Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Determine the available space you have for storing or displaying your purchases, and your budget for such a collection. According to HowtoCollectAntiques.com, these are the first two considerations (and limiting factors) that influence all other decisions in collecting.
Become familiar with the item that you are collecting. In the case of Revolutionary War swords, you should study reference guides on Revolutionary weaponry. Guidebooks such as the Collectors Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution and The Battle Weapons of the American Revolution will help you to identify Revolutionary War swords.
Search for collectibles in reputable locations. Although there are many stories about antiques that are found in city dumps, garage sales and estate auctions, you are more likely to find an authentic Revolutionary era sword through an antiques dealer or at an online auction house such as eBay or iCollector than you are in your grandmother's attic.
Research an item before you purchase it. If you are buying from an online listing, read the description very carefully. An acronym such as RP or repro. means reproduction. An unethical seller may try to bury the word copy or reproduction in the middle of their description as a way of sneaking it past the buyer.
Study the seller. Many online auction houses have seller ratings. Study the seller's transaction history. Don't just look at their total of transactions and feedback, but read what is said in the bad reviews, and find out what they have sold in the past.
Know your return policy. If the seller refuses to give you more than an email address, you should be wary. A seller should provide you with their complete name, address and telephone number, and they should clearly outline steps for returning an item.