A Fond Farewell.
 

Hello Chaps,

The time has come, I'm afraid, for me to call it a day, I have been thinking along these lines, for a while, but matters have now come to a head. I'm actually wondering if any of the medication that I'm on these days is causing me to lose my grip on reality. A badge that I don't think is too bad, is, in actual fact, a total POS, so it's startlingly obvious to me, that I don't know my arse from my elbow, where badges are concerned.

I would like to apologise to all those who have had to put up with my silly questions and mindless waffling in recent months. I would also like to thank all of the forum members from whom I've bought a great many Suffolk and RA badges. I did lovingly mount all of these badges on pieces of cardboard prior to framing them properly. I do now have all of the framing materials, but, sadly, I fear, all of the badges are now destined for a couple of empty ice cream cartons.

I need to go back to collecting something that I do actually know a little bit about, I am an OAP and have been for the last 16 years, so I don't know quite how many new collections I'll be able to find time for! But, for now, at least, it's onwards and upwards, just no more badges!

I am sorry Chris that you have come to this decision, for various reasons I am in the process of of letting go the larger part of my collection which has been an interest of mine for more than 60 years and it is sad the presence of so many dodgy items in the field of militaria has affected so many collectors.

I have found that the collecting bug is so deep rooted that I am still looking for items to add to the parts of my collection that I am keeping and I am as interested in the history of the regiment that has been my long time interest.

I hope you find a new collecting field that dosnt have as many pitfalls as ours.

Regards

Peter

I dont think the purchase of one dodgy item should lead to such a drastic decision. We have all bought pups in the past, its part of the learning process.

Mount your badges and enjoy them, for apart from this one badge they are all superb items from what i have seen of them on here.

They would make a wonderful display and hopefully re kindle your interest and enthusiasm.

all the best

Hi Chris
That is a shame but I understand where you are coming from. The volume of better and better fakes is very demoralising. Best wishes for future endeavors!
Cheers,
Alex

I totally agree with Simon , if you are happy with your displays that is all that matters .

As a 'novice' collector I enjoy seeing the fantastic displays members post and if the odd "dud" does appear the information/advice from other members benefits everyone and possibly helps people to know what to avoid.

Perhaps take a "time out" and hopefully your interest/enthusiasm will return.

.

I think their are quite a few of us contemplating giving up, there's so much shit being sold its making the hobby intolerable.

Keep at it
 

I can remember having a conversation with a fellow collector some forty years ago about giving up badge collecting due to copies/fakes, I am still collecting and not put off by fakes, this forum is a must for badge collectors with members flagging up duds coming on the market from Dad's shed or a loft find.

You have a great collection of Suffolk badges, frame them and enjoy.

Rob

Well, for myself, I have learned by your posts. You have put legitimate questions up and certainly no need to feel otherwise.
I too have had periods wherein I have wished to stop collecting, and have at a few times in the past, but be warned, once you start, you can never go back!
I do hope to see your posts on Suffolk badges in the future.

CB

I am sorry to read giving up collecting badges due to the flood of fakes. I am not one to ever give up, yes I know - never say never, but I hate the thought that the bad apples are having such a devastating effect.

I have bought more than my share of duds, but thanks ot this forum and the great people - to a person, I have really started to learn and am sincerely grateful. As Peter said, collecting gets in the blood, and I have been doing it ever since I bought my first pieces some 30+ years ago.

A tough decision I know, but hope you change your mind.

Terry

To thursdaychris and all others in the same boat including myself. OAP, believe I still have my faculties, have what I believe is a fair collection BUT, now beginning to realise that I’ve bought suspect pieces and thinking that my years remaining are less than I hoped. Plus, beginning to worry about what becomes of a collection once the custodian has passed.
So here’s my take on the situation. Over the last few months, I’ve made up a number of albums for members to peruse at their leisure. Primarily so that one can look at pieces back and front in most cases and decide if that might be a piece they would add to their collection or not. I’ve been a member 13 years and believe in enjoying (or even envying) other people’s badges or collections so that in a very small way, I thought that I was putting back into the forum. So, Chris and others, enjoy what you have, enjoy what you may see from others, and above all, never give up. I’ll still be around, still looking for the Holy Grail!
Carpe Diem! David J.

Badge collecting whether casual or serious is full of big peaks and deep nadirs.

Everyone needs a break from it periodically to reflect and let the emotions settle down and objectivity return.

This hobby for better or worse is one with many non-transferable skills that have to be learned on the job and does take time.

My advice is focus on the 61 other good badges on your Suffolk board and see how you feel.

I hope this is a half-time break for you rather than the full time whistle, but, whatever you decide best of luck.