Market Update:
Queen Elizabeth II Memorabilia
Signed letters •
Cars
•
Photographs
Background:
Since 1953 the Queen has presided over the UK and the Commonwealth. Instantly recognisable the world-over, she is the only British monarch many have ever known.
The Queen has huge global appeal, having visited 130 countries
during her reign. She draws vast crowds wherever she goes. She is
particularly loved in the US, where there is great fascination with
the British monarchy and its traditions.
And for those who say that enthusiasm for the Queen and the monarchy is dwindling, just take a look at the crowds who flocked to
London for the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and the 2.24bn viewers who watched around the world.
20 March 2012
Recommendation:
BUY
Key changes:
•
$70,000
Queen’s Daimler sells in 2010
•
£4,700
Paid in 2011 for two letters from
the Queen
•
Diamond Jubilee year
Huge celebrations are planned in the
UK and globally
What’s new?
A 1984 Daimler, driven by the Queen between 1984 and 1990, sold
for $70,000 at a US auction in August 2010.
Two handwritten Elizabeth II signed letters to her second cousin
Lady Mary Cambridge, written following the births of Prince Charles
in 1948 and Prince Andrew in 1960, sold for a combined £4,700
($7,600) at a UK auction in April 2011.
A collection of photos of the Queen as a young child, as well as
letters and ephemera, sold for £8,500 ($13,485) at a UK auction in
May 2011, 41.6% above their £6,000 estimate.
The Paul Fraser Collectibles View:
Recent global auction results are testament to the demand for Queen
Elizabeth II memorabilia around the world. Because every facet of
the Queen’s life is tightly controlled, very few items appear for sale.
Those that do are highly sought-after by royal collectors.
The Queen’s signature is particularly hard to obtain. This is because
members of the royal family rarely sign autographs. The only examples of the Queen’s signature you tend to find are on official documents or in personal correspondence.
Page 1 • Queen Elizabeth II Memorabilia Market Update • 20 March 2012
Adrian Roose (Analyst)
+ 44 (0) 117 933 9503
[email protected]
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Market Update:
A 2010 poll conducted in Australia, widely regarded as one of the least
enthusiastic supporters of the monarchy among Commonwealth countries, revealed that just 44% of its citizens thought a republic should
be established, down 8% from 2008, and the lowest figure since 1994.
These numbers are indicative of the resurgence in affection for the
monarchy that is being seen around the world.
The continuing love of the monarchy and the Queen, allied with the
scarcity of her collectibles, leads us to rate Queen Elizabeth II memorabilia as a BUY.
Demographics behind the market:
A recent study found that the British royal family is worth £107m
($168m) a year to London through tourism. The Queen is a key factor
behind these figures.
413,000 visitors paid to look round Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s
London abode, in the summer of 2010 – the highest total since 1994.
Crowds flock to the palace’s gates to watch the changing of the guard
every other day.
A poll in 2011 revealed that 80% of those in the over-55 bracket wished
for the Queen to stay on the throne rather than abdicate. The high
popularity of the Queen among the wealthiest demographic is great
news for investors looking to the long-term future of her memorabilia
market.
The Queen, a 2006 film starring Helen Mirren, accrued a huge £77m
($123m) in global box office takings. The film won a BAFTA for best film
and was nominated for an Oscar. All are indications of the global public’s enduring fascination with the Queen.
Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Philip
Autographed Photograph
FOR SALE: £1,750
Market Performance Catalyst:
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be marked by major celebrations in
June 2012 throughout the Commonwealth. In London there will be a
major concert at Buckingham Palace as well as a pageant on the River
Thames in London. A number of museums in the capital will also be
hosting special Queen- orientated exhibitions, including the National
Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
A new film detailing the Queen and her sister Margaret on a night on
the town to celebrate the end of the second world war is currently in
production. Its release will receive significant media attention.
The Queen remains in robust health, yet sadly there will come a day
when she is no longer with us. When this occurs, we expect to witness
a huge outpouring of emotion, and large numbers of new collectors
Page 2 • Queen Elizabeth II Memorabilia Market Update • 20 March 2012
For further reports in this series please email
[email protected]
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Market Update:
to enter the market – pushing prices for her memorabilia higher. We
believe the affection for the Queen and her reign will remain strong
for decades following her passing.
Summary:
Demand for Queen Elizabeth II memorabilia remains extremely high,
yet opportunities to purchase are few.
We have seen:
•
•
The $70,000 sale of the Queen’s Daimler in 2010
The £4,700 auction of two handwritten letters of the
Queen in 2011
Such is her enduring popularity, we assert that Queen Elizabeth II
memorabilia is an excellent buy as a long-term investment.
Key reasons to invest:
• The current low interest environment represents a real
opportunity to build a valuable collection for long term value
• Many alternative investments are classified as ‘wasting assets’
and do not come into inheritance or Capital Gains Tax
calculations
• Unique collectibles have historically been considered ‘safe
havens’ and have a low correlation with traditional financial
investments
• World record prices are being achieved despite the recession
• There are estimated to be 200m serious collectors worldwide underpinning prices
2012
The Queen’s
Diamond
Jubilee year
1952-2012
• The population of the BRIC countries is expected to double
in the next 40 years, adding significantly to the number of
collectors
• The Baby Boomer generation is making its way through the
system and is now responsible for 80% of the world’s wealth
• Baby Boomers are living longer than previous generations,
with a higher level of disposable income, and with time on
their hands to pursue collecting in a serious way
• The population of the BRIC countries is expected to double
in the next 40 years, adding significantly to the number of
collectors
Page 3 • Queen Elizabeth II Memorabilia Market Update • 20 March 2012
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
Market Update:
• The Baby Boomer generation is making its way through the
system and is now responsible for 80% of the world’s wealth
• Baby Boomers are living longer than previous generations,
with a higher level of disposable income, and with time on
their hands to pursue collecting in a serious way
• Many Institutional Funds have been created in collectibles
with many more waiting in the wings. These funds will add
significantly to the pressure on prices and to a shortage of
unique pieces on the market
•
2011 Diamond Jubilee
Celebrations
•
Growing middle class worldwide with disposable income
• Collectibles as part of your overall portfolio give you greater
control over allocating and preserving your wealth, and the
ability to manage the process yourself, giving you confidence
where it has been lost in the bigger financial product areas
•
Historic legacy
•
Few items available for sale
KEY FACTS:
About Paul Fraser Collectibles:
Paul Fraser Collectibles is recognised as one of the world’s leading
boutique providers of investment grade collectibles.
Our company specialises in historical manuscripts, autographs, memorabilia, rare coins, postage stamps, art, first edition books, classic
cars, fine wine and military medals.
We also offer a unique, free worldwide news service with subscribers
in 212 countries, including a loyal following of Financial Advisers and
Wealth Managers.
Paul Fraser Collectibles also boasts an expert panel, with more than
250 years’ experience and $750m of sales to its name.
Our current inventory includes Queen Elizabeth II signed Christmas
card, Henry VIII signed documents and an original Declaration of
Independence.
Many items qualify for our unique 120% guarantee.
For full details on our services, and for other free reports in this
series, please contact us at:
[email protected]
+44 (0) 117 933 9503
This document is non-independent investment research and a marketing communication.
Page 4 • Queen Elizabeth II Memorabilia Market Update • 20 March 2012
For further reports in this series please email
www.paulfrasercollectibles.com
[email protected]