Collect the past and invest for your future. Always for the pleasure it brings and sometimes even for profit.
It is a fun hobby that lasts a lifetime!

Everyone starts collecting somewhere, and here are a few helpful tips that will help you get a better handle on the world of buying, selling, and simply appreciating antiques of all different kinds.

Go antiquing with an experienced person. It is amazing the little details that you might miss if you’ve never combed through antiques before, so make a day of digging through markets, garage sales or simply browsing an antique store with someone who knows a bit about the antiques game. They’ll offer some great advice on what to look for, and you can see in real time actual antiques and possibly also what reproductions look like. This is also a good way to learn about negotiating a price. There’s something to be said about the art of haggling, and it’s good to learn some of the etiquette from an expert. Always remember that the person who is selling deserves a fair price.

Ask lots of questions. Many sellers whether at antique shops, fairs or auctions are happy to offer a bit of their expertise and answer questions. Much like you, sellers are very interested in antiques and have likely learned a lot of valuable information over the years. If you’re honest about not knowing enough to make a purchase, most will be happy to chat and offer some tips.

Learn more about specific items that interest you. After browsing and figuring out what items really interest you, it could be as general as furniture and dishware or as specific as sewing machines and typewriters, do a little more digging into their history. Research the going rates, key things to look for when buying and read about the subject. 

Be aware of budget and style. Collecting a lot of random antiques simply because they are antiques will leave you with an empty wallet and a full house. Be selective initially based on your budget and style, keeping in mind that antiques should be something you will be eager to display around the house. Keeping antiques in the shed or under the house isn’t good for their condition, so remember that they’ll need space somewhere in the house or your chosen display area.

Have a reason! You might go to a market one day and find a handful of awesome antiques, and then next weekend not see a single thing you like. Part of the fun of antiquing is the thrill of the hunt, digging through Op. shop shelves and garage sale tables for those awesome finds, so don’t grow impatient if you’re not seeing exactly what you want right away. Garage sales, markets, Antique Fairs, Op. shops, second-hand stores and of course antique shops are great places to search. Some people like to search on line, but for me I like to touch, feel, turn over and get a first hand impression of my buys. Everyone develops their preference.

I was sorry to hear Don and Kate at Antique Solutions in Muldoon St, Taree are closing down. New ventures and new goals. All the very best to both these lovely people.

Many people love to collect die cast model vehicles as a cheaper way to continue their love of cars. It doesn’t take up as much room or cost as much as the real thing.

Diecast model cars are built from zinc alloy — and offer a healthy dose of nostalgia. In the peak of their production, these small-scale cars — typically no larger than the palm of a hand — were carefully modelled after real-life designs produced by automobile manufacturers. For collectors in the market today, diecast cars bring together two popular collecting categories: vintage toys and classic cars. Car enthusiasts may find they can fit a few more 1:43 scale diecast cars in their garage than full-scale Fords or Holdens. Toy collectors may find joy in the careful details offered by each of the four major manufacturers of diecast toys. And, just about everyone can find joy in rolling diecast cars down imaginary roads.

One major appeal of diecast cars is how brands have been able to authentically recreate full-size cars at a much smaller scale. One of the first diecast cars from the iconic toy manufacturer Dinky Toys was a model of the 1930s race car ‘The Speed of the Wind,’ driven by British race car driver and engineer George Eyston when he broke the land speed record. 

Condition is important and collectors really enjoy finding those old classics with their original boxes.

Diecast toys are fun for nostalgists and collectors of all ages. The sheer volume of cars produced over the years makes acquiring quality models accessible for any level of interest in the field of vintage toys. Whether you’re interested in a classic Dinky Toy diecast car, a revolutionary Corgi, the economical Matchbox, the fantastical Hot Wheels or one of the myriad of other brands you’ll find plenty of examples to capture your imagination. 

Our new shop, Antiques & Old Wares – 12 Isabella Street in Wingham, is keeping Dave and I both busy and entertained. A hobby that has continued into our retirement. If you get a chance call in and say hello.

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