
What has an online auction site got to do with researching your family history?
Collectors in any field are always searching for original and early examples of their subject. As Whitstable has many 'firsts' it is quite common to see on average some 30 items being auctioned on Ebay at any one time that are relevant to the town. These might be early postcards, books, maps, railway collectables, shipping memorabilia, or original early photographs.
If any of these items are particularly rare or unique then this may be the last time they are on public view before being integrated into a private collection. By saving the images of the item for your own personal use you can start building your own virtual collection that might be useful for reference during your research.
Once in a while you find a real gem that has someone's name connected to it. If this is one of your descendants then you can consider getting involved in the auction for it.



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So, keep an eye on Ebay, you never know when you might come across a Postcard that your ancestor sent to his sweetheart in the town when he was away at another port.
