When trying to determine value of a collectable, there are many considerations that an appraiser can more accurately determine. Some of these factors include genuiness, condition, interest, rarity, historical significance, etc. By far finding a local appraiser is much easier, more accurate, and may be less expensive. You can find many such appraisers in your local yellow pages or you can acquire Kovel's Yellow Pages 2003 A Collector's Directory of Names, Addresses, Telephone and Fax Numbers, E-Mail and Internet Addresses to Make Selling, Fixing, and Pricing Your Antiques and Collectibles Easy!

NEW for 2003
Kovels' Yellow Pages: A Resource Guide for Collectors

You can also find a reputable appraiser by contacting the American Society of Appraisers, who publish a directory of professionals, by writting or calling: American Society of Appraisers, P.O. Box 17265, Washington, D.C. 20041, 703-478-2228.

You should have any collectable appraised and insured if you are going to keep it long term. You must take care to protect the item whether you are going to sell it quickly or cherish it for a lifetime. We will increase the information on how to protect specific collectables in the near future, however until we have your collectable documented, you may consider the books link above for books that contain valuation, storage, and protection information.

Here is a site that provides appraisals:

When getting an appraisal:

• Don't get an appraisal from a dealer you want to sell your item or collection to.

• Don't expect a free appraisal!

• Ensure the appraisal reflects the secondary market value, is based on its condition, and considers the approximate age as opposed to its current retail price.

Insurance can be gained through your regular agent or you may check out http://www.collectinsure.com or http://www.deltiology.com/Collectibles.Insurance.html are possibilities.

I can not vouch for these services, they are sites that I have come across while researching your requests. If there is anything else we can assist you with please be sure to ask and if we find more information we will gladly share it with you directly or on Collector's Resource.

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure

In the old days, before EPA and other government regulations, people simply dumped their trash wherever they liked. Many families, especially those on farms, had “burn piles” or places on the land they piled up old refuse. These old piles can be marvelous places to find now seemingly ancient treasures. What kind you ask, bottles, cans, and marbles to name a few.

Before we continue, let’s talk about the legal stuff. Get up and go look in a mirror, then come back.

Welcome back. Now if the person you saw in the mirror was eighteen years old or older, then that person is solely responsible for any harm, mishap, injury, illness, condition, or any and all other negative things that may result in your attempting anything in this article or on this site.

If you are under eighteen, do not follow or try anything on this site without the consent and knowledge of your
parent(s) or guardian. At which time, they can look in the mirror and see the person responsible for any negative occurrence you may encounter.

By clicking the link to read the article you agree to hold Heuristic Endeavors™, Collector’s Resource, and any and all owners and employees to be not liable for anything resulting from the advice or information presented here. If you agree, click here to read the rest of the article.

Once again welcome and I hope you enjoy the Collectors Resource.

What our ancestors did...

If you read the article One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure you will see one thing we used to do was dump our household trash at a location on our property that was acceptable to that particular family. But sooner or later the lady of the house decided that this mess was just way too unsightly and the trash had to go! In the days before government designated "landfills" our ancestors drove out into the woods and dumped their trash.

Some locations were one time dropoffs that would be scarce to find, while others became a community dumpspot that accumilated medium to large piles of household and other trash. Much like the article below, these spots can contain a storehouse of potential treasures for collectors. Though most metal items will certainly be rusted severely now, bottles and other items may still be found in pristine shape.

Please be sure to check out the "legal stuff" below and the corresponding suggestions on safety in the article before you run out and get hurt or run into some wildlife. I won't repeat those here, but you should be aware of the following additional information:

These piles can be found while hiking in our national and state forests. Most will likely be easily accessible from old logging or fireline roads that may be overgrown, but the terrain should be somewhat level. Even so, watch for holes, drop offs, washouts and etc. A big thing is this...DO NOT SEARCH DURRING A HUNTING SEASON!!! Check with your local forrestry and park service on any regulations preventing you from legally removing these items off those lands, information on any controlled burns or wildfires in that area, the hunting schedules, and any other dangers that you should be aware of.

You should always scubba dive (hehe was seeing if you were watching)...just like scubba diving...always have a hiking buddy in case someone gets hurt. Cell phones don't work well in many remote ares like the parks so don't rely on anything but a friend you can trust. Make sure you carry fluids and snacks, a compass or GPS unit, first aid kit, a map of the area, possibly a handheld (cb type) radio, and make sure someone knows where you've gone off to and when to expect you back. You can check in with the park rangers while asking for information if you prefer to be isolated from your normal circle of friends and family.

Take appropriate safety equipment to sort through these piles, containers to safely store and transport them back to your vehicle, and appropriate dress for the possible extremes of wheather in that area at the time of season. Also, don't get greedy. Only carry what you can do so safely. Remember the lay of the land to the spot and don't be overconfident in your ability to carry just one more item back.....your back might not like it. Be safe and plan ahead, but most of all have fun and good hunting!