Problem is, is that from now on every tag sale I go to I am expecting there to he a shed full of rusty treasure but in the back of my mind I know it will never happen again in my lifetime.
Persistence always pays off. Maybe not as big, but it pays.
Story time:
My two big scores in my collecting lifetime. When I was 19-20, I started collecting vending machines. Penny scales, 1920's - 1950's gum machines, old trade stimulator machines, pre-pinball pinball machines, etc. One day while looking in the green sheet, I spotted a Pepsi machine for sale. I called, and asked the right questions. It was a machine, that even back then was worth about $3000. Drove over and picked it up for $350. A week later I was offered $600 site unseen by someone who thought I didn't know what I had. Today these machines sell for twice as much, sometimes more.
It's just like the one here
Years later, when I started collecting electric fans, I picked up an Emerson 1510. A dream find for a fairly new collector. $20. The
last one that sold on eBay went for $950, and mine's in 110% better shape.
There are more, but those were my two most memorable.
Always keep an eye out, let friends know you're on the lookout, make sure they have your cell phone number. Once people know you're into something, they'll be your eyes and ears as well.
Most of all, have fun hunting! Sometimes I think that's the best part.