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The Collecting Phenomenon

When Tom Seltzer awoke Saturday morning, May 2nd, after clearing his head, he began taking pleasure from the memory of how successful he had been the evening before at the Carnegie Auction. Tom had just become the owner of three mint condition 10th Anniversary Darth Vader Chrome LEGO Minifigs. His price: $900.

When CEO Bill Weston went to bed on the evening of May 3rd, he had just spent in excess of $600,000 on one baseball card, a mint condition Honus Wagner. Just a few of the Wagner cards had ever been printed. In the early 20th century, baseball cards were included in cigarette packages rather than with bubble gum, and Wagner didn't want his young fans to be tempted to purchase the evil sticks in order to secure his image. So, Wagner refused to sign his contract when presented, thereby limiting the playing card output to just a few.

When Mrs. Ellen Buchanan left the estate sale on June 1st, she was the new owner of an old stamp, an 1860 30 cent Benjamin Franklin. Her price: $3,500. It was easily worth $1,000 more than this in her mind, given its condition.

These are examples of collectors doing their thing; their thing being a chase for the psychological fulfillment that results when a serious collector claims a cherished prize. Sometimes the satisfaction comes only after a hard fought psychological battle. Alternatively, the emotional high waylays the collector as a long sought treasure suddenly explodes into view at a weekend family garage sale.

Whatever the scenario, the collector is unique in that he can create temporary happiness in a way that others might not understand.

What are we to make of this individual called a collector? Why do collectors put themselves through the sometimes difficult adventures required of them if they wish to claim ownership of their prizes? Why is there a feeling of fulfillment at all when collectors take possession of items that will finally fill empty spaces on their shelves or in their albums?

The answers to these kinds of questions are, of course, as varied as the people involved.

For some, the world seems more secure, at least for awhile, when a contest has been fought and won, the booty placed in the family strongbox.

For others, collecting is an exciting business. For example, Tom Seltzer's Darth Vader Minifig is projected to double in value during the next several months, or so the speculation runs.* (Thank the Gods, Tom muses, for directing him to the Carnegie.) *It turns out that these can be acquired for much less after the initial rush calmed down a bit. This points to the fickle nature of collectible pricing - fodder for another article.

And, finally, there are those who struggle for collectibles for the thrill of being close, in imagination, to the persons or stories that the objects represent. Whether it be a Star Trek original jersey, an Elvis guitar pick, or a Spirit of St. Louis paint chip, these relics have the power to launch collectors into the high mountains where their personal myths dwell.

If one were to attempt to sum up the entire phenomenon of collecting in a word, ignoring for the moment the intense personal feelings that sometimes are involved with the activity, the task would be ominous. However, at first glance, we would not be too far off using the word scarcity.

For example, it is rumored that 19th century art is no longer being produced except in forgers' studios. And, Babe Ruth will never hit another homer with his favorite 36 inch ash bat. For that matter, since the destruction of the old Yankee Stadium, the site of many of Ruth's blasts, seats, wall chips, anything removable before and after demolition are turning up on collectors' shelves.

It is relatively easy for an expert in any one of the major collectible fields to price an item objectively. For toys, we look for condition, rarity, market potential and a hundred other things. However, time and time again, as articles are put up for sale, we experts are surprised by how much objectivity is shown the door.

As human beings, we love, we cherish, we wish for plenty, and, somehow, when the last Karen Carpenter comb goes on the block at the estate sale, for a few, all objective bets are off.

Perhaps then "scarcity" alone or objectivity alone are not terms that describe the appropriate emotional tone for a true collector. Perhaps what we are really talking about is the mosaic of human nature. If that is so, only the Gods will fully understand.

Ron - Toy Tech

Tuesday, 12:43 pm | June 23rd, 2009

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