Hitting The Depression Glass Books
Hi,
here is part 4 of 'The Five Essential Steps To Becoming A Depression Glass Collector'
Part 4 --What to Learn?--
What should you learn to get started?
As always, that depends on your goals.
Patterns
If you have specific patterns which interest you (e.g. inherited heirlooms) then of course you will want to begin by reading everything you can about that pattern. If you are interested in the historical aspects, you may also enjoy learning about the history of the company that manufactured it.
In any case, if you plan on buying very much of the pattern, you should certainly learn about any issues related to reproductions or manufacturing problems with that specific pattern, so that you can make informed purchasing decisions and avoid disappointment.
If you are interested in reselling later, then you will also want to learn about the different color choices available, and the market implications of the different colors and variations within your pattern of interest.
Companies
People with a historical bent often enjoy tracing the evolution of patterns from particular companies. There is a lot of information on the major companies scattered in various books and websites.
The Market
The more money you plan to invest, the more crucial it becomes that you learn about the market as a whole, by reading price guides, perusing the online sales sites, talking to dealers and other collectors.
It is impossible to learn deeply about all the many patterns, so a general dealer has a disadvantage compared to a specialist who can really learn a lot about the small number of patterns which interest the specialist.
A dealer must compensate by getting a feel for the general trends which happen in the market overall.
Local Collectors
It would be wise to learn where other collectors are in your area. You can learn from them (including things which you weren’t even aware you didn’t know!) and get information about upcoming events, local clubs, opportunities, etc.
And of course any hobby is more enjoyable when you share it with fellow enthusiasts.
Local Dealers
Check your local yellow pages, newspaper ads, and so forth to locate dealers near you.
Visit them.
Talk with them.
Not only can they share useful advice with you about collecting and dealing, it will also help you learn more about the market. What patterns are popular? What are available?
If you aspire to go into business yourself, then it is always prudent to see what other people in the same business are up to, and how they run their business. Perhaps you will realize an untapped niche in your local market!
Care and Storage
Additionally, be sure to talk to other aficionados and compare notes. Especially when you are buying glass, it never hurts to ask the seller if they have any tips or warnings about the care of that particular piece or pattern.
Resources
Learn how to learn more! The greatest skill you can learn ability to learn more.
Besides collectors and dealers in your town, you should get familiar with the literature. Decide which books look most useful to you and purchase them. Depression Glass Secrets is one of the best.
Similarly, spend at least some time web surfing. Visit information sites, discussion forums, mailing lists, auction sites, dealer sites, club sites, and museum websites.
The more familiar you get with the various aspects of your hobby, the more enjoyment and confidence you will gain.
Finally, check the newsstands to see if any glass collecting magazines appeal to you.
In the next and final part of this course we will be bringing everything we've learned together and getting started by buying our next piece (or maybe even our first).
Have Fun and Keep Collecting
Murray
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