[Closed] Investment grade models. Most will agree that manufacturers

Can't disagree with you Chris on low Brooklin prices on the secondary market, but wouldn't you agree that most low prices are very early issues where the quality is low compared to more recent issues which seem to hold their value.What about the resin models I mentioned? Should they be considered investment quality?

Personally, I don't like the description

Investment Grade Quality. This implies models are for investment purposes encouraging those who have no interest in the models for what they are, but just to make a quick buck, thus increasing the prices for folk like us who collect them for the sheer joy of collecting and owning. I remember in the mid to late 80s, and probably beyond, lots of (almost current) models were commanding prices well beyond their worth, some Yesteryear vans for example, and likewise with Brooklin specials. Some people bought Pathfinders in multiples with a view to making a killing thus making it far too expensive for many genuine collectors to complete their collections. Indeed, even today, some Pathfinders are offered at prices which in my opinion, are well beyond their worth. I, like most of us, collect for the joy of it. If my collection is worth something at the end of the day then fine, but even if it isn't, then I have had the pleasure of owning and amassing the collection, and you can't put a price on that. Long live collecting for collecting's sake.

I echo completely your opinion Mike

+1

I think that most would agree Ken, but it would be interesting to hear the opinions of others whatever they are.

I raised the question as I noticed on the back of Dave "Buz"

Kirk's business card "Investment Grade Models for the Serious Collector" and it got me thinking.

Are they described as Investment Grade Models as some dealers, especially on eBay, describe them as "rare" when we all that they are anything but, in other words as a means of trying to convince the unwary buyer of their perceived uniqueness, with the intent of making a killing?

I wholeheartedly agree, Mike. And, I think "Investment Grade Models"...

is a paraphrase of "expensive model cars".

Please nobody misunderstand me; I bought several times from Dave Kirkel and these models are worth every single Dollar.

It is probably easier to part with your money if you don't do it just for the fun of collecting but make an investment (whatever the return of it might be).

I like my 1:43 models, and I imagine some are "investment grade." But there's a period of time involved that kind of leaves me out. I'm also an old toy collector, and I like the cast iron toys from the late 1800's into the 1930's, like these:
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On a good day, these might sell for 35 to maybe fifty dollars, mainly because they're small. Prices go up with age, scarcity, size, complexity (as in action banks from the late 1800's), and -most of all- originality.

So if you have a perfect "investment grade" Brooklin or similar white metal model, in perfect, complete, MIB condition, and keep it until about 2070, it might be worth its original cost in 2070 dollars or a bit more. That compares with a Hubley cast iron 12 inch Packard of 1925, which originally sold for around $5, and would be in today's world about $500 or perhaps twice that, depending upon condition.
Sorry, but I won't be around to check on the accuracy of my guesses. I'm suggesting that a lot of the hoopla of increased prices in today's markets is largely based on the inflation of the dollar over the last fifty years.
As for me, I will just continue to enjoy mine, sell them for what I can get for them when I decide to, and let someone else enjoy them. Or maybe, like my service station trucks from about 20 years ago, I'll pass them along to a good charity as Christmas gifts for good boys and girls, as I just did with fifteen Hess trucks.
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(farm toys nearly MIB from 1920's. These do not go to children.)

Anyone who buys just about any collectible with the idea that it is an investment...

...is setting themselves up for disappointment. The market changes, technology changes and things progress. This is particularly true of our models. What was state of the art ten years ago has a hard time meeting the standards of fidelity and detail established by more recent releases and watches as formerly enthusiastic supporters migrate to the newer, better products.

Yes, there are a few handfuls of models here and there that are worth more than when they were new. But, those are the exception rather than the rule. The market has seen erosion in the prices of high-end pieces (as it does in nearly every area of collecting) even in most Motor City models over the last few years as less expensive and sometimes better representations are issued by the new crop of makers buying their models from Chinese factories. Who will pay hundreds of dollars for a white metal image when a better one is available in resin at under $100? Some will shun resin in favor of white metal but not in enough numbers to sustain an exceptionally high price. Some will pay a premium for exclusivity but it will never guarantee a high ROI. If you're in this hobby to make money, you'll miss the fellowship of a lot of great people and the joy of sharing a common interest and still wind up with less than you started.

It has been said before but it bears repeating, "Buy what you like and don't expect to make money when you sell." If you do, you'll end up a happy collector and won't be disappointed.

I think you're a beautiful example of all that is right about this hobby, David.

You know what you enjoy collecting, are knowledgeable about your field of interest, passionate about it and seem to enjoy sharing what you own and what you know with others. Money and profit are secondary to the pleasure of being involved in something you love doing. Thanks!