To what criteria do collectors collect?

[Garvin]

I've found my collecting criteria has changed radically over the years, with no apparent logic to it at all!

At one time I found prewar underlever BSAs deeply unattractive, mainly because they lacked a forend (although I never had this issue with the Webley Mk2 Service). Fast forward a year and I was an avid early BSA collector.

At another time I collected almost every postwar German match spring rifle ever made because (a) I found the precision, clock-type manufacture attractive and the mechanisms - especially if recoilless - ingenious (b) I could buy them relatively cheaply on eGun.de back in the days when the pound was strong against the euro (c) I couldn't afford them when I was young but lusted after them and (d) because for the most part they used blued steel and walnut, a combination I still find irresistible.

These days I collect spring air pistols because they are easy to shoot indoors and to store, but I still have quite a few rifles too which are 'keepers'.

I dread waking up one day and finding plastic-stocked, painted air rifles strangely attractive.

[Rotherham Owl]

I am trying to keep my criteria to Air Arms PCP's that are no longer in production - mint/near mint examples that still shoot as they should.

I look for original spec although I have some give leeway - for example, there's no point having an early FT version of an RN10 with an original reg as it will likely be no good to shoot.

All with quality period scopes.

[Airsporterman]

'Airsporteritis' - nuff said!

ASM

[I. J.]

Owt cheap, rare or rare AND cheap.

I like German engineering (HW, BSF, Original, etc.) but have been known to buy British but not Theoben, Milbro Diana or Jackel.
Definitely not Relum.

[hwtyger]

1 Brand/make (Webley/Tau/Alfa Proj or Diana if very rare)
2 Looks ; is it a model I like?
3 Do I already have one from that model ? > not likely to buy another
4 Is it probable Ill be actually using it after I bought it? > No? > Wont buy it or it must be a steel
5 Can I afford it (now)?

[WILBA]

Have newish stuff.but have a few i lusted after in my youth also.

[Abasmajor]

I initially concentrated on Webley air pistols regularly ticking of the list until I had collectable examples of all the main models both pre and post war, but resisted looking for pistols with small or transitional changes. At that point I thought my collection was complete and I could give myself and my wallet a bit of a rest. Unfortunately, the urge spread to other early, British spring air pistols quickly followed by German and then a few from the USA. I'm now hooked on finding period accessories and paperwork associated with the pistols which can often cost more than the pistols themselves.

I do also have a few BSA & Webley air rifles in the collection which was started with a Cadet Major being the first real air rifle I owned when just eleven years old.

Regards
Brian