Collecting 101

July 14, 2010 Back to top

What is Collecting?

Collecting, the art of acquiring similar items that hold a particular interest can be enjoyed by everyone. Young or old and mostly in between collecting is a pastime that no matter what you collect you can share with others. The thrill of the hunt on weekend mornings searching for hidden treasure is can be shared with others no matter where you go or what you collect. Over the next several weeks watch this space for collecting tips and market changes that I hope will increase your collecting enjoyment

July 31, 2010 Back to top

What Makes a Collectible?

There are many dying collectibles. Yes, it is true, many of the old stand-by's are now seeing large collections coming on the market with little collector interest, which results in over supply and very little demand. This may affect your collection. Remember that the Antique & Collectible Market is much like the stock market with different items going up & down. Your collection value will change frequently based on interest, market, supply and other factors. Point to remember - Just because it is an antique doesn't mean it will always go up in value.

August 6, 2010 Back to top

The First Step is Knowledge.

Knowledge does not come from looking up pieces in a price guide. The knowledge I am referring to is two fold. Seek to learn as much as you can about the company and the production lines, are there reproductions, is there a collector club or do you know other collectors. Before you start purchasing learn about the item. The old stand by is to know something well you should handle similar items 500 times. Visit auctions, estate sales and antique shops and learn how the piece is made, the difference in texture or smell - train your senses to know the item well. Now after doing all of your homework you are ready to become a savvy buyer.

August 13, 2010 Back to top

Price Guides

Savvy Collectors understand the price guides published about their collectible. Most never read the fine print. First remember it is only a guide and in today's economy the information is out of date by the time it is in the collector's hand. The best use for price guides is usually an identification guide. Check appropriate market trends from other sources like eBay and internet sites and compare those to what you find in the price guide.

August 20, 2010 Back to top

The Second Step is Planning

The savvy collector will plan their collection. Are you going to collect by quantity or quality? The collector who collects for quantity is on a mad hunt to find as many items as he/she possibly can. Filling shelves, and counter space with as many examples of what they are collecting. Remember it only takes 3 items to have a collection.

The collector who collects for quality is a patient hunter, who builds a smaller collection of the very best they can find. They will turn down items in their category that are in poor condition, have flaws, or easily found and common. Looking for only the best examples they can afford. The newer collector trend is to collect the top 25% of the field eliminating the common and easily found pieces.

September 22, 2010 Back to top

The Third Step is Buying

Now you are ready to purchase. You are armed with the knowledge you have gained and your plan of how you want to direct your collection. Most collectors state the fun is in the hunt. Where do you want to go hunting? Antique Malls are a good source, so are auctions and estate sales.

In an antique mall you may find a knowledgeable person to help you with additional information or put you in contact with the dealer and you can take your time making your choice. At auctions and estate sales the pace may be faster and you will have to make your choice more quickly. But these are the places you will find good buys. Don't forget the garage sale, although you may make a hundred stops before you find one thing you want you will find hidden treasures from time to time. This is why building your knowledge base is so important.

September 25, 2010 Back to top

The Last Step is Displaying

Make plans to display and care for your collectibles. You can devote a single room or scatter them around the house. The most important thing to remember is to keep them away from sun light and direct heat.

When displaying your collection ask yourself these questions:

• How can I best enjoy my collection?
• Is it breakable?
• Will exposure to normal household grease and dust that is in the air cause harm?
• Will frequent cleaning hurt the item?
• Do I use my collectibles?
• Does the item require special cleaning?
• Do I have adequate room to display?

When choosing a display case, choose a case that is appropriate for your home decor and your collectible. Remember that overcrowding your cabinet can lead to breakage.

October 2, 2010 Back to top

Insurance

The question with collectible insurance is to insure or not to insure. First you should talk with your insurance agent and ask how they would handle the collectible under your home owner’s policy. Frequently, the collectible can be covered under the personal property section of your policy. 

First, find out from your agent how the collectible will be handled. If the collectible is easily broken like glass or china you may need to consider a policy on breakage and you need to evaluate the possible likely hood of breakage. Yes, glass shelves can break and so can everything below them from too much weight and frequent vibration.

The more valuable the collection the more likely you will require some sort of insurance. Collectible insurance can be obtained from several companies a quick internet search will provide you with quotes and information.

The key to protecting your collection is documentation. Lost, stolen or broken it is your responsibility to prove what you had and what it is worth.