At one point in time my mentor alone had the largest private collection of magic ON THE PLANET (actually noted in several history references including the Who's Who of Magic) when we tossed in my pile of junk there was over 300 major illusions and at least twice as many hand-props + books, posters, autographed photos, show premiums, etc. We are talking about huge chunks of equipment from the Kellar, Thurston, Dante, Blackstone (Sr) shows and others.
Now, how do you expect to impress me with this collection?
I'm not saying that to be mean, I'm trying to give you a sense of perspective. Yes, for you there is a sense of obtainment and even accomplishment but as has been asked, "What can you do with it?"
That mountain of stuff Kirkham and I had made us poor because we had to bust our butts to keep it in safe, dry storage + repair costs and more. Being a pack-rat means little to nothing if you can't enjoy what you have and too, if what you have doesn't reflect both quality and HONEST (humbled) pride . . . kind of like enjoying a good book just for the sake of doing so.
Today, I wouldn't give you a nickel for any of that stuff. Sure, I'm still and will always be an information junky so I'll have mountains of books and some DVDs here and there, but not so much when it comes to props. Too, because of the style of magic I do now days, few of the props I have would be easily identified by the untrained eye (and even then, I still deceive many). BUT, such things are only important to me. My associates might appreciate the craftsmanship of this or that item and even how I present said effects, but just because I have such things. . . It really doesn't impress much of anyone unless it's a very rare, coveted item of magic history.
Again, I'm not trying to put you down, just trying to show you the value of perspective and too, to encourage you to find material that has actual value to you and how you work as a performer/creative artist. This is far more important than having piles of crap.