Most people collect vintage and retro items mainly for nostalgic reasons. These collectors probably enjoy a sense of history. They may want to learn more about past generations, how things worked and how people lived, all through collecting these items. Many vintage and retro items are exquisite and intricately-crafted. People thus often start a collection based on their appreciation of the beauty and expert craftsmanship of these vintage treasures.

What kind of vintage and retro items do people collect?
Amongst the various types of vintage and retro collectors, there are many who treat their collection purely as a hobby and a fun pastime. Others, however, approach their collections more seriously -- they buy and collect these items to make a profit as part of making a living. Here is an arbitrary list of some of the vintage and retro objects that people collect.:

Vintage Costumes
Vintage Fashion including dresses, hats, jewellery, fabrics and textiles
Vintage Appliances including radios, computers,
Vintage Wristwatches and Clocks
Vintage Musical Instruments including saxophones, guitars, synthesizers
Vintage Slot machines and other gambling paraphernalia
Vintage Kitchenware and Homeware including cups, tins, teapots
Vintage Handcuffs
Vintage Postcards
Vintage Advertising memorabilia including posters, enamel signs, product labels
Vintage Toys including retro gaming
Vintage Cars and other vehicles
Vintage Books including antiques and rare books
Antique Dolls
Antique Buttons
Antique Pens
Antique Typewriters & Cameras
Vintage Rocking Horses
Antique Handkerchiefs
Vintage Sports Memorabilia including baseball cards, snooker cues

Where to look for vintage and retro collectibles
Fortunately for the collector of all things vintage and retro, it is reasonably easy to find these kind of objects. There are numerous places you can visit, both online and offline:

Auctions
Auctions, both online and land-based, are popular places in which to find all manner of collectibles, including vintage and retro objects. Visiting an antique auction is always illuminating but there are also specific online auction websites specialising solely in vintage and retro items. To make sure you find what you are searching for, it is useful to go online on a regular basis to check what items are up for auction.

Individual Websites and Online Shops
There are plenty of individual websites with a wide range of vintage and retro items on sale. Even if the item is based abroad, it is still fairly straightforward to purchase any item you want on the condition that you are prepared to wait for the item to be despatched from overseas as well as incur the extra shipping fees (and possibly import duty if the item is of great value). When buying from overseas, make sure you have appropriate insurance should the item be lost or damaged in transit.

Collectors' Fairs and Markets
There are numerous specialist fairs, flea markets, antiques markets and occasionally, garage sales and conventions held around the UK and abroad. Vintage fashion collectors are the most fortunate as there are several high-profile events organised regularly such as The London Vintage Fashion, Textiles and Accessories Fair. There is also the National Vintage Communications Fair where you will find stalls specialising in obsolete radios and other communications products. The most enjoyable thing about fairs and markets is that it is a great opportunity to meet and mingle with your fellow-collectors.

Online Collectors' Clubs
If you search the internet, you will stumble upon numerous collectors' clubs and associations. These websites provide an important service to members. They advertise details of any auctions or markets that may be taking place. They allow members a forum in which to discuss topics and ask for suggestions. A few publish weekly or monthly newsletters. They play such a useful role in keeping the interests and activities of the vintage and retro collector alive and well!

Magazines & Newsletters
There are general antique and collecting titles, both online and printed, that may feature advertisements selling vintage and retro items such as:

Antiques & Collectibles
Antiques Dealer

Online Classifieds and Directories
Locating vintage and retro objects is also possible here at Classifieds and via other online or printed classifieds or directories. Online resources are especially good tools as they are able to provide more than just a listing -- they also give tips and advice as well as a host of other useful links to relevant articles and news about buying and collecting vintage and retro items.

How to purchase vintage and retro items safely
If you think you are buying a genuine antique, make sure you can verify its authenticity. If you are not an expert, it is wise to approach someone who has the appropriate knowledge. If possible, always ask for certification or documentation. When buying from a private seller, make sure you read and understand the description provided carefully. Study the photographs provided to give you a clear image of the item you are about to buy. If the items you are buying are fragile or easily breakable, take special care and ask the seller who is responsible for any items which may arrive broken or damaged? Similarly, if the item is bulky or heavy, ask who is responsible for the safe collection or delivery of the item? Bear in mind that traders can be fined or prosecuted if they sell unsafe or incorrectly labelled goods. This may be more tricky to prove with private sellers.

Some advice on reproduction goods
It is generally the case that collectors insist on only buying genuine or authentic goods. However, there are some reasons why this might not be the case. Some collectors may decide to buy a reproduction item as they are generally less costly and easier to find than the real thing. Given that the collector is fully aware that the item he or she has just purchased is a reproduction, there is no real harm done but always check as reproduction items are usually valued at a fraction of the original.
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28 December 2008
Militaria..
war illustrated. a weekly publication 22ndaugust 1914 to 8th feb 1919. amalgamated press. now in 9 bound volumes. binding: boards with leather spine & corners. after pretoria. the guerilla war. by h. w wilson. her majestys army. (queen victoria) volumes 1 &. .
CH63
Airfix..
airfix etc plastic construction kits. 95% unmade & unopened (bags and boxes‘) 1950s to 1990s only ships, planes, cars, buildings (ho/00) etc etc. some very rare. - .
CH63
George V Sovereighn & chain..
george v gold sovereign and chain. 1915. very good condition. realistic offers please. view bebington area wirral, cheshire. .
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