TIPS FOR THE BEGINNER COLLECTOR

Collecting usually begins with the allure of an object which catches the eye. We usually refer to such objects as eye candy. For the beginning collector, items are purchased because they are pleasing to the eye.

ROYAL WORCESTER 1776 BICENTENNIAL PLATE

ROYAL WORCESTER BACKSTAMP, C. 1974

Then comes the question of what is good quality and what is junk. This is when many will resort to reading literature on the subject of collectibles and antiques in general. This will give the novice collector the ability to understand what is important about an item. Therefore ones buying source goes from yard sales, to flea markets, antique markets, antique stores, antique fairs, house sales and auctions.

The novice collector should question the dealer about the item for sale. A professional dealer will be more than gracious to relate information regarding the item of interest. A quality dealer will be aware of his buyer's inadequacies or lack of knowledge and will immediately suggest articles, books and journals on the subject.

Once a potential buyer becomes comfortable and recognizes the sincerity of the dealer, he or she will be more confident in the dealer's knowledge. In time the novice collector with the proper guidance and suggestions from quality dealers will eventually become a knowledgeable collector and can eventually become a knowledgeable dealer. In addition to being armed with information about antiques and collectibles, we also learn from our past buying experiences. The joy of collecting comes with knowledge, time, patience, understanding the objects around us and how they all fit into our environment.

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