An absolute beginner's guide to Collecting.

Thunderpussy

I know many members are hardcore collectors ( and Bond collectors as well. ) ) although I
thought it a good idea to ask for some advice for those of us who'd be Virgins to the world of
Collecting.
Some general tips and advice would be appreciated not just by myself but other beginners too.
I know from reading the threads that many members buy and sell Bond items, so if possible could
any advice or recommendations for dealers, companies or other members. For buying posters,
autographs, books etc.
I can't afford a DB5 but would love a few autographs, photos or posters to start a display. Once
again any advice would be appreciated and I'm sure other AJBers are in my position of wanting to
start a collection of some kind but don't know where to start. -{

Sir Miles

Where to start ? That's easy....ask the missus...she'll soon tell you where to start

danjaq_0ff

I wouldn't start it is an addiction that is very hard to get out of 8-)

Thunderpussy

) maybe I'll just try for a couple of autographs and stop.

Higgins

Be very careful when starting with autographs.
Many of the ebay offers have the same collectors value as if I signed them

Thunderpussy

Then they'd be priceless.

cyclones122

In my experience, I would recommend that you try to find something in particular that you enjoy and target that. I know when I started collecting a couple years ago, I was buying a lot of different things with no particular focus. That's a great thing to do, if you have the room for it, but I quickly found that I didn't have enough space for lots of stuff. So, I decided to focus my collection in one area. I wear a suit and tie to work everyday, so trying to collect the ties and cuff links was a natural choice for me. It is something that I can use everyday (if I wanted to), and I do love a beautiful tie!

That's not to say if something awesome comes along, I won't pick it up; but I found that focusing your collection in a specific direction can be very rewarding. Hope that helps! Just remember, any collection is a good collection!!

Higgins

cyclones122 wrote:

In my experience, I would recommend that you try to find something in particular that you enjoy and target that.

Unfortunately lame jokes are not for sale elsewhere and I am not sure if we can make something out of his passion for needlework

Thunderpussy

Thanks for the advice cyclones122, I'll have to sit back and decided what I want to
concentrate on.

ppw3o6r

Used in a previous thread but collect something you enjoy collecting. Don't go for something just because it's rare or you think you can turn a fast Buck so rare or not only collect it if it is something you personally like as you may have to live with it for a considerable period of time. Google or Bing searches are very useful tools where sometimes you may just come across that illusive item you've been searching for. Forums such as AJB007 are a great tool because those who are passionate about their subject can build up an incredible amount of knowledge. Research research & more research will lead you to knowing if something is correct or not? Bargains on evilbay are not always what they appear to be....items sometimes receive no or very low bids for a very good reason
In the case of posters use a site such as emovieposter.com in the US who have no buyers premium & who some of the big time poster dealers tend to get their own inventory from -{

minigeff

As a collector and maker of props I tend to go for the more unique items.

Some people go for anything with a 007 badge on, others go for screen used outfits only, but I prefer the challenge of making my own stuff as it's more fun (in my mind anyway) than just buying an item in a store. Plus you're never limited to what you can add to your collection.

Again I prefer making hard to find stuff. The likes of golden guns aren't for me to make I'm afraid.

Thunderpussy

Needlework eh ? You'd have to avoid the odd prick, ........... oh just make up your own joke. )

Theundeadkennedy

Bondtoys wrote:

cyclones122 wrote:

In my experience, I would recommend that you try to find something in particular that you enjoy and target that.

Unfortunately lame jokes are not for sale elsewhere and I am not sure if we can make something out of his passion for needlework

)

I've found that the clothing collecting gets expensive fast and definitely attracts the attention of the wife. I had to take a break for awhile, compile a Christmas wish list and bide my time. Christmas was very good this year, I will have to post up my loot soon -{

I'm thinking of starting a collection of first additions, anyone have a link to helpful information on starting that collection up?

Thunderpussy

Thanks again guys, I wouldn't have the biggest budget so I was thinking of maybe once or twice a year
getting a signed photo or autograph, as I have a blank wall in my studio and thought a series of Bond
photos would look good.
I have no interest in investing or dealing to make money, just something to annoy the wife. )

Sir Miles

Get a couple of posters...or prints....the Jeff Marshall ones are quite nice -{

Higgins

Thunderpussy wrote:

?...... just something to annoy the wife. )

If that's your goal, get the Corgi Rockets OHMSS models

"@*#¥~# x$ for an old car model and I get a drama if I want a Chanel nail paint?"

And I haven't told her that I have purchased the mint carded set, the quote was when I bought a loose playworn one some time ago )

Sir Miles

Give over - you bought the Chanel nail polish for yourself

Higgins

Nah- I bought it for you

danjaq_0ff

Bondtoys wrote:

Thunderpussy wrote:

?...... just something to annoy the wife. )

If that's your goal, get the Corgi Rockets OHMSS models

"@*#¥~# x$ for an old car model and I get a drama if I want a Chanel nail paint?"

And I haven't told her that I have purchased the mint carded set, the quote was when I bought a loose playworn one some time ago )

One day she will catch you out ) then I wouldn't want to be in your shoes it must be fun living on the edge {[]

Sir Miles

Bondtoys wrote:

Nah- I bought it for you

Depends which colour you bought ;%

Charmed & Dangerous

The posters suggestion is excellent - maximum impact to start your collection and plenty of options, from the readily available posters to the really rare. And there are some great photos available, whether signed or not, and film cells.

Just collect what you like, don't restrict yourself, I've collected a bit of everything from posters to clothes to books and magazines, just stuff that appeals, collecting Bond doesn't have to cost a fortune. -{

007storm

I first started to collect books and all movies. From this all I get inspired to collect die-cast cars, posters, cards and so on. I just collected whatever came across my path. Later on I focused more on replica’s and props.

I think it is a very personal what you do are don’t collect. It also depends on the budget available and if you have easy access to some certain things.

Higgins

danjaq_0ff wrote:

One day she will catch you out ) then I wouldn't want to be in your shoes it must be fun living on the edge {[]

Hopefully that day will be long after I have gone from this world

She may realize then that I had an exquisite taste in 007 collectibles and watches

Bond Collectors' Weekends

It's a buyer's market for the most part until the economy turns around. Definitely specialize as was mentioned. If you're books for example, do only foreign or only English language or only American and not British firsts unless you've won the lottery.

To faster build a collection find other completists and trade and swap. My BONDLIST eZine does announcements at times and we've moved everything from small items to entire sets of first editions and ultra-rare items.

PoorMansJB

I second those suggesting that you find a particular niche -- die-cast cars, action figures, whatever -- and stick with just that. When I started collecting forty years ago there wasn't that much material -- or at least in those pre-internet days, it didn't seem like there was that much -- so I collected pretty much anything with the logo on it and now my collection is out of control.

If you enjoy posters, then go for 'em. Personally, I collect only unusual posters -- advertising tie-ins -- because the balance are well-documented in a variety of books and unless you have unlimited wall-space, you can only show X number.

If it's autographs, relative to Bondtoys' comment, there are an awful lot of forgeries on the market, so why not collect in person? You don't note where you're located but there are frequent autograph show on both coasts of the US and throughout the UK.

If you want a really distinctive collection, you might consider something no one else is collecting; a friend of mine joked he had all the 007 ice sculptures from every EON press conference. Personally, one of the areas I specialize in is "lifestyle" items from the '60s; they tend to be rare but demand is comparatively low so they're more affordable than many other disciplines.

Bond44

I agree pick a niche and then it grows like a siders web. Mine was watches I loved the Brosnan era Omega SMP and that was it really. I bought both Quartz then Chrono. But working in London I too then went T&A shirt or two. Then ties x3 and I was rolling again. It was watches again with Casino I loved the PO but it was too large. Then with QOS the 42mm was a must and my next major purchase. Then I picked up levis sta pressed 397's by chance in a local outlet so had to finish off the Lake Garda outfit (still want the TF Cardi). That lead to Sunspel Rivieras and I was covered for Casino and QOS outfits. Then La Perla re issed the Casino trunks and Olebar Browns for Skyfall slowly it grows. Barbour Tokito next for the lodge outfit and this year the Menlo as a Chrissy present (well it was a toss up between this and the Billy Reed). Throw if TF 108's and Markos, suede boots, leather boot suits, M's Churchill and Q's mug etc and as they say looking back it's an expensive habit. Cheapest thing I own was the skyfall PT top I was issued years ago by the Army nearly sold at a boot sale a few years back now it's back in vogue!

Like I said whatever you buy it will grow legs over time

Next for me is the DBS in Quantum and DB5 for weekends only at my house in Jamaica called Goldeneye

Good luck! :007)