Collect the past and invest for your future

Have you had any interesting finds this month? There must have been lots of people cleaning out, downsizing, or just having a sort through of their treasures. I have had lots calls and photos, with people asking a large variety of questions about their items. Always great to talk to people about the history, age and value of their old and interesting pieces. 

This month we have had a few trips. Port Macquarie, Newcastle (3), Sydney, Moree, Toowoomba, the Gold Coast and back along the Pacific Highway. There are always treasures to be found in shops, markets, garage sales and through sales on sites, such as Gumtree on the Net. We have, over the years, found many an interesting find on trips like these.

Then again, finds can be made anywhere. Many years ago, I saw a notice for an auction in our local paper. The auction was to be held in a house in Pulteney St., next to the old Cinema building. On auction day, I went along and a lot of the old memorabilia from the old theatre was up for sale.

I remember, as a kid, going to the “pictures”, at this very theatre, and seeing double feature movies (lots of Westerns), a cartoon and a newsreel, which took up a lot of a Saturday afternoon. Mum and Dad got a kid-free afternoon. We had lots of enjoyment. Before the movie started, they would always play God Save the Queen, and everyone stood.

In the auction, they were selling the picture of the Queen that we all stood and faced during the anthem. It was enormous, standing at 4 feet, or 122cm wide, and 6 feet, or 123cm long, in a beautiful gold gilt frame. I couldn’t resist. The Queen came home, and has lived on our family-room wall ever since.

I am not a Royalist, but appreciate the history of the royal family. It would be great to have an Australian Head of State picked by a 75% vote of Parliamentarians on a non-party platform. (Just a GOOD Australian, who can be OUR representative that we can be proud of). Let’s not go down the lines of America – Party political, billions spent, lies and mis-information told – we might end up with our own Donald!!!

I would prefer the Queen in comparison to that!

Sorry about that. I will step down off my high horse.

Back to the Queen, who now lives in the family room. She has been a family member for about 20 years. The photograph is the official Coronation photograph.

Royal memorabilia collecting is a thriving trade, with interest in historical and more modern pieces as well.

Happy hunting for the month!

I recommend collecting to all. Find the ‘something’ that suits your interests, take the plunge and collect a variety of unique and interesting treasures, or limit yourself to just one area. It is always fun.

If you have items you are not sure of, I may be able to help with information, appraisals and/or sales. I love the history and stories of old and interesting items. Phone Rex – 0427 880 546.