Start Collecting
By Barbara Crews, About.com Guide to Collectibles
Often collecting starts as an unconscious decision. It hits home when Christmas presents include five elephants "to go with the elephant collection" (Those two or three sitting on a table that makes others think you're collecting elephants) or when you realize how many cobalt bottles you've bought. But sometimes collecting is a conscious decision. It might start with wanting a remembrance of a vacation trip, looking for a personal touch in home decorating or picking up weird stuff found at the flea market. In either case, even though you should always collect with your heart, you can still collect smart!
- Different Strokes for Different Folks
- Tips for Collectors
- The Experts Share Tips for Beginning Collectors
- Learn to Identify Finds and Treasures
Different Strokes for Different Folks
The word collectible means something different to everyone who ponders the question. Ask a non-collector what a collectible is and they will probably mention specific little figurines that are marketed as collectibles or, more likely, they will mention Beanie Babies! Meanwhile a collector might say they collect something like Disney, Pottery or Advertising -- usually a wide category. The fact of the matter is -- collectibles are all this and more. From antiques to MacDonald's fast food toys, it's all special in the eyes of the collector.
- What is a Collectible? The Experts Give Their Opinions.
- Collecting the Weird and Unusual
- Incredible and Passionate Collectors Share Their Collections
Tips for Collectors
What you collect is up to you, but there are tips and resources that every collector should know or follow. These are especially important if you're just starting out.
- Cheap Things That Save My Collection and My Sanity
- Insuring Your Collections
- Collectibles Glossary
- Starting a Collection
- Ten-Second Tips for Collectors
The Experts Share Tips for Beginning Collectors
Learn from the experts and collectors in the various fields. Find out what they look for and how they go about adding to their own collections. You may not have the years of experience, but you can take advantage of theirs.
- Entertainment Collectibles: Tips for Beginners
- Guide to Collecting Movie Posters
- Learn How to Collect Autographs by Mail
Learn to Identify Finds and Treasures
What do you have? The first thing to look for is the manufacturers identifying mark and/or patent numbers. The mark can help you figure out several things, such as what company made it, when it was made and where it was made. Patent numbers will let you zero in on exactly as well as complete information on the item.
Use these resources to help date and value your collectibles.
- Fenton, History of the Logo
- M. I. Hummel Marks of Authenticity
- McCoy Pottery Marks
- Pottery and Porcelain Marks
- U.S. Patent Numbers and Dates
Quizzes for Collectors
Just starting out? Longtime collector? It doesn't matter, our fun quizzes are for everyone. Best of all they're just for fun and no one will know the score!
- Mystery Items - Can You Figure Out What They Are?
- Collecting Collectibles: Do you consider yourself a collector?
- The Cookie Jar IQ Test: Can you figure out what these jars are?
- Disney Tough Trivia: Do you know your Disney movies?
- Do You Want to be a Dealer? See how well you know your stuff.
- Hobby Word Quiz: What are the names for these collectors
- Elvis Presley: Are you a true Elvis fan?
- Collectors News: 10 Questions for Well-Rounded Collectors
- Celebrities: What do they collect?
Books, Magazines, eMail Newsletters
Research is the key to building a smart collection. Even old price guides are a valuable tool in finding out what's available or when it was made. There's a wealth of information available through magazines and the numerous free newsletters on the Internet.
The Companies Behind Our Collectibles
Find out more about the company behind your collectibles. Both current and companies no longer in operation are profiled on this list, as well as well-known auction houses dealing with antiques and collectibles.
