Stanley Gibbons chief executive Mike Hall holding an unusual investment opportunity – a guitar signed by members of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 0677241)
INVESTING in collectables is the best way in the current economic climate to secure and raise capital, according to Stanley Gibbons chief executive Mike Hall.
The company held an open evening at its Bordage premises which allowed guests to browse a selection of investment signatures, stamps and other memorabilia.
Mr Hall said the event also acted as an opportunity for islanders who attended to ask about the benefits of investing in collectables.
Despite being based in Guernsey, he said very few islanders had put money with them compared to people from other countries.
‘The main reason that people invest in the products we offer is because it’s diversifying their wealth. When the property market collapses, the stamps and collectables market tends to go through a boom period.
‘What we offer is a unique way to protect a person’s capital at a better rate than they would get in a bank.At times of high inflation, such as in the 1970s, Mr Hall said stamp prices went up by 600% on average .
‘Although it flattened out for a few years afterwards, it just goes to show the point that it is possible to make very good returns.
‘We explain to people who come to see us that we can offer them a guaranteed minimum return after five years plus 25% on a five-year contract. It’s also treated as a capital gain and therefore not taxable in the Channel Islands.’
Some of the memorabilia on display and still on sale included a guitar signed by members of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones, a Pablo Picasso sketch and a King Edward IV signature priced at £150,000. The signature is the earliest of any British royal you can own as all earlier known ones are in museums.
A charity auction at the event raised £230 for Les Bourgs Hospice and £1,620 for Headway Guernsey.
Article posted on 3rd December, 2008 - 2.30pm
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