My brother Rhys (owner of RMY Auctions—pronounced like “Reece/Reese” for those that aren’t aware) & I have collected “together” since the mid to late 1980’s, he is just over 15 months older than me but many assume we are twins (or in many instances don’t realize we aren’t the same person!!!) In addition, our older brother also began collecting with us for a time in the late 1980’s to the early 1990’s but largely left the hobby after he went off to medical school.
Rhys and I never really “shared” anything as we always had our own collections and knew that we would have a hard time sharing a single item but we would often go in on things together that we liked, but would almost always split the collection in some way to keep things separate.
He now is in the industry full time while I have always been in the hobby as a collector that sells as a means to purchase more items. That being said as I have gotten older and have more time and disposable income I have expanded my “for sale” items to the point that it sometimes feels more like a full time gig.
If it were not for the fact that I have Rhys to call and talk to on a regular basis I do not think I would have the passion or drive to do what I do, and I think Rhys probably feels the same way. Having someone to talk to that shares your passion is the single most enjoyable aspect of this hobby for me. I will always be eternally grateful for Rhys and the fact that I have a “best friend” that also happens to be my brother that shares a passion.