My collecting (some would say obsession) started at the age of three, with coins, stamps, cigarette cards. Quantity was always infinitely preferable to quality. And so, whilst my collections grew rapidly and cheaply, their value always remained fairly constant - worthless.  Nevertheless, it was fun and the foundation for when  my collections began to mature along with my income.

1. Do not to get over-possessive.  To become an antique, an item has grown old and  has probably had several owners, each  its temporary custodian and guardian. Not that you shouldn't receive pleasure from owning something beautiful and maybe even profit from its appreciation upon transfer. Look at it, adore it, allow yourself to be enthralled by its beauty, and then let it move on and enrich someone else's life.

2. You may already have a certain expertise, but there is always room for  more research.   Invest in books, magazines and membership to collectors clubs, where you'll find a wealth of information to add to your enjoyment.

3. For those who buy as a form of investment:  unless you have a proven track record, a very keen eye and deep pockets, this is really best left to the experts. Valuations go down as well as up, just as with shares. In fact, antique prices seem to be inextricably linked to share prices. When stock markets crash, antiques seem like a good deal, but watch prices tumble when people put their money back into the markets. Buy the very best example of an item that you can afford so there is the greatest chance that its value will increase over time.

4.  Give your collection a focus. Gravitate toward a particular manufacturer (i.e. Moorcroft), artist (Lowry), region (France), time frame (Victorian), or theme (Rugs from the Ottoman Empire).   Eventually, any new piece must stand alone against other acquisitions and it is then you will discover the piece doesn't "fit" - in fact, it actually detracts from your collection. This is when you hope you bought wisely, because your first thought will be "Can I sell it?"

5. Buy the best example you can afford.  If you started out buying slightly damaged, cheaper items to establish yourself, consider selling all of them to buy just one exceptional example.  One absolutely perfect example is worth more than three to five times a damaged example,  whatever its field or time period.

6. Bear in mind the likely cost implications of any repair or restoration.  Buy objects that are in good  condition and look out for descriptions such as, 'after' so-and-so’ or  'in the style of...'.  At the very least, the item is not original and could be a fake.   “Buyer Beware” and remember that  unless you build into your own price the likely cost of restoration, you could spend more than the item is worth.

7. Buy items that are well made, have a fairly easily-proven provenance, and are representative of the time in which they were made.

8. It's tempting to buy things that are in vogue. But a fashion is now, not yesterday and certainly not tomorrow.   You’ll  pay too much and watch the price fall as the next fashion takes over.  Stick to your own area of expertise.

9. Always ask for and obtain a proper receipt. It will establish ownership,  may be necessary for probate, the tax office, your insurance company or even the police, should, the item get stolen. It should contain : (a) The date; (b) The complete name, address and telephone number of the seller; (c) A full and complete description of the item ; (d) Note of any damaged or worn areas, and the date estimate of its origins (i.e. circa 1895); (e) The price paid  and method of payment.  An auction house or antique shop owner will give you most of this information without asking, but at car boot sales or antique fairs take your own paper and get the stall holder to write it out, or you write it out and get them to sign it. 

10. My last rule is simple: only ever buy something you really, really like!

Happy Collecting!

 www.antiquecollector.uk.com