Articles
-
Why You Should Turn Your Attention to Car Collectibles
It’s obvious; cars have come to occupy an exalted position in American culture. Gone are the days when a car was a status symbol, an object for the snobs to show off around the neighborhood. Since the 1900s, cars have come to gradually invade the consciousness of the American consumer. Today, it is nearly inconceivable for the average family, not to have a mode of transportation other than public transport.
-
Why You Should Own Collectible Mantel Clocks
Since man came into being, keeping track of time has become a crucial part of society and culture. Even before man’s movements and achievements were formally documented, man has taken note of time through rudimentary methods, from the passing of the seasons to the movements of the heavenly bodies. Looking up at the skies, our primitive ancestors could tell time by looking at the position of the sun or the phase of the moon.
-
Stocking Up on History with World War I Military Collectibles
The years 1914-1918 are probably best associated with infamy for the unequalled carnage and brutality that took place. These were the years of the First World War, a war that is also fittingly known as the Great War, for having involved, affected and transfixed most of the world. For years to come, it will be remembered as a time when millions perished in the initial pretext of standing up for principles, and later upholding alliances.
-
Spotting the Value of a Coca Cola Collectible
For more than one hundred years now, one carbonated drink has dominated the market with its distinct flavor— Coca Cola. Today, it is appreciated not only for its wonderful taste but for its artistry best seen in any Coca Cola collectible. Thousands of people around the world have become collectors not only because of their love for the drink but because of either the classic or modern beauty of a Coca Cola collectible.
-
Reliving the Memories with Your 1950s Antique Collection Memorabilia
The 1950s was the definitive post-war era that brought about what can only be described as a tremendous boom in American social consciousness. Opportunities and choices that were not available during the war were all of a sudden open for the taking. Nonetheless, life was simple then and wholesome. People were happy with simple freedoms.
-
Looking for the Ideal Collectible Cookie Jar
We probably have Great Britain to thank for coming up with the idea of cookie jars. Many decades ago, the first jars were probably limited in design and kind of material. Today, there is a virtual sea of cookie jar designs, from cartoon characters, animals, famous people to shapes and sizes of great variety.
-
How to Start Your Diecast Collectible Car Collection
Along with porcelain dolls, scaled diecast cars are probably one of the most revered collectibles in history. Although more recent than other kinds of collections, the introduction of diecast cars into the 20th century has created a strong fan base not only among children but among adults too. A diecast collectible car is essentially called as such because it is manufactured through casting. Diecast cars are basically made of plastic and metal alloy.
-
Getting Acquainted with Kitchen Collectibles
If you’re every bit the modern person and you’ve just inherited a clan house full of vintage materials that look either gothic or medieval to you, do not despair. Unknowingly, your grandparent’s house may be a treasure trove of precious things that may fetch prices that range anywhere from a few dollars to a thousand!
-
How to Pick Quality Collectible Knife and Sword
It may not be thoroughly inexplicable or surprising that there are now apparently more people who are attracted to the idea of a collectible knife and sword. There is nothing to wonder about this. If people can collect potato mashers than why not opt for a collectible knife and sword?
-
Collecting Stamps - Watermarks
Part of the joy of collecting stamps is examining them - to discover their origin and history, or simply to enjoy them as works of art. But a close examination has a practical side as well. It can help detect a forgery or form part of the assessment of the stamp's value. Part of that process involves looking for and identifying watermarks.
-
Stamp Collecting - Using Fluorescence
Technology and art often combine in philately. The art aspect is obvious to the naked eye. But sometimes the technology is invisible, as in the case of fluorescent stamps.
-
Each individual will have his or her preferred way of preparing, mounting and storing stamps. But despite personal choices there are common tools that most collectors will find useful, regardless of his or her own way of working.
-
Like any collectible, the philatelic world has its champions - the rarest, the highest price paid at auction. Some of these have long and interesting histories apart from the price paid.
-
Supplemental Stamp Collectibles
Collecting stamps is a never ending source of interest. You can collect for a lifetime and still be on the hunt for that rare gem, that odd bit of history that is captured by a stamp. Along the way, you may have a lull where the good ones just aren't coming along at a price you can afford. But you can still keep your hobby active by looking into other, related collectibles.
-
Once you've learned to prepare your stamps by careful soaking or other methods, you'll want to store them safely and stylishly. There are dozens of different items to choose from. Choices range from simple glassine envelopes placed on stockpages in three-ring binders to dehumidifying cabinets and safes.
-
Most people who pursue stamp collecting became seriously interested at a young age. They noticed a foreign stamp or read an article about some of the million dollar stamps that have been discovered in an odd location. They get intrigued by the history behind these miniature works of art. Eventually, they became more than avid collectors, they became investors.
-
Stamp Collecting - Soaking For Beginners
Most stamps collected have been used as postage. Unlike uncirculated coins, that's part of what makes them valuable, since they then acquire a history and often interesting cancellation or other marks.
-
Introduction to Stamp Collecting
Stamp collecting has grown in just over 150 years from a hobby for children to a worldwide phenomenon for collectors and investors. Today, thousands of collectors spend time and money to obtain everything from a mundane 1840 One Penny Black for a few dollars to the $2.2 million 1855 Tre Skilling Banco Yellow.
-
Displaying Stamps – Mounts and Hinges
How best to secure a stamp to a display medium is an ongoing debate. Hinges were used traditionally and many stamps have their value affected - up or down - by the size and nature of the 'hinge marks' on them. Mounts have come into common use over the last 30 years.
-
Helpful Stamp Organizations and Museums
Collectors have to sift through lots of information while tracking down and researching stamps. It can be helpful to have a handy list of organizations that in one way or another support that effort.
-
Determining the value of a stamp can be a complex affair. It's made more so by the existence of forgeries.
-
Many enthusiastic philatelist has reached a lull in collecting at some point. The affordable gems are coming less frequently and growing out of your price range. To keep the momentum going, you can start looking for the unusual. Perfins are one of those great oddities that can flesh out a collection.
-
Catalogs for the Stamp Collector
Very early in his or her collecting efforts every stamp collector will need the guidance of several sources of information. Fellow collectors are helpful and there are many forums where helpful tips and enthusiasm can be shared. Dealers can help in the education process, and most are knowledgeable and honest. But the indispensable source of information about stamps remains the catalog.
-
Stamp Collecting - A Beginner's Glossary
Today, everything has become specialized. Even stamp collecting, once the province largely of youthful amateurs, has grown into a worldwide auction and investment business. But the romantic lure of stamp collecting remains for thousands whose interest in philately is purely esthetic joy, intriguing detective work and a love of history.
-
Water Resistance, What Does It Mean?
Many manufacturers stamp the back, and tout in advertisements, that a particular watch is 'water resistant', followed by a number. But what does that mean?
