Satisfying Nostalgic Needs Through Collecting

Collectors are often searching for a way to satisfy a nostalgic craving. Collections range from antique canes to baseball cards. The difference in items that collectors seek out is all part of the adventure. For some collecting is about investing their money in something that will bring in a return while for others it is all about finding something rare and unique to call their own. There is a definite distinction between the two communities so it is important to separate between collectible that retain their value and those that only preserve the dust that sits on them.

One hot collectable that has been on the scene for almost fifty years now is hot wheel cars. Let's face it, boy or girl, young or old, who doesn't have that kid like feeling when they are handed a hot wheel. These little toys are a fan favorite still to this day. It is an inexpensive collection that many young children start that they can keep for generation after generation. No matter when you start collecting hot wheels always look to find limited issue cars. These are the ones that will continue to increase in value as they age and become harder to find.

Another collection that is popular is books. The internet and e-readers are making this an even more collectable gem. Certain classics and first addition books in good condition, especially if autographed are extremely valuable. Some books are only valuable because of their nostalgic value to the reader. Most often collectors of books aren't looking to obtain a huge return on their investment yet are collecting books to pass on to later generations. The value of this type of collection is more to pass on a love of reading, collecting and sharing in the adventure of being able to get lost in the written word.

History buffs tend to like <a href="http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/">collecting antique canes</a> and walking sticks. These pieces are highly collectable because the story they tell of past eras. When looking for a collection that will continue to retain and increase in value antique canes deliver. The value is within the materials that are used to create unique canes. This alone tends to help insure the value of these historical pieces. Materials such as ivory, gold, silver and rare animal bones not only add value as they become increasingly rare but also intrigue into our history.

From <a href="http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/">antique canes</a> to little toys let's be clear a collection is as valuable as the market of collectors is willing to make it. You may believe that old Frogger video game isn't worth much but to that collector that remembers the joy it brought him when he was playing it on his Atari it might be worth a million bucks. The old adage about beauty being in the eye of the beholder is never truer than in the world of antiques and collectables.

Decorative Canes and Walking Sticks

There are three main categories of walking sticks and canes: decorative, folk art and system. As the name implies a decorative cane is an accessory used for fashion and their main purpose is purely aesthetic. Folk art canes were designed to be more about the person who carved them and their story then the individual who used them. They were often created in from wood. System canes are often referred to as gadget canes. These are perhaps the most utilitarian of all canes. In the next few series we will discuss in detail each popular style of cane.

First we will discuss the decorative cane. Most of the decorative canes that are available to collectors today are from the second half of the nineteenth century into the nineteen twenties. They often have a basic shaft that has a decorative handle that can be created from a number of materials including silver, ivory, gold, porcelain and other highly regarded materials.

Many <a href="http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/">antique cane collectors</a> choose to begin their collections by purchasing vintage, silver handled canes that were common. Collectors will want to ensure that the handle is sterling silver or priced accordingly if it is only a replica. The fancier the knob the more collectors should expect to pay. Often decorative canes with silver handles will be made even fancier with the addition of gold and can take on the shape of an animal, human figure or crook handle.

Cane artisans of this century created a number of decorative canes using ivory for the handle. Ivory is an incredibly scarce material thus making these canes highly collectable. Decorative ivory canes were most often purchased by only the wealthiest individuals in society. When it comes to decorative cane handles the ivory material has literally had ever subject matter carved into it. From frogs to humans everything was carved into ivory cane handles. Human forms that are carved into decorative ivory cane handles are the most popular amongst collectors. Ivory is a very sensitive material and thus collectors should be careful to display them appropriately away from the direct sunlight and heat.

Gold is another popular decorative cane handle material. These are amongst the rarest and most expensive canes for collectors to get a hold of. Animal bone, antlers, wood, leather, glass and more have all been materials used to create decorative canes. Collectors should be careful when purchasing <a href="http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/">collectable canes</a> as many of these materials, as they age, get cracks and chips and need repairs. Make sure the price that is paid for the collectable cane matches the canes condition. Of course a rare cane with exceptionally beautiful features may still be a popular option even with a few minor flaws.