So You Want To Be A Collector
Having determined these basic essentials, it is then a personal matter. The taste of the collector may lead to watches or clocks, china teapots, or innumerable other things. The lucky acquisition of an admired piece may lead to a determination to get more of the same, or at least to start a quest to find out what the admiration is all about.
Golden Rules For Collectors
Concentrate your collection and have a theme, do not buy at random.
Try to buy objects that are well made.
Buy objects that are in as good condition as possible, they will give you the most satisfaction. Do not reject damaged pieces out of hand, better to have something damaged than nothing at all.
Buy objects that encapsulate the time in which they were made.
Do not buy with investment in mind, those who do invariably come unstuck.
Spend the most you can afford on the best possible example. Sell three good examples to buy one exceptional example.
Try to avoid following a trend, very often prices are higher than they merit and may take a tumble, so in other words follow your own instinct.
Dedicate time to your collecting, time spent is of more value than money.
Spend not only on your chosen objects, but also on books, magazines, visits to collections and lectures. They will all enhance the pleasure you get from your collection.
Buy only what you really, truly love.