End of my DDR collecting days

[redjames2004]

Hello DDR collectors, I made a decision to stop collecting DDR militaria earlier this year. I have been collecting DDR stuff for 10 years. The reason for stopping buying DDR stuff is I got new hobby to keep occupied and more active outdoors. The prices for early DDR militaria cost much as those of the Third Reich militaria. I cant afford to buy 1950s DDR headgear and tunics because of its steep prices. I 've seen those stuff getting high prices on German Ebay. So I gave up buying DDR stuff off eBay 4 years ago. This time I have to quit collecting DDR stuff after 10 years. Thanks much! James

[Mike G.]

Hi James,

To a degree, I can relate. In my case, I've simply outlived the initial interest generated in my case, not by a desire to collect in and of itself so much, but the fact that I was part of it, and saw acquiring it more as taking war booty.

I've finally gotten over that time period and don't ponder and reminisce over my cold war era past much anymore. I too have moved on and have a new found hobby, which came with a new group of people with similar interests with whom to socialize and spend time.

I still will moderate and participate, but DDR collecting henceforth will be only a rare event, that will encompass that unique rare item one seldom encounters, that fills out, or completes a special or significant aspect of my overall collection.

I still enjoy the forum and the people on the forum. And I still enjoy musing over the threads and posts on the forum. I've just got a new found interest, and my focus in my personal life will henceforth be directed there.


And James, I wouldn't be surprised if at some later date, you returned and refocused your collecting interests back to the DDR. Could happen to me too, and cannot be ruled. out.

In the interim, I will be here if and when you should return. And of course, you will always be welcomed back into the fold.

Thanks for your participation and contributions.
All the best to you James.

[GREENEDUDLEY]

Always sad to see fellow collectors go but that is how things are. Good luck with your other hobby.

[Viktor]

Genossen,
The only way we leave in by the chimney, one way or another.

Good hunting in other Directions of Interest.

[Gordon Craig]

James,

Not unusual for us to find new interests from time-to-time. Michael has said it very well and perhaps we will see you posting here again some day. Over the years, I have changed direction several times and have several different, although related, collections. It is hard to lead a healthy life style that includes outdoor exercise and fit in the number of hours hunched over a PC keyboard that our hobby requires. Good luck in your new found interest.

Regards,

Gordon

[Kartofelpreußer]

James,

I'm sorry to hear you're leaving the hobby, but the only reason to do any of this (or any hobby at all for that matter) is if it holds your interest. Best of luck in your other endeavors, and thanks for your insight and expertise which has proven of help to me on numerous occasions. I certainly hope you will continue to share your store of knowledge with other collectors, even if you're not actively acquiring items.

You may have noticed that I had been less active here for some time, pursuing other interests, and have been more active lately. And that may happen again for me, as you may find yourself coming back in the future. As in Michael's case, sometimes collecting activities enter a different phase rather than vanishing all together.

Once again, good to have crossed paths with you!

[Mike G.]

Genossen,
The only way we leave in by the chimney, one way or another.

Good hunting in other Directions of Interest.

No chimney for me Victor ..... when that time comes, I'm gonna have a "Viking Funeral".
ODIN !!!!!!!

[DaveM]

End of collecting... does not mean end of interest...

I don't really collect East German stuff anymore, but I still have an interest in the history and the gear.

Collecting is a finite process.

There is only so much physical room in all our living spaces and economic space in our bank accounts to warehouse the products of the DDR.

Whether it means replacing one item with another, just drawing the line at some point, or moving on to other fields, we all have unique choices to make in our diverse collecting interests.

Sometimes you stumble on an item that seems to be the final piece of your puzzle and it makes all prior collecting efforts complete. This happened to me. My desire to acquire has been quenched. Sure I enjoy finding the odd item here or there, the flea market M-65 deals, but nothing drives me in that direction anymore.

A collector's age could be a factor, I find now in my early 50's, I want to enjoy the stuff I have and do stuff while I still can. Read the books, build the kits, play my PS3, walk the dog, travel, cottage etc., before life issues make it a challenge. Just ask any of us that have had health issues how it can impact your outlook. Spending hours watching auctions on ebay.de and sending emails in my limited German doesn't turn my crank anymore.

[Viktor]

No chimney for me Victor ..... when that time comes, I'm gonna have a "Viking Funeral".
ODIN !!!!!!!

Genosse Michael D. Gallagher, If you wish it to be a "fishing" accident "Wet Matters" can arrange it...

doesn't turn my crank anymore.

Genosse DaveM, If your productivity of Cranking was being affected, then your choice to change your Direction of Interest to continue your production quota to be filled is in Order.

If fact it has been given a snored nod from Moscow Centre, I'm informed.

[redjames2004]

My new hobby

Hi Micheal and Gordon, Thanks much for your nice comments! I recently took up the outdoor hobby past this summer. I began to use to find old coins and jewelry buried in ground with my metal detector. I have to limit my TV & computer hours and get involved outdoors. I love my new hobby very much! I already found many buried coins in past 2 months. I will keep some of my East German items in my collection and sell the rest of them later this month. Yes They took too much space so I decided to keep and sell them. I am getting more active going out to find buried coins with my metal detector. Thanks! James

[RedCatcher1986]

James,

Im sure youve had a great run in collecting the history of the DDR, but I can not disagree with your new found hobby, metal detectors can turn up interesting things you never would have thought to find. It is indeed an interesting prospect. Best of look and many wishes of happiness as you pursue your new hobby.

[DaveM]

there is still time

Hi James,
there is still time to combine both of your hobbies.....

[jon m.]

Genossen,
The only way we leave in by the chimney, one way or another.

That was a good book.


Sorry to see you stop collecting, but such is life. Jon.

[GREENEDUDLEY]

I do some metal detecting in Germany also. It is fun but can be hard work. You never know what you will find. The best of luck and what type of detector are you using?

[KevinH]

I too have noticed that prices on many items have been going up, in some cases even through the roof. I also see a much smaller variety of items available on ebay. For me the solution has been to transition over into different areas of the hobby like trying to grow my soviet uniform collection and I have also been getting into WP communications equipment.