Economy and Antique Lure Collecting

It seems that I am always being asked what an old lure or reel is worth. Well, as much as I follow this antique fishing lure collecting hobby, even I can't seem to follow this strange economic curve. There are many factors involved, of which the ever unstable economy, seems to always be a major reason. New blood in the hobby, usually means young blood. Low wages for the younger generation seem to play an important role. Most can't afford the old values. Why have prices dropped on what were once considered valuable investments? Supply and demand. If the young collectors can't afford the prices, and the old collectors are dying off, well.......you figure it out. What was once considered common and undesirable, are now becoming more popular because they are affordable. Money is tight, so even those with money are unwilling to pay what they once did for the even rarer items. Why would they? So the next time you are basing your expected values on prices realized a decade ago, don't be surprised if you are greatly shocked at what one is willing or able to pay these days.