NAC

We are in the process of auctioning a collection that has been "in the making" for over thirty years. I'm sure it started out as a whim-perhaps buying something similar to one that mother had on her shelf or maybe it was based on a memory from early marriage or a special occasion. In any case, the one solitary piece doubled to two of the same and then three and soon into a dozen. Weekend trips, vacation side routes, antique shops and auction sales soon became places worth visiting-just to find one more piece to add to the quickly expanding collection, which now is known came in different patterns, sizes, and colors.

Family members soon heard about the collection and now were able to offer gifts at special occasions that bolstered the inventory. Even neighbors offered to sell their own pieces, since they too knew about the special collection. The owners became semi-experts in the field.

This particular collectible became very popular, however, and soon everyone wanted one. Prices began to rise and the possibility of finding more became a challenge. Undaunted, the owners sought out pieces far and near. Purchased items once stored in cupboards and on tables now needed special racks and shelves. The house became too small to display everything so many items were placed in boxes and stored in the garage and attic. None were sold since each had a particular memory and was part of the collection. "Doubles" or items of the same pattern and size were placed in other boxes, stored in other places in the same house, squeezing out any remaining space. There was precious little room to sit, entertain, or even host a family gathering. Even the cat was becoming a problem and would likely be forced to find another home. (God forbid his tail knocked over a prime example!)

The collectible had taken over. Much like the plant in The Little Shop of Horrors, the collection grew and as it grew it needed to be fed. Inanimate pieces became demanding friends (sometimes enemies). Assets became liabilities. Loose household "food" money became tied up in fixed property. Significant saved money became earmarked for the rare examples one had to own for the "collection sake."

Values began to rise and rise and rise. The insignificant little collection became a huge giant, demanding protection, care, and security. Like a mosquito it sucked out all the enjoyment the once little hobby provided.

What to do? Perhaps the kids will want it, but alas, no takers. Who needs a hundred pieces of mom and dad's old stuff? Maybe we can sell and buy a car, or even a second house. But when do we sell? Is the price high enough? Will it get even higher? Maybe we should wait just a little more. Take a vacation…but wait. We can't go away. Who'll watch the house? Turn on the lights? Check our items to see they're safe?

Finally, the accident happened. A drunken driver ran their car through the side of the house (a one in a million happenstance). Smashing a large portion of the collection to smithereens, it provided the impetus for an emergency burial. Since the collection wasn't insured (premiums too high) nor covered (the ugly collectible is now a full fledged antique), the loss was devastating. A lifetime of memories and a major investment-down the drain in the flash of an eye.

Hence, the call we received to sell the collection (not all of it, just a small sample). We can't have it go all at once.

(This is very loosely based on a true incident. The story is my own. My apologies any collectors in the crowd!)