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Ed - I disagree. "Is my map likely to increase in value over time?" is one of the most common questions dealers are asked. In is not unethical to answer truthfully. While we always encourage our clients to purchase maps first because they enjoy them and not directly as an investment, the answer to this question is "most likely". In the short term, unless you are a dealer or very savvy, it is indeed difficult to purchase a map at a retail gallery and turn a profit, however, in the long term there is significant potential for profit. The historical increase in map value over a considerable time (10+ years) is chartable to anyone with access to historical sales data - which should be pretty much everyone in this list. While certain maps, like the stock market, can bubble in value for short periods of time, the overall and consistent trend is for maps to increase in value as time passes. Most dealers, like ourselves, price maps in accordance with historical retail and auction values for similar items. On such a model a natural increase in value can be reasonably anticipated. Kevin From: maphist-boun...@geo.uu.nl [mailto:maphist-boun...@geo.uu.nl] On Behalf Of Ed Dahl Sent: Friday, December 23, 2011 9:13 AM To: Discussion group for map history Subject: [MapHist] Alternative Investing 2011 - Mapping a Profit:Cartography and Fine Art Investment - CNBC Dorothy -- I found your posting quoting the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers' (ILAB) code of ethics concerning "Investment Schemes" refreshing. It is regrettable that not all rare map dealers follow this aspect of the code, hoping to increase their sales by hinting that maps are excellent "investment vehicles." Ed Dahl ________________________________ http://www.cnbc.com/id/45734591 ________________________________ On Dec 22, 2011, at 9:00 PM, D Sloan wrote: There are many sound reasons for not advocating investing in maps or rare books. The ILAB feels strongly enough about this to include in their code of ethics: http://www.ilab.org/eng/ilab/code.html "Investment Schemes" "Members are advised not to promote antiquarian and rare books, or allied materials, as investment vehicles in themselves, or as part of investment schemes." Appraisals for donations over $5,000 in the United States must be based on fair market values that are documented. Not dealer asking prices. Maps and rare books are best collected for pleasure, enlightenment, scholarly research, or specifically for donation to a favorite institution or an existing collection, etc. There is no guarantee such artifacts will increase in value, and never has this been more clear than in recent economic times. The article was filled with flawed logic. Dorothy Sloan
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