Would You Borrow To Buy Stamps?

khj, I am not aware of the value of the non-Canadian stamps but I was impressed by the mint large Queens Nitrolures presented in the scans and the first cents issues. My pocket book couldn't cover the purchase of these and I expect that there are other high value early Canadian in his collection. There was also a mention of high value US stamps. Hopefully Nitrolures will clarify in greater detail was what he meant by "...he has the type of collection that investments are made of."

Never in a million years would I borrow money to buy stamps. I'm just not that serious or large-cale collector. But also, part of the allure of making your own collection is to find each piece, by luck, effort, finding a bargain, stretching your budget - whatever reason. Then when you look at it each stamp has its own story. We couldn't afford to borrow heavily to buy our dream house - so we built it slowly and affordably ourselves. It was slow, but now our house tells its own story and most of all, I like not owing money!
Edit - but I ought to add in all honesty if I knew enough to know when I saw a bargain, and if I knew it would pay for itself in the long run, then I might do a bit of wheeling and dealing... But I know nothing, so would never risk it..

I think I'd only borrow for a purchase such as this if I was in the business of buying and selling stamps and was confident that I could liquidate the debt through resale in fairly short order.

I've picked away bit by bit at my collection and am happy with it and enjoy adding a pc here and an upgrade there. Definatly not one to simply dump a large pile of cash and say look at my collection because I agree theres a big difference in collecting and acquiring.
I'm waiting on more details to this collection hopefully with more scans as well. The canadian scans I put up were apparently just a few he located but doesn't have time to scan everything . He has stated the US is very high end so I'm itching to see this as well.
I was also very impressed with the qualiy of the large queens -- I have many in my collection but none that equal the grade of those. I would expect them at auction to probably reach close to full catalog. The history is basically he has been a collector for 40ys or so and is getting older and just wants to sell. Economy in my area is really bad but I don't think this is one of those things where he is hurting and needs quick money so I will have to be content admiring and sharing what I can. I will say if anyone sees anything of interest and is serious I can play middle man at no expense. Hopefullly I can set up a meeting and see everything with my own eyes.

If you can afford payments, why not? Even if you just have to have them and are not looking to flip em. Cars and bikes are a "hobby" RVing is a hobby, people borrow to buy toys all the time,should not matter what it is. If you have the means, pull the trigger,if you don't you will be kicking yourself later.

Ok now I'm about ready to pass out-- Just received 5 emails full of scans and you will not believe the US collection it is smitsonian like .
Definatly not something I could handle and it would create a buzz at Christies or sothebys auction houses.
Before I go picture happy I would like to ask if it is OK if I post such a large amount of pictures or would it be better just to link to photbucket so it can be viewed from there. I don't want to post 150 or so pics if it is to much.
Damn I actually have butterflies from just quickly checking these out--lol

I feel excited for you nitrolures!! I want to seeeee! I would borrow for them....its not everyday you get an opportunity like you have. Just sayin'...

(and more pics!)



I agree, the large Queens are impressive. Then below the large Queens, there appears to be a row of 1c small Queens which cat ~$1. Even if it was the "orange" color variety, still roughly $10 cat. Seems so out of place on a stockpage full of $1000+ items. I guess each collector has their own special "arrangement".

The blue Mauritius stamps also cat below $10.

Interesting pics, nonetheless!

k

Why not borrowing, after all some borrow for travelling. Stamp you can always find a way to sell them. But does the seller as an estimate of his collection, a detail listing you can work from and also like mentioned, how he acquire them? and also, i've been ask myself, why he sells them?. If everything is solid then you can borrow. But i'll confess I never did it myself.

In all of my collecting days, I don't think that I have ever borrowed money to buy a stamp collection.

What I have done in the past is save for a collection I might have had word was coming up. I have done this on several occasions.

Usually, if it is too high for my budget, and that is not unusual . I usually pass that collection by. Hard to do, I know.

Chimo

Bujutsu

No and Hell no ! I pay as I go in life..that way when I buy an expensive stamp (for me) and then hide it in a book that I seldom look at..its ok...there are people that can wheel and deal..buy a stamp and turn it over for a profit..they are called dealers..i have tubs of stamps I thought people might want at 25 percent or 1/3 of catalog...but apparently there are too many people out there trying to sell the same stamps !!

Personally I wouldn't borrow money to buy stamps. It is a hobby, not an investment scheme.

All right nitrolures stop hogging all the pictures. Let's see them, you have me staring at my screen just waiting. Ahemmmmm.......

Waiting .................. still waiting........

Well I considered maybe $5-$10K loan at first but once I seen this I sorta figured the $5-10k might cover and repeat might just cover buying fees at auction. Believe me I don't understand the way its displayed and I havn't physically seen these. I did however offer to help do some high res individual scans . Problem is if I see them in person I may ask to be adopted or definatly offer my first and second born. Anyway like I said if anyone is interested in anything particular I can give him your email but be serious. PS I also have pics of UK possesions to follow at some point. Not sure of duplication in these pics but I think it is 4 seperate chunks 2 mint 1 used and 1 revenues.

Very nice! Lots of revenues/BOB, and I see the high-denomination Columbians as well as the obligatory first 2 US stamps. Scott Platinum hingeless album back from the days when they had the problem with the adhesive of the mounts staining the pages.

This goes well beyond a collection, but is an accumulation. That partly explains the stocksheet presentation. Looks like they put items in the stocksheet as they removed them from albums or as they acquired them.

Thanks for posting the pics.

k