Originally Posted by
andrewM
I have found it most interesting to read what others collect and the criteria employed. I asked these questions when starting the thread because I thought it might inspire my own activities and provide some new ideas.
Abasmajor and Garvin, along with others, have made the rather worrying point that collections tend to gather their own momentum and often stray from the original criteria, embracing new areas of interest. I am trying to resist this but warmed to Geezer's focus on what he termed the 'classic era' - 1960-1980, including German guns. Meanwhile, Airsporterman has remained rigidly disciplined, collecting only Airsporters - quite a task in itself, I suspect.
I agree with ptdunk and others that collected items must be shot but rather think that some collectors do not do so and are quite happy to have something that works and can be admired, perhaps in a rack or display cabinet - where some pistols are placed, with an impressive effect.
Abasmajor has made the fascinating point that often the accessories and paperwork associated with his pistols can be worth more than the pistols themselves - quite remarkable. I had heard that a pistol's worth rises if the original box exists. Probably, an invoice adds to the value, too, along with the instruction manual.
Probably, a gun's popularity amongst collectors quickly rises if production ceases. I feel no desire to collect HWs that are in production but I might seek out some of those currently in production were this to cease.