I had a collection of medals (WW1) and Morgan and Peace Dollars collected since I was in shorts. 3 - 4 years ago I started adding to it, but suddenly realised that they really didn't mean much to me any more, so I sold them off (except for a couple of pieces that I got from my father). I decided that if I was going to collect small, silver bits, then they should be things that we can use on a daily basis, such as silver napkin rings, egg cups, flatware and so on. And the collection is slowly growing and we are using them almost on a daily basis.
About three weeks back I picked up a lovely 1930s napkin ring, 1 1/4 oz, with my initials (oh vanity!) for c £16 (c$26 ?), so a lot less than the scrap value. That was the cheapest yet, but I don't think I've paid more than £24 (all in) and they tend to be c 1 1/2 oz (I avoid the lightweight ones as they wouldn't stand up to regular use), which is still probably less than scrap value. A couple of days ago I was bidding on another napkin ring with my wife's initials, roughly the same period, a few gr lighter, nothing special about the maker .. and it goes for £62 !!
I'm pretty sure that I researched the piece well and didn't miss anything?
Today I took delivery of another silver egg cup (useful when you've got hens!) ... from the TSS Vandyck, not yet checked the date but am pretty sure it dates from 1938 the year before it was commissioned by the Govt. and a year before it was sunk in action. Regardless of the history of the piece, it weighs over 1 oz ..cost me £21 all in
Probably used on the First Class Deck. It makes me imagine what it must have been like back in the Golden days of the World Cruises ... It isn't the price of this little cup, but its history!
I am sure there is logic there somewhere, or maybe punters are just not spotting these things?
