There’s a certain mystique around the word “collectable.” Say it aloud and you can practically hear a monocle popping into place. But for every seasoned antique hunter polishing their Georgian silver, there’s a newcomer wondering if it’s weird to collect novelty eggcups shaped like badgers.

(Hint: it’s not. It’s glorious.)

Let’s bust five of the biggest myths in the world of collecting—because frankly, it’s time to give porcelain ferrets and glow-in-the-dark gnomes the respect they deserve.

Myth #1: A Collectable Has to Be In Perfect Condition

Ah yes, the mythical "mint condition." Lovely in theory—terrifying in practice.

Truth is, plenty of cherished collectables have seen better days. A scratch here, a little wear there—it’s part of the charm. Scuffs are stories. Chips are character. You’re not buying sterile perfection; you’re adopting history.

Let’s not be condition snobs, darling. That slightly cracked 1960s space-piggy bank survived a decade of children. Give it a medal, not a markdown.

Myth #2: Only Expensive Things Are Worth Collecting

Absolute nonsense. Some of the most delightfully odd and deeply loved items in our stockroom were picked up for less than the price of a fancy biscuit.

It’s not about how much it costs—it’s about how much joy it sparks. Whether it’s a mass-produced cereal mascot or a hand-crafted brass beetle, if it makes you grin, it’s worth collecting.

And besides, who’s to say what might be valuable in 20 years? Today’s 'plastic tat' is tomorrow’s vintage kitsch.

Myth #3: It Has to Be “Authentic”

Let’s park this one right next to the myth about Victorians not smiling in photos.

Replica? Reproduction? Reimagined? All welcome. You’re not curating the British Museum; you’re building a collection that reflects you. If a modern steampunk brooch makes you feel more Sherlock Holmes than actual Sherlock Holmes props, that’s a win.

Collecting is about passion, not pedigree.

Myth #4: No One Collects That

Oh, really?

Because we’ve seen:

• A full wall of ceramic clown shoes

• A shelf dedicated to mid-century biscuit tins with cats on them

• An actual bidding war over a plush hedgehog from a 1992 garden centre promo

Someone, somewhere, is into it. That’s the beauty of collecting. It's gloriously weird and wildly personal. Don’t be shy about what you love. Shout it from the steampunk rooftops.

Even if it’s—yes—a porcelain ferret in a bonnet. Especially then.

Myth #5: You Need to Be an Expert to Start

Let’s be honest: no one is born knowing the full market value of a discontinued novelty teapot from 1987.

You don’t need encyclopaedic knowledge or an attic full of antiques to begin. You just need curiosity and the thrill of the chase. The rest comes with time, mistakes, and the occasional surprise when that creepy clown doll turns out to be worth more than your car.

Start small. Start strange. Just start.

In Conclusion...

The world of collectables is a vast and varied place, and there’s plenty of room for your quirks. Don’t let the myths keep you from diving in headfirst. Whether you’re into Victorian prosthetics (real niche, but we see you), 90s Happy Meal toys, or cursed-looking souvenir spoons—we salute you.

You’re not a hoarder. You’re a historian with a very specific aesthetic.

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