Collecting Titanic Memorabilia

When it comes to collecting Titanic Memorabilia, some look at the price tags of menus or deck chairs and automatically assume they can't afford it.  Others remain content with replicas or generic stuff with "Titanic" on them.  The fact is you can collect affordably without spending thousands and thousands of dollars. 

1.  Determine The Purpose of Collecting
Before spending a dime on anything, it always best to ask, "Why?"  Determining the purpose of your collection will allow you to put more of a focus on what you're looking for and where you look.  Some for instance are mostly interested in the passengers and crew, while others are interested mainly in the movie.  I collect for the stories each item tells and the connection it gives to the people on board.  When you determine the "Why?," the rest will fall into place.

2.  Research, Test, Identify
The next thing you want to do is research, test, and identify the items you desire or choose to purchase.  When it comes to collecting authentic memorabilia, there are a TON of fakes out there.  The most notable recent fakes are people on Ebay selling antique silverware which they've added the White Star Line logo to.  Just like those who work at a bank who learn how to tell the difference between government issued and counterfeit bills, you want to study the originals as thoroughly as you can.  With historical items, you also want to get the provenance of such items.  Find out if there is a chain of ownership dating back to the time of Titanic or connecting it directly to the Titanic.  In doing so, you eliminate the risk of purchasing fakes and being more specific with what you're looking for. 

3.  Learn Where To Look
Titanic items show up in various places, sometimes just randomly.  From Ebay to auction houses to websites, you can find Titanic memorabilia if you know where to look and what to look for.  After following step 2 above, you want to pay attention to what's available, how often they come available, and for what prices.  That way, you can best determine when and where to purchase those precious new additions to your collection. 

4.  Make Friends
I will never advocate making friends with people just to use them for certain purposes.  Friendships must always be based on trust and loyalty first and foremost.  However, it cannot be denied that having collector friends is also very beneficial.  People who have collected longer will have more knowledge and insight into what to look for and where.  Sometimes, they will even be willing to part with some of their collection, allowing you the opportunity to own treasured items.  When most collectors part with items, it does their hearts good to see them go to good homes that will value and treasure them as historical artifacts. 

5.  Realize That This Is Temporary
In the grand scheme of things, you need to realize that what you are doing is acting as caretaker of these historical items for the next generations.  With the last of the survivors gone, the last things that tell these stories are the accounts and the items left behind.  By taking good care of these items, you are ensuring that they are passed on to the next generations so the stories continue to be told and enjoyed.  With whatever you collect, look up how best to preserve and take care of these items so they can be in the same condition leaving your hands as they did when they came into them.  Find out things that can harm them such as direct sunlight, exposure to moisture, etc., and take necessary steps to ensure their preservation. 

6.  Enjoy it!
Despite the serious nature of collecting items related to the Titanic, do what you love and are passionate about.  There is much satisfaction and much to enjoy about it too.  From creating displays for memorabilia and framing pictures, to making them centerpieces in your home making interesting conversations with visitors.  There is really no point to doing something like this unless you enjoy some aspect of it.