A reader comments on the militaria business...good insights!

Hi,

 

As I mentioned, we may have had some of the same experiences with people along the collection road.

When I started, this was supposed to be a "hobby". I retired early and needed something to do, I love history so this was a natural. Soon I found a niche and settled in. I eventually found the forum, and that has been good news, (and bad news).

 

The people are the good news/bad news of the whole thing. They take themselves too seriously, or believe that they know more then anyone else. Now to defend those remarks.

When it comes to medals, I believe my goal is to learn about the man behind the medals, as well as the medals themselves. In order for the medals to come to life, they have to have the history of the man who was the recipient of those medals. therefore, I must know about both, but especially about the man.

 

For the most part, I find collectors learn about the medals in such depth, that this is all they seem to be able to recite. To the point that they beat up on others who don't know as much, or don't stress certain areas of knowledge that the "wise ones" think necessary.

 

 

Next, is be honest........you may not always be correct, but be honest. That means with money matters too. If you make a mistake, you make a mistake. I do it often enough, I'm not perfect. BUT, I don't try to cheat anybody. Point it out to me, educate me, and I'll apologize and learn to be better in the future. People in the hobby try to take advantage of others. I believe you pointed this out when you mentioned people offering far less then what an item is worth. An experienced collector should know the value of an item, and treat another collector with an honest appraisal of an items value.

If a person is not an experienced collector, and makes a mistake in value, that will soon be apparent to all concerned.

 

I do not sell things on the forum, I don't sell things at all if I can help it. I'm a collector, not a seller. I try and learn and have fun on the forum, occasionally I meet someone like yourself. That's always fun!

 

I've gone on too long. Thank you for reading this far (if you still are reading??).

 

Thanks, (anonymous)