From the Sack Volumes - Volume V - Brochure #26

A Saga of Connoiseurship - The Taradash Collection

Every American family, rich or poor, sees their real worth threatened with the shrinking value of the dollar, the high cost of living and the danger of increasing inflation. Through the 1960's most people sought to invest what capital they could in areas to keep pace with inflation--stocks, other financial investments, real estate, art and antiques. Most of these investments during that period rose with the tide. However, with the dislocation of the early 1970's stock did not automatically continue to rise, rather the reverse, but the best performance in the market was in the "blue chips." The same was true of antiques. The average and even above average antiques like the majority of stocks had risen to prices well beyond their potential and had priced many people out of the market. The consumers, caught in the money crunch and the high prices of the average antiques, slowed down on their home furnishing. For those buying for investment the average items could not generate stimuli to buy at the prices they demanded. Not true of antique blue chips. Their performance, even at the high price levels they had reached, proved far better and more stable than other financial investments.

We have seen many cycles in the ebb and flow of antique values. We are absolutely convinced that truly great genuine objects of Americana have not nearly reached their potential. First, the Bi-Centennial, with its planned exhibits and emphasis on our heritage, cannot help but add impetus to the collecting of Americana. Second, this exposure could induce American museums throughout the country to form collections of or add major objects of American decorative arts. For a generation, with few exceptions, the museums have not been active competitors in the market for American antique furniture. Third, in 1976, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is holding a major exhibition of American decorative arts, including fifty great pieces of American furniture, sponsored by the British Government. Not only is it significant that American art is finally recognized by English connoisseurs, but also it could easily open up the field to world collecting.

Virtually all items in this brochure have been assembled with the past six months and are offered here for invest in enrichment--both spiritual and financial.