Des Schollum has been a collector of historic documents and rare books for more than 50 years and has built up an impressive collection during that time. Following a 40 year career in the travel industry with Thomas Cook and American Express, Des realised a life long dream to own his own second hand book store which he has operated now for the past 21 years in Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
As a past President & Life Member of the New Zealand Institute of Travel & Tourism and Vice President of the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand, has provided Des with the experience of speaking to large groups and today he gives presentations to Rotary and Probus Club groups and Historical Societies on aspects of his historic document collection.
Des has appeared as a guest on the ‘Breakfast’ TV programme to showcase his collection and featured on TVNZ's Seven Sharp and Stuff.co.nz and has held a private exhibition of his collection in conjunction with American Express at the Auckland Museum and Te Papa Museum in Wellington.
A study of hand writing styles has equipped Des with the ability to authenticate questionable items and this experience, together with over 50 years of examining autographic material, is often used to provide an opinion to various auction houses & individual collectors.
He has been a contributor to the US publication ‘Autograph’ magazine with articles on ‘Collecting Down Under’ and ‘Odette – the Most Highly Decorated British Woman in WWII’.
All items are guaranteed authentic for life and items sold will come with such a guarantee. In the event that any item is questioned, a full refund (less postage charges) will be provided on receipt of a written opinion from two recognized autograph dealers.