Collecting and Then Some

I've been told by many experienced collectors that new collectors have a tendency to collect in many different product genres and, over time, they will narrow their focus and develop an expertise or specialization in one, two or a few product categories. Well, although I'm still considered an antique "newbie" - the more time that passes, the more antiques I become interested in! So what's a girl to do?

Well, I've decided not to squelch my interest in "ALL things old". If I stop to think about my marketing firm in my previous life, I had much the same approach. As a small business person with limited resources, I wore many different hats and, quite frankly, I am knowledgeable about most things related to marketing but truly an EXPERT at none of them. And maybe that's not such a bad thing.

When you consider the wealth of information available, it is reasonable to think that I could do a fair amount of "due diligence" on any given antique. For instance, today I participated in the second live auction by Auctionwally (www.auctionwally.com) on Bonanzle (www.bonanzle.com). I bought a couple of things that I know nothing about including an antique Iver Johnson tool. What's an Iver Johnson tool you may ask? Well, I couldn't begin to tell you BUT the Web affords me the opportunity to conduct research, ask questions of professionals and even get a basic appraisal for under $10.

But maybe this isn't the way to approach antiques... I know that there is a tremendous amount to be said for handling items - especially when it comes to authenticating. I know this is especially true with porcelain pieces such as R.S. Prussia and Nippon HOWEVER in a recent conversation with Nippon Guru Joan Van Patton, she was telling me of a chocolate pot she discovered at a reproduction distributor that was so well made, if it had been somewhere other than the reproduction house, she would have mistakenly identified it as Nippon. So the reality is that even the experts can be mislead.

All things considered, I've reached this conclusion: when it comes to collecting, buying and selling antiques, information is key (as it is in most things if you stop to think about it). I don't have to be an expert in all things I collect but with experience comes knowledge and I can be confident that my next collectible purchase will be smarter than the last.