There is no question that the following two articles will inspire hectic controversy!  It is mostly within these that the original purpose of my scribbling will be fulfilled.  I either will be condemned as one who besmirches reputations, sows doubt and is a menace to our field or be hailed as a later-day Lincoln Steffins!!!  He was a 19th century journalist who exposed the political corruption of his time and whom Theodore Roosevelt named "The Great Muckraker".  The anger, of his many enemies, is understandable because he was a threat to their nefarious activities!!!  It may well be said, after serious contemplation, that efforts proved beneficial and that he brought some public awareness of the problem.  It would be inane to believe that anything I might say or write can produce a similar effect.  I am just one voice crying in the wilderness!!!  It must be remembered that this is written by a collector for others of our ilk, particularly the neophytes.  This writer feels that his principal responsibility is to them!!!

This is written, not just in malice but also in the sad reflection on the errors that I have made and the traps into which I had fallen.  It will gladden my heart if other rug-lovers, because of my admonitions, will avoid these mistakes and snares!!!  It is based, not only on my personal experiences, but also on those of other collectors.

Collecting is a dynamic process!  The true aficionado always is eager to learn more about his hobby.  As his expertise increases, so do his critical faculties!  Artifacts, that he acquired in the beginning, no longer    satisfy his more advanced standards .For instance he may decide on specialization and Turkman rugs can become his main interest.  All this leads to specialization and the need to unload such items as are now outside the area of that interest!  Even if the above-mentioned had not taken place, all true aficionados have constant itch to upgrade their collections.  Since space is usually limited, he would like to replace those carpets, which he finds less worthy, with better examples.  This causes him to engage in both buying and selling.  It becomes essential some expertise in these activities!  The ensuing will deal, not only with sources, but also with those facilities which play an important role in these phases of collecting!!!

At this point, it is assumed that the reader has read my article "Determining Factors in Establishing Values"  In this connection, it should be noted that the collector can only establish the market values of various carpets by constant observation of dealers' and auction estimates and sale prices.  As previously has been indicated, there are many factors  that influence this phenomenon and some of these are subject to change.  The sharp increases in kilims and Baluchi rugs attest to this!  The aspiring collector must be always alert to what is happening in the market.  With experience, he will be able to distinguish the phony from the genuine sales.  Periodic visits to reputable dealers will also help him in learning about current prices!  In this connection, allow me to state flatly that all Oriental rugs, like all antiques, do NOT always appreciate in value.  The general price increases, that these items have enjoyed, must be evaluated in the light of enormous post-war inflation.  Under these circumstances, an antique carpet bought forty years ago and sold today for three times its original cost, represents a considerable loss!!!  The collector, who is interested in the monetary value of his collection, and which of us is not, must always bear this in mind!!!

At this point, I wish to aver, without equivocation, that there are many honest auction galleries and ethical dealers  One must remember that a few bad apples spoil the barrel!  It goes without saying, that my reader should NOT ascribe the nefarious practices, discussed in future articles, to all dealers.  However, I do not see the necessity of dwelling on these honest merchants since they pose no threat to the collector.  Unfortunately, there are some enterprises in the gray areas just within the law!!!  It is the practices of the latter that I wish to expose!!!  It is hoped that this information will help you separate the sheep from the goats.

FOREWARNED IS FOREARMED!!!

Sam