of an experienced collector. That's the best advise for a new collector. Listen and consider-buy books--read--consider--go to shows-handle items--ask questions-consider. Don't buy anything you can't return. Buy the best you can afford. Don't try to go it alone-it can't be done. Follow this and you can't go wrong--you will enjoy the hobby for years to come and will never have to join the complainers and the short term collectors.

Sound advice, Houston. At shows, or anywhere, for that matter, never be shy about asking questions.
If a seller gets annoyed with your reasonable questions, move on, as any good seller likes to talk about their original stuff.
Any seller has an easier time showing you how an original item is original than how a fake or questionable item is not fake or questionable.

The lesson I learned is that have an orginal and take an close look, feel the item. Then look at an copy, weight it in your hands. 75% of all copys will be an givaway there. After all, no the germans didnt do the late medals in lead, no the rims was not looking like an local blacksmiths work on monday morning.

For the better items, have your sources of facts. Books, serius dealers. (not those who got the stuff in the bottom drawer to the left of the hubcaps) Dont be afraid to ask questions. Rather one question to many that one less. Besides, I think that many good dealers are only happy to talk abut their items and explain. They just loves new persosn that are interessed in the same things like themselfs.

Then you have this forum!

Yep, I need more friends...