Productive Or Counter Productive?

[Richard Kimmel]

I would ask the members thoughts as to how you feel if it is productive or counter productive to specialize in collecting in a specific area, i.e. Luftwaffe and nothing else? One may also reduce this to a specific item, i.e. SS Honorrings or Luft pilot badges, etc.

The reason I ask is that all too often I see random collections, miscellaneous items that are unrelated. Personally, I feel that a concentrated effort would prove far superior for ones collection and would have much more value in the long run. Concentrated spending, learning the specialty area and having a collection that presents itself well.

What I've just said would not apply to the collector who specializes in exotic, one-of-a-kind personality items as this in its self is a unique collection, though most items may not be in the range of the average collector. The average collector simply wastes money and most dealers are aware of this and is one of the main reasons why the less than genuine items thrive. How many collectors can you think of who purchase an item and then ask on forums ... is it good? After the fact of course.

Do you feel that the English and Europeans have more of a handle on specialized collecting than do most Americans? I tend to believe this.

My hat is always off to the Don Boyle's of militaria collecting, who make a constant effort to research their specialty area and do not waver in the path of the me-toors.

[navyman]

Hello Richard,
An interesting question, but personally I'm interested in all aspects of militaria and have found that buying items that appeal to me has created a cross section of conversation pieces in my collection. Also I learn a little more about each 'time slot' from which my exhibits come from. As the collection is always growing the opportunities arise when one can upgrade to a better quality piece and subsidise the new purchace price by passing on the first to a collector who hasn't got an example at all. Of course, this is important for collectors who have limited funds.
I have bought items which have turned out to be copies but catalogue them as such, learn by experience, and if I can obtain an original and want to sell the copy I make it absolutely clear to the buyer that it is one. Thus, the buyer can (a) have a copy until he or she can get an original, and (b) the buyer will not fall into the same trap as I did.
I'm finding that as my collection grows I am dividing it into related sections and as some give me more interest than others it's tending to be selective in some areas naturally. This, in my case is critical as I have only one room for my display. It's also constantly changing, hopefully for the better, and I learn something more each day.
In my opinion to specialise totally in one specific subject would only turn me into more of a pedant than I already am.
Thank you for your question, I hope it stimulates more discussion.
With my very best regards,
Guy.