Treasures from a bygone era

Antique aficionados have we got news for you. The South African Antiques Dealers’ association are setting up base at the Kirstenbosch Conference Centre (as they do every February), to auction off, sell and display rarities from around the world. 

On 11 and 12 February approximately 18 dealers from across South Africa will be exhibiting an extensive range of antiques – from art to furniture to jewellery.
 
We’re extremely excited about Quagga Books and Art’s sale of two James Bond first editions. Casino Royale (1953) was the first Bond novel available and only 4728 copies were printed. Originally selling for 10 shillings and sixpence, today copies sell for closer to R200 000. There is also an original copy of The Man With the Golden Gun (1965). The fair is in possession of an exceedingly rare copy with the golden gun embossed on the front board. Only 150 copies were printed, before being cancelled. Later a further print run of 82 000 copies were released without the embossed gun. Today copies with the gun sell for between R50 000 and R100 000.
 
Other exciting antiques up for grabs are ‘Abstract’, a painting by Walter Battiss, as well as two rare sculptures: ‘Snake Charmer’ by Professor Poertzel (circa 1925) and ‘Mephistopheles and a Masked Dancer’ by Roland Paris (circa 1925).
 
The fair promises to be a feast for the eyes, and who knows – you might come across a few treasures for yourself. Entrance is R30 and thewhole family is welcome.
 
More information: www.saada.co.za, www.quaggabooks.co.za