[NikolaNovak]

I tend to stay away from anything that's marketed as (Rare|Vintage|Antique|Original). It means there's a price premium, above and beyond functionality and use value, which I'm by default unwilling to pay (e.g. musical instruments, cameras, etc - when I pick up a new hobby, I tend to go through a fairly large number of things through Kijiji to try them out and get a feel, until I settle on something that works for me long term:)

That being said, I understand in principle that there's an extra emotion & joy to be had with something possessing one of those attributes. Perhaps I'd enjoy a book signed by Arthur C. Clarke or guitar used by Mark Knopfler - though I'd make a point to read/play them rather than hide and never touch. On any given day, I have higher priorities for my money. Others with more money or different priorities, however, will make different choices.

(This simplistic framework is complicated by the notion of "Value" of course; some people believe, or tell themselves, that this is an "Investment"; like many things, this then becomes a abstract tower built on mutual belief, and people become invested [har] in believing ever so strongly. This can lead to interesting conversations unless & until you realize you have different axiomatic principles / beliefs / value perception).

[8note]

For banjos at least, there are clear sound differences for prewar banjos vs post.

Unless you're pretty good at playing, you won't notice though