Some questions about collectors and their collections

[andrewM]

How many of the same rifle/pistol do collectors possess and seek to accumulate?

Some, here, have amassed remarkable collections of dozens of the same rifle/pistol, separated merely by the date of production or minor changes in design. That is particularly so with the pre-war manufactures although there is likely to be a greater degree of variance, pre-1939, due to age, usage, originality of parts, condition, etc.

With more recent rifles/pistols, say from the '70s, there is likely to be less wear and tear and, for the most part, rather fewer models. So, how many of the same make and model do collectors seek to acquire?

It seems that the same make and model can vary to the extent that even pellets perform differently. Surely, however, two rifles/pistols of the same origin would be sufficient to provide a broad representation of the model, or is this number considered to be insufficient?

Do collectors seek to fire each item within their collection?

Do collectors collect as an investment?

What optimum numbers do collectors seek to accumulate before they turn their attention to another make?

Doubtless, the answers to these questions will vary according to the collector and different views will be held. It would be interesting to discover what motivates collectors. I wonder if any research has been conducted into these and allied questions.

Rgds to all,
A

[I. J.]

How many of the same rifle/pistol do collectors possess and seek to accumulate?
Some, here, have amassed remarkable collections of dozens of the same rifle/pistol, separated merely by the date of production or minor changes in design. That is particularly so with the pre-war manufactures although there is likely to be a greater degree of variance, pre-1939, due to age, usage, originality of parts, condition, etc.
With more recent rifles/pistols, say from the '70s, there is likely to be less wear and tear and, for the most part, rather fewer models. So, how many of the same make and model do collectors seek to acquire?
It seems that the same make and model can vary to the extent that even pellets perform differently. Surely, however, two rifles/pistols of the same origin would be sufficient to provide a broad representation of the model, or is this number considered to be insufficient?
Do collectors seek to fire each item within their collection?
Do collectors collect as an investment?
What optimum numbers do collectors seek to accumulate before they turn their attention to another make?
Doubtless, the answers to these questions will vary according to the collector and different views will be held. It would be interesting to discover what motivates collectors. I wonder if any research has been conducted into these and allied questions.

Rgds to all,
A

My brain hurts.

I used to collect tractors - but I sold them all so I am [ .....wait for it ... ....] an ex tractor fan.

[jirushi]

I have less "right" to express my views than many others on here. However I have asked myself some of your questions during the last few years in which I have bought (and sold) quite a number of airguns. I like a gun that is nice to shoot, well designed, that I can repair and/or tinker with, and that has an interesting story/history.
For me, collecting is also about making choices. More guns gives me more headaches (for instance, a low balance on my bank account) . So I only keep the ones that I really "love". That make me smile every time I see/shoot them. Right now, this means: a few vintage Crosmans, a Sheridan Blue Streak, a number of John Bowkett-designed BSA's, a BSA Light Pattern, and a Beeman C1. Generally speaking, the more compact airguns, that are easy to handle. I do fall into temptation very often though. For instance a pair of Saxby & Palmer Ensigns, which I luckily managed to sell on after a week or two.

[Garvin]

How many of the same rifle/pistol do collectors possess and seek to accumulate?

Andrew I haven't really sought to acquire more than one of each rifle/pistol but over the years I've tended to end up with several of the same model because: the opportunity has come up to 'upgrade' the tatty example I already have with a better one and I tell myself it won't really cost much (or anything) because I'll sell on the tatty one as soon as the new one has arrived. But when it comes time to sell, I 'discover' a variation (sometimes quite small) and can't bear to part with a 'totally different' model to the new one...

This has happened too many times for it to be an accident, hence why I sometimes have several of essentially the same gun.

Do collectors seek to fire each item within their collection?

Certainly when a new-to-me gun arrives I test it, sometimes a lot if I like it. But I tend to tuck the guns away and only rarely shoot them again. Moreso as I get older.

Do collectors collect as an investment?

At some level yes, I tell myself the money in each gun is 'safe', though I've only actually 'cashed guns in' a few times over the decades, and rarely with anything approaching a good return. The main thing is ownership/accumulation/love of airguns, and investment comes a distant second.

What optimum numbers do collectors seek to accumulate before they turn their attention to another make?

There is no optimum number. Depends what comes available within my price range at any given time.

See above

[Binners]

Collecting one type can be an obsession for some people

[D10bore]

I have been fortunate enough to be in the right places at the right time,a small collection of rifles and some pistols,I haven’t shot them all,I have bought them slightly cheaper and could make a small amount of money if I sold them,but I bought them because of what they mean to me,I had some nice shotguns all the bore sizes 4bore 8bore down to 410 but after buying and trading all my life , thought I had the nicest ones ,a road traffic accident left me with head injuries,I had to sell them ,you think you will have them for life but you don’t know what’s round the corner ,mike

[Lakey]

Its not possible to have too many BSA pre-war under lever air rifles. The Mr Lincoln Jeffries certainly knew a thing or two about airguns



I don't have a problem, I don't have a problem, I don't have a problem, I don't have a problem, I don't have a problem........ See totally normal !

[Binners]

That is what I call proper banister supports.

[Binners]