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From: Tony B
Remote Name: 65.94.94.208
Date: 11/16/2003
Time: 02:59:35 PM
Hi Jim. I understand your frustration, I've been there...still am at times. I'm from Canada and acquiring a stein from the States can be very challenging to say the least. On an average, any purchase I make costs me 40/45% more because of the exchange rate, shipping etc. I started with "Limitat Series", very good ones, and, as you mentioned, in ten years or so they will, for some, appreciate in value. When you know what to look for, and where, antique steins can be found for less than $200 or $300. I have been a member of SCI for about a year now. With the information available through SCI Library and other sections, and guidance from the very knowledgeable Senior Members of SCI I now have a modest, but interesting small collection, and expanding slowly. I own ceramic, porcelain and glass steins. Most of my "Limitat" series cost more than some of my 19th century steins. It is with, studying SCI articles, reading the Prosit, asking many questions and also becoming a member of The Beer Stein Library that I acquired enough knowledge to become selective for my collection. I have a modest budget but a lot of patience, the latter is very important. In closing, when you hold a stein that dates back to the 19th century or older, you are holding not only an object esthetically beautiful, but a piece of history, no matter its origin. That, for some of us, is the true value of that object. Regards, Tony B