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COLLECTOR'S TIPS
If you thinking about collect Military
Collectibles, you should follow some
basic guidelines:
1. Choose a
specific area to collect. A
big mistake for beginning collectors
according to Robert Rumbold, owner of
Stahlhelms Military Collectibles,
is trying to collect 'everything'.
Instead of collecting all U.S. items
from WWII (World War Two), he suggests
collecting American Headgear from
1939-1945. It will help refine
your collection and make displaying your
items by category a lot easier.
2. Buy Quality
within your budget. Just
because you decide to collect WWII U.S.
headgear, it doesn't require you to have
every hat and helmet ever made.
Try to buy items that have all original
parts. Repaints and items that
have replaced parts should be avoided.
Even though your budget may not allow
you to buy items in "mint" condition,
you should also avoid wasting what money
you do have on reproductions.
3. Research and
Resources. Even though you
want to start buying items for your
collection right away, consider
investing in some reference books first.
Books can save you a lot of money in the
long run by helping you identify
reproductions and important maker marks
to look for. Internet research can
help, but should not be relied on 100%.
Its also important to find a reputable
dealer to get you started.
Reputable dealers are looking for repeat
customers, so they will be willing to
help you find what you are looking for,
even if it means suggesting another
dealer. Dealer Shops, Auctions and
Trade Shows are the best places to find
Military Collectibles. The
Pennsbury Chadds-Ford Antique Mall has a
few military dealers including
Stahlhelms Military Collectbles.
They have been at the Mall for over 10
years and has been in business for
almost 20 years.
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