There is told the story of a certain Bavarian collector who began to doubt the authenticity of a little statuette in his possession. Finally he sent for a noted authority on the subject, who tried to reassure him. As the collector did not seem convinced, the expert, as a last resort, made mention of a certain test that might, though with danger to the object, be applied. The collector insisted on the attempt, in the course of which the statuette was hopelessly defaced, though the accident confirmed the expert’s opinion. “Ah,” moaned the owner, “why did I let you touch it!” “Ingrate!” replied the other with grim humor. “Have you not now the satisfaction of knowing your fears to be groundless, and my own knowledge to be trustworthy? Look at the pieces—without doubt the statuette was genuine!”
BIBLIOGRAPHY
i. The Pleasures of Collecting
The Connoisseur. By Frederick S. Robinson. New York. 1897.
The A B C About Collecting. By Sir James Yoxall, M. P. Philadelphia. n. d.
First Steps in Collecting. By Grace M. Vallois. London. n. d.
Antiques and Curios in the Home. By Grace M. Vallois. New York. n. d.
By-Paths in Collecting. By Virginia H. Robie. New York. 1912.
The Lure of the Antique. By Walter A. Dyer. New York. 1916.
ii. Collectors of Yesterday