Do you have a collection starting that includes historical documents or signatures? While these may be worth a lot of money, they likely signify something that you’re very proud of and want to showcase exquisitely. Along with a strong personal value to you, you may have considered expanding your collection. Historical autographs and documents should be permanently mounted and displayed after they have been appraised. But what about adding more items down the road in order to make your compilation complete. Here are a few suggestions for ways you can further expand your personal collections.
Authenticating Merchandise And Documents
From historical documents to signatures from some of the most famous people in the world, locating originals starts with being in contact with reputable sellers and auction houses. So how do you know you’re getting an original when you make a purchase and not some replica or fraud? It starts by going over the portfolio of the seller as well as items they have sold in the past. Most reputable dealers and sellers will have an extensive display of reviews that you can easily access by request or by going to their website. Looking for items that have been authenticated by a third party is essential in making sure that you are getting what you pay for. If you are looking for a specific photograph, signature or historical document, the first place to look is through the dealer you purchased your last item from. They may have something that isn’t listed on their website or portfolio or knows someone else who is selling the item you are looking for.
Framing
In addition to expanding your existing document collection, having these items displayed properly is vital to their preservation. From antiquarian papers to ink that is fragile and prone to fading and cracking, you’ll need to make sure your exclusive one-of-a-kind items are preserved properly. A good place to start is with the dealer who sold you the piece. They may recommend the proper way to store and display your piece. From custom framing to climate-controlled cases, it’s important to get the right instructions from someone who is well educated in the history of your particular document or item.
Books And Literature
Adding signature literature pieces to your historical document or photograph collection can really create a good conversational tool and put the finishing touch on your collection. Related stationary, pens and other pieces of material can add significant value to your existing collection. These can be displayed behind a glass case or out in the open to become a part of your overall room’s decor. You may also want to add other publications or item descriptions in which guests can learn more about the image behind the glass or the preserved collectible piece.
Photographs
In addition to your collection of historical documents, prints and autographs, adding photos that correlate with these can really complete your entire collection. Rare and hardly seen photographs are very sought after by high-end collectors. If you’re wishing to add to your collection and make it a hobby, adding authenticated photos, paintings and prints can really take things to the next level. Talk to your antique dealer or seller about acquiring photographs or that you’re interested in purchasing photographs in the genre that you collect.
Antiques Or Related Items
Maybe you collect vintage cars? Or rare gemstones and gold? No matter what you collect, whether it’s jewelry, artifacts or presidential photos, the first step in starting your collection or expanding your hobby is to work with an antique dealer or professional who has a list of the right contacts in the industry. Hiring this type of pro will ensure that each piece of art is authentic and that the signatures are truly authentic. Purchasing items on your own with the assistance or legal advice from a reputable dealer can cost you thousands if not millions of dollars. Making sure that you know exactly what you’re purchasing along with the history of the piece is very important when incorporating antiques or related collectibles of extremely high value. Adding a series of rare and hard to find antiques and collectibles can show others that you’re serious about your collection and obtaining only the finest art pieces in the world.
Collecting fine art, autographs and historical documents is a treasured hobby. Making sure that every piece is special and valuable should be your main priority as you venture further into your search.
