Being a collector of vintage goods has its perks. The vintage dilemma, though, is do you use it or not. On the upside, you can surround yourself with fabulous items from the past, many of which may be one of a kind. If you spend the time and effort, much of what you collect can be had for far less than what a similar new item would cost. Your style is not easily duplicated and you’re sure to get comments on the items in your collection. Of course depending on what you collect you may or may not be able to use those items.
While the vintage safety razor blades might not be good for use now, the packages are perfect as decor like in this one of a kind display.
If you collect vintage brooches, they are quite wearable. However, if you collect marble statues, beyond display, there isn’t much you can do with them. Most of us collect something, given the description of a collection as a group of objects of one type as defined by the Cambridge English Dictionary. A collection is usually thought of as any group of three or more similar items.
The dilemma occurs when the items in question are functional. Items such as tea towels, vintage clothing, tools, automobiles, and such. Do we use those precious collected items or do we simply collect and admire them? A few questions to consider are:
- Will the use of the item decrease its value?
- Will the item be harmed or damaged by use?
- Will the item increase in value over time?
Many of these decisions are based on the rarity and value of the item itself. When referring to a vintage car, its use may not affect its value as long as it’s well cared for. That tea towel, however, will definitely decrease in value after several rounds of drying dishes and being run through the laundry. The rarity and value of the car vs. the tea towel go a long way toward making the decision to use it or not. So tell us, what do you collect, and do you use it or not?
We are avid collectors of all sorts of items. If you are as well, you may enjoy some of our other posts on collecting. They can be found here.
