Island Life Magazine Ltd December/January 2017 | Page 66

Have you ever noticed that avid collectors of anything larger than coins , stamps or postcards , seem to have much bigger houses than most of us ? I can ’ t decide whether they buy the houses to provide haven for their collections or does a huge empty house cry out to be filled with whatever takes the owners fancy ?

Ask an expert !

Here are my few tips on collecting :

The first rule is not to get over possessive about an item you purchase at an auction or an antique shop .

The second rule is to find out as much as you can about what it is you are trying to collect or buy .

Rule three covers those who only buy as a form of investment . Unless you have a proven track record , a very keen eye and deep pockets , this is really best left to the experts .

Rule four also stems from the mistakes of youth and that is to buy the best example you can afford .

My fifth rule is to do with the condition of an item and the likely cost implications of any repair or restoration necessary to bring it up to an acceptable standard .

Rule six , always , always , always ask and obtain a proper receipt .

My last rule is simple ; Only ever buy something you really , really like ! Happy collecting !

Well , the last three months have been hectic for the team at Island Auction Rooms , with the usual round of two sales a month plus an off-site auction on November 5th which went off with a bang !

The saleroom has been so busy after the auctions a special team has been drafted in to deal with the massive amount of packing and posting now required after each Antique & Collectables sale .

With buyers from Russia , China , USA , Australia and all over Europe the team certainly have their work cut out !