Old or collectible magazines are full of pictures and stories that can make a strong man weep or a sweet girl sigh. They take us back and inadvertently give us a history lesson as they speak to our nostalgic self.
Besides nostalgia, there is a wide and varied list of why people collect magazines. A special date such as a person's birthday or anniversary, could foster a collection. Personalities such as Marilyn Monroe, or particular time periods, such as Vietnam War years could inspire one to collect magazines. There are a whole slew of folks interested in advertising and magazines are a deep well of information for them. History buffs are another group that loves old magazines.
Still there are those who are just taken with a particular magazine such as Life. This magazine, first published in 1936, was known for its quality photographs that still magnetize the public today. Then who doesn't know someone with a stack of National Geographics in their attic? These beautiful magazines are timeless in the material they cover, and it just hurts to throw away such a quality product.
The reasons for collecting are endless, and it is such an easy field to enter. If you are a purist, you have found that most of the trading of magazines today happens on the Internet. Collectors groups and online auction houses are the chief purveyors of trading and buying. If you are a beginner, this is where you need to start.
When buying or selling, be aware there is a definite grading system among collectors as to the magazine's condition. "Shroeder's Antique Price Guide" lists three categories of condition, yet some Internet sites list as many as 10. Both start with the pristine and downgrade to the average or damaged lot.
Popularity will also have a lot to do with determining the price of a coveted magazine. The 1965 Saturday Evening Post featuring J. Edgar Hoover will be more popular than most trade magazines. Pricing of magazines seems to range from a few dollars for most to a couple of hundred for a very few.
Collecting vintage magazines gives one a glimpse into how an era viewed itself. These old missives can introduce you to your grandfather's young years or the brand new 1936 Packard. They will take you on a trip back through time that could be priceless.
Jean McClelland writes about antiques for The Herald-Dispatch.
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