I think most of the price rise was due to a feeding frenzy by collectors, who go nuts over anything SS, not some conspiracy by dealers. In an uncertain market I'd buy the most unique, historical items I could find. According to Craig Gottlieb, he's been doing it by buying things like the Ribbentrop tunic, and thinking of future trends, the Saddam Hussein tunic. Dealers can't force anybody to buy anything. Everybody got burned by falling prices. If you're staying in the hobby, time to rethink & reorganize. Almost anything can be a good buy at the right price, even in a declining market.
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Well put, Brian. I remember prior to the 2008 market collapse, I'd wake up every morning to 4 or 5 orders from my website. People were spending money from home refinances on militaria. I remember a check-out clerk from a grocery store spent about $50K in one year with me. I really didn't "get" it until the crash came, and these same people came back to sell. I'm frankly glad it's all over with, and we have returned to a semblance of normalcy. Great stuff still sells at top prices, but anything less, and you're dealing with a real buyer's market. Same is true of TK rings. I can still get $20K plus, for a stone mint TK ring in the box with some history behind it, but the worn rings bring a fraction of what they brought once.Comment
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The above IMO is an accurate assessment of the current market on Brian and Craigs's parts. And as is true with many trends what is now clearly apparent certainly wasn't to most of us back in 2008.
Now I've got something for everyone to watch that's into firearms. As many of you know there's been a buying frenzy in the past year primarily for AR15s and AK47s. At the height of this frenzy; these rifles were bringing inflated prices at over 2 to 3 times their value. This buying frenzy has now tapered off from what I can see and the firearms market will soon return to somewhat "normal" levels.
It will be interesting to see the reaction on the part of the buyers of $2000 AR15s when they try to re-sell them in the future.
JimLast edited by james m; 08-19-2013, 09:39 AM.Comment
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Jim: Remember that most of the "AR15 Frenzy" was caused by people panicking that they would never be able to buy one again. So for them, it was not an investment, but rather, insurance. I doubt many of the buyers will be remorseful that they bought their gun, and will not ever sell it.Comment
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it wouldn't hurt my feelings if tomorrow all militaria prices were back too 1960's standards.that just means i could buy much more to enjoy...........daveComment
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On that we can all agree.Comment
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I would agree that it is not a book alone that relates to it but other factors as well. Then can include business ethics, marketing,advertising and over all general reputation on how you conduct yourself when buying, collecting and selling.
Reputation/honesty (at least in my mind) in the hobby is the most important aspect in collecting.
Ron
Originally posted by Craig Gottlieb View PostComment
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Will. You. Give. It. A. Rest. We're smart enough to know what you're implying, but nobody wants to hear you intimate this "crooked dealer" narrative that you seem so addicted to. Move on.Comment
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And wages for employment back to 1960's rates, too?Originally posted by dave peifer View Post
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Where is that time-machine???
Take wages back to "1960's rates", Mr. Brown? Oh, dear No . . . certainly not!Originally posted by Barry Brown View Post
But what if prices reverted back to levels that correspond to what it felt like when you bought that GBP ring in the 1960's - at today's standards, of course??
What was the average wage in England, during the 1960's? Compare that wage to the £30 you paid for your GBP ring . . . and I bet you'll be surprised to discover, it cost you about 15 hours of your time - that is, at the average wage being paid in 1960's England.
Now . . . how many guy's do you think would be thrilled . . . to give up 15 hours of time . . . at an average wage in today's standards - just to have a similar opportunity at an HR ring?
It boggles the mind - just thinking about it!!!
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Originally posted by Barry Brown View PostAnd wages for employment back to 1960's rates, too?
Of course. Wages and prices should be back to the 1960s. Your $1.25 an hour job will buy you $300.00 Knight's Crosses all day long.
No one seems to remember that this stuff was expensive in the 1960s when a very nice home could be bought for $17,500.00 and a new Ford Galaxie or Chevrolet Impala cost $2500.00.
Just save the 20 or 30 cents for every hour you work and spend it on all the "cheap" goods.
Bob HritzIn the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can muffle the sound.Comment
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Be happy!
Darn - you got that out there too fast, Bob!
We've had that "apples to apples" discussion before . . . about what prices were like in the 1960's, compared to today's standards. I still believe a significant "inflation factor" has been applied over the years, and for me, the comparison is more like "apples to oranges" now . . . but so be it - it is what it is . . . I say it's best just to go on and find what you can afford to enjoy - and be grateful for the opportunity to do so!
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Could you buy a nice used car for the price of an Honor ring back then?
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A months wages in todays market, minimum. Up to 3 or 4 months work depending on what you earnOriginally posted by N.C. Wyeth View Post
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