'Banking 'em?'

[C.Watson]

I was curious, anyone ever use safety deposit boxes for some items? I was thinking of putting some of my more valuable items into a deposit box, but, Im afraid that they may become damp? or suffer issues? Has anyone ever done this?

[Luftm40]

I have had things a safe deposit boxes for years w/ no problems (except that you have to go to the bank to look at them)

[Ty Smith]

me to, most boxes have good climate control.

I wish I could display these items but the fear of theft and fire keeps me from it.

[Jeff V]

There are some members here who use the boxes. IMO the only reason to have this stuff is to enjoy it, and it can't be enjoyed very good at a bank. I have the same fears as everyone about theft and fire, but I would rather enjoy the items and take my chances, than stick them in a bank. Just my .02
best wishes,
jeff

[IMPERIAL QUEST]

There are some members here who use the boxes. IMO the only reason to have this stuff is to enjoy it, and it can't be enjoyed very good at a bank. I have the same fears as everyone about theft and fire, but I would rather enjoy the items and take my chances, than stick them in a bank. Just my .02
best wishes,
jeff

Jeff-
I respect the decisions and views of others, but here is mine:

I THOROUGHLY enjoy my collection and in a superficil way, love... the objects of history , but if the worst happens, life will go on. After all, we are talking about material items that have been touched by history. If the objects "go away", the history has not been lost-only the tangible connection. To me, if I cannot enjoy them in my own environment (home)...what is the point?

[C.Watson]

Good points.
I suppose you're right about the reason for buying them is to enjoy them. 'Spose boxes are just an extra cost anyways.

Thanks for the info.

[mandy333]

Greetings... If you can't go to the bank then have the bank come to you. Like all collectors I was concerned about loosing articles through theft or fire .That is why I purchased a fireproof vault about 15 years ago. It has double doors that when opened exposes my most collectible helmets displayed on shelving that I constructed in it. It holds about 30 helmets and other collectibles.I can enjoy my collection anytime and it really gives me peace of mind when I am on holidays or simply at work .I also have another for personal family irreplaceables. I highly recommend it as far a controlling environment conditions as well. Thanks. Zeke

[Peter_Suciu]

That is why I purchased a fireproof vault about 15 years ago. It has double doors that when opened exposes my most collectible helmets displayed on shelving that I constructed in it.

That is an interesting option, but I have to ask if this is actually air tight when it is always closed? Is there any concern that having the items always in an air tight environment won't damage them, that is when you expose them to the air again? Typically if something remains in an air tight condition it would last forever, but there is a great fear of exposing to natural air.

Not sure if this the case but it makes me wonder.

[24-7]

Buy a safe !!

...i was concerned about the safety of my collection ,but wanted to still have access to enjoy ended up buying a 18 stone full size safe ,and a hairy alsation !!!
lol..everyone takes some risks in life ...you just have to weigh the pros and cons of what ever method you use
steve

[Jody]

Safety Deposit Boxes

Hello Lochrain,
I for one like safety deposit boxes (I have used them for the past 30 years) and I keep a lot of my awards and things in them. I for one, know what I have and I do not need to look at it everyday. Plus the costs of some things, make them too scary to keep out.

For example, I keep my RKs and high end badges and awards in them. They are just too exspensive to display. Everybody at works know that I collect, my students know that I collect, and frankly too many people know that I have this stuff to keep it at home.

I do have custom built security doors and one of the best house alarms around, and other things for security, but a safety deposit box gives me piece of mind.
Regards,
Jody

[Inspector Krogh]

Absolutely correct Jody.
Keeping it in the bank is the only rational thing to do.
The cost of safety deposit boxes is an expense that should be considered incidental to collecting.
G.

[Peter_Suciu]

I'm not a badge collector, but I have some extremely rare and expensive helmets. I'm not worried about theft as I live in a high-rise building with a doorman. And there are security cameras, etc.

I do worry about fire and I have a firebox for important papers and that sort of thing. So I'm just asking...for those badges, papers, photos and other items...wouldn't a safe be the better way to go?

I can see having the collection stored somewhere else but a bank? It seems like it would be hard to go see the collection, and if something happens to you doesn't the bank have to freeze the access before your relatives can obtain the item(s)?

My wife and I are looking for a new apartment and one of the things I hope to install is a large gun safe where I can keep the rare items.

[Richard]

One of the reasons that I collect what I do is that I enjoy looking at the collections, handling the items and viewing them frequently. I used to collect US coins and had them in a safety deposit box for years. I finally came to the conclusion that I wasn't able to enjoy them by looking at them other than the rare occasion when I made a trip to the bank when they were open. It totally defeated the purpose of my enjoyment. I finally decided that having them stashed away in a safe deposit box was like not even possesing the pieces. It was like taking a Monet painting or Michealangelo sculpture and locking it in a bank vault where I am at the mercy of their hours to be able to view the items. At that rate, I might as well not own them and just go visit a museum when I want to see something like that.

Just the thought of knowing that I own them isn't enough and isn't the reason I collect. To truly enjoy something it has to be held, examined and viewed. I would derive no joy in owning a Ferrari Testarossa and leaving it the garage with satisfaction being derived from the fact that I know I own it. It was meant to be driven and enjoyed.

I finally sold my coins and just took the money as I realized that leaving them in the safe deposit box gave me no joy. By leaving them there and only looking at them on rare occasions, it was more like an investment rather than an enjoyable hobby.
Richard V

[Simon O.]

I would suggest that it depends somewhat on where you live and the level of crime in your neighbourhood. No point in a safe deposit box if the level of house burglaries where you live is almost non-existent is it?

For me my biggest worry is fire so last month i finally got around to buying a fire safe, it has a 91l capacity and weighs 150kg. Good enough for my treasured paperwork but not quite deep enough for my photoalbums.

I think it's probably about the right level of security for me...that, the dogs and my trusty shotgun that is

[Jaegermeister]

What good is't too have a safe or a bunker in the house when the thiefs ding dong on your door bell and puts a gun up your nose when you open the door.
This happens more and more these days, so the safest place is the bank. But what fun is't then collecting.