Collect the past and invest for your future.
Many people start a collection because what they collect gives them pleasure, often delving into past memories. Sometimes we collect the items we remember fondly from our childhood. Maybe the items from our grandparents’ homes that bring back great memories. The things that give us comfort and pleasure or things to share and treasure. Also, collecting gives us a wonderful gift of knowledge about history and the times in which our ancestors lived.
Taree Local Collectors Club are having their Antiques and Collectables Fair on the 4th & 5th May at Taree P.C.Y.C. It should be an exciting event with lots of sales, displays of collections and appraisals available. Write this one down in the diary. It will be fun! (Any enquiries phone Rex – see phone number at the end of this article).
The Hunter Valley Antiques And Collectables Fair is on the 16th & 17th February at the Federation Centre, Maitland. Armidale is having an Antiques and Collectable Fair from 22nd to 23rd February at Armidale Jockey Club. These couple of venues might keep you entertained or turn up a find!
Here’s another – write this one on the calendar. An Antique and Collectables Auction at Taree Showground on Sunday 28th April.
Don’t forget the local markets: The Hub at Taree Showground on the 3rd Saturday of the month, Black Head Markets on the 1st Sunday of each month and Tuncurry Markets on the 4th Saturday of each month are possibly the largest in our local area, but there are lots of smaller community markets that are open on a regular basis. You never know what you might find!
One of my passions is old tools. Something about the quality workmanship, the ingenuity of design, the high standards of precision and the fact that the tools were engineered to last a lifetime, all add to their appeal.
Tools are the masters of all antiques, the mother of all inventions. They were the first thing invented by humans. The first probably being the stone axe of prehistoric times. All antiques since then have needed someone’s ingenuity to invent the tool to create the masterpiece from sculptures to the most creative furniture, to sending man to the moon.
I have some friends who have specialised in their tool collecting. One collects Plumb Bobs of all shapes and sizes, another collects old rulers and measurers made from wood and brass, and yet another loves to find old tools and restore them to their former glory, and what a great job he does.
From planes and saws, to levels, wrenches, and rules, antique hand tools are the pride and joy of many a collectors’ possessions. Depending on the condition of the tool and its type, a good tool can bring lots of pleasure through researching, restoring, displaying and sharing with like-minded collectors.
Whether you are a starting collector or are looking to add specific pieces to your collection, keep your eye out for auctions, garage sales, markets, antique shops and second-hand shops.
Don and Kate, at Antique Solutions, in Olympia St, Taree opposite Taree Railway station, have put together a sale of old tools. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 10am. There are tables of great finds. Well worth the wander.
Happy hunting for the months ahead!
I recommend collecting to all. Find a category that suits your interests and take the plunge and collect a variety of unique and interesting treasures or limit yourself to just one area. It is always fun, very rewarding and you meet the most interesting people.
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.