Glenn...I'm embarassed to admit my "addiction" to collecting stringed instruments. Let's just say that the annual premium is less than 1% of the appraised value of the collection that's very conservative). I've been collecting for over 40 years and have over 300 pieces. Many are old Gibsons (L-5's, 355's, Barney Kessel's, Super 400's), pre- CBS Fenders, several old Austrian uprights from the 1800's, etc. The good news is, the collection has appreciated over 9% a year since I began collecting. The bad news is, I can't part with even one of the pieces. I have given instruments away to promising jazz players who couldn't afford to buy one.
Since I have depreciated them as a business expense, I'm concerned about a massive capital tax bill if and when I liquidate.
Collecting is my passion.
Russ