quote:
Originally posted by Lionman521:
I have a question for the experts.If there are certain pieces that one is interested in acquiring;is it better to sell pieces of an existing collection.Or simply best to lay the cash out. Some of the pieces I'm interested in are rather pricey, the engraved blades are beautiful.Is there such a thing as trading for acquisitions; how is this type of business conducted without being deceived.Established dealers ? I've only been in this for a couple of years and am interested in acquiring some of the finer pieces.Advise appreciated.Regards
Lionman521, I am going to preface this with the fact that I am NOT an "Expert", but I too have asked myself more often than not, the same questions, "it better to sell pieces of an existing collection.Or simply best to lay the cash out." In my considered opinion, if you HAVE the money and the pieces that you plan to trade are not garbage, KEEP those potential trades! Why? Simply this. I personally started collecting TR stuff in 1955. At one time, I had TWENTY German helmets to include: a Paratrooper, (3) SS, (5) dble decal Luftwaffe, (4) dble decal Army, Police, Fire Police and Luftschutz models. In 11/1973, I paid $500 for the 20! That's $25/helmet! I sold them all for God only knows what, to finance the purchase of Five Walther P-38 pistols with holsters. Their cost I do not have a clue. I know the helmets because I just looked at the pics and I wrote on the backs.
Again, I had numerous daggers, somewhere around 20 or so. They too were traded off.
At one time, I had accumulated FORTY Samurai to include Tanto, Wakazashi and Katana. I haven't a clue as to what I paid. I know I had 2-3 Navy, a few Naval Assault Forces, etc, etc. A fire in my ex-wifes house destroyed any photos of those pieces BUT I had sold/traded them previously. WHY? To pay for a trip back to NJ,and for other "needed" items, etc.
I have many diverse interests and today have a 1/3 scale Mod 1883 .22cal Gatling Gun, a full size suit of more modern made, Spanish Armor, hundreds of books if not more, diecast models, about 20-25 TR daggers and swords, etc, etc, etc.
What WOULD I like to have? What I have now AND those items that I sold and/or traded years ago! Hell, I actually HAD the money at most times OR could have paid "on time". I personally knew all my sellers and we trusted each other implicitly.
So, what do I suggest? One who has "been there, done that, got the sweatshirt"? KEEP what you have IF you have the money! BUY the beauties that you want BUT make damn sure they are ORIGINAL pieces or forget it!
Again, I am NO "expert" and I damn well KNOW that there are numerous REAL experts here. So, IMHO, KEEP your stuff and SPEND the money IF you can on ORIGINALS ONLY! I would give my left, well, you know, to have all my stuff again!
Regards and Best in whatever you decide,
Lloyd
