Morphy's Toys & Mechanical Banks
Shaving mugs, banks and loads of toy trains. June 22, 2013

Old Toy Soldiers
Approximately 1,600 lots of choice soldiers and figures
June 21, 22, and 23, 2013

James Julia's Toy & Dolls
360 lots of toys and dolls, including one fabulous Santa advertising poster that I will have to probably pass on!
June 21, 2013

Living not quite in the Southwest, (never sure how Oklahoma should be classified), but close enough to see the influences the landscape has on a lifestyle, I've always been drawn to the collections that encompass the area. No, I don't collect Southwestern items, but I wish I did. The art is mystical and earthy at the same time.

As author Esther says "Across diverse cultures and landscapes, many collectors love the Southwest (and all that it represents). Collectors want to take away a piece of the place with them as a reminder and as a kind of anchor (knowing that they'll be back for more)."

Read more about the collectibles adventure that is Southwestern collecting....
^{Image ©John Moran Auctions}

It's been a long time, but when I got this image in the mail, I knew it had to go up as a Mystery Antique. As you can see it fits on a finger, but what on earth is it used for?

Would love your comments, ideas and answers.

Post away . . . .

Some of the best fun about vacations and road trips was stopping at those tacky little gift shops. All that great stuff to buy, take home and promptly forget about. Then there was the free stuff -- matchbooks, advertising postcards, and perhaps a pilfered ashtray or two. Things have changed and although folks still collect those things, travel souvenirs have moved up a notch or two and can put a serious dent in the budget.

My question is - when you're traveling, what souvenirs (if any) do you buy, collect or look for? Please post your comments below.

Also see: Collecting Vacation Souvenirs