Saturday 25 August 2012

The Benefits of Purchasing Sporting Collectibles

By Chloe Gib


There are vast numbers of collectors who lovingly assemble vast amounts of military memorabilia, sporting collectibles and crockery from the 1900s or earlier. The collectibles market is massive and has been enabled further through antique stores, specialist internet sites, collectors' fairs and online auction websites like eBay. So whether you're starting or tracking elusive pieces that would complete a collection, the task is now easier than ever.

Baseball and football cards, sporting programs, signed items and more collectibles from sports, hunting or fishing are very popular. You can celebrate a favorite team or sport through your collection. Signed items like shirts and photos are particularly valuable. Also look for rookie cards, player photographs, pennants, team jerseys, stadium and special game equipment, and these can fetch really great prices now. Collecting is highly addictive from the get go!

World War 2 collectibles still remain popular, especially with military historians and those who took part, or for those with family members in the war. Helmets, uniform, medals, weaponry and publications are scarce now and so are often very valuable. Also available are gas marks, ration cards, newspapers and other home front items. If you had a grandparent in one regiment, collecting memorabilia from that unit is a great way to celebrate and honor their contribution.

Vintage crockery from potters such as Denby, Clarice Cliff, Wedgwood or the renowned Staffordshire potteries plus Poole can now be hired for a special occasion or bought outright. Fine English pottery or bone china is really collectible, reminding us of the dining sets of our parents or grandparents. Such collections are nostalgic and potentially highly valuable. Shabby chic in particular is highly sought after.

The internet has enabled collecting in a way that was never previously possible. With a simple search on an engine like Google or on sites such as eBay and Craiglist, it's easy to find your chosen item, whether it be 'Clarice Cliff Pottery', 'Rookie Cards Worth Money' or 'World War II Ribbons'. Don't just stick to the auction sites, but look at the specialist online shops too.

Always check for authenticity before committing to buy. Unfortunately there are many fakes on the market and less than scrupulous dealers. So it's important to know your stuff, to look for authenticating marks, top brand manufacturers and certificates proving genuine provenance.

Also look at the online or printed buyers' guides so you don't pay more than you should for sporting collectibles. You can also get a rough valuation on your own collection or heirlooms. As soon as you decide your collection is getting serious, such a guide is a worthwhile investment.




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