Collecting things is something humans have since, well, since the beginning of human civilizations! We provided insight into that in a previous blog. Many people are passionate about collecting certain things. How someone got their unique passion for their collections is always an interesting conversation starter.
Collections as a Status Symbol
Wealthy families have an advantageous position in society and can enjoy collecting whatever they want to the fullest. Unfortunately, not everyone attains this wealth, but collecting allows anyone to gain a unique position in the world of collecting.
When collectors accumulate extensive collections or rare pieces in their field, they achieve a coveted position and get to celebrate the glory the same way wealthy collectors do.
Collecting for the Hunter
Every vinyl collector knows the feeling of fishing out a previously unrecognized rarity from the thrift store bin.
In most collecting arenas, there are rare pieces that every collector in the respective area wants to get their hands on. They spare no expense or time to hunt down such a piece. When they find that unique object, the collector’s adrenaline rush is comparable to that of a prehistoric human when he was about to kill a mammoth.
Collecting for Mental Wellbeing
Collectors desire some items simply because they’re beautiful, like sculptures or oil paintings. The hobby of collecting also has high entertainment value if you collect books, video games, movies, or music.
Finding and enjoying your collectibles is also relaxing. Many stamp collectors enjoy the calming effect of sorting stamps or simply looking at the stamps and enjoying the beauty and aesthetics of these miniature works of art.
Collecting as a Means of Communicating with Like-Minded People
Humans are distinctly social beings who seek contact with like-minded people, and collecting is a good way of connecting with them.
Possibilities include membership in an association, visiting a flea market, or scouring the Internet with subject-specific newsgroups and chats. This is how friendships are often formed. Collecting makes up a lot of what people need as social beings.
Collections Reveal Knowledge
Sometimes collecting a certain item is a means of learning new things. Like a book collector who’s read many subject-specific books and knows the topic backward and forward. Music collectors don’t just like the songs but also the history of the artist, the writing process, and the meanings behind some of their favorite tunes.
Collections can represent the physical world of a deep knowledge dive into a subject, and they can provide a talking point for anyone looking to share that knowledge.
Is it in the Genes?
Some people enjoy the hobby of collecting, but is there a genetic predisposition to having a collector’s mindset? Is your enjoyment of collecting evolutionary?
The instinct to collect is deeply rooted in our genes, as it was a way of preparing for cold winters in ancient times. Back then, collecting and hoarding items and food was essential for survival. This also suggests that gathering is more prevalent in wetter and colder regions than in the warm climates of the world.
Even though you might collect stamps, furniture, jewelry, or art, mankind couldn’t have survived without a passion for collecting. Of course, this process has a slightly different background than collecting stamps, but the ability to think forward and backward is the pillar of humanity.
You also collect other things without even realizing it. You acquire personal memories that provide you with a guide to what’s right or wrong, what could be dangerous, or what you consider positive.
Some collectors begin with a passed-down collection, taking over a family member’s belongings. These can be valuable teacups, wristwatches, porcelain, glass figurines, or classic stamps. Understandably, this creates an emotional attachment to sentimental property.
How Much is Your Collection Worth?
Apart from the emotional point of view, many collectibles are accumulated as an investment using appropriate rational and objective strategies. That doesn’t always work out, though, especially with trendy collectibles.
Everyone remembers the Beanie Baby craze of the 90s. Millions of collectors truly thought they would retire in luxury after selling off Chops the Lamb, Chocolate the Moose, or Speedy the Turtle. Unfortunately, only a few Beanie Babies are worth a significant chunk of change these days. You still can’t retire by selling one, but you could probably take a nice vacation with the profits if you have a rare Beanie Baby.
Whether you held onto Beanie Babies or have another collection requiring an appraisal, we can help. Call the experts at LAWSON & CO today at 317-745-6404 to discuss options like estate sales and on-site auctions.
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