Your Online Antiques University                  An often perilous venture for collectors is that of the  "Limited Edition ". The whole term "Limited Edition" has fallen on hard times of late, debased by it's use to include mass produced collectibles from stuffed toys to Elvis memorabilia. Few of these items even retain their original retail value, let alone increase in value. The term "Limited Edition" in it's true sense got it's start in the Fine Art prints market where an artist would offer high quality lithographic prints of his original work. The number of prints being limited generally to less than 500 copies, including the artist's "Proofs" for his own use (designated AP), plus printer's proofs (designated PP). In a very small number of editions, there is an additional series called "hors de commerce" (designated HC). All of the Artist's proofs, printer's proofs and hors de commerce are all separately numbered and signed by the artist ( E.g. Fred Jones- 37/500, 7/10 etc.) While all of these features are no guarantee of of a good investment they do help authenticate what you have is indeed a limited edition item. Values for limited editions, like all things collectible, are driven by the market, what's sought after today might not be in five years. In the case of some items changes can be dramatic. In the recent past it was possible to stuff a $100,000 worth of a popular line of fluffy toys in a large pillow case, now the vast majority of these stuffed animals (see image above)fail to sell for less than fifty cents at online auctions.  Mike Wilcox Wilcox & Hall Appraisers              Copyright Wilcox & Hall Online- 1997-2006 All Rights Reserved

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