Political Memorablia: A Big Vote Getter

During an election year, we are constantly bombarded with political advertising. The closer it gets to the election, the harder it is to escape the barrage. Did you know that active campaigning for the presidency didn't begin until the middle of the 18th century? Back then, most presidential electors were not chosen by majority vote. Rather they were chosen by state legislatures. But also, it wasn't considered proper to openly campaign for the presidency. Candidates were nominated, and then they simply went home and waited to see who the new president would be. Sounds good, doesn't it?

Interested in Stamp Collecting? Consider Error Stamps

For 111 years, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) was responsible for printing our postage stamps, that is, until mid 2005 when the process was privatized. Stamps were treated as currency, which explains why they could only be printed by the same agency that prints money. Each stamp was made with skill, artistry, and dedication, only about one in ten million stamps was considered an “error stamp”.  In the early days, it was one in one million.  Every year until the BEP stopped production, the error rate got better. But those errors are the subject of some great collections.

Learning About Lunch Box Collecting

Among the hottest collectible items are metal lunchboxes. For those of us who grew up in the 1960's and early 1970's, the lunchbox was one of the staples of back-to-school preparations. Adorned with images of cartoon characters, superheros, and pop stars, to some kids, having the "right" lunchbox was nearly as important as having the "right" teacher. Interestingly, the lunchbox has its roots in the tobacco industry. During the early 1900's, many tobacco companies packaged their products in decorative re-usable tins. One of the most common uses for these tins was carrying lunches. By the 1930's, toy manufacturers got into the act and began manufacturing metal boxes specifically for carrying lunches.

Coca-Cola Collectibles

The world's most popular soft drink is also the source of a popular collectible. "Coca-Cola" items. Considering the longevity of this ubiquitous product, it's no wonder that the famous "Coca-Cola" trademark is one of the most recognizable symbol on the planet. Are you a Coke fan? Some diehard fans have been collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia for decades, from the red signs that graced the walls of gas stations and diners, to the curvaceous glass Coke bottles. These days, there's a new Coke collectible craze, that has inspired the production of an endless line of new Coke items available in stores.

Hallmark: A Very Recognizable Name In Christmas Collectibles

When you talk about Christmas ornaments, not many brand names come to mind. The one exception might be Hallmark Keepsake ornaments.  Collecting these ornaments is a hobby that brings smiles to a lot of faces each December, and all year long. Over the years, Keepsake ornaments have ranged in theme from pop culture icons, like Barbie, to ornaments which commemorate special relationships or to acknowledge milestones, like a couple’s first married Christmas, baby’s first Christmas, and children’s ages as they grow.

Antique Hunting Etiquette

You know how your dad always told you, when you buy a car, don’t express too much interest in it or the price will go up?   Same with antiques.  If you go to an antique dealer with a story of how you’ve spent a lifetime searching high and low for this  chest of drawers because it is just like Grandma’s you’d better bring a wheelbarrow for the cash you’ll need.   Not that the dealers are necessarily dishonest.  They’re in business to make money and just like any profession, some are more honest than others. But if you’re unguarded enough to pour out your heart, prepare to pay for it.