My collection of Collie memorabilia started out innocently enough after the purchase of my first Collie in 1968. As stated many times previously (by others before me), I had no idea what I was getting into! Over the years it would lead to a major obsession.......Collie Collectibles....otherwise known as the fine art of collecting anything and everything that has a Collie in, on or about it! Without a doubt, the favorite part of my collection, are the books, magazines and early Collie pictures...in other words anything pertaining to the early history of the breed. Since this is my first love (other than the actual dogs themselves), what better way to learn then through books and magazines?
So, it started with the books. I have always been an avid reader, so right after getting my first collie, I purchased all available reading material. When I ran out of current books and magazines, I began hunting for anything out-of-print. Being from a long line of collectors, it was easy to pursue this new avocation. I searched used book stores and hounded the older breeders. It has been my goal right from the start to acquire one of everything in print, on the Collie. Slowly but surely, I am reaching that goal and after forty years of collecting, I have amassed one of the finest collections of material on the Collie! The real gems are the very old breed books, the Collie Club of America Yearbooks and a long forgotten magazine called The Collie Folio. Unfortunately, so much has either been discarded or thrown away over the years. I cringe when I think of the huge libraries and large amount of material that was owned by Mrs. Lunt of Alstead and Florence Cummings of Arrowhill (and many others) that has disappeared over the years. Being the Chair of the Collie Club of America Archives for the past 15 years has certainly helped in my quest for early breed material, but two of the best sources have been eBay and ABE books. Click here to see a copy of my "want list"
At about the same time period, due to a love of antiques, we frequented antique stores, shows and auctions. Soon we ran out of space for furniture, so we turned to other areas of interest. Frequently I saw antique doggy items for sale--this included a wealth of Collie pieces. Collies are such an easy breed to collect, as there is so much available. They have been popular for so long, due to their charm and great beauty. Consequently they have made popular artist's models for all kinds of items, for many years. The first things I started purchasing were old prints and lithographs. Collies are frequently found in old prints done by Arthur Elsley, Harrison Fisher, R.A. Fox and Fred Morgan, just to name a few. Many of these prints are becoming scarce in their older versions, but recently many are being reproduced as prints, postcards or greeting cards.
Gradually I branched into other areas of collecting....with an emphasis on Figurines, postcards and useful items. Another favorite are Vienna Bronzes. While I do collect certain new items, my favorites will always remain the older, antique items. Collectible items can range from the whimsical to the fine art object! Some make for interesting conversation pieces. If a person is lucky and persistent, it can be easy to find figurines, statues, bookends, bronzes, plates, salt and pepper shakers, ink wells, paper weights, cigar-cutters, cigarette cases, pipe holders, jewelry, vases, magazine advertising and covers, postcards, cigarette cards, Stuffed animals, woodcarvings, toys, mechanical toys, oils, prints, etchings, tapestries, and ivory. The list could go on and on.......
Postcards can be an interesting collectible. Not only do they give a visual history of the breed either through real photos or an artist's rendition of the Collie, but many old time kennels in England and this country used Postcards as a medium for advertising. Some of the most wonderful postcards are reproduced from beautiful oil paintings or drawings dating as far back as the late 1800's.
And there's Lassie, a favorite amongst many Collie Collectors.
Soon before you know it, your house is covered with Collie items from one end to the other, in every corner, nook and cranny. Very quickly you can run out of room. The only other limitation can be money, as serious collecting can lead you to the poor house very quickly...especially for some of the older quality pieces! Some items can be found very reasonably, while others can be costly. While some people are very generous and donate items to the cause, others can charge an arm and a leg! All in all, it has been great fun and an interesting hobby. It has been a nice sideline to collecting and breeding the "real" thing!!
