Some really great comments here - I am reminded of the relatively recent (March - Sept 2010) auctions of the James Lewis collection. Something like 600 lots of beads were auctioned. I bought about 10 of these lots. I felt I got a good deal financially, but I also appreciated very much seeing what Mr. Lewis had collected, and how he had created necklaces to show off some of the best beads. One of the lots I won was a pile of brass and other metal beads and findings, which also proved to be of interest as I started to pay more attention to the various metal beads made in Africa, both new and antique. I learned a lot from handling most of the beads during the preview sessions as well.

I think the family was happy with the proceeds, and I know the auction house was very pleased with the results as well. Was the "retail" value of this huge collection realized? Not by a long shot, despite very active bidding on a few special items. However this wonderful collection has now passed into the hands of other collectors who, if I may speak for them, are very appreciative of the effort that Mr. Lewis put into collecting fine (and many not-so-fine) examples of African trade beads. His collection is now being enjoyed by many, who will then pass along the passion and interest in the beads to their next owners by the very act of keeping great beads together, thereby showing the art and design of the beads to their best advantage.

I think we can only hope to do as well with our own collections!