million presale estimate.
And forget about the old stereotype of wine investors as red-faced old men, swilling and spitting
claret in a damp cellar... Today's serious investors carry out rigorous research into the best growers
and store their wine merchants’ temperature-controlled cellars.
After some very competitive bidding, they sold for twice their estimate: $38,400.
Get the price and timing right and returns can be handsome. A 1986 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild
Bordeaux bought for £3,150 a case in 2005 now sells for over £9,600 - a return of 200%. Even the
price of a 2008 Chateau Lafite has jumped 56% within a year.
Whisky has made its mark at auction houses in recent years. A collection of mixed Scotch, totalling
729 bottles, sold for $102,000 at Christie’s. And the legendary Bowmore Trilogy – featuring the
Black, White and Gold each bottled – auctioned for the first time, bringing $21,600.
A bottle of Macallan 1926 was a star Christie’s attraction in 2007. It was projected to fetch $30,000,
but went for $54,000. It is the most expensive bottle of Scotch whisky ever sold by the auction
house.
Since then, a bottle of the Springbank 1919 has been put up of the Worldwide Whiskey Index priced
€55,000 – making it the most valuable whisky in the world.
Christie’s was the first auction house to hold sales devoted exclusively to cigars. This included rare
pre-embargoed boxes from the turn of the century, to vintage cigars from the 1970s, 80s and 90s.
Outstanding prices included a cabinet of one-hundred 1970s Romeo y Julieta Casa Reales cigars,
which sold for £8,000.
Mark Twain
So, do you fancy becoming an expert on whisky, wines or cigars? The rich sweetness, spice and
lingering finish of a rare distilled whisky is certainly preferable to a stocks or bonds sheet. Particularly
when that whisky can bring you 15% annual returns...
At a time when “buy and hold” investing is such an uncertainty, here is a safe and long-term
appreciating asset that you can thoroughly enjoy and turn into a passion.
Autographs
The value of autographs and historical signatures depends on their condition, age and rarity.
Important signed documents or letters can also sell for large amounts.
But, with autographs, there is another fascinating factor: the historical importance of the signer...
For instance, as you read this, Michael Jackson autographs are gaining the same historical
importance as autographs by Marilyn Monroe or James Dean.
With autographs, the mark left by achievers and legends in the arts, literature, sport, military or
sciences can be held in your hands.
I’ve always loved the buzz of knowing that the piece of paper or document I’m holding has been in
the hands of Elvis Presley, Einstein, John Lennon, Charles Dickens or George Washington...
Some of the best performers on the autographs market, of late, include: Michael Jackson, John
Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, Walt Disney, Andy Warhol, Fidel Castro, Neil
Armstrong, Pele and Laurel & Hardy.
I say ‘best performers’ because the value of each of their signatures has increased at least six-fold in
ten years. And others have appreciated by considerably more...
Autographs are a uniquely personal form of investment – and their rise in value reflects this. And
here’s the best thing: they are not expensive to buy.
A significant portfolio of investment grade autographs can be assembled at relatively low cost. Many
of the 100 most actively traded autographs sell for prices that range from a few hundred to a few
thousand pounds.
Although, like all the best collectibles, the rarest signatures are the most valuable; particularly if
signed by monarchs and emperors from further back in history.
For instance, Henry VIII’s signature currently averages £48,000 – probably due to interest generated
by the 500th anniversary of his accession.
Unique documents with important content featuring his signature will sell for much more. I’ve had
the pleasure of selling two Henry VIII autographs for £48,000 ($79,200) each, both in 2009. And we
have another currently available in our stock worth over four times as much...
It is a letter which changed the course of history: Henry VIII’s personal divorce plea, written by
Henry himself to the Catholic Church in 1529. It is worth £275,000 ($450,000).
In terms of figures, autographs have shown a growth rate of over 20% per annum.
And the good news is that autograph markets are largely unaffected by the credit crunch. Sales into
2009 have been very healthy, as confirmed by the Financial Times in March.
For instance, in June, the original signed photo of Einstein sticking out his tongue sold for $74,324, a
record price. This certainly contradicts the pitfalls of the stock market.
You will find that autograph markets are very accessible. The biggest, and only, real danger in this
investment is ensuring authenticity. And, at Paul Fraser Collectibles, our experts are among the best
people in the world to help you do this...
Of all the collectors’ niches I’ve mentioned, none captures history more
poignantly than war medals and memorabilia.
The medal market is buoyant, and currently worth an estimated $33m per
annum. Medals offer good appreciation, and there are many bargains for
collectors.
What’s more, the 2014 centenary of the start of World War I is set to push
up prices...
And, in November 2009, the only VC and bar – or ‘double VC’ – to be awarded during the First
World War – and one of only three awarded in history – was sold for an incredible £1.5m.
Meanwhile, an 1815 Waterloo medal, the first British campaign medal, cost £350 in 1990. Today, it
sells for around £3,500.
Big gains can be made with famous war medals. For example, a
medal awarded to one of the soldiers featured in the 1964 film Zulu,
depicting the Battle of Rorke’s Drift (each medal was named) could
be worth £30,000.
The VC of another war hero, Wing Commander Guy Gibson, who led
the Dambusters raid to breach dams in the Ruhr in Germany in 1943,
would probably sell for more than £300,000 if it came to auction.
And there are plenty of items available for less... A Royal Air Force
Distinguished Flying Cross group of five medals awarded to WW2 Today, the record price for a
Flight Lieutenant John Edgar Percival Oxborrow – who carried out his Victoria Cross, the highest
sortie despite the loss of an aircraft engine – recently sold for £6,110 military declaration, is
at Bonhams. £491,567, while a Double VC
sold for an incredible £1.5m
At a previous Bonhams sale, a Second World War Gallantry group of
five medals won by a 19-year old Chesterfield soldier who was subsequently awarded the Military
Cross. They are being auctioned at a guide price of £2,000 to £2,500, along with a newspaper article
describing the young soldier’s heroic acts.
Although Second World War memorabilia can offer plenty of gains, First World War medals remain
the best investment. A good place for collectors to start is with their regional battalions, many of
which have long since been disbanded.
Following the recent death of Harry Patch at 111, the last surviving British soldier to fight in the
trenches during World War I, attentions will undoubtedly be focussed on memorabilia from that era
of conflict.
And even older treasures can crop up... A crimson jacket worn by an Oxford Light Infantry officer at
the 1815 Battle of Waterloo sold for £16,500 at a recent London auction – eight times more than
expected.
Remember...
This is an opportunity for you to research and immerse yourself in the heroism of previous
generations. And, more than any other investment, you can be sure that you are helping to ensure
that the brave remain unforgotten – and that their legacy is protected and preserved for future
generations.
Rare books
“It is a man's duty to have books. A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessaries of life.”
Books have many appealing factors, from the fame and history
surrounding them to the classic artwork that often adorns their
th
“The most expensive piece of 20 covers.
Century printed paper,”: This first
edition of The Great Gatsby sold for
And a recent auction of books, from the esteemed collector
a record $180,000 at Bonhams
Adrian H. Goldstone, at Bonhams, New York, threw up a number
of gems...
Described by experts as being possibly, “the most expensive piece of 20th Century printed paper in
book collecting,” a 1925 first edition of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby easily surpassed its
estimate price of $80,000 to $120,000. Thanks, in part, to its rare and remarkably good dust jacket,
the book sold for $180,000.
Another iconic – and outperforming – sale was the first edition of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick.
Printed in 1851 and it its original blue cloth binding, the attractive copy easily exceeded its top
estimate of $20,000, bringing in $30,500.
A first edition of Dashiell Hammett’s Red Harvest also brought in fantastic results. In its original red
cloth covers and dust-jacket, it soared past expectations, bringing in more than five times its top
estimate of $5,000 for a final price of $27,450.
“That is a good book which is opened with expectation, and closed with delight and profit.”
This is because it was once the fashion to remove them. Consequently, books published in the 1930s
are rarely found with dust jackets intact.
According to Emotional Asset Research & Management, the long term annual return from books is in
the region of 9% per annum (over 20 years) with relatively low volatility (standard deviation of less
than 5%).
It is imperative that a rare first edition book is looked after, and you do not allow the course of time
or poor handling to reduce their value.
The Paul Fraser Collectibles FREE newsletter has more information on how you can profit from these
literary treasures.
Unique items
“To renew the old world, that is the collector’s greatest desire”
Walter Benjamin
Unique film memorabilia can also reap massive returns. For instance, the most expensive example of
James Bond memorabilia – the 1965 Aston Martin DB5 that appeared in Goldfinger – sold for
£1.1m at auction in 2006.
It’s been 21 years since a Lenin death mask last appeared on the market. Since then, they have only
been viewable in museums. Today, Paul Fraser Collectibles has one of the 14 masks, valued at
£35,000 ($57,000).
Of course, there are many people who would dearly love to own this item. In Russia alone, there are
32 billionaires and around 97,000 millionaires – the second wealthiest of whom, Roman
Abramovich, is a keen collector.
But we take pleasure in offering this Lenin death mask at a price which isn’t exclusive to millionaires
– to ensure that the right owner acquires and preserves this treasured Soviet artefact.
Russians are known for valuing their history. But, for other cultures, movie and music memorabilia is
just as important...
Last year, an original miniature model of the Star Wars rebel TIE fighter went for £203,767 and
Stormtrooper helmets used in the film have been known to fetch more than £13,000.
Elsewhere, a Sears model bass guitar used by U.S. rock musician Kurt Cobain to record his early
demos recently went under the hammer at the Christie’s pop and rock memorabilia sale.
It sold for $43,750 – and the item should continue to appreciate over time.
So, the world of unique collecting is limitless. It provides plentiful opportunities to explore your
whims and indulge your eccentricities...
Paul Fraser Collectibles has this expertise and the inside line to all the world’s top dealers, auction
houses and collectors. They are our friends and colleagues, and it’s taken us years to build these
relationships.
Our own experts have sold many unique items over the years. As a Beatles fan, I was very proud to
handle the deal that saw the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. become the proud owners of
John Lennon’s childhood stamp album. It contains what is believed to be John Lennon’s earliest
known signature.
These are one-off, special pieces; the kind of things that I have hunted-out and specialised in for
over 30 years.
Items that work for you, both as a collector and as an investor. They are parts of history –interesting
pieces that are a joy to hold, and an honour to own.
In time, you could find yourself owning a unique stamp that once took pride of place in the Royal
Philatelic Collection of King George V, original Beatles
lyrics, an early English Gold Coin or even a piece of
moon rock from an Apollo mission.
Our aim is to offer you viable – and more enjoyable – alternatives to mainstream investments. We
aim to provide you with continued FREE information and opinion.
Our weekly newsletter will be hitting your inbox FREE of charge. Have a read – and then you’ll be in a
position to make informed choices in these fascinating markets.
The newsletter is full of recent news and events, auction results, market trends and expert
comment. It includes interviews from famous collectors , auction houses, dealers, and institutions
that hold rare artefacts and collectibles.
If you have any questions, please call us on +44 (0) 117 933 9500. Each of our experts has an
association with something – whether it’s art, classic cars, rare stamps, autographs or unique pieces.
You will see that we are very passionate about what we do. We are all keen collectors ourselves, and
we look forward to talking to you.
Our sole aim is to provide you with expert comment and exciting news from the collectibles world,
offering you unprecedented access to this rewarding area of collecting and investment.
Please feel free to send this report to any colleagues or friends, and also tell them about our FREE
newsletter.
We would love to share our passion with you. To find out more, contact us on +44 (0) 117 933 9500.
Or email us at info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
Kind regards,
Paul Fraser
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
info@paulfrasercollectibles.com
P.S. Remember, we look forward to talking to you at any time. Please give us your feedback on
our FREE newsletter, and let us know if there are any other areas of interest that you would
like us to cover.
P.P.S. Start collecting today... this could be the most rewarding activity you have ever taken part
in, from the day-to-day satisfaction to the financial reward at the end.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is owned and published by Tika Lifestyles Ltd trading as www.paulfrasercollectibles.com , of Bristol, UK.
Readers are advised that this electronic publication is issued solely for information purposes.
The views expressed herein are based upon our analysis of information collected around the world, and assumes both their accuracy and
completeness.
The opinions and statements included herein are based on sources (including the companies discussed and public sources) believed to be
reliable and in good faith, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to their accuracy, completeness or
correctness, We have not independently verified the information contained herein. This information is not intended to be used as the sole
basis of any investment decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the investment needs of any particular investor.
We encourage you to consult with independent financial advisors with respect to any investment in the items mentioned herein. All
information contained in Paul Fraser Collectibles should be independently verified. The foregoing discussion contains statements which
are based on current expectations, estimates and projections, and differences from such expectations, estimates and projections can be
expected.
The information contained in this newsletter is not intended to be a complete discussion of information regarding all of the current and/or
intended Collectible areas covered. Any opinions expressed in Paul Fraser Collectibles are statements of judgement as of the date of
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Tika Lifestyles Ltd (Trading as Paul Fraser Collectibles), PO Box 2945, Bristol BS8 9FZ, UK