Collecting Criteria (1 Viewer)

[thebritfarmer]

First of all I have posted this here to allow everyone the opportunity to post. (I have noticed that most people post a question in the section of manufacturer that they collect. I feel this tends to leave some of us out if we do not collect said manufacturer)

Anyway that said here are my questions.


Did you read a book on a particular subject? Then start looking for a series to collect?

Do you read a book on the subject after you have seen a group of figures to find out more about them?

What made you choose what you collect? price, quality, easily obtainable?

Do you collect anything from a particular era regardless of manufacturer or do collect everything from just one manufacturer?

Be interesting to see what you guys think.


Scott

 

[thebritfarmer]

Did you read a book on a particular subject? Then start looking for a series to collect?

NO

Do you read a book on the subject after you have seen a group of figures to find out more about them?

I tend to do this, recently with my 9th Lancers band. I also know more about British history since I left than I did when I lived there


What made you choose what you collect? price, quality, easily obtainable?

Mine stems from collecting Britains farm toys as a child. They have always had a good range of items and quality has alsways been great. Price is always a buuger I just don't buy the expensive things although most items are moderatley priced.

Do you collect anything from a particular era regardless of manufacturer or do collect everything from just one manufacturer?

Currently I only collect Britains, not matter what it is. I can't say why this is either..HABIT ???

 

[lenswerks]

Did you read a book on a particular subject? Then start looking for a series to collect?
No

Do you read a book on the subject after you have seen a group of figures to find out more about them?
Yes
What made you choose what you collect? price, quality, easily obtainable?
Quality
Do you collect anything from a particular era regardless of manufacturer or do collect everything from just one manufacturer?
No
Britains - ACW - ARW - NAP - Zulu
K-C WW1 - WW2 - Crimean - Crusaders
JJD - All
EoI - The Army of Oda Nobunaga 1534-1582

 

[Mister Dave]

Did you read a book on a particular subject? Then start looking for a series to collect?

I have done this, but generally the other way around.

Do you read a book on the subject after you have seen a group of figures to find out more about them?

Almost always, or more likely I realize an interest in a particular subject and simultaneously start looking at figures and books...typically pick 2-3 decent looking books for starters.

What made you choose what you collect? price, quality, easily obtainable?

First quality (and style I guess?), then to a lesser degree price and obtainability. I have for example gotten frustrated trying to collect certain companies that are out of business and decided to stop.

Do you collect anything from a particular era regardless of manufacturer or do collect everything from just one manufacturer?

No, will usually collect only one manufacturer or highly compatible figures from different makers to display together for any given subject. This is usually fairly well planned ahead of time for me with very little improv. or spur of moment purchases.

 

[Currahee Chris]

Did you read a book on a particular subject? Then start looking for a series to collect? Yes- but only if it's a picture book.

Do you read a book on the subject after you have seen a group of figures to find out more about them?More or less. I am typically somewhat interested and then may see some TS's and attack the books on them

What made you choose what you collect? price, quality, easily obtainable?
Honestly, I really don't know. I really just kind of bought stuff and there I was. I have noticed that with the exception of the ancients, I tend to collect stuff my family has been involved in.

Do you collect anything from a particular era regardless of manufacturer or do collect everything from just one manufacturer? I mix it up. I believe each manufacturer has their pros and cons.

Be interesting to see what you guys think.

 

[Saber]

I read quite a bit of history (something my job happily allows me to do) and have lived overseas for many years exposing me to other cultures eras of history. While I am fascinated with a broad range of military history it is usually either a pivotal battle (Zama, Waterloo etc) or the appearence of the uniforms or equipment that draw my collecting interest.

Choosing what to collect has changed over the years. The selection and quality have greatly increased, thanks in no small part to the internet I suspect, so the options have made it difficult to stay focused on just one time era or manufacturer.

I think availability is probably the most important as I tend to be a completest and prefer larger groupings (WWII excluded) so I get rather frustrated if figures come and go to quickly or are impossible to find due to slow production runs.

 

[eborris]

I collect items from my childhood, things that give me fond memories.

I primarily collect items that have to do with either the Alamo or Custer's Last Stand. Those two events just fascinate me.

I have read many books and articles on both subjects.

Whatever appeals to me is who I buy from, I have no specific loyalties.

 

[maloyalo]

Good questions

Some random thoughts (I never can stay with the program !)

Watching my pet bird adopt some dixie cups as either his eggs, chicks or harum (I am not sure which) gave me the idea that we tend to collect our childhood toys as the result of something like 'imprinting'. I remember reading one collector say he didn't like plastic figures because they didn't have the same weight and feel of solidity that the metal figures (of his childhood) did. I am the opposite. Metal figures feel too heavy to me. I much prefer the light feel and smell of good PVC figures, like i had....

I have also heard that not all people think in the same way. One distinqtion made is that some are visual thinkers and some are verbal. Men are more likely visual I believe I read.

I collect to make visual scenes. I no longer do anything with them. I just set them up periodically to look at them. Nearly always I think it is inspired by seeing a movie. My imagination is captured by the visuals and I attempt to recreate it. Once though it was books. But even then I think it was the look of the interesting uniforms and formations (Napoleonic) in illustartions that grabbed me.

 

[jazzeum]

Did you read a book on a particular subject? Then start looking for a series to collect?

No, I primarily collect WW II and have always been interested in that.

Do you read a book on the subject after you have seen a group of figures to find out more about them? Regarding the Desert War, it was the reverse. I picked up a couple of retired sets (because they were being retired) and then started to pick up books.

What made you choose what you collect? price, quality, easily obtainable? I collect mostly K & C although I did start out with a couple of Britains sets before I discovered K & C. I collect K & C because it's the best quality wise, price is fair and it is easily obtainable (except for some of the old retireds).

Do you collect anything from a particular era regardless of manufacturer or do collect everything from just one manufacturer? Primarily just K & C but it's almost impossible to collect everything. I have expanded my interest to K & C glossy (regardless of period, except for SOHK). I collect WW II (but not Pacific), Crimea, anything glossy and Rough Riders.