posted 10-03-2008 04:42 PM            

I don't 'get' the apparent reluctance of many silver dealers -- people of good reputation -- to use the Web more effectively. For a field where bemoaning the lack of new collectors, and especially young collectors, is common sport, this makes no sense to me.

Background: I am a collector. My husband and I are also serious collectors of paintings and prints. In that field, everyone maintains active websites, showing new inventory images, and frequently showing pricing. We have bought many pieces because we first found them on the web. We have found and developed relationships with dealers, esp in other parts of the country, because, in tracking one artist or another, we found their websites. We maintain a friendly rivalry with a good friend who also collects a couple of "our" artists -- it's a bit of a race to monitor various websites. I should empahasize here that I'm not talking about auctions (we track those, too) -- but about dealers. Usually, we see something, then call. Dealers are very responsive -- they send out jpegs and info by email, and if we are serious, send the piece on approval.

There are a few silver websites that do this. One in particular is outstanding -- material is well photographed and presented, with great descriptions and information, pricing, and new objects are highlighted. I visit it regularly, partly because if I don't stay current, I've found that pieces I would be interested in are marked sold. I have learned from it; I have been introduced to new makers by it --expanding my interests, which I have to say were not initially focused on the periods that this site most typically features. The site engenders credibility and trust in the dealer. And of course I have bought from them.

Maintaing websites isn't quick, easy, or cheap. But it seems increasingly to be an expected cost of business.

So why this gap in silver? Is it generational -- a demographic of older dealers who are reluctant to pursue the technology? If so, I fear that the 'young people aren't into silver' thing will become a self-fulfilling prophesy. Let's face it -- the model of taking a booth at high-end shows is just not a workable business model for many buyers these days -- especially for busy working people, worse for those with kids. For example, I am in New England but have never once been able to attend the Winter Antique Show in NY, much as I would like to.

Would love to hear reactions from dealers and other collectors.......

posted 10-19-2008 04:33 PM            

Recalling the silver dealers I have known, most are considerably older than I am; very few are younger. And we are facing a demographic time bomb: huge inventories will be coming on the market where there seems to be little demand.

posted 10-20-2008 03:27 PM            

Silver coming into the hands of family who regard it only as meltable metal is very sad.

Any possibility that dealers like your friend, who also have serious collections, might be able to arrange something now, while they're still able to control the fate of the collection, with museums or younger dealers?

posted 10-20-2008 10:42 PM            

Things start simply. I have found that sterling pieces mean a lot as presents -- simply because they are unusual and they connote quality, even to young people. I loved silver as a teenager, and I am actively trying to infect a niece with the interest: I bought her a wonderful christening mug, engraved with her name and a date 100 years before her own birthday. Will give it to her on her 21st birthday in a couple months. Not sure she'll appreciate it now, but I know she will at some point.

But that story returns to my original point: I bought that piece through a site that specializes in such things. It's a very well-organized site, with photos, info, and pricing, and the proprietor is helpful and wraps everything beautifully, including a card that gives the info about each piece.