Terry is right,i started to collect "Toy Soldiers " 12 months ago,my starting point was the available pieces/ sets from the K&C range as of March 2009,not knowing what had come and gone before then.When the decision was made to enlarge /evolve my collection ,i looked back on the retired items with interest and immediately discovered the depth and range of the retired K&C items would exclude me from even attempting to catch up.I essentially buy what i really like new and old,i am of the opinion the retired pieces will all come around as and when fellow collectors have had their enjoyment from them therefore i tend to concentrate more on the new /present ranges and buy/or bid on the required retired pieces when they becomes available.I have noticed that on UK ebaY,there is no price pattern for the same K&C set, the prices seem to fluctuate week on week ,day on day making it difficult for me to get a handle on the "true value" so to speak,of a particular set that has appeared on consecutive weeks/days,my final decision is based on do i want it or not regardless of the price fluctuations.My observations seems to indicate that generally resale prices remain strong in the UK and cannot and would not make any comment on the US market,there are many better placed collectors in the US who would know how strong the resale prices are there.Just buy what you like,not what you think will resell well in the future,concentrate on enlarging / evolving your collection you will enjoy the hobby more,i know i have. ken