After having my collection displayed at my local library, I thought it would be great to give you some pointers on how to create a Titanic collection. If you're like me and you don't have much money to spend on Titanic items, I hope this will help you.
1. Do Research
Doing research is imperative and highly recommending. If you believe you are buying a genuine item related to the Titanic, make sure you know how to tell fakes from originals. With the boom of Titanic interest has come a lot of forgeries and people hoping to make money off others believing they will be owning a genuine piece of history. Also, doing research will help you realize the more affordable items out there. Many items with connections to the Titanic disaster are owned/sold by people who don't realize what they have. It is also a good idea to look at some items you desire and find out what they generally go for. That way, you'll be able to recognize when you're getting a good deal and when something is overpriced.
2. Have A Purpose
If you want to collect anything with the name "Titanic" on it, be my guest. But I would recommend having a purpose. Some love collecting White Star Line dishes, 1st edition books by survivors, items from the body recovery in the Titanic's aftermath, Titanic-related postcards and images, Titanic movie props, and even tacky Titanic items. Whatever it is, it is a good idea to find a niche. Mine is a bit more broad. I love collecting items that will help tell the story of the Titanic voyage, disaster, and aftermath. Things that connect people to the different stages of her life are my passion. Whatever your passion is, I recommend that you pursue it. Also, it is a good idea to think about why you are collecting. Are you collecting things to collect dust in your own home? Or are you collecting so that you can eventually display your things for others' enjoyment as well as your own. Considering that may be a factor in what you're willing to spend and what you're trying to get.
3. Replicas Or Originals?
It is a good idea to know what you're looking for. For instance, my White Star Line china are replicas. However, I do plan to replace them with original china from the White Star Line in the future. For the moment though, the replicas work well. They get the point across in showing the different patterns used in each class. Replicas are also much cheaper in regards to china and silverware than the originals which make them great for someone like me with a small budget and/or someone wanting to throw an authentic Titanic dinner party. This thought process is useful in many areas. Books are another example. Original 1st editions of books by survivors can go for a lot of money. But if you are only wanting to read them to increase your knowledge, then cheaper reprints are more ideal.
4. Know Where To Look
Ebay is a great place to find good deals if you know what you're looking for and have a good idea of how to tell fakes from originals, but here are some other sites that you may also find helpful.
http://titanicitems.com/
http://luxurylinerrow.com/
http://www.whitestarmemories.com/
http://www.thetitanicstore.com/
https://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/cart_display.php
