Discussion Question: Books for Collectors

[siegersallee]

ithacaartist, you make a number of good points.

I agree that we benefit from the *hard research* that took place in the previous 50 years and as such we should be careful of totally trashing it; but, we remain mindful that it is dated.

Collectors and researchers used to have to build up social networks of like-minded souls to compare notes with and share knowledge using phone, snail mail, and personal interaction.

For the most part there was no electronic media, no email, no forums, no Google.

One advantage that collectors in middle part of the last century did have was cost.

Luger prices in the 50s-80s seem bargain basement compared to today (I am trying to factor in inflation) and the size of collections reflects that.

Collections started in 2000 may have 30 - 100 pistols whereas many of the collections that were begun in the 70's and before are in the thousands.

In part this is just a factor of more time-to-acquire; but, the cost factor must be considered as well.

The larger a collection, the more Lugers one has to review in comfort and leisure.
Today, when I see an interesting Luger it is usually being offered for sale and I have a limited amount of time to dissect it and take note of everything that may affect its collectiblity in trying to make a purchase decision.

Since I am not a walking encyclopedia of luger, I have to study my references, do careful comparisons, contact more knowledgeable sources and this takes time.

Yes, I can see your points entirely.