Readers’ forum: Is capital gains tax applicable when selling antique almanacks?

Chattels exemption

My client owns a number of 19th century Wisden Cricketers’ Almanacks. Some of these are now selling for sums between £2 000 and £5 000.

If he sells each one individually I believe that the chattels exemption will apply and no capital gains tax will be payable. But what happens if he sells a group of them together? I appreciate that if he sold a run of say the first ten issues that would be a set and the special rules would apply. But if he sells a selection of early titles which don’t form part of a consecutive run would that be a set if they are sold to the same individual? I think not but I would welcome readers’ views.

My client is not in the book trade and I don’t think that there is any risk of disposals being taxed...