The first consideration to be given when collecting rare or antique books is the safe keeping and storage. Whilst this may seem obvious, it is essential to consider these few points in order to ensure the longevity and safe keeping of any collection. The starting point is how the books are to be kept. The considerations to be looked at are as follows:
Shelving. The appointment of the shelving within a room is important, in an ideal world it should be a minimum of 3cm away from any given wall to allow the circulation of air. The wall should not be an outside wall as this can encourage damp. The shelving should be robust and not sag in the middle when fully laden. The shelving would ideally be adjustable so books can be stored upright and central to the shelf, again to promote air circulation. Solid book ends should be used to keep the books upright and tightly stacked, not too tight as this can cause damage when gaining access. Large and heavy books can be stored flat but not stacked on top of each other as this can damage the spines.
Humidity and Temperature. Dampness within books encourages mould, however, too dry and the paper can become brittle. The ideal temperature would be between 60-70'F.
Light. Direct sunlight is the biggest single contributor to book damage (second only to water). Paper will decay and fade if not protected. Books should not be stored or subjected to direct sunlight. Your storing room should have the curtains or blinds drawn when not in use.
Infestation. There are several critters that are attracted to the component parts of books ( starches, glues and paper) such as silverfish, book lice, cockroaches, bookworms, rats and mice. The tell tale signs are small piles of brown dust or bite marks. If you observe any of these symptoms then you should consult a pest control expert immediately.
These simple considerations will ensure the successful storage and promote longevity of any book. Further articles on the topic of book collecting, common book terminology and how to identify first editions are available at www.bid4abook.co.uk.
Do you love to collect antiques? Are you a serious collector that is looking for a specific antique such as a certain piece of furniture, a unique car, or perhaps a specific antique painting that suits your taste? If so, then you know it is not always an easy task to find the items you are looking for, especially if you don't know where to look.
Maybe you just love to shop for different antiques on a smaller scale. This could include collectible items such as toys and figurines. There are many different types of antique art that can be purchased and even a wide variety of antique books may be found. The key is to know where to find all of the great items that are out there.
Locating Your Antiques
So the question that many collectors have is just where to find the good stuff anyway? The thing that makes being an antique collector different is that you can't just go to the store and buy the item you want, no matter how much money you have. It can literally be an Easter egg hunt to try to find the treasures you seek.
When you are shopping for antique collectibles but do not have a specific item in mind or if you do not plan to spend a large amount of money, then a flea market is a great place to shop. However, if it is a specific item you are looking for, then many sites on the Internet can provide you with a wide variety of these items.
Shopping Online
There are many places online where you can look for antiques. The great thing about the internet is that it brings a much larger world straight to you. There are thousands of sites that can help you locate a specific item by pinpointing precisely where you should look. If the item is being sold in more than one place, they can give you this information, allowing you the opportunity to find the best price available for the antique of your choice.
EBay is becoming a very popular place to look online for antique collectibles. There are people from all over the world buying, selling, and trading collectibles and antiques on eBay. Some of the best deals out there can be found on eBay. Another great thing about finding your collectibles online is the wonderful and wider selection than you would find at a local show or sale. If you do not have a specific item in mind but are looking in certain categories such as, books, paintings, or coins, online sites such as eBay is a terrific place to look for these types of antiques. Antique jewelry and dishes are also a big hit with collectors and can be found on this site. It is one of the fastest and easiest ways to shop for collectibles.
Joining Clubs and Groups
You might also want to check to see if your local town or city has an antique collector's club or group that you can join. This would be a way for you to meet other people who share your passion and who can guide you to some of the best places to find what you are looking for. If none can be found in your town, why not start one yourself?
Both John Harvey & Steven Lancey are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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