Had a nice visit with Sandor Fuss, the new breed super-collector from Denver, Colorado yesterday. Sandor was in town for mineral dealing business. This is the 2nd time Sandor has been to see my collection in Houston. I have also been fortunate to have a big project in Denver that has allowed me to visit his collection three times.
What is interesting about Sandor is his voracious appetite to gather bottle information and to see other collections. In a short period of time he has also visited the great collections of Feldmann, Ferraro, Heckler, Krist, Schmetterling, Tucker, Vuono and Watson to name a few. Keep in mind, these collections are available for viewing. You just need to reach out and ask.
Jeff Wichmann with American Bottle Auctions wrote a great article on Sandor last month.
About Ferdinand Meyer V
Ferdinand Meyer V is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and has a BFA in Fine Art and Graphic Design from the Kansas City Art Institute and School of Design. Ferdinand is the founding Principal of FMG Design, a nationally recognized design consultation firm. Ferdinand is a passionate collector of American historical glass specializing in bitters bottles, color runs and related classic figural bottles. He is married to Elizabeth Jane Meyer and lives in Houston, Texas with their daughter and three wonderful grandchildren. The Meyers are also very involved in Quarter Horses, antiques and early United States postage stamps. Ferdinand is the past 6-year President of the Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors and is one of the founding members of the FOHBC Virtual Museum.
There’s nothing to compare to seeing someone’s collection. To see what they have put together, to hear why they chose these items, to feel the passion they exude when sharing.
You can’t get that any other way but in person. Books, museums, interviews, even videos are wonderful, but the in person experience is tops.
Ferdinand, what you say is so true, that there are so many collectors out there who are generous with their time, and more than willing to have guests come visit them to see, handle (fondle), and to learn about the treasures they have.
Another wonderful experience is talking to dealer/collectors at a live show, whether at their sales tables, or at their displays.
Buy all you want online. Learn everywhere you can. But don’t deny yourself the chance to meet and talk with your fellow collectors in person. It will enrich your personal collecting immeasurably.
Marianne or shall I say Bottle Queen?
You are so right. I was so intimidated at first when I was around the big guns. I could not think of anything intelligent to say during an opportune moment. I quickly found out that the great collectors are great because they share. Look at how many collectors have OPEN House Events built around shows!
I may not have been at this juncture in life had it not been for Marylyn Albers opening her house doors to show Elizabeth and I her great collection of Foreign Insulators. This is BEFORE I started collecting bottles! I was a nobody who she made a lifelong impression.
PS: I am working on a TRIBUTE to Marilyn.
F