Miniature Collecting 101

Every once in a while a big collection of miniatures comes up on Ebay. This week there is once again a dolls house and collection from Sue and Fred Narr listed for $18,000. This type of sale always brings up two issues for me. First, what is a collection and why should it stay together? If the collection belonged to someone well known that may make it a record of their interests. Otherwise a collection's value usually depends on how closely the items are related, what they represent as a group and how well they are documented. Things mum collected because she liked them may not have a value as a collection for someone else, everyone likes to express their own taste.

If no one buys the items in this ebay sale all together, then the owners will wisely be offering them for sale separately. That brings up my second issue. Always document what you collect, even if it isn't notable right now. If you are building a collection, buy signed pieces or have at least a business card with the item listed on the back and a signature of the artist along with the sales receipt. That way in twenty years when the artists you bought from have built up a reputation, you have documentation that adds to the value of the early objects you purchased. It also gives your heirs a chance to try their luck in a sales room or an auction in case your collection is unique, or reflects it's particular time.

Articles that may help you while you build a collection:

• Miniature Collecting 101
• Tips for Beginning Miniature Collectors
• How to Document a Miniature Collection
• Make A Dolls House Record Book