[Phono-L] Young Collectors?

[Kuglarb at wmconnect.com]

The reason why we will not see young collectors in the future is the lack 
of interest and the cost of collecting.  The price, like housing has just 
ballooned over the years.  It's insane when the asking priced for an original 
crank for a Victor I phonograph is $125.00!  I believe the prices have just 
about topped out.  Most sellers, however, are not getting what they used to.  
Many dealers are taking items back home with them if they are not willing 
to 'deal'.  No, there are not many young collectors out there.  For one, the 
interest is not there, and secondly, and sadly, they will not have the cash 
for such toys.  In the end, and it is just my opinion, our collections not 
be the sought after 'gems' that we adore, but 'things' of the past that may 
or may not be bought at flea markets or yard sells.  I hope that the 
phonographs in my collection that my children do not want will be donated to a 
museum so that future generations will know what a 'phonograph' is and know some 
sort of history.

You would have a look long and hard for any young person that can tell you 
something about Thomas Edison.  I bet one would search the world over to 
find a young person today who knows who Eldridge Johnson is.

Sadly, I don't have the same optimism about the future of this great hobby 
of phonograph collecting.  The positive side is if there is a young 
collector out there in the next 20 years or so, he may be able to buy a nice antique 
phonograph without having to refinance his home.

Take care.

Brantley