Numbering System Is Critical

from Bonnie Salzman of Richmond, VA

Inventory Your Collection.

An inventory of your collection is essential for many reasons: 1) it provides a basis on which to obtain insurance; 2) it keeps a record of your purchases and sales all in one place; 3) it helps to track location of items; 4) it will provide descriptive information for you or your heirs if or when the collection is dismantled.

An inventory can be anything from a spreadsheet in Excel, a database that you create in Access, or you can purchase software that is specially made for collections. There are many good software options out there ranging from free to a couple hundred dollars – some are (in no particular order) Collectible Solutions, Recollector, Collection Master, Collectify and NM Collector Software. There are many others, and you don’t need to spend a lot. It is suggested that you determine what your needs are first – then begin to browse the options and take a look at the demos. It is essential that the software allows you to add a picture or pictures of each item. Some software options have preset categories, and some allow you to customize your categories of data that you want to capture. The customization feature works well with highly specialized collections.

Setting the software up and getting started is the biggest effort, but once you have done that, make a goal to add a few new items at each sitting. If you divide the project up into small tasks, it will feel less daunting. Then, once you have the entire collection up, make it a point to add new things as they are purchased. I keep all my paper records of any purchase in a file, and note the inventory number assigned on the document. Matching up the item with the documentation then becomes easy.

A numbering system is critical to the process. CMOG staff suggested nail polish and an acrylic pencil. I use ¼” round color coding labels and an extra fine Sharpie. That way I can color code in addition to my numbering system. You can use any numbering system – just make sure that you have at least 3 digits/letters to allow for the collection to enlarge. These labels are cheap and easy to use.

Make it your resolution to get your inventory started this year. You’ll be glad that you did.

Steuben?

Hi Alan,

Did you see this magazine cover from earlier this year? I spotted it in a “sidebar” ad that came up when reviewing my email. The image on the left is the magazine’s 15th anniversary cover (April 2015); the one on the right is their first issue from 2000. The vase sure looks like Steuben to me. Can anyone say whether the bowl on the right is also Steuben? Michael Krumme, LA

I found this on Google Images