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It’s Collecting, Not Shopping

It seems I’ve done quite a bit of shopping lately, especially for the past several months.

However, I’ve barely been to the grocery store once a week recently. I’ve simply been too busy. I haven’t made the time to go to a department store to replace the new sandals the dog chewed up. And I’ve been avoiding home improvement stores where I should be picking up a gallon or two of paint to be ready for some projects.

Still, I’ve brought home quite a few bags lately—and a few boxes, too. You see, I’ve been enjoying a bit of a collecting binge since the beginning of summer.

In May, there was the stamp show, so naturally I bought a whole stack of vintage postcards. At the end of the month, my husband went to a conference, so I went along. With no antiques shops anywhere nearby, I made do each day by checking out both thrift shops there.

That was a real extravagance for me, and seeing how their merchandise changed each day was a real lesson as well. Entire collections appeared on the shelves overnight; some of the oddest things disappeared quickly, and some of the better items lingered behind.

I wondered how those collectors felt about their longtime efforts becoming ready-made collections up for the taking. Hopefully, the collectors themselves made the decision to donate their things, rather than family just getting rid of them.

In June, a community organization held its yearly benefit sale, so I checked out its offerings and added to a few of our collections. One of our esteemed local museums also held its annual sale, and I had to make two trips to the car before I was finished. (Is it any wonder that I want to establish a museum dedicated to displaying large collections of this and that?)

Then, two suburban churches held their annual garage sales, and it’s a tradition that I go to them. It’s a tradition that I go to a local Fourth of July benefit sale, too, so I went there—and through the checkout three times. (If you’re wondering if I’m exaggerating, I’m not. It’s been a great summer.)

I felt a little guilty and short of funds after those hauls (and I was headed out of town anyway), so I skipped the July church sale that I absolutely love. On the trip, however, I made up for that earlier sacrifice and made out like a bandit at the local discount department store, thrift shop, and library book sale. If I bought anything practical, I’ve forgotten. I do remember, however, that I did need to borrow a suitcase to get all my treasures home.

Back in Rochester, another church held its annual garage sale in August, and it’s a tradition that I go to it, of course. The fact that I discovered an additional church sale just added to the fun—and a sale on next year’s calendar.

In between, a friend held an impressive moving sale, and I felt obligated to go, of course. I wouldn’t want to risk offending him (and I might just find something I couldn’t live without—I found a half dozen things, actually).

Feeling even greater guilt at that time and having considerably less cash, I again sacrificed going to another favorite church sale at the end of August. (If I wasn’t feeling guilty enough then, I certainly am now as I write this.)

I did give in to temptation and complied with my husband’s suggestion of a day trip, lunch on the town, and an hour or two at a favorite used bookstore, where I did, indeed, buy books—for my teatime collection, my literary library, and my kitchen. (I dust my cookbooks more often than I try their recipes.)

Labor Day weekend arrived and brought us some company, who just happened to want to check out as many thrift shops and antiques malls as we could get to, and I managed to find more teatime items, china, and glassware. Making the rounds of four shops and two malls in three days is hard work, but it’s also a labor of love.

Temporarily feeling the agonies of remorse and poverty again, I skipped a Labor Day sale that I love and redoubled my efforts to open my museum.

Soon after, however, the antiquarian book fair was held, and I bought some more vintage postcards, of course (and some books as gifts). This past weekend was the glass show, so I bought a vintage tablecloth, a piece of fine china, and four ceramic teapots, but no Depression Glass because I still don’t officially collect Depression Glass.

This coming weekend is another esteemed museum sale; then there will be the glass pumpkin sale, and at the end of October is the local postcard club show. I know I shouldn’t even be considering any of them, but that’s what we committed collectors do, isn’t it?

I also assume the department stores are already stocked with their autumnal wares, and I’m really trying to resist being tempted by additional Halloween decorations and more turkey platters. I mean, how many does one really need, right?

However, we certifiable collectors never have enough because there’s always something new—or something old—to be found. There’s always another size or style or variation to discover. There’s always something else equally beautiful, creative, or ingenious to admire.

Although it may look like we’re shopping, and we’re certainly buying things, we’re actually just doing what we love most: collecting, building our collections, completing earlier ones, and starting new ones. It’s what we collectors do best.

Enjoy the hunt!

Patti
The Committed Collector

How about you?  Are you crazy about collecting too?  If so, leave a comment and let us know where you like to go shopping, or, rather, collecting.

 

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

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Glorious Glass

I’ve forgotten if it was the year we moved to the Rochester area or the following one when I discovered the local Depression Glass Show & Sale.  I’ve also forgotten what the display theme was that year and what I bought.

What I remember, though, is how entering  the auditorium was like walking into a wonderland and how the Eisenhart shone with all the sparkling glassware.  What I also know is that this weekend’s glass show will be just as magical–because I’ve gotten a sneak peek.

As a member of the Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester, I was at the RMSC this afternoon setting up my display and checking out the sales booths.  Now, I can’t wait to get back tomorrow morning to start adding to my collections (even though I don’t officially collect Depression Glass, you see).

In addition to the thousands of tempting pieces of beautiful glassware are just as many other treasures, for the sale has been expanded to include vintage china and pottery, linens and silverware, buttons, jewelry, books, and other small antiques.

With all that to choose from, I might just be able to find a few new pieces for myself and a few gifts for family and friends.  Who needs to wait to dream of sugar plums when the glass show is in town!

I hope to meet you there!

Patti
The Committed Collector

 

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

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Collecting Memories

Today is still a day of remembrance and even mourning for many Americans, so antiquing and shopping–and collecting in general, for that matter–seem like rather trivial topics.

Writing about patriotic collectibles, as I did on the Fourth of July, seems rather questionable today, even though Sept. 11 has become known as Patriot Day.

Of course, many undoubtedly collect Americana as a tribute to those who fought to protect us or who were lost in the battle.  In addition, the popularity of red, white, and blue collectibles surely increased since the surge of patriotism and solidarity that ensued in the years since 2001, so there are many good reasons to collect such items.

In addition, collecting Liberty bells, Colonial flags, and other items related to the foundation of our country has always been popular.  From mementos to historical artifacts to symbolic objects, it’s been a long-standing tradition to collect vintage items from the past or contemporary ones that depict scenes or motifs from days gone by, like souvenir monuments or reproduction fabrics and papers.

Even so, a day like today makes me realize that the best things to collect are memories.  It’s more important to make time for the people in our lives than to spend time caring for the things in our homes.

Let’s share the day with the people we love and make memories worth cherishing.  After all, they’re the only things truly worth collecting.

Patti
The Committed Collector

 

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

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Guest Post: Tips for Cleaning & Storing Depression Glass

If you’re a serious collector like I am, you know that collecting is fun. We enjoy going out, hunting, and gathering. We like scoring bargains, and we love finding special pieces. However, we’ve also probably learned that there’s some work to be done once we bring our treasures home.

That’s especially true of a collectible like glassware that benefits from some tender loving care. Fortunately for us, we have a great resource nearby: The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester, which is dedicated to the colorful glass of the 1930s and ’40s as well as educating its members and others about it.

As a member of the DGC, I’ve learned a lot about the lovely pink and green glassware that I received from my mother, who had received it from her mother years before. I’ve also learned that some of the members of the club are pretty much experts when it comes to their favorite patterns. That’s because they’ve not only been collecting their Depression Glass for years and years, but they’ve been using it and caring for it as well.

With that much knowledge among its members, the club was able to provide so many tips for collecting Depression Glass that we have another guest post from them today. If you read last time’s post, you know that the club provided some great advice for collecting this iconic American glassware.

Today, the members of the local Depression Glass Club give us some additional suggestions for taking care of our vintage glassware.

From The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester…

Recommendations for Cleaning Depression Glass

1. Whether you’re just bringing home a new piece, or taking an old favorite off the kitchen shelf, vintage glassware should be washed by hand in warm water using a mild detergent and soft sponge.

2. Never use any kind of abrasive cleanser on glassware. Never scrub glassware with a steel wool pad, coarse sponge, or stiff brush—and certainly never ever scrub glass with silver overlay or any other kind of decoration on it.

3. To protect glassware while washing it, pad the basin of the sink as well as the edges of the counter with thick dishtowels. Also, be careful not to hit the faucet with the glass.

4. Take care to avoid subjecting your glass to extreme temperature changes. In particular, allow cold glass to come to room temperature before unpacking and washing it, especially in the winter when it comes inside after being in an unheated car.

5. If glassware is grimy or especially dusty, let it soak for several minutes in warm soapy water. Then use a soft sponge to wash it. Soak another time or two if needed. If crevices still remain dirty, gently use a soft toothbrush to work at the grime.

6. After washing, use a soft kitchen towel to dry and polish glassware before it completely air dries, so you can wipe away drops of water and streaks.

7. If your glassware is on display, periodically dust each piece individually with a soft cloth. Avoid using a feather or lamb’s wool duster because both their length and the swishing action make it easy to knock over pieces.

Recommendations for Storing Depression Glass

1. Whether you can display your glassware in a china closet or have to store it in a kitchen cabinet, stand most glassware upright rather than upside down since the rim is usually thinner and weaker than the foot.

2. Avoid stacking cups in each other since that puts stress on the handles and because tall stacks are often unstable and could topple over. Avoid hanging cups on cup hooks, too, because that also stresses the handles.

3. Avoid putting glasses and tumblers into each other because they, too, could become stuck together.

4. Avoid stacking all of your dishes in one tall stack because that puts so much weight on the lower dishes. It also concentrates all the weight on one side, which stresses shelves and could cause them to collapse. Instead, distribute weight evenly on shelves, and store plates and bowls in shorter stacks.

5. To soften the contact between stacked pieces, use white paper coffee filters or paper plates, napkins, or towels between them. Regular, uncoated paper plates as well as paper napkins come in a couple of sizes, and some brands of paper towels can easily be torn to size.

In addition, different paper products come in different thicknesses, so they offer varying amounts of protection. For example, thin coffee filters might offer just enough padding between smaller, lighter dishes, while paper plates are thicker, so they’re better between larger, heavier pieces.

6. In addition, even when stored, place paper napkins or paper towels between the lids and openings of canisters, candy jars, and any other pieces that have covers. Doing so will provide some cushioning and lessen any vibrations between the lid and container.

7. If you need to pack up some of your glassware, layers of bubble wrap with small bubbles is recommended for protecting glass, especially for smaller pieces. Multiple sheets of clean newsprint or packing paper also work well, but newspaper itself is warned against since the ink often rubs off onto the glass.

8. If you need to box up glassware to be moved or shipped, double or even triple all your efforts (with extra bubble wrap, packing materials, and double boxing), or seek out professional advice at local packing and shipping facilities. Remember to label boxes “Fragile” and identify what’s inside.

With the local Depression Glass show and sale coming up next weekend, I hope that what I buy there will fit in my house and not have to be packed up or moved to mini-storage—and even though I don’t officially collect Depression Glass, I do indeed expect to find a treasure or two at the sale.

As always, I’m looking forward to the possibility of finding more of my grandmother’s green glass. I’m also open to being tempted by many of the other glorious glass pieces that I’m sure to see there.

And, if all fails, I trust I’ll be able to find an irresistible piece of antique china (or two or three or maybe even a whole set) since the glass show has been expanded to include other vintage collectibles.

I’ll just have to be patient until then. For now, the details of the show and sale are below.

While we wait, take care, and take care of your collections.

Patti
The Committed Collector

2018 Vintage Glass & Collectibles Sale

• Quality dealers selling antique and vintage glassware, china, pottery, linens, silver, and more
• Glass identification, educational program, door prizes, snacks
• Free parking and handicapped accessibility
• $5.00 admission covers both days

• Saturday, Sept. 15, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Sunday, Sept. 16, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

• Eisenhart Auditorium, Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue

• For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page at @DepressionGlassClubRochester or send an email to dgclub@rochester.rr.com.

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

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Guest Post: Ten Tips for Collecting Depression Glass

Do you appreciate beautiful vintage glass? Do you love all the pretty pastel shades or vibrant colors it comes in? Would you like some tips for finding the best glass at the right price? Then read on…

Today, we have our first guest post with some helpful suggestions from one of my favorite organizations, The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester, whose members are dedicated to collecting and learning more about that beautiful colorful glass from the past.

Although I’ve been a member for only 13 or 14 years, the local Depression Glass Club was formed 40-some years ago. With a roster of 80 or so members, the DG Club includes collectors with decades of experience among them, so they also have a wealth of information to share about buying, using, and storing this iconic American collectible.

Whether you’re a committed collector of Depression Glass (as I intend to be someday), or newly acquainted with its beauty and charm, I think you’ll find some useful recommendations here—I know I did—including some classic advice and several clever tips from local expert collectors:

Advice for Collecting Depression Glass
from The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester

Depression Glass includes the colorful, sparkling glassware made in America during the difficult years of the Depression Era, which is usually considered the period after the Stock Market crash of ’29 until the beginning of World War II.

Such glassware was manufactured in pretty colors or decorated with cheerful designs to help lessen the heartache of the times. Some of the more famous companies that produced such glass patterns are Anchor Hocking, Fenton, and Cambridge.

Depression Glass includes hundreds of kinds of items, such as everyday dishes (that were given away as premiums), elegant glassware (that was sold in jewelry stores), barware (that was often decorated with comical figures), and a host of other items (like ashtrays, knives, and even mousetraps) made of glass.

We’re happy to report that sources of Depression Glass are still plentiful here in Western New York, so collecting this colorful glass is easy in the Rochester area.

If you’re tempted by Depression Glass and need an excuse to start collecting it, or if you’ve been bitten by the glass bug and need a justification for your growing collection, there are several good reasons to collect this kind of glassware.

* Familiar patterns can bring back happy memories of times past with parents or grandparents and holiday dinners when the Thanksgiving turkey tasted so good.

* Better pieces, especially those bought at good prices, might go up in value, so they could be an investment.

* Particular styles or colors can fit in nicely with your current decorating scheme.

The best reason to collect glass is simply because you like it and take pleasure in owning it, seeing it in your home, or using it when you can.

The fastest way to fall for glass is to attend an antiques show or, better yet, a Depression Glass sale like the one the local club is sponsoring Sept. 15-16. A glass sale offers an amazing array of colors, patterns, and pieces, so you’ll probably find something that catches your eye, and then you can go from there.

1. Before you get serious and buy many pieces, though, research as much as possible about your new favorite collectible. Find out its history, its characteristics, and a little about the company that made it. Take the time to study the patterns you collect, so you know their features (like its colors, shapes, or sizes) to avoid accidentally buying the wrong pattern.

2. Then keep learning because the more you know, the greater the advantage you’ll have when buying from anyone who knows less. Many times sellers think they have elite pieces of glass, but if your knowledge is better than theirs, you’re not going to pay $100 for a $20 item. Likewise, you might be happy to spend only $20 on a piece worth $100 when you know more than the vendor does.

Needless to say, to learn more about glass and all that goes into finding a good buy, join the local Depression Glass Club or even the national one.

Also, ask older friends and family what they remember about the glassware that their parents or grandparents had. You can learn about things like costs and usage by simply listening to stories of the past.

To learn even more and to establish connections for your favorite patterns, talk to dealers and develop friendships with them. They’re great sources of knowledge as well as kindred spirits who share this interest.

3. Buy an identification guide or two and then keep them in your car, so you can refer to them when shopping at garage sales (or look things up online as you come across them). Again, being able to distinguish between features helps prevent mistakes.

4. When your favorite pattern and another one have design elements (like the shape of a cup’s handle) that are similar to one another, make note of distinctive features, again, so you buy pieces in the correct pattern.

5. From time to time, check what’s listed on sites like eBay and Replacements, Ltd. to find unusual pieces, compare prices, and keep learning.

6. Once you begin collecting, consider how much space you have to house the pieces you’re picking up. Some items are quite large and take up lots of room, while others are smaller or can be useful. Consider where you’ll store your purchases, how you’ll display them, or if you can actually use them.

7. Also, if you start to collect a particular pattern of Depression Glass, consider the cost of its individual pieces. Find out which ones are most expensive, whether or not they’re readily available, and whether or not you can afford them.

If you do decide to collect a whole pattern, try to buy the more expensive pieces first. When pieces are rare and hard to find, they might go up in value over time.

The more familiar pieces should be more easily available, and at lower prices, but they probably won’t rise in value at the same rate.

8. When shopping, keep in mind the three most important factors: condition, condition, condition. Considering the condition of glassware is important because vintage pieces are often damaged over the decades, but they can rarely be fixed.

* If you want mint items in your collection, or if you want to actually use the glassware you collect, buy pieces that are perfect in every way.

* If you only want to display your Depression Glass, some damage, especially if it’s out of sight, might be acceptable to you.

* If you want an especially rare item, it may pay to buy it even if it’s slightly flawed.

* If you do decide to buy a flawed or damaged piece, make sure you know enough to about the piece and its value to pay an appropriate price.

9. One way to avoid buying imperfect glass is to inspect it with “the fingernail test.” If you run your fingernail around a piece of glass, but it catches on something, the glass is nicked or cracked, so pay accordingly.

10. Another way to avoid mistakes is to check for any discoloration. For example, cloudiness in vases and cups can come from holding water for an extended amount of time. Cloudiness in salt shakers comes from holding salt for a lengthy period. Because some cloudiness can’t be removed, inspect pieces carefully and learn to distinguish between dust and actual damage.

Learning about glassware is our passion at The Depression Glass Club of Greater Rochester—as is collecting it, of course.

We meet at 7:15 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of most months at the Eisenhart Auditorium of the Rochester Museum and Science Center. Visitors are always welcome to attend a meeting, which usually includes a program about vintage glassware.

Our club has also been holding an annual show and sale, and our 2018 Vintage Glass & Collectibles Sale is scheduled for September 15 and 16 in the Eisenhart Auditorium, RMSC, 657 East Avenue:

  • Saturday, Sept. 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday, Sept. 16, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

* The event will feature a variety of dealers selling Depression-Era glassware as well as vintage china, silver, linens, ceramics, and other small antiques.

* The weekend will also include a display of vintage glassware that depicts images of nature as well as an educational program about animal figurines made of glass at 1:00 p.m. each day.

* There will be door prizes as well as a grand prize raffle for a set of dishes, and pie, ice cream, and beverages available.

* Those who have a piece or two of unknown vintage glass may bring them in for possible identification of the pattern, color, and manufacturer.

* Admission is $5 and covers both days. Parking is free, and the building is handicapped accessible.

For more information about the club or our upcoming sale, send an email to us at dgclub@rochester.rr.com or check out our Facebook page, @DepressionGlassClubRochester.

 

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

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Collecting with Mom

Holidays (even ones like Labor Day that don’t have an array of trappings associated with them) always make me think of my family, especially my mother who made all of our holidays special.

Mom had always wanted four daughters, but I was her only one, so we were quite close. Mom was a rather progressive mother and taught me how to take care of a home as well as how to go out into the work world. When I was a child, she was the best mother I could imagine. When I became an adult, she became one of my best friends.

All along, Mom also instilled in me her love of beautiful things, respect for the past, and appreciation of cherished heirlooms (regardless of any monetary value).

When I finally finished college and had a real job and a place of my own in Jacksonville, Florida, Mom and I would go shopping from time to time to find things to feather my nest. Had I been practical, I would have wanted to go to the department stores at our nearby mall, Regency Square. Of course, I was more interested in exotic things, pretty pieces, and hidden treasures, so I usually wanted to go to places like Pier One Imports, antiques shops, and back-roads flea markets.

One of our favorite places was a small, independent antiques shop that had opened up in a former convenience store at the corner of Lone Star and Mill Creek roads. It was a free-standing building, with only the one storefront that had huge picture windows that let in a lot of light.

The shop was only a few miles from my childhood home, so I could pick up Mom, and she and I could be there in just minutes. Better still, the shop was open on Sundays until late afternoon, so we could get in some antiquing even on busy weekends.

That was a real treat for us both. In those days, the late 1980s and early 1990s, many antiques shops were often located in downtown settings or tourist towns, so having one in our own suburb was a delight. It also created a danger for me, especially.

You see, the shop was owned by a woman who had decidedly feminine sensibilities. Consequently, the shop had very little in the way of machinery, tools, sporting equipment, and other traditionally masculine items.

Instead, the owner filled the shelves with needlework, lamps, and candlesticks. The tables were set with china and glassware, silver and linens. One display after another was filled with beautiful things that sparkled and shone.

They were items that women would have used, so they were often decorated with flowers and garlands, scrolls and curlicues. The materials were often fine, like porcelain and crystal, and their colors were usually soft pastels.

I remember finding a small white teapot at that shop. It’s an individual teapot meant to hold only two cups of tea, and it’s just a perfect example of a teapot. The ceramic is fine, the glaze is pure white, and the decoration (swirls from base to opening) are delicate.

All these years later, that teapot that I found on a Sunday outing with my mother with remains one of my favorites. More important, I can’t see that teapot without recalling how Mom and I were together when I found it.

I also found a beautiful egg cup at that little shop. It’s a nice, white ceramic with a pink rose pattern on it. I rarely serve soft-boiled eggs, so I rarely use that darling egg cup. Perhaps I should, though. Again, thinking of it reminds me of my mother and how she taught me to notice details and appreciate beautiful things.

Unfortunately, that antiques shop didn’t stay in business for more than a year or two as I recall. How sad. It was a charming shop filled with lovely things. The owner was friendly, and she sold quality pieces. In addition, it was a place designed for women, and my mom and I were saddened by the loss of a place that honored the kinds of things that women past had used and women since could cherish.

Needless to say, I, the committed collector, still have both the teapot and the egg cup, which I’ve displayed in one apartment after another and in both houses we’ve bought here in the Rochester area. Both are still precious to me because they are beautiful and because they remind me of Mom.

So sad that she can’t be here this holiday weekend as we get together with family.

Happy Labor Day weekend, Everyone.

Patti
The Committed Collector

 

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

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How Do Collectors Collect?

Finally! I’ve worked my way through the journalists’ questions and have considered the who, what, when, where, why, and how of collecting and collectors.

Accordingly, I thought it would be appropriate to finish up this collection of questions with another collection of answers—specifically an assemblage of adverbs. I thought of many of these descriptive terms myself, and I discovered others by right clicking on my original word choices in my document and then seeing lists of synonyms upon synonyms, provided courtesy of Microsoft Word.

Here, then, is my rundown—complete with a collection of numerous adverbs—of how collectors go about finding additional pieces for their collections:

  • Younger, newer collectors (as I once was) often purchase items for their collections with more enthusiasm than skill (as I once did), so they collect enthusiastically (actively, willingly, devotedly, eagerly, ardently, unreservedly, strongly, or heartily).
  • Older, more experienced and educated collectors often buy knowledgeably. They develop considerable knowledge over time, so they become authorities who are highly informed about, or at least keenly aware of, their subjects and become well acquainted or familiar with the scope of their fields.
  • Casual collectors, who are only somewhat interested in assembling a collection, often pick up pieces informally (nonchalantly or offhandedly) or even randomly (arbitrarily, haphazardly, aimlessly, erratically, indiscriminately, unsystematically, or accidentally), so they can end up with small, incomplete, or disjointed collections, which I have done a time or two.
  • Avid collectors are often dedicated to building their collections and determined to acquire as many representative pieces as they can, so they often collect methodically (systematically, carefully, precisely, meticulously, regularly, or painstakingly).
  • Others who are inexperienced, driven, or reckless are at risk of purchasing, and ultimately collecting, hastily (hurriedly, quickly, speedily, or rapidly), which is how I shopped when I first discovered restaurantware and grabbed up almost every piece I came across—even ones that were plain, flawed, or damaged.
  • More serious collectors shop more carefully. They are prudent, sensible, judicious, cautious, wise, and wary about their acquisitions, so they take great care during the purchasing process.
  • Such careful collectors, always on the lookout for new additions, might shop regularly, yet buy only rarely—when that special piece comes along in the right condition at the right price.
  • Others shop occasionally, like seasonally with the sales or only annually while on vacation. However, those bitten by the collecting bug might shop much more frequently by making the rounds weekly or even by checking online daily, as this committed collector once did.
  • Some acquire items locally, here in the Rochester area, while others find pieces remotely, either from a distance by shopping online or in faraway places while traveling the States or even touring abroad.
  • Some collectors go about the process socially (or communally together with friends or family or shopping partners or through their personal contacts in shops and online), while others collect individually (singly, alone, or separately).
  • Some—perhaps those who have exhausted their time, money, or space—might shop privately (secretly or even covertly), while others who are still able to do so shop openly (overtly or publicly).
  • Of course, many collectors like to buy items on sale; most are willing to pay full price for desirable pieces, and some are willing to make their purchases at any price, especially when they’re getting treasures they covet.
  • Finally, longtime, dedicated collectors go about the process of acquiring news pieces either emotionally or logically. They either follow their heart or listen to their head. They’re either passionate about their pastime and buy what they love whenever they can without too much thought, or they weigh their options carefully, make sound judgments, and buy the best pieces at the best prices.
  • In both cases, using emotion or using logic, the vast majority of avid collectors, myself included, do so happily, which is my final word on how to collect.

Patti
The Committed Collector

So how do you go about adding to your collection? Do you collect systematically, or do you shop irregularly? Leave a comment and let us know how you’re building your collections. We’d love to compare methods with you.

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

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21 Tips for Collecting, Part 2

As promised, here are the rest of my guidelines for building collections in a cost-effective, responsible manner.

Some of these tips I’ve learned the hard way (by making quite a few mistakes, buying lesser pieces, and spending too much on others), and others I’ve admittedly ignored from time to time (like actually having room in our house for new acquisitions).

Nonetheless, the collecting lessons I’ve learned could serve us all well as we build and maintain our collections. If all of us committed collectors (myself included) keep these tips in mind, we’ll not only have fun amassing our collections, but we’ll also be able to enjoy the process and the outcome, which is what collecting is all about after all.

12. Set a limit—for individual items and for each shopping spree—and make every effort to stick to it. As you learn more and shop around, you’ll develop a sense for which pieces are ordinary and what prices are reasonable for them. Then you can not only grab up unusual pieces, especially when prices are low, but you’ll also know to walk away from typical ones that are overpriced.

13. Eventually, shop the Internet if you choose, so you can have access to the largest number of dealers and the greatest range of merchandise. For example, some items are scarce in some parts of the country, but plentiful in others depending on where they were manufactured or distributed, so online shopping brings such items to you.  Conversely, collectibles—like vintage souvenirs of Rochester-based companies—might go for higher prices here in Western New York where they are prized than they will be listed for elsewhere in the country.

14. Decide early on if you’re going to be a perfectionist or not. Realize that if you want only first editions, mint quality or best condition, or even NIB (new in box) items, you’re going to pay more and ultimately have fewer items in your collection. If you’re okay with dings and dents, scratches, tears, and other forms of patina, you’ll be able to spend less per item, but you’ll likely have to deal with the greater quantity you’ll get for your money.

15. Consequently, and contrary to popular belief, you should think about where you’re going to put new acquisitions before you acquire them. Will they fit in your vehicle and then in your house? Are you ready to display your new purchases, or will you need to spend more money on things like albums, frames, and curio cabinets? If you’re going to buy it, you should be able to display it or use it as you intended. Otherwise, you’ve just wasted your money.

I hate to say it, since I love finding additions to my collections so much, but we avid collectors really need to follow the old adage: We should have a place for everything, and then put everything in its place. Again, there’s really no point in buying things if we can’t properly display them, actually use them, or reasonably store them.

I should know: I’ve been storing most of my collections for nearly ten years, which has gotten ridiculous. That’s one reason why I want to open The Collectors’ museum where extensive collections like mine and those of other committed collectors can be displayed. Another reason is that collectors like these have put together some amazing things that are truly worthy of being put in the spotlight.

16. Be prepared and take measurements of your walls, doorways, cabinets, and other areas at home, as well as the inside of your vehicle, and then carry that information with you either in a notebook or on a device. There’s really no point in buying something that simple won’t fit. I know—I’ve made that mistake a time or two myself.  Once, I was so sure a 1960s’ chaise lounge would fit in my Subaru station wagon that I immediately bought it—and it did fit in the car—after we spent an hour in the parking lot dismantling it.

17. If you’re short on space, or if your home is already full, think about what you will actually do with your new acquisitions. Will you have to spend time rotating out your collectibles? Will you need to pack them and store them away? Will they crowd your space, or will you have to spend money on mini-storage? Will you also need to invest money in packing supplies and time in boxing up the treasures you just bought? In short, think hard before you buy additional pieces for your collection.

18. Realize, too, that collecting involves more than simply shopping. When you buy new pieces, identify and inventory each as you go. In fact, it’s prudent and practical to catalog the collectibles you already own before you bring home any more items. A simple list with categories for your own ID numbers, what the items are, when and where you bought them, how much you paid, and what they’re worth is a good start. In addition, a gallery of photos accessible on your phone helps document your collections and can prevent duplicating purchases in the future.

19. If you’re into pricey collectibles, like original artwork and genuine antiques, have a serious talk with your insurance agent to find out whether your collection is covered by your homeowner’s policy or if you need additional coverage. If you become carried away with this hobby, you might end up investing more into it than you realize, so you might need more coverage than you expect.

20. Regardless of how enamored you are right now about your collection, expect to let go of individual pieces at some point in the future. As your experience and knowledge grow, your taste and style will likely evolve, too. Over time, you may decide to divest yourself of lesser pieces in favor of better ones. Sad as it seems, it’s common practice to eventually break up collections; however, in doing so, you’re then able to let others enjoy what you no longer cherish.

21. In addition, once you have more collectibles than the typical person, start thinking about how you’ll downsize or what you’d like to happen to them when the time comes. Talk to your family and tell them which pieces are important to you, and also find out if anyone wants particular items. Use your inventory to let your family know which pieces are particularly unique or valuable, and give them suggestions for appropriately passing them along.  After all, you know your collections better than anyone else.

Gosh. I seem to have ended on a somber note about downsizing and bequeathing. However, I’ll take that as a reminder that I already have many, many beautiful pieces in my collections—including floral teapots, vintage dishes, sparkling glassware, and lovely figurines—yet no one else will want to deal with them when the time comes.

I think I’ll forego the sales and shops this weekend and stay home and work on a collection or two. I’ll be able to enjoy some of my treasures now and work on keeping them organized for the future.

I hope you, too, can enjoy your collections this weekend. After all, that’s why we have them.

Patti
The Committed Collector

So where do you stand on the issue? Should we collect only as much as we can reasonably display in our homes, or is it acceptable to collect so much that a goodly portion needs to be boxed up and put away? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts about the collector’s quandary.

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

Posted on by admin

21 Tips for Collecting Almost Anything & Everything, Part 1

As another summer of garage sales comes to an end, and another season of holiday bazaars awaits us, I thought this would be the time to offer my suggestions for how to go about collecting with more triumphs than heartaches.

To paraphrase what antiques expert Ralph Kovel once said, committed collectors like I am often regret the things we don’t buy; however, if we buy hastily or carelessly, we can come to regret those expenses, too.

After decades of hunting and gathering, and dozens of excursions just this year, I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes, but I’ve also learned a trick or two that I’m happy to pass along.

When it comes to finding, choosing, buying, and ultimately acquiring any kind of collectible, my step-by-step guide could save you time, money, and space as you build your collection—and might even result in bringing home some real treasures (rather than some real duds).

Here’s the first half or so of my 21 tried-and-true methods. I hope they work for you, too.

1. Once you realize you’re starting a collection, go slowly. Buying the first specimens you come across could be a mistake because you might buy ordinary pieces rather than special ones, or you might pass up a real deal that you didn’t recognize—or end up paying too much for something that only seems special but really isn’t.

2. So…take some time to learn more about the object of your desire. Of course, the Internet is a convenient place for a great variety of information, but so is our Monroe County Library System, which has dozens of identification guides full of information compiled by experts. Learn as much as you can about the history, construction, and variety of your field of collecting.

3. Search for local collectors’ clubs, too, so you can learn from area experts and meet people who share your interests. We’re fortunate to have several such organizations in Western New York, and many allow people to attend a time or two before formally joining. These groups usually have monthly educational programs about specific collectibles as well as social occasions during the year. Local organizations often hold annual shows and sales, too, which are great ways to meet out-of-town vendors with diverse merchandise and specific expertise.

4. Then, keep learning about your collectible even while you shop. Strike up conversations with proprietors, dealers, and other shoppers, and listen as they talk about the merchandise. People are usually generous with their knowledge and willing to point out details that affect quality, value, and price.

5. As part of your education as a new collector, or a collector in a new field, first shop in person, so you can see, touch, and even smell the collectibles that have caught your eye. Reproductions, re-issues, knock-offs, and fakes usually differ in a number of ways from the real thing. Also, condition and damage may not be clearly visible, or fully disclosed, in some online listings.

6. In addition, shop in person in a variety of marketplaces. When I go antiquing in Rochester, that means I might stop into a privately owned antiques store with fine items or an antiques co-op with a wide range of antique, vintage, and reproduction pieces. I could also make the round of garage sales, estate sales, and thrift stores in Monroe County for the best prices and one surprise after another since who knows what I’ll find in such venues. The point is that you might find something special in an unexpected place, so you should shop around and keep your eyes open.

7. Remember to dress, and pack, for the occasion. If you’re going to spend a fall day at a flea market, where the weather can be unpredictable here in Western New York, dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. If you’re going to be out all day, leave your oversized purse home, but bring cash, a measuring tape, a way to take notes, and water and a snack or two—especially if you’d rather spend your money on treasures than burgers or hots.

8. Use any of several strategies for shopping shows and sales (and sometimes in stores for that matter, too):

  • Arrive early for the best choices. You might have to pay to enter on the “preview” day, and you’ll probably have to pay full price, but you’ll be there for the biggest and best selection, so you might find some really special things.
  • However, if you stay late, you’ll likely get the best deals. By shopping during the last day of a sale or the last hours of a show, you might find dealers offering discounts, like 50 percent off everything, especially fragile, large, and heavy items that they’d prefer not to have to pack up and haul away.
  • Make multiple rounds of a venue and walk around booths and shops from opposite directions. You can spot things you previously missed when you see them from a different angle. Also, look into boxes on the floor, up on high shelves, and behind other items where you can find prizes that others passed by.
  • In some cases, you can make an offer and often get a better price. For example, some shops are authorized to give 10 percent off big-ticket items to anyone who asks. Individual dealers will usually consider an offer or let you know how much they can let the item go for. Others are often open to discounting items when you bundle a number of purchases together.

9. When you find things worth considering, inspect potential additions carefully and repeatedly. Examine the top, the bottom, the front, the back, and the inside closely. Look at items, and all parts of them, from all angles and in different light. Then check again. Run your hands over them, too. Cracks, chips, and tears seem to lurk under your thumb or behind the price tag.

If you shop online, make sure you ask lots of questions before bidding or buying. Ask about the kinds of damage that’s specific to your field of collecting, like pottery that’s crazed or metals that are rusted. Inquire about manufacturing flaws, and ask dealers to describe anything else that’s less than perfect.

Part of your education is to learn what can be fixed and what can’t. For instance, heavy dust and kitchen grime can be washed off many things. However, material that’s stained, paper that’s torn, and glass that’s been damaged in the dishwasher and become cloudy is often marred forever (even if various sources say they can be corrected). Paper that’s musty might be freshened with a dryer sheet, but if the odor comes from mold, that’s a real problem.

10. In addition, when buying sets of any kind, make sure all the pieces are present. If the tag says the price is for a set of 86 dishes, take the time to count and locate all 86 pieces. The count might be wrong; a few of the pieces might have been broken or sold separately, or they might just be sitting a few shelves over. In any case, you want to get what you’re paying for, and if the set is less than advertised, you can ask for a better price or leave it behind.

11. Make sure that all the pieces packaged as a set actually go together, too. Mismatched cups and saucers are common; teapots and other containers often have the wrong lid, and all sorts of other items can get mixed up, especially in thrift shops and at charity sales when lots of people have their hands on the goods.

It’s okay to choose a Shabby Chic mix-and-match look, but look closely and double check, so you don’t think you’re getting a matching set when you’re actually getting a “marriage” of two different parts.

Feeling confident and inspired to go shopping? I am, but I better not.  I have more tips to write up.  Join us Friday when I’ll finish my list of collecting tips and tricks.

Patti
The Committed Collector

In the meantime, can you offer any advice for finding unusual items or negotiating better prices? If so, please leave a comment and share your tips.

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.

Posted on by admin

Some Reasons Why People Collect

If you live with a non-collector, or have family or friends who don’t feel compelled to buy in quantities, you’re probably familiar with questions like these:

  • Don’t you already have one of those? Why do you need another one?
  • How many of those things do you have anyway?
  • Don’t you think you have enough?

Those who haven’t been bitten by the collecting bug, just don’t get it. Those of us who have, however, know there are several reasons—and valid ones at that—why we think more is better and some is never enough.

In short, we collect because we like the things in our collections, because they make us feel a certain way, and because they represent something else.

However, as I’m working my way through that collection of prompts known as the journalists’ questions, I’ve come up with several more explanations that answer the question “Why collect?”

Last time, I shared one or two reasons why I’ve been a serious collector for more years than I care to admit. What follows now are my additional thoughts on why some people (myself included) simply aren’t satisfied with acquiring things in moderation or appreciating them from afar.

We committed collectors have several good reasons why we’re willing to invest time, money, and space into amassing multitudes of the things we collect. Besides, six or eight reasons are always better than two or three, so here goes:

Some of us collectors are tactile by nature, so having the ability to touch and hold and inspect interesting objects appeals to us. We like things that have texture (like fabric and oil paintings) or are mechanical (like tools and typewriters). More important, we like being able to have access to such collectibles, to be able to re-inspect them, and even to use them. We enjoy being able to examine them, to organize them, and to keep them together as the collections we are building.

A similar kind of collector is inherently visual, so he or she is drawn to things because of their artistry, craftsmanship, or other hallmarks of beauty. These collectors (like yours truly) are moved by the very sight of their collectibles, so they are happy to have them around and on display. Aspects of appearance, such as color, sheen, and motif, appeal to visual types, so, again, they collect because they appreciate the look of things—like sparkling glass, floral china, or intricate wood-working.

Another kind of collector takes a more cerebral approach and becomes fascinated by the objects of his or her desire. These scientific types like to learn all they can about their collectibles, such as their origins, design, and manufacture, and, if they’re like me, they enjoy having multiple examples of all that’s available. Each variation represents another specimen and is worthy of being cataloged in the collection.

Finally, some collectors are all heart, so they value reminders of their loved ones and their experiences. They collect souvenirs and buy romantic, nostalgic, or similar items because of the emotions they evoke. They collect because, for them, the items represent a connection to someone or something, and they simply love to surround themselves with things that have personal meaning for them (such as Grandma’s costume jewelry or Granddad’s fishing hats, or wedding cake toppers, baby dolls, or team memorabilia).

Of course, some of these reasons overlap a bit with others, and some collectors, no doubt, have multiple reasons for being attracted to things, wanting to own them, and generally being smitten by their collections.

That’s the nature of the game, isn’t it? The more collectibles, the better, so the more reasons, the better, too.

I wonder which ones will tempt me this weekend?

Patti
The Committed Collector

How about you? Do you know why you’re a collector? If so, leave a comment and share your thoughts about the reasons why you collect.

 

© 2018 The Collectors of Western New York Museum & Gallery.
All rights reserved.