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| Author | Topic: Is this really a silver forum? |
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mk4420 Posts: 6 |
posted 03-26-2006 02:18 AM
  
I have to say that I am somewhat dismayed at what I have been reading so far on this site. Why would anyone in their right mind buy something silver plated, or for that matter, even sterling? I really thought this was a silver site.... meaning that everyone here had actual silver incites, and/or silver holdings. Maybe it is though, since this site has water fountains for the silver elite, and another for the silver ignorant. I dunno. But when I see post after post of some of the most irrelevent speculations to the power and value of silver, I just have to ask why? ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Waylander Posts: 131 |
posted 03-26-2006 03:31 AM
MK, despite what you may think, this is a silver site. In this case, people enjoy collecting silver plate or sterling silver, identifying the pieces of silver that they find, discovering the history behind the pieces, or adding providence to that particular family heirloom. Silver is not, and should not, be restricted solely to silver "incites" (a word with which I am not familiar) or holdings. For many, if not all of us, silver is a hobby, not an investment. Do I think that my collection of silver and silver plate will secure my retirement? Of course not. Are hobbies profitable? Not in my experience. We buy "silver plated" and "sterling" items because we want to, because we interested in the design, in the history, in the providence that each piece brings. I personally enjoy trawling antique stores, trying to find that piece of Continental silver that has been mistakenly identified as silver plate. Your comment on the "water fountains" for the silver elite etc is mistaken. It was not without substantial discussion and thought that the "New Members Forum" was introduced. It has been, IMHO, an unqualified success. Finally, you ask "why" we bother to post "irrelevent" speculations. Perhaps we enjoy discussing the issues raised by silver. However, as a newcomer to this site, I would not think you qualified to ascribe such speculations the tag of "irrelevent". For those people such as myself, and the hundreds, if not thousands of contributing members, our discussions on these websites are enjoyable, informative and relevent. Waylander IP: Logged |
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mk4420 Posts: 6 |
posted 03-26-2006 06:09 AM
Well written, my friend. I am not trying to have ill feelings towards anyone, and I am not trying to divide anyone. If you enjoy collecting, then good for you. I joined this site to find people as excited about silver as I am, and as I said before, I am disappointed. There is nothing wrong with any hobby, including buying plated or sterling at a swap meet or what have you. If that is what you enjoy, then more power to you. I, on the other hand, buy silver whenever I can get a bargain because I want to make a profit. Albeit, I enjoy collecting silver as much as anyone, but I have never met anyone who just collects to collect. There is always the profit potential when someone decides to collect something. Otherwise, why even bother? And "yes", I am not only dismayed by the subject matter present, but I am very dismayed about the "segregationalist" enterprise on here to select the "few" who can voice thier opinion. I find it really ironic that in a country such as this, the USA, on a media as "free" as the internet, that opinions and voices of reason, and maybe voices of dissimination are not valued here. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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hello Posts: 200 |
posted 03-26-2006 07:36 AM
LOL, you only have to go as far as the millions of useless forums out there to see what "a media as "free" as the internet, that opinions and voices of reason" gets you-mostly chaos. If you would review the guidelines and read the many discussions on this topic you might understand. These people are not here to help you make a "profit," but to help you learn. IP: Logged |
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tmockait Posts: 963 |
posted 03-26-2006 08:23 AM
As an educator I find the "all opinions must be aired" view pernicious. I try to train students to make sound judgements based on reason and backed by evidence. Disagreement is of course healthy, so long as it is informed. That being said, learning needs to be guided and developed, which involves what you call "irrelevant speculation." I think this forum strikes a good balance between allowing open discussion and preventing a free-for-all that would reduce its quality. I whole-heartedly agree that it is not designed to help anyone make money. Tom IP: Logged |
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swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 |
posted 03-26-2006 03:41 PM
MK, you are in the wrong place. We are not about bullion. There is more to life than money. There are people who guage their worth as persons soley by their financial worth. When their portfolios plunged in the 1930's, some of them plunged, too -- out of windows. There is a currently popular admonition: "Get a life." We are about appreciation. In short, we are about things made of silver, and anything about them. These attributes apply to all similar objects, regardless of which metals they are made of, so, yes, gold, Sterling, coin silver, silver plate, and even pewter are all welcome topics for discussion. So far, you have spread your discontent over at least three threads, and yet you agreed to respect our guidelines as part of your registration process. Assuming you read and comprehend the same language in which they were written, one can only wonder why you bothered to complete the process when your interests are so obviously out of place here. You have been greeted for the most part with kindness and patience, which seem to have gone unappreciated. Even if you have nothing to contribute, you are welcome here if - and only if - you are interested in broadening your horizons and learning more about the uses to which silver has been put throughout time, and why it is - and has been - valued for so much more than its melt value. Otherwise, MK, you are in the wrong place. IP: Logged |
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salmoned Posts: 336 |
posted 03-26-2006 03:53 PM
Monetary profit has it's place, but not in this forum. We don't generally discuss valuation directly, as it distracts from the artistic and historical considerations which are the raison d'etre for this forum. I fear your profit motive is only obliquely served here. I also have only a little interest in the silverplated discussions. Consequently, I don't often contribute to those discussions. I do have a few such non-silver items, purchased through seller deception, inadvertently or for comparison purposes. As we aren't all wealthy enough to buy only fine sterling/coin objects, base metal objects serve our lower budgets by filling out our collections in a variety of ways. In any case, denigrating someone's interests based on one's own narrow opinion is poor form and can rarely lead to anything but disruption. [This message has been edited by salmoned (edited 03-26-2006).] IP: Logged |
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Richard Kurtzman Moderator Posts: 768 |
posted 03-26-2006 10:25 PM
mk4420, May I suggest that you put your money in tulips. IP: Logged |
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Polly Posts: 1970 |
posted 03-27-2006 12:57 AM
This poster's argument makes as much sense as telling members of a poetry forum that they're avoiding the important issue, the price of ink and wood pulp. Am I the only one who thinks he might be a troll--someone who's posting provocative comments just to get a rise out of the members? IP: Logged |
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Richard Kurtzman Moderator Posts: 768 |
posted 03-27-2006 06:19 AM
mk4420, I know its been a while, but really, tulips are ripe for a rebound. I know a place where you can buy bulbs in bulk for a bargain. Go to Google and type in The Andy Kaufman Nursery. Good Luck! IP: Logged |
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venus Posts: 282 |
posted 03-27-2006 07:48 AM
no polly... it had crossed my mind as well, and if so it is for one of two reasons that I can think of. IP: Logged |
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tmockait Posts: 963 |
posted 03-27-2006 08:57 AM
All these response to MK4420 have been rather uplifting to read. I applaud the way members treat even the novice with respect, provide infomration generously and free of charge, and create a virtual community of people with a common interest. I have used things I have learned here in some of my classes. The outpouring of concern for our members touched by Katrina indicates that beyond their knowledge of silver, the folks here are a really decent bunch of people. It would be a shame to let anyone poison the well. Hopefully MK4420 will realize that he has a chance to be part of a very worthwhile endeavor to which I am sure he can contribute. If he does, I am confident people will welcome him inspite of all that has transpired. Few groups today would be so accepting. Tom IP: Logged |
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sazikov2000 Posts: 254 |
posted 03-27-2006 07:34 PM
Every site should tolerate minimum one court-jester! Sazikov 2000 IP: Logged |
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victoriaht Posts: 14 |
posted 03-28-2006 03:44 PM
I would like to correct MK's opinion as to antique silver's investment potential. I do not collect silver for investment. However, my collection has, thus far, increased in value at a much better rate than my stock holdings. And yes, if I wanted to sell it -- which I do not -- it could finance my retirement. An awesome thing considering the priceless enjoyment I derive from persuing the collecting hobby, using the serving pieces, and just having the gorgeous items beautifying my home. IP: Logged |
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asheland Posts: 935 |
posted 03-28-2006 06:29 PM
Very well said! I agree, if you buy the right pieces, your investment is secure. IP: Logged |
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FredZ Posts: 1070 |
posted 03-28-2006 07:24 PM
mk4420 reflects a part of what I consider part of the world's woes. He considers the making of money the purpose to life. Bottom line, quantity not quality, "How much can I make on this" I see he is a student and perhaps young. Perhaps this explains his attitude. I am happy to derive pleasure from beauty and this is my treasure. My ability to make items from silver and not my ability to make money is what makes me happy. Fred IP: Logged |
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FWG Posts: 845 |
posted 03-29-2006 12:42 PM
As they used to say, someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.... IP: Logged |
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stretford_end Posts: 3 |
posted 03-31-2006 12:52 AM
What a fascinating thread. It brings back memories of England sometime in the seventies (I think) when Bunker Hunt and his Saudi buddies were trying (and almost suceeded) in cornering world silver. Gold was trading somewhere about $800 and siver was fetching over$50. All over the country the lines outside the assay offices and smelters stretched around the block for the better part of a week. It is generally believed that about 50 percent of Britain's Georgian silver disapeared forever that week. Fortunately the bubble burst or it might have all vanished. Hopefully, those who once waited patiently in line with their old 40 ounce candlesticks now writhe before the Antiques Road Show. IP: Logged |
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swarter Moderator Posts: 2920 |
posted 03-31-2006 01:30 AM
It was bad here too, but (volume wise) we didn't have as much to lose, which means we may have lost even more because we had less to begin with, at least of the really old things. Welcome to the forums, and, perhaps with your values, you can help us work towards assuring that it will never happen again, by raising people's consciousness to the values of preservation of our silver heritage. IP: Logged |
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FredZ Posts: 1070 |
posted 03-31-2006 12:58 PM
A small damaged Jacob Hurd spoon, I own, was snatched from a melting pot by the man I bought it from. He told me he was able to acquire quite alot of old silver back then. He would pay well over spot for the silver and was glad to do it. Fred IP: Logged |
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FWG Posts: 845 |
posted 03-31-2006 01:53 PM
I have occasionally visited some of those people who buy anything at hotels and such, and have generally found them quite happy to resell things they have bought to scrap -- sometimes even for no more than they'd get to scrap it. Some of them, at least, do have hearts (!), and are happy to see items preserved if someone shows an interest. Then of course there are the ones who would knowingly pay someone $5 for a coin silver spoon marked I Hurd.... They're not going to then sell it to you for scrap! But I have gotten some interesting items from honest people who just didn't consider them to be anything other than scrap metal. IP: Logged |
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jersey Posts: 1203 |
posted 03-31-2006 07:44 PM
Hi MK 4420! Here's Jersey!........Perhaps when you were looking for a siver forum you should done a search for a forum on silver commodities there are many of them. You are also a fun "Devil's Advocate" and have had our Silver Forum Members voice their various opinions loud & clear. I think you like this forum too or you would not have come back. Maybe the other forums IF you tried them were not as warm....maybe like buying & selling of commodities it is cut & dry and all business, like the market. If you are really interested in silver futures maybe you should talk to to the Hunt brothers! We, I think are more about a personal relationship with silver. Maybe some of the members buy & sell but I think it can hurt even if you do because that personal attachement comes into play, and you hope (or at least I would) hope it goes to someone who appreciates the piece. Now as the new TV show says......would you like to stay with us............ and perhaps add to your silver interest in a different light, or continue being a curmudgeon. I ask you "Deal or No Deal!" Jersey IP: Logged |
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GungaDin12345 Posts: 39 |
posted 05-25-2006 07:19 AM
I don't know how anyone can buy and sell silver. I started collecting silver because I got intoxicated on the experience of going into a junk store and buying a blackened lump of metal for a few dollars, taking it home and cleaning it up to find I had gorgeous piece of silver engraved a royal's family crest. I thought, "Oh -- I have found treasure and big profit!" But when I needed money and set about to sell some of my pieces, I could part with only a totally boring Tiffany bowl and a small plated piece of inferior Depression silver. I could not sell my other pieces; they were pieces of history and art and I could not trust another person with them. I would like to know the life story of this MK who thinks all silver is nothing but bullion. He or she is a very sad figure indeed. IP: Logged |
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taloncrest Posts: 169 |
posted 05-25-2006 09:00 AM
GungaDin, you make me feel so guilty! I do sell some of my silver at times, usually things I am tired of. Sometimes I buy things that are priced ridiculously low intending to resell them sometime in the near future, and then am unable to part with them. My collection needs to be thinned out even as I type, but with silver prices at the present level, I don't want to part with any of it for fear it might reach the melting pot. I do have favorite pieces that I will not dispose of until I absolutely have to. IP: Logged |
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GungaDin12345 Posts: 39 |
posted 05-27-2006 03:48 AM
taloncrest -- I have pieces of silver that I will not part with because I have found that the presence of sterling all around me (only some of it is hidden away from my cats) makes me feel happy, safe, and secure. I think part of it is due to the beauty, and maybe part of it is due to some kind of race memory, as all my ancestors were Brits whose stash of silver was their saving account. When your crops fail, it's no problem, because you can sell your sterling to feed your family and livestock. People did that for a really long time, and I think to some degree I inherited the memory of that, which makes me feel like I have nothing to fear. I have almost no money in the bank but I have great bunches of silver so I'm okay! And I can usually find something else to sell so I don't have to part with the silver. Anyone interested in a gorgeous black leather and solid brass handmade Amish horse harness? (JOKE- I'm not trying to sell here!) Okay -- time to pack up my books of hallmarks -- I'm going treasure hunting early tomorrow morn. IP: Logged |
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Clive E Taylor Posts: 450 |
posted 05-27-2006 08:26 AM
I am surprised to see this topic reappear . If MK was surprised to find that the site was about the final use of silver and its appreciation , rather than a site for commodity traders in the matal market , he should have given a chuckle about our strange habits and silently moved elsewhere. My wife, an amateur ornithologist , once rather naively entered "Great Tits mating habits Europe" into Google. She was looking for parus major rather than mammaria maximus. Mind you she found some good sites ! Or so I am told. IP: Logged |
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GungaDin12345 Posts: 39 |
posted 05-27-2006 09:55 PM
Your wife, as a highly trained and educated ornithologist, no doubt knew where she was and belonged as soon as she arrived there. The commodities trader, however, had not a clue. We must assume screaming amateurism there. I do have a very fine pet chicken who displays highly unusual behavior for a hen, such as trying to beat up my cats. Anytime your wife wants to exchange her knowledge for birds for research into silver marks/hallmarks, let me know! IP: Logged |
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Clive E Taylor Posts: 450 |
posted 05-28-2006 01:32 AM
My wife is also a fellow silver collector. In a cunning but misguided moment I introduced her into the mysteries of silver, thinking she would then understand why I tried to spend most of the household budget on silver rather than non-essentials like food, furniture etc. She became hooked and is better at reading hallmarks than me. Realising my error I tried to expalain about young blonde ladies. I can report total failure on this . So far. IP: Logged |
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Clive E Taylor Posts: 450 |
posted 05-28-2006 01:45 AM
On a mre serious note I have actually noticed that the ability pf two separate people to identify a badly struck or very worn mark is often complimentary. Whether it is different eyesights or mental processes I am not sure but I can often read a mark my wife cannot, and vice versa . My wife's particular skill seems to be reading marks up side down when neither of us can read it the right way up (even if we know which way is up). What this tells of the female brain is uncertain - and perhaps best left uninvestigated. IP: Logged |
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