Plan B ??

[Peter Brydon]

When the news is all about the current economic difficulties, it is most interesting that Bosleys report that yesterday`s auction was their best ever.

I put what I thought was a good bid ( well above the guide price ) on the Kings Regiment pre 1926 Musicians badge to find that the hammer price was actually twice my bid.

It makes you wonder if people are investing in collectables rather than having money earning sometimes less than 1% in a bank or building society.


When it comes to collecting I think I may have to move on to plan B ( If I can think of a plan B )

P.B.

[wright241]

Originally Posted by 8thfoot

When the news is all about the current economic difficulties, it is most interesting that Bosleys report that yesterday`s auction was their best ever.

I put what I thought was a good bid ( well above the guide price ) on the Kings Regiment pre 1926 Musicians badge to find that the hammer price was actually twice my bid.

It makes you wonder if people are investing in collectables rather than having money earning sometimes less than 1% in a bank or building society.


When it comes to collecting I think I may have to move on to plan B ( If I can think of a plan B )

P.B.

Peter, Ref 'investment' and prices - its been going this way for over the last 2 years with stamps and art, I see no other way of trying to protect the value of any money you have than putting it anything other than your bank account. Even in Lux, interest rates are extremely low - for investors and savers, but NOT when it comes to borrowing...... Putting it into badges probably seems like a good idea to a lot of people. I bid on a few officers plates and glengarries at the Bosley auction and got blown away. Not one. Very disappointing. The auction houses must be making a real killing at both ends at the moment. try and buy shares in them.... if only you could!
Anyway, try and have a good Xmas and I hope there isn't too much snow next week when I have to drive over. All the best and Bon Noel.
David

Forgot to mention - it does seem as if most dealers prices have also been rising - especially the 'good stuff'. Next year might just be a good time to pack it all in....

[jubilationtcornpone]

P.B.

I think that you are right about people putting their money into collectibles as an investment. I had this same conversation with a dealer at the last antique show I attended. Over time antiques, in general, hold their value, usually. It is hard to know down the road what will be popular and in demand. My advice, for what it's worth, is to stick with plan A, go for the best quality you can afford. I once attended an auction where I bid on a WWI divisional history and had to quit at $50 USD. I bought an identical copy a week latter at a gun show for $10 USD. You never know what will turn up.

Don

[Mike]

I would be careful in this economic climate of assuming prices of collectables will always go up. Remember house prices? they always go up; until they don't. Ask someone from Ireland about house prices.

We are probably very close to the most critical decision of the current economic crisis; Do we head down the path of deflation or inflation (or hyperinflation). From what has happened so far inflation looks the likely option, but there is still one duck to come into line; the European Central Bank. When the European Central Bank announces Quantitative easing (money printing, like the Fed and BoE have done), that is the time to move into physical assets.

"Bankers own the earth. Take it away from them, but leave them the power to create
money and control credit, and with a flick of a pen they will create enough to buy it back". Josiah Stamp

[jubilationtcornpone]

Mike,

Your point is well taken. I collect because I enjoy collecting what I do. Best advice for those looking for a good investment, land. They aren't making any more of it. At least that's what Will Rogers said 80 or so years ago. Inflation, or the prospect of it, is very frightening. The German hyperinflation of the 1920's set the stage for Hitler. We here in the states already have a leader who is long on oratory and short on wisdom. Time will tell. A lot can happen in a year, and probably will.

Don

[GriffMJ]

Originally Posted by jubilationtcornpone

Mike,

Your point is well taken. I collect because I enjoy collecting what I do. Best advice for those looking for a good investment, land. They aren't making any more of it. At least that's what Will Rogers said 80 or so years ago. Inflation, or the prospect of it, is very frightening. The German hyperinflation of the 1920's set the stage for Hitler. We here in the states already have a leader who is long on oratory and short on wisdom. Time will tell. A lot can happen in a year, and probably will.

Don

Anything is better than your previous Führer! He was short of everything!

[ebro]

We here in the states already have a leader who is long on oratory and short on wisdom.

Don,
You are lucky, we have two of them and they don't even agree with each other.
Eddie

[LONGSHANKS]

I think your both confusing,long on oratory and lack of wisdom with the previous administrations......... unless picking fights you can't win is wise....

[Sonofacqms]

I think Peter is correct in saying many people are investing in militaria. This probably accounts for some of the incredible prices realised at online auctions, the saying "a little knowledge is dangerous" holds good . . !

[davec2]

I don't think that the rocketing price of Militaria can be confined to the Auction hoses, some ebay sellers are making a killing, included are the County of London related badges, prices are going through the roof ??

Dave.

[jubilationtcornpone]

Originally Posted by Sonofacqms

I think Peter is correct in saying many people are investing in militaria. This probably accounts for some of the incredible prices realised at online auctions, the saying "a little knowledge is dangerous" holds good . . !

We here in the states are seeing a sudden increase in interest in militaria from the Second World War, with a corresponding surge in prices. Some of this can be justified and some, you've got to be kidding me. Some of this is being driven, IMHO, by relatives parting with militaria left by departed veterans. If you really want to become a persona non gratta tell a dealer that what he's asking is way out of line, especially if he has a potential customer, aka a sucker, ready to buy. As far as my earlier reference to a "leader long on oratory and short on wisdom," I was referring to my local mayor. Sorry if I caused any confusion. I shall endeavor to continue to educate myself both as to the value of the militaria I collect and to the current political scene.

Don