An easy question, but hopefully entertaining to everyone:

What is the oddest thing you have in your collection (that you are willing to admit)?

I'm not referring to things that are just unique like proofs or publisher dummies, I'm specifically looking for those things that others (and maybe even you!) would never have thought to collect. For example, there was a book dealer in Oxford who sold one of Tolkien's gowns from his time as a professor (see his book with an essay about it: Rick Gekoski: Tolkien's Gown on Amazon).

My original question planned for this was a little different from one that Jlong suggested, but I think they go well together, so: answer one or both!

(a) What's something that you paid for, received, was exactly what you expected (not defective or misdescribed), but still felt regret just because you no longer wanted it? That "what was I thinking" moment...

(b) What's been your worst purchase experience, and what all went wrong? I am sure we all have had things go horribly wrong either with the seller or with the shipping service, or the payment service, or all three (Jlong I'm looking at you). For these answers, please let's keep it anonymous for the individual(s) responsible for your anguish here in public.

Hello again,

Imagine you were given a blank slate, budget, and could get approval from the Estate (or other rights holders): What would you like to see published from HarperCollins?

It could be a deluxe or limited edition of one of Tolkien's works done to your tastes, or an obscure text or collection of texts that is long out of print, or... My only limitation is that it can't be speculative content e.g. "the long lost but complete sequel to Lord of the Rings".

Ran across this listing today, and I know some of you here are Baynes collectors too:

[Original drawing:] 'Unicorn', for 'The Most Wonderful Animals that Never Were' by Joseph Wood Krutch.

Description: black ink with some heightening in white, some pencil marks visible, 16 x 10.5 cm approx (image size, framed size 44 x 34.5 cm) mounted and framed in English oak under museum glass using high-grade acid-free materials, very good condition

Publication Details: circa 1969

Notes: Signed by the artist in pencil and with her note as to the book and section for which it was intended.

Price: £2,000
https://www.blackwell.co.uk/rarebooks/book.php?id=63981

What artist would you like to see illustrate a Tolkien book, that hasn't yet had such an opportunity from the publishers?

If possible, provide link to the artist's website or other online presence, thanks!

Having illustrated or provide cover art for a book about Tolkien does not disqualify the artist, for this particular discussion. And there will be a question later about favorite foreign edition cover art, save those up!