Knife Collecting: A Great Hobby for Young and Old

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Article Title: Knife Collecting: A Great Hobby for Young and Old
Author: William Doggett
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 791
Keywords: Gerber knives, pocket knife
Author's Email Address: Cole@empire-cole.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
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Knife collecting can be a fun way to collect something from another era. It can also be a very profitable hobby.

Beginning with knowing what types of knives are out there and which ones are real and which are fakes or counterfeits, you must do some homework before purchasing your first knife. Even experts who have been collecting knives for years have been duped by counterfeits and fakes because they were not paying close enough attention to the details.

Different Types of Knives to Collect -

There are many styles and kinds of knives out there to choose from. You may want to collect only one style of knife, like the pocket knife, or you may want to collect several kinds and styles of knives. For example, you could collect the pocket knife and the bowie knife along with boot knives and katana swords.

Pocket Knives -

Pocket knives date back to the early 19th century and can be found in various styles and shapes with different blades and gadgets. The pocket knife value depends on the price and the condition it is in. The resale value depends on the same thing so be careful when handling your collection and cleaning each item.

Bowie Knives -

Bowie knives are big collectible items at the present time. Bowie knives began in the early 1800's by a man named James Bowie while he was watching a duel and many of the bystanders lost control and began fighting. Bowie was shot in the leg and ended up killing a man with his large hunting knife that his brother gave him for protection. People everywhere heard the story and wanted a bowie knife. Authentic bowie knives in excellent condition have sold for upwards of $40,000 depending on the style, size, where it came from, and to whom you are selling it too.

Katana Swords -

Katana swords are Japanese swords that are usable art. They are beautiful displays that can still be used at martial art competitions. They are very expensive and one should think very carefully before beginning a collection of this caliber. They are popular at the moment and so resale value might be enticing to a novice, but there is a lot of work and care that goes into maintaining the katana swords. Also, it is not wise to purchase a 'fixer upper' sword because there are so many pieces to the sword, and restoration is complicated and expensive. You are better off purchasing an original from a reputable dealer.

Boot Knives -

Boot knives are knives like hunting or utility knives worn in a sheath attached to your boot or in your pant leg to be concealed from others.

Check Out Knife Shows -

Going to knife shows will help you decide which knives you want to begin collecting. You should also talk to the people at the shows - the ones who are selling knives and the ones who are buying them. Listen to what they have to say about collecting knives, how they got their start, and what to look for. Most people at the knife shows have been around for a long time and know what they are doing. They can show you the difference between an original knife and a counterfeit, or at least show you what the real one looks like.

Knife shows are also where you will get some good ideas of prices and what you will be investing on your collection. Some knives are very expensive and others are reasonably priced, it depends on the era the knife came from and the person or business selling the knife.

Research How to Clean Your Knife Collection -

Cleaning your knife collection takes time and patience. You don't want to hurry through a job such as this. You need to avoid getting a possibly injury by the sharp blades, and you need to maintain those knives without ruining any of the knives in the collection. To properly clean your knives you will need oil, a soft cotton rag and cotton swabs. If you have a knife with rust, all is not lost, take a cotton swab and dab a little oil on the spots, and let it sit for a few days. When you return, gently pick the rust off with another knife, leaving the original stainless steel or finish intact. Use the oil on the rag and gently wipe the width of the blade, always pushing away from you with the sharpened edge facing away from you.

Displaying your collection of knives needs to be done delicately. You can have a case built or build one yourself, and display them on a soft cloth or have them hanging on the wall, blade side up so as not to wear the sharp edge down.

William "Cole" Doggett is a knife expert and owns an Internet knife shop, Knife & Supply Company, LLC at http://www.KnifeSupplyCompany.com. Stop by and check out the massive selection of Gerber Knives at some of the best prices on the Internet today!
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Tactical Knives Variety for the Collector and Practical User

William Doggett offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Tactical Knives Variety for the Collector and Practical User
Author: William Doggett
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 767
Keywords: tactical knife, knife collecting
Author's Email Address: Cole@empire-cole.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
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There are many different types of Tactical knives and just as many different uses for them.

The Beginning of Tactical Knives

Tactical knives first began as pre-tactical knives in 1990 when one of the best known knifemakers, Ernest Emerson, refused to use any part of a plant or animal that was endangered. He began incorporating exotic materials such as paua and abalone shells, rare woods and mother-of-pearl. The blades were either hand rubbed or highly polished. The pre-tactical knives were made famous by their bright colored handles and the prominent use of clip point blades. These knives were also noted for their precision locking mechanism and close tolerance. His early knives sold for $800 to $2000 each and once he became a respected knifemaker, he was able to concentrate on making the knives he really wanted to make and those were the knives for combat - folding Tactical knives.

Tactical Knife Trends

The latest trends in tactical knives are the folders. There are hundreds of designs and a couple of dozen patents for the manufacturer of these and other knives. Since they have an all business look to them, but work like a horse, they have built quite the following. This has prompted several new knife manufacturers and even the conventional manufacturers to jump on the bandwagon of the tactical knives.

Tactical Knife Costs

There are expensive Tactical knives and then there are more reasonably priced Tactical knives. One of the most recommended carrying folding Tactical knives is sold for around $99 and is made of Titanium handles and custom steel and comes with an interchangeable clip for ambidextrous use. It features the "Arc-Lock" locking system which has unmatched holding capacity and smooth, fast opening action, a self-adjusting locking mechanisms for long life, a positive close safety feature and the locking leaver is on the outside of the handle, not the interior. It has a lightweight and comfortable feel to it. Well worth the money!

There is a Tactical knife that carries a fixed blade that's interchangeable that can quickly change from a smooth-edge to a serrated edge in minutes. All that is needed is a coin or screwdriver and you're ready to go. This Tactical knife has a special locking frame that surrounds the blade and folds down into the handle. There are two different blade edges in one knife with this one. It has a detachable clip and lanyard hole giving you many carrying options, plus it's lightweight.

Tactical Knife Tests

Several of the rigorous testing's a Tactical knife must go through before it is certified ready for sale is blade toughness, tip breaking strength, sharpness and edge retention, two weeks saltwater immersion tests, gasoline and acetylene torch resistant, handle twist off limits, chopping, hammering, prying, penetration performance, cutting ability for six different types of rope and nylon line, low noise and low reflection factors and intense field hands on trials. This Tactical knife runs around $135. This fixed-blade Tactical knife is one you want to have with you in a dangerous situation.

Underwater Tactical Knife

There are Tactical knives made specifically for the underwater sportsman. One in particular has a fixed, stainless steel blade and skeleton handle. This knife works well hanging upside down or right side up and is well balanced, and carries with it an innovative sheath system. The way the handle and blade are fused together as an integrated part and its dagger type design, combined with the sheath and clip system makes this a great diver's knife.

Combat Tactical Knives

There are combat Tactical knives that are sold to military and police officers. Using three blades in one, they meet in the middle at the tip; this is a thicker Tactical knife that can infiltrate just about anything. It was tested on various materials such as denim and heavy duty outerwear and sliced through everything like it was nothing but air.

Small Tactical Knives

One of the smallest Tactical knives on the market today has a blade that is only 3.2 inches long. The entire knife, when expanded is a mere 7.9 inches. But how can you defend yourself with such a small knife as this? It packs a powerful sharp punch and police officers around the country are now carrying it in their utility belts or around their necks in the holder it comes with. It's so lightweight; many of the policemen and women in the trial forgot they were wearing it until it came time to use the knife. It can be carried all day. This knife is very inexpensive, but makes a great addition to your arsenal of self defense knives.

William "Cole" Dogget owns and operates Knife & Supply Company, LLC located at http://www.knifesupplycompany.com. This web-shop is stocked full of Tactical Knives at some of the best prices on the Internet! Stop by and add to your tactical knife collection.
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Boot Knives - Collecting the Boot Knife and Self-Defense

William Doggett offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Boot Knives - Collecting the Boot Knife and Self-Defense
Author: William Doggett
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 792
Keywords: boot knife, boot knives, knife collecting, combat knife
Author's Email Address: Cole@empire-cole.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
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First designed for military use and combat, the boot knife is now widely used for civilian purposes such as biking, hiking, personal protection, hunting, fishing, and competition throwing.

The boot knife is a fixed blade, which means it does not fold. It is typically worn inside the boot or can be attached to the boot. Concealment is the reason for boot knives, as they are easily hidden under the pant leg. They are used for protection, such as in fighting and sometimes in competition throwing knives. They are typically symmetrical and double-edged although they can be single edged. Most are straight edged or plain, although some have a serrated edge.

Boot Knives Are Good For Self-Defense -

There are times when carrying a gun is not possible and to feel protected, carrying a knife is the next best thing. For safety's sake, the best place to carry a knife is in your boot. Not everyone feels comfortable with a knife in their boot and would rather have it in a place where it would be easier to access. These people might use a boot knife but keep it in a side pocket, attach it to their belt, or under their shirt in a neck pouch. But the boot sheath is the best for speed. Boot knife blades range in size from 3-5 inches and are used for both military and civilian self defense uses. The handles are almost always made of a flexible rubber for ease of gripping. However, there are boot knives with handles of wood or other materials, such as molded celluloid.

Throwing Knives -

Boot knives, sometimes referred to as throwing knives, come with a sheath for protecting the person carrying it so there are no nicks on the skin, as well as to protect the blade from dulling. Throwing knives are just that, they are knives that are light weight, compared to the boot knives, which are thrown at something, someone, or a particular target for protection or in a competition. Meant to be thrown instantaneously at an attacker once drawn out of the sheath, boot knives are very aerodynamic.

Practice -

Kneeling down to obtain your boot knife may take some practice. And having a reason for kneeling down might take even more practice to come up with an excuse or reason. But if you feel threatened or are being attacked, that is reason enough to kneel down and retrieve your boot knife and protect yourself or loved ones.

Depending on what you are going to do with your boot knife, from cutting or skinning animals to protection, this is where you will need to decide which knife is best for you.

Boot knives can be used as utility knives, which mean they can do just about any task asked of them, from cutting twine to cutting small tree branches. Or if you are going to be field dressing, hunting and/or filleting fish, there are boot knives made for your every day hunting needs. Boot knives can be any type of knife concealed in the boot.

Boot Knife Sheaths -

One might consider a boot knife to be glamorous but it takes a lot of skill, practice and knowledge to properly use one. It also takes a lot of intelligence to know when to use one. Knowing how to install the sheath properly inside your boot can cut down on accidents. Some sheaths allow the user to control the pressure inside them and adjust how hard or easy it is to pull the knife out of the boot and how easy or hard it is to replace the blade back into the sheath.

Fixed Blade is the Best -

Boot knives can be bowie knives, other hunting knives or fix-blade knives. Folding knives can be carried in the boot, but tend to defeat the purpose of the quick access in case of emergency protection purposes. The fixed blade will remove a step in having to open a folding blade knife. The main idea behind a boot knife is the concealment and how you are going to retrieve the knife.

Carrying a concealed weapon, such as a pistol of some sort, you would need a permit to legally carry it. And even thought the boot knife is a concealed weapon, you do not need a concealed weapon permit to carry one. According to many websites, as well as in person stores, you must be 18 years old to purchase a knife of any kind. And it's important in today's homeland security society and general public safety, to reveal the knife's whereabouts to authorities at airports, police stations and police check points. Be ready to show your boot knife at events such as concerts and ball games, anywhere large groups of people are gathered.

William "Cole" Doggett is the owner of Knife & Supply Company, LLC at http://www.knifesupplycompany.com. Here, you will find a massive selection of Boot Knives and a slew of related items at some of the best prices on the Internet. Stop by and grab yourself a boot knife!
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Weapons of Death Become Art - Katana Sword Collecting

William Doggett offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Weapons of Death Become Art - Katana Sword Collecting
Author: William Doggett
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 837
Keywords: katana, katanas, swords
Author's Email Address: Cole@empire-cole.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
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The Katana swords were made as a weapon of death, and today there is a huge area of Katana sword collecting. Now that they are becoming real art and not the objects of their intended purpose, the katana swords are being displayed in bedrooms and showrooms across the country.

Collecting katana swords is a rewarding and profitable hobby. They are very expensive and usable art. What that means is that you can hang your katana swords on the wall and take them down for aikido, which is a form of martial arts. You will need to decide if you want the 'real thing' - one that works and looks good, or perhaps just one to hang on the wall as an ornamental collection. If the latter is the case, perhaps a Japanese replica would be enough to start your collection off. Most of these replicas are far less expensive and easier to care for than the real thing.

If you are looking for a sword for practicing martial arts, you should first talk with your sensei to come up with the ideal sword for your level and style. Are you in a competition level or just beginning? The sensei will be able to help you or guide you in the right direction as to which katana is right for you. There are many manufacturers and resellers of swords specifically made for practicing combat and aikido.
You need a list of properties to look for if you are going to get a katana for martial arts. Such properties include the way the sword is made so it won't break during a competition battle or during practice.

The Real Japanese Katana -

If you have your heart set on a real Japanese katana, they can be very expensive and take a lot of care. It may be worth the price, however, if you are beginning a collection just start with a reputable dealer. Do your homework - read everything you can and familiarize yourself with everything about the Japanese katana swords. You don't want to buy something and not know anything about it. Check to see if there are any knife shows or dealers in your area. They would be a great place to start your hunt for your first Japanese katana sword. There are also sword appreciation groups or collectors clubs that might meet in your area. Look for flyers about them and contact them as well for more information on collecting the katana sword.

Buying a Katana Sword Online -

The Internet is full of specialty sword collections, although, with your first purchase, it's wise to buy from a reputable dealer and one where you can see what you are getting. The online dealers are a good way to familiarize yourself with the various designs and styles of katana swords and to get a feel for prices and what exactly is out there. Investing in a book, magazine subscription or newsletter subscription about katana swords can help you learn more about them and stay up to date with the latest news on katanas. They are always filled with tidbits of information regarding the collection and re-sell of katana swords.

Getting to Know the Katana Sword -

So, before you buy a Japanese katana sword, talk to knowledgeable collectors, retailers, re-sellers, go to knife and sword shows, and find out everything you can about what you want to purchase. But don't purchase it just yet. Make sure you know a thing or two about the katana and taking care of it before you start your collection.

Use the Internet for research only until you know more about the katana and what they look like and feel like in person. Shop around and don't purchase the first sword you see. This is a big investment and you want to make sure you know what you are getting. Look at the resale value and what the benefits are.
There are katana swords that are called 'fixer uppers' that require more work than a novice might want to undertake as their first sword. Restoration is very expensive and there are a lot of pieces to the swords. There is also considerable risk associated with buying a 'fixer upper' because of counterfeit pieces floating around. A reputable dealer will sell you a good, first katana sword and you will be pleased with it instead of getting frustrated with having to piece it together and spend even more money.

Katana Sword Papers -

Some of the katana swords come with certification papers. It is a good idea to buy a sword with the papers. These 'in polish' papers means that one of the major organizations has confirmed the quality of the piece and the validity of the signature - if the piece is signed. To have a signed sword and to have it validated is important, especially for the beginner. In addition, it will make the piece much easier as a resell item in the future, giving the next buyer the same guarantee of quality.

William "Cole" Doggett owns and operates Knife & Supply Company, LLC at http://www.knifesupplycompany.com. Amongst a variety of items, you will find a nice collection of Katanas from great brands such as Cold Steel, United Cutlery, Kanetsune and more. Stop By!
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How Many Makes A Collection?

Knight Pierce Hirst offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: How Many Makes A Collection?
Author: Knight Pierce Hirst
Category: Humor, Collecting
Word Count: 404
Keywords: Humor, Women, Men, Collecting, Hobbies
Author's Email Address: rhirst1@ca.rr.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
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Collections are like home movies. Everyone has them, but no one wants to see them. Museums are the exception. People go to museums and pay to see other peoples' collections. My husband loves museums. He wants to see and read everything. I love seeing some things; but after a couple of hours, I'd rather see a collection of my thoughts, a chair and a snack.

The Museum of Bad Art is in Dedham, Massachusetts. The Liberace Museum is in Las Vegas. Minneapolis is home to the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices and the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia is, of course, in Burlingame, California. Build it and they will come. Speaking from personal experience, build a gift shop and they will stay longer.

Beanie Babies are worth more with their tags on. Barbie Dolls are worth more in their original box. Stamps are more valuable if they're in a full sheet and coins are more valuable if they're in mint condition. It seems the less we use something the more valuable it is. Does this mean Uncle Sam collects government workers?

I come from a family of collectors. One grandfather collected clocks and the other collected cars. My mother collected figurines and my father - well, my father was married four times. My father collected problems.

Then there's Cousin Walter. He's a church deacon. He collects money every Sunday. According to Cousin Walter, people put more money in his basket on Christmas, Easter - and when they feel guilty. According to Cousin Walter, anyone who wants change from his basket should feel guilty of shortchanging God.

My husband's not a collector. He's a saver. The things he saves fill our closets, as well as any available storage space - like under the stairs. They also fill spaces that weren't intended to be storage space - like suitcases between trips. My husband doesn't save things because they'll increase in value. He saves things in case we need them some day. When we moved from the East Coast to the West Coast, he brought his winter boots. He'll need those when Hell freezes over.

I have friends who bring an extra suitcase on vacations to bring home souvenirs. Not me. My souvenirs fit into a very small place - my memory. I'm not a collector. It's hard for me to give up space for things - especially when those things then become collectors - of dust.

Knight Pierce Hirst takes humorous looks at life. Take a minute to make yourself smile at http://knightwatch.typepad.com
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Antique Coin Collectors: Not A Rare Species

Victor Epand offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Antique Coin Collectors: Not A Rare Species
Author: Victor Epand
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 414
Keywords: Antique coin collection, hobby
Author's Email Address: ve_kd_marketing@hotmail.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
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People sport different kinds of hobbies and interests. These hobbies can be subtle, sober, loud and as outlandish as you can ever imagine. You must be aware of hobbies like philately (stamp collection) and bee keeping. I used to fly model planes, that was a great deal of fun, and my brother used to shoot model rockets. These are all common hobbies, but there is one more that we will discuss here, and that is coin collection. This is a popular hobby, as a matter of fact, and is being sported by many people all across the world.

People like to collect coins coming from different times in history from different parts of the world. In a private collection, many coins cannot be used directly as currency, but oftentimes can be auctioned off to other collectors for a profit. Usually, these coins depict unique characteristics in terms of material, size, shape, contour or theme. Also, coins expressing typical aesthetics and historical significance, as well as those exhibiting some type of errors and also those which were in circulation for a very brief period of time, are generally regarded as antique coins and as such are collected very eagerly and passionately by collectors.

Generally the rarity of a coin is determined not in terms of its age, but in terms of its availability. The more antique the coin, the higher is the value. Thus, there are antique coin collectors who invest money in antique coins, intending to sell them again later for a profit. Sometimes coin collectors inherit rare coins from forefathers, etc.

An antique coin itself can be a depiction of the history of mankind. Archaeologists will sometimes study old coins to discover clues relating to history, culture and tradition of a society or group. An antique coin of a particular state (place) can sometimes depict one or more of the following: the history, geography, culture, tradition, economy, politics, system, customs, resources, people as well as the livestock and the characteristics of the place. There is a lot to learn from old coins.

Often there are specially organized events (auctions) which act as a platform where antique coins can be sold through competitive bidding. Antique coin collectors are seen bidding at exorbitant amounts. This can be seen in Europe, America and the Middle East, as well as South East Asia. As a matter of fact, for a large number of antique coin collectors, antique coin collection is not just a hobby; it is a full scale profession.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines.
When shopping for pottery, antiques and figurines, we recommend only the best
online stores: http://www.potterysell.com , http://www.selltheantiques.com , and http://www.sellfigurines.com .
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Log Cabins And Lincoln Rear Ends: The Strange World Of Collectible Cigar Boxes

Ann Knapp offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Log Cabins And Lincoln Rear Ends: The Strange World Of Collectible Cigar Boxes
Author: Ann Knapp
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 652
Keywords: cigars,cigar,zippo lighters,zippo lighter,humidor,cigar humidors,cigar humidor,cigar box
Author's Email Address: mktg@smartfindsmarketing.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------

When cigar giant CAO announced a special, officially-licensed cigar commemorating the long-running TV show The Sopranos, the combination seemed to make sense. What's less surprising than a cigar company saluting a universally-hailed TV show, whose "hero," Tony Soprano, was so often seen chomping the end of a premium cigar?

But some buyers were a little disconcerted when the limited-edition cigar came packaged in a box that looked like the back end of Tony Soprano's car.
However, the crazy CAO Sopranos box actually continues an honorable tradition: the novelty cigar box. From mug-shaped cigar boxes to gameboard boxes, the cigar makers of the world have shown great creativity in packaging their wares, and no period was more fertile for the cigar-box collector as that from 1878 to the early twentieth century. (All info here courtesy of the National Cigar Museum.)

The novelty cigar box began with a Federal decision in 1878, when postal codes were changed to allow packages of cigars (a heavily-regulated good, in the post-Civil War economy) to be mailed in any shape or size, as long as you could still put a stamp on 'em. This legislative loosening just happened to come along at a moment when new tobaccos were being developed and demand, stimulated by a generation of Union soldiers who'd had to pass through tobacco country and acquired the smoking habit, was rising. New customers, new tobaccos, new products - companies were willing to try anything to distinguish themselves from the competition, and, not incidentally, to tempt smokers into buying not an individual cigar but the entire box. And so a sort of golden age resulted: the late-nineteenth century saw some of the goofiest, cleverest, and most memorable product design lavished on cigars.

For starters, there was the Immense Cigar box - a giant, two-foot-long cigar-shaped wood box holding within it 100 small cigars. (Children of the eighties, on reading about this bit of memorabilia, may remember those giant Darth Vader heads in which you could pack your Star Wars figures.) Made by the four-person Louis Simons cigar factory of New York City in 1878, this wonderfully literal-minded package (a cigar containing, well, cigars) was among the first to benefit from the Postal Service's rule relaxation.

Then there's 1877's Piper Heidsieck champagne-bottle packages. They were hand-turned on a lathe, and only 25 were made; each is a masterpiece of American craftsmanship. They could be unscrewed at the middle, with the cigars standing loosely up from the bottom of the bottle.

And you can't serve champagne without crackers and cheese, right? Cheese It cigars (not the most promising brand name ever) made a round cheesebox-shaped cigar package for its five-cent smokes during the year 1880. Now exceptionally rare, these elaborate cigar packages also include (on the inside of the top of the box) an illustration from a famous Central Park race walk held in 1878, with the nation's top race walkers depicted therein (one of them being menaced by a wheels of cheese!). This box is so sublimely silly and complex that it just barely escapes the otherwise-inevitable designation "cheesy."

And then, in a sort of act of meta-commentary, there was Foster, Hilson and Company's mailbox-shaped cigar box. Exploiting the new openness in postal laws, this company released mailboxes in the shape of the receptacle into which mail-order cigars were to go. Released in 1881, this novelty item (from the then-giant New York firm) must have been hard to stack, given that curved top.

Then there are the practical boxes: for example, a box with its own thermometer and calendar. Quite possibly a give-away by a bank company (the three existing Frank Pchaski cigar boxes that match this calendar-and-thermometer profile all have different year calendars on them), these late-1880s boxes allowed you to have a smoke and, uh - tell the temperature at the same time. And know what date it was. Perhaps "practical" is in the eye of the beholder.

Cigar Fox provides the finest cigars that include brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, Gurkha, Macanudo, Rocky Patel, Romeo, Drew Estate, and many more. Other cigar products include cigar humidors, cigar boxes, and cigar accessories like Zippo Lighters. See us @ http://www.cigarfox.com .
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Novelty Cigar Boxes: The Second Wave

Ann Knapp offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Novelty Cigar Boxes: The Second Wave
Author: Ann Knapp
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 650
Keywords: cigars,cigar,zippo lighters,zippo lighter,humidor,cigar humidors,cigar humidor,cigar box,cigar acces
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------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------

From mug-shaped cigar boxes to gameboard boxes, the cigar makers of the world have shown great creativity in packaging their wares, and no period was more fertile for the cigar-box collector as that from 1878 to the early twentieth century. (All info here courtesy of the National Cigar Museum.)

The novelty cigar box began with a Federal decision in 1878, when postal codes were changed to allow packages of cigars (a heavily-regulated good, in the post-Civil War economy) to be mailed in any shape or size, as long as you could still put a stamp on 'em. This legislative loosening just happened to come along at a moment when new tobaccos were being developed and demand, stimulated by a generation of Union soldiers who'd had to pass through tobacco country and acquired the smoking habit, was rising.

New customers, new tobaccos, new products - companies were willing to try anything to distinguish themselves from the competition, and, not incidentally, to tempt smokers into buying not an individual cigar but the entire box. And so a sort of golden age resulted: the late-nineteenth century saw some of the goofiest, cleverest, and most memorable product design lavished on cigars.

And then, things changed. Novelty packaging died out for a while during the early part of the twentieth century, only to see its fortunes change again during the Great Depression - a time, strangely enough, when many Americans could not afford entire boxes of cigars, and when the premium-cigar industry experienced harshly competitive conditions thanks to the emergence of machined-rolled cigars and cigarettes.

Novelty cigar boxes made a comeback, fueled by cigar makers' hopes to revive by-the-box sales. Boxes from this period are often "practical," designed for household use even after their packaging function is served, and - in a much more radical departure from previous cigar marketing efforts - they were designed to appeal to the wives or girlfriends of the men who smoked the cigars.

Padlocked-box designs enjoyed considerable popularity. Well-made enough, in many cases, to seem attractive and solid even today (when they turn up at auction), these were often made of fine woods such as red cedar; the Hudson Treasure Chest, for example, has copper trim and was originally issued with a key for its padlock. Art deco boxes were a popular choice as well.

From the Netherlands, there came cigar boxes shaped like wooden shoes - the Karel I 10-count cigar box which was sold as a souvenir to passengers visiting Holland by boat during the decade. The shoe also contained a deck of cards. From another Dutch company came the Kaveewee truck - a little red delivery van, with a stogie-chomping driver painted on the sides and front, hollow on top and containing up to 100 cigars.

Finally, there were radio-shaped cigar boxes given away by Emerson, the electronics companies, to purchasers of new radios and televisions. Packed with twenty-five cigars, these boxes were built to resemble those waved-top, stolid little brown radios that sat in so many American living rooms broadcasting the adventures of Dick Tracy (or, more importantly, the first reports from the Blitz of London by Edward R. Murrow).

Book-shaped cigar boxes date back to the 19th century: even before the 1878 law change that encouraged a flood of novelty boxes, book-shaped boxes weren't hard to find; their shape was close enough to standard postal boxes as not to run afoul of the more stringent pre-1878 law. But this tradition continued into the second golden age of novelty packaging; especially notable is a 1936 box with a red "spine," reading "Democratic National Convention 1936." On the other end of the commercial scale from this political giveaway item, consider the once-ubiquitous red-cedar boxes embossed with the words "The Sweetest Story Ever Told." (To which I'm tempted to reply, "Well, that depends on the kind of cigar inside.") Another favorite front motto: "Friendly Thoughts" (written in mock-Gothic, hymnbook-cover lettering).

Cigar Fox provides the finest cigars that include brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, Gurkha, Macanudo, Rocky Patel, Romeo, Drew Estate, and many more. Other cigar products include cigar humidors, cigar boxes, and cigar accessories like Zippo Lighters. See us @ http://www.cigarfox.com .
------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------

Stamps, Stamps, Stamps! Everything and Anything to Do With Them

Warren Wong offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Stamps, Stamps, Stamps! Everything and Anything to Do With Them
Author: Warren Wong
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 493
Keywords: stamps, rare stamps, valuable stamps, postage stamps, famous stamps
Author's Email Address: articles@wmmediacorp.com
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------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------

Collectors come in all sizes, shapes and ages, range from the wealthiest to the most humble, the obsessive to the most casual, and gather anything from the obvious to the odd. In short, if it exists, someone will collect it, and usually proudly display it.

To know the real secret about collecting is quite easy and simple -- that it really should only be for the fun and interest it affords you. For many, the thrill is always in the hunt. Garage sales, flea markets, curio and antique shops, used stores, following leads to almost anywhere. In fact, the achievement of getting a stamp is sometimes a letdown, for then the hunt is over. Not for long, fortunately, for there's always another stamp to find or you may find the one you are looking for later.

Starting a stamp collection is easy -- you pick stamps and start collecting them. Because stamps are in such ready numbers it is one of the easiest collections to start. Before long, though, you may want to know what's available in your particular area, and then you can find magazines and periodicals which cover almost everything to do with stamps and collecting them. Postage stamps are miniature art prints that circulate to millions of people each year.

In this modern age, however, there's a wonderful tool that can enhance your hobby - the Internet. If you go online, you can not only find information about your collectibles, but where to find them and, most important, you can talk to people by e-mail who has similar interests.

As your collection grows, you should find a way to display your work. What's the point of having such a magnificent collection if you can't show it off? There are lots of ways to do this; from simple shelves to display cases, glass-topped display tables, specially designed albums, even an entire room dedicated to your hobby. The point is - don't hide what you do and take pride that there's a focus to your interests.

Remember, however, that your family may not share either your interest in your hobby or see any worth in what you've accumulated. For this reason, it may be worthwhile to see that your collection will go to someone who values it after you've gone. This may involve a person who shares your passion or, perhaps, a library or museum.

There again, you can use the Internet to offer your collection for sale. Advertise in one of the collecting magazines and, perhaps, if what you have is of value, donate it to a university or museum that will issue a tax receipt you can use as a deduction on the understanding that the collection goes to the institution when you depart this mortal coil for places yet unexplored.

You never know where collecting will lead you, but you can be assured of hours, weeks, even years of enjoyment, and you'll never have a hobby that will bring you more satisfaction than stamp collecting.

http://www.famousstamps.org is the #1 place to learn about all sorts of rare and valuable stamps.
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Antique Coin Prices and Varieties

Victor Epand offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Antique Coin Prices and Varieties
Author: Victor Epand
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 453
Keywords: antique coin prices
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Antique coins whether gold or any other material, are very precious and therefore very costly too. Though these have no currency value now, still the trend is that the prices of these out-dated coins are beyond imagination. No one would deny the value of buying these to have a good collection, as these are to date considered one of the most valuable things found on this earth. The antique coin prices have, therefore, been a subject of curiosity and eagerness among people.

Antique coins are of various types and are found at many places. The coins that are available until now are made of gold, silver, nickel, copper and among these also there are a lot many varieties. Some coins are said to be cents, some are dollar while some are known as commemoratives. The cents that are available till now are half cents, Lincoln cents, Flying Eagle and Indian cents, large cents etc. However, apart from these there are some other types of cents too in which we have the Two to Three cents and the three Cent silvers. All these cents were available for a particular period of time after which these are not regarded as currencies but are preserved as memorable pieces. The commemoratives are also known as the Modern Commemoratives, Silver Commemoratives and gold Commemoratives. Based on the types and the design or sculpts in it, the antique coin prices are decided and also vary from each other.

Apart from the above mentioned coin types we have Dimes too and these are divided as the Early dimes, Early Half Dimes, Mercury Dimes, Roosevelt Dimes, Seated Half Dimes, Barber Dimes, Seated Dimes etc. Moreover, if we sit to discuss about the antique coins that are available till now, it would take really long. The coins that have been mentioned till now are just a little glimpse of those that have been discovered. So other than the above mentioned antique coins, we have the Half Dollars, Proof and Mint Sets, Quarters, Nickels etc.

Till now you might have been able to guess the demand and longing for these among people. Many people are there who are dying to have these and are even ready to pay a fortune. Similarly, the coin market is also not that static and easy to grab. When there is a rise or fall in the antique coin prices, it can be unpredictable. Therefore, everything lies in the hands of the buyer who needs to be able to judge the valuation.

Anyone who is interested in buying a particular kind of coin and at a reasonable price should be very alert and conscious of the valuation. Buying antique coins has an advantage over similar investments because they can be easily liquidated.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines.
When shopping for pottery, antiques and figurines, we recommend only the best
online stores: http://www.potterysell.com , http://www.selltheantiques.com , and http://www.sellfigurines.com .
------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------

Here Is Your Antique Canadian Coin

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Article Title: Here Is Your Antique Canadian Coin
Author: Victor Epand
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 437
Keywords: Antique Canadian coins
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------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------

Among the most popular things to collect as antiques are coins. Among the various coins and collections, antique Canadian coins are very popular. These coins are available at many online stores and retail stores too. Many people collect these coins with their wish to remember the parts of history associated with them. This gives us a chance to collect the wonderful memories with us of our past and historical possessions.

There are various collection stores here who are interested in getting good historical coins. These coins are available at antique auctions. This is a place that allows us to trade and bid for coins. If somebody wants to know something more about the coins and their information, then he can simply go with Canadian news sources. There are banks that specialize in making available antique coins of old times. In order to get them you need to investigate which ones are real and which ones may be fraudulent.

There are various antique coin museums that suggest not cleaning the antique coins as doing so will lose their originality. They strictly say not to clean them with water and suggest cleaning antique coins with vegetable oil or olive oil only. It is suggested to use a soft cloth and then clean these old coins lightly. Coins are antique things so they cannot be reproduced new. Most renowned collectors suggest holding the coins from their edges only.

According to the antique Canadian coins museum, every one who is interested in collecting antique coins should get them from the right place and should take care of their originality because the collection of coins is rare to find and it is a very good investment as these coins become yours to own and can be displayed to friends or resold to others. These coins are of very high value presently and even in the future they will be of very high value. If you wish to collect them you should keep watch on the market. It is necessary to collect as much information as you can.

According to antique Canadian collectors, if somebody wants to know about antique Canadian coins, he can find them easily from Canada banks as they provide all the necessary information that you need to know. So if you are planning a coin collection and you want to collect to your heart's desire, then you can surely get it from Canada coin museums, and various banks. They provide exclusive collections of the rarest antique coins; their websites allow us to get the proper inforomation about the antique coins. So go ahead with your search of these coins and collect your wishes.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines.
When shopping for pottery, antiques and figurines, we recommend only the best
online stores: http://www.potterysell.com , http://www.selltheantiques.com , and http://www.sellfigurines.com .
------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------

The Many Styles of Bowie Knives

William Doggett offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: The Many Styles of Bowie Knives
Author: William Doggett
Category: Collecting, Hobbies
Word Count: 776
Keywords: bowie knife, bowie knives, james bowie, hunting knife, knife
Author's Email Address: Cole@empire-cole.com
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------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------

The first ever Bowie knife came to be when James Bowie's brother, Rezin Bowie had made a long hunting knife for himself, but gave it to his brother James when he went to a duel. James ended up using the knife to defend himself while he was down and they say the rest is history. Everyone wanted a Bowie knife.

Everyone Wants a Bowie Knife -

Many of the early styles of Bowie knives were made by everyone and anyone and they were all called Bowie knives just because there were no patterns or drawings at that time. Some of them had a coffin shaped blade to represent the kill that James had done in order to survive. One thing they all had in common was that they were made to be used as a weapon.

So in the beginning a Bowie knife was simply 'a knife like Bowie's'. There have been a number of contenders for the title of the 'original Bowie knife', one of the more recent being the Edwin Forrest knife.

Claims of the First Original Bowie Knife -

Forrest claimed to have received the Bowie knife from James Bowie himself soon after the Sandbar fight or duel. A celebrity of sorts, he even went on tour with the knife. It has never been proven without a doubt that his knife was the original Bowie knife.

From what historians can piece together from written accounts, some from Rezin Bowie himself and the knife of Forrest's estate, the original Bowie knife is large and plain, similar in shape to an Indian trade scalper's knife.

What a Bowie Knife Looks Like -

This original knife has a straight back and a sharp edge that curves at the end to make a point which was chipped at one end. Today there are styles that look like utility knives and large hunting knives that can help with field dressings and skinning. All wearing the name Bowie, there are knives that are small daggers, and plain knives, and utility knives.

Bowie knives were in such demand in the early 1800's that highly skilled merchant craftsmen, custom knife-makers, experienced cutlers, and surgical instrument makers could all be found making the Bowie knives in every town and city across America. The knives were beginning to become more of a uniformed shape and size. It seems as if everyone, everywhere wanted a Bowie knife.

Collecting Bowie Knives Today -

Today, to a collector, the first Bowie knives made in the early 1820's and 1830's are now worth at least $20,000 in excellent condition. They are worth less if not in pristine condition.

During the 1840's and 1850's more attention to the handle and sheath was given. Designs of handguns and ornate and intricate patterns were carved into each by hand. The sheaths were often nickel-silver plated.

The Bowie knife went through many design styles, depending on where you lived. For example, San Francisco had a Bowie knife that was pointed, double edged and the handle was more of a pull handle from a cabinet. Every town and city wanted to be unique in their presentation of the Bowie knife.

It wasn't until after the civil war that the decline of the Bowie knife became prominent due to the rise of the pistols. Pistols were easier to carry and use from a distance.

Bowie Knife Comeback -

But the Bowie knife survived after all. In the 1880's, the Bowie knife was mass produced as a Bowie style hunting knife and was beloved by greenhorn outdoorsmen everywhere.

After several decades as a hunter's best friend, the Untied States Military took the Bowie knife to a new level in the combat utility knives of World War II. The Bowie knife is still used as a combat knife today.

The Bowie Knife Today -

Today, the Bowie knives feature the same look and incredible feel of power of their former ancestors, but include some modern design techniques. Today's manufacturers use top of the line stainless steel, wood and other handle material to create an array of unique designs. There is a design just right for you and your personality. Some Bowie knives are made especially for collectors and mounted in glass or hung on the wall for show pieces or traded or sold at knife shows.

Bowie knives can be very useful as we have learned. They are extremely useful to hunters and hikers and campers and anyone interested in providing themselves with a method of self defense. Proper training is recommended before using a knife. Cleaning and maintaining your knife so it stays sharp and in good condition is also a good idea to maintain its quality and safety.

William "Cole" Doggett is a knife expert and owns an Internet knife shop, Knife & Supply Company, LLC at http://www.KnifeSupplyCompany.com. His website is devoted to all things pocket knives, swords, kitchen cutlery, sharpeners, machetes and a wealth of information. Stop by!
------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------

Has Your Model Ship Sunk?

Derek Wood offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Has Your Model Ship Sunk?
Author: Derek Wood
Category: Arts and Crafts, Collecting, Online Shopping
Word Count: 600
Keywords: Model tall ships, tall ship models, buying tall ship models, building tall ships, model ships
Author's Email Address: articles@bhg-uo.com
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------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------

Perhaps you thought of getting a new tall ship model lately, if so, you might have given some consideration to building one. The choice of whether to build or buy does not even take into concern the type of ship you are looking to get and that will be left to your preference.

In any case, there are several issues to dwell on when making such a choice. Factors that must be accounted for include such things as the quality of the materials being used, the cost of materials and supplies, the amount of time needed to build a ship and the quality of workmanship that you wish the ship to be. All of these concerns should be addressed before making your decision to get started.

Things you will need

Patience will be your primary tool. Most model ships will have a considerably large number of exceptionally small pieces. This fact will become quite glaringly obvious with a tall ship model. There will be a ton of tiny cannons, rigging material, a dozen sails, and literally thousands of small pieces of wooden planks.

Because you have decided to build your model tall ship, you might at well get started buying some of the other items that will be needed. You will need several types of tools to build your new model ship. The list will generally include a generous amount of various woods, such as teak, oak, or poplar, a few hobby saws, a large supply of hobby knives, sandpaper, small files, glue, any paints that will be needed, and do not forget the ship kit or detailed plans, in case your building the ship from scratch.

Now that you have the basic tools, you would want to look into several good books on model building, assuming you have not already bought those as well. Most books can be found at your local hobby shop, if you have access to one. If not, the internet is your friend and these can be ordered through an online bookstore, such as Amazon. Luckily there is also an extensive amount of information that is freely obtainable on the web as well.

If you are building your new tall ship model from a kit, then you may get off easy on building a ton of small parts. The ability to build your own parts will come in handy should you lose any parts, or if you simply make a decision to alter the ship in some way. If you are not building the ship from a kit, then building those small parts will be a fundamental component of your construction effort.

If by some chance you are a beginning model builder, then you may perhaps wish to practice your new skills on some other models before delving into a tall ship model. Building a model ship from scratch will be a very rewarding experience and a great way to better your modeling skills; however, it might not be the best way to develop these abilities for the novice modeler.

Once you have all of your materials, plans and tools, you are ready to get started. Make sure you have lots of room to work, a place to keep it from getting disturbed, and plenty of light. Now you can get to work. Take your time, and do not rush or get overly frazzled at any point. It is now up to you. In the end, this will simply mean that the quality of your model ship will be solely limited by the skills you possess and the amount of time that you are willing to put in to it.

Derek Wood scale model enthusiast that has been building models for 24 years. Specializing in models such as planes, tanks, dioramas, model ships and model trains, he now spends his time helping others enjoy the modeling hobbies. Learn more about model ships at: http://www.ModelShipsOnline.com
------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------

Treasure Hunting At Herkimer Diamond Mine

David Cowley offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Treasure Hunting At Herkimer Diamond Mine
Author: David Cowley
Category: Recreation and Leisure, Collecting
Word Count: 546
Keywords: Treasure Hunting, diamonds, sunstones, opal, gold, aquamarine, sapphires, truffles
Author's Email Address: dfcinvestments1@yahoo.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
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Herkimer diamonds are double terminated quartz crystals that are found in Herkimer County, New York, hence the name. These crystals have usually have a shape that is very similar to diamonds with 18 facets and two terminators or points at the end. These beautiful gemstones were formed close to five hundred million years ago. They are formed extremely slowly in pockets of rock and can be clear or cloudy in color and may be found in a verity of colors depending on the impurities present in the crystal.

These quarts crystals range in size from microscopic to over eight inches long and three to four inches wide and in rare cases even larger. The best gem quality crystals are usually found in the one half inch to one inch range and will have excellent clarity, which is the reason they are nicknamed diamonds. As the crystals become larger in size they tend to become less clear.

Herkimer diamonds are naturally faceted and have a hardness rating of 7 where diamonds have a hardness of 10 and it must be cut to give it smooth faces and the traditional diamond like shape.

How are they formed?

Millions of years ago calcium magnesium carbonate was deposited on the ocean floor. As more and more of the sediments were deposited on the ocean floor the calcium magnesium carbonate and other minerals was compress into a rock strata called Dolostone which is quite similar to limestone. Cracks can develop in the dolostone and then sea water will dissolve part of the rock leaving pockets where the quarts crystals form. Pockets can contain from 1 to thousands of these quarts crystals of all sizes. These pockets usually range in size from 1/2 inch to six feet in diameter.

Many of the crystal prospectors believe that they contain metaphysical properties. They are believed to be able to activate your third eye and enhance the dreaming state. When worn they may bring about a greater access to your psychic abilities.

At Herkimer Diamond Mine located in Herkimer County, New York, you can purchase an all-day prospecting ticket for around $10. Prospectors can dig through the rubble near the mine area and break open rocks looking for the Herkimer diamond deposits. Common tools used for prospecting are a 2 to 3 pound hammer, chisel, crowbar, safety glasses, gloves, 5 gallon bucket with water and some type of hoe or rake to move the piles of broken rock around. Basic tools can be supplied by the mine staff with proper identification. Visit the Herkimer diamond web site for current hours of operations and prices.

Up to 500 people a day from all around the world may visit the mine to prospect. Hunting for Herkimer diamonds is great fun and a lot of hard work. If you are lucky your will find a large pocket of crystal within the quarry walls. One or more of the diamonds may be found by searching the rock rubble near the quarry walls scattered across the quarry floor with little or no effort. Another common prospect method is to select and break open a rock with a heavy hammer and look for a cavity with crystals imbedded within.

David Cowley has created numerous articles on Treasure Hunting. He has also created a Web Site dedicated to Treasure Hunting. Visit http://www.treasure-hunting-team.com
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Collect this Car, It's a Classic!

Stephen Dolan offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: Collect this Car, It's a Classic!
Author: Stephen Dolan
Category: Classics, Collecting
Word Count: 1110
Keywords: cars,classic cars,vintage cars,car collecting,collecting vintage cars,collecting
Author's Email Address: steve@goldveinmarketing.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
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Antique and classic cars are being collected now more than ever. Classic car collectors learn their hobby over years and years of research and browsing, even attending a half dozen or more car shows each year. However, some basic information is available to help anyone begin the lifelong passion of collecting antique automobiles.

Definition of a Classic Car

A classic car is one that is more than 15-years old, while an antique car is more than 25-years old. A vintage car dates from the 1930's or older. As well, there are different car eras, such as the Vintage Car Era, Classic Car Era, Muscle Car Era, and so on, and this is also important to understand.

Display and Drivable Cars

Some antique car collectors drive their cars everywhere, while others have theirs for display purposes only. Display cars often have the benefit of needing less maintenance to keep their classic feel and pristine condition. If you want to drive your classic car, remember that it will require more money for such services as paint and wax jobs, engine work, and inspections. Not only do antique cars lack modern safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, but vintage cars may also lack modern conveniences like power steering, stereo systems, or even heat.

Expenses

Antique car collectors know that antique cars in general are very expensive investments, but there are several ways to cut these costs and make collecting cars an even more enjoyable experience. Many cars are simply left to rust away in lawns or in junkyards. These cars can often be bought at a real bargain for even a few dollars. However, the cheaper these cars are usually indicates what shape they come in. Therefore, several decisions must be made concerning the usability of the cars. Will they be driven? Do they need a new engine? What use will they have on a daily basis?

With some body work to remove rust and replace irreparable damage, these cars can even receive new interiors and engines. The most common work is a brand new paint job (the most noticeable and appreciable work), so a good deal can cost as little as $1000. With an interest in automobiles and a modest income, restoring antique cars can be the lifelong hobby of antique car collectors.

Ratings for Antique Car Appraisal

An antique car appraisal must be based on uniform standards to get a correct appraisal.

Parts Car: this means that the car is only to be used for individual car parts. The car itself has no value except for the individual parts that can be taken from it and used in other cars. The car might not be a candidate for restoration, and therefore appraisers will not waste other people's time and money by declaring it usable except for parts.

Restorable: means the car in question has potential to be restored. The car model and make must still be recognizable to warrant this antique car appraisal rating. It may also need a complete body, chassis and interior restoration if it is appraised in this condition. Most likely the engine will also need some attention as well as the exterior, but not to the point that you restore more than a third of the body, chassis or interior.

Good: this antique car appraisal means that the automobile may need just a little tweaking to make it functional. The quality of restoration of the automobile may also affect the antique car appraisal. If it is functional yet the quality of restoration is poor, then the price will still not go up despite its good condition. The antique car appraisal should always include the quality of the restoration.

Very Good: antique car appraisal could mean that the automobile is functional and the amateur restoration is passable. The restoration might be rated as older or worn out to some extent but not as bad as expected. A Very Good antique car appraisal might be considered presentable and serviceable in the interior and exterior.

Fine: is the antique car appraisal that means the automobile is restored very well and its original parts are well maintained to the point that they are in good working order.

Excellent: antique car appraisal means that the car in question has been restored to excellent professional standards and could possibly be a show car that is not driven or worn out but maintained for aesthetic purposes.

Antique Car Pricing

Antique car pricing depends on many different factors, and antique car pricing can vary from year to year. The prices can also vary depending on the point of sale. Antique car pricing depends on the age of the car, the condition of the car and special features on a car.

An antique car that is very old might be much more expensive than a newer classic car. These car prices fluctuate like more modern cars depending upon the condition. An antique car that is in mint condition could cost ten thousand dollars more than the same model in poor condition. Antique car pricing can also vary depending on the mechanics of the car. One that is road-ready will cost much more than one that looks good but does not move on the streets.

Antique car pricing depends on the year and the condition of the car, but the pricing can also depend on many of the various features in each car. Some of the classic cars have radios that actually still work while the older cars never do. Some of these cars have original mirrors while others have modern replicas. The fabric used in the interior could have a significant impact on the prices of antique cars; if the fabric in the interior is the original and in great condition, this is important in the price of the vehicle.

Many collectors of classic cars base their prices of the cars they have on a price guide. The antique car price guide gives approximations of how much a certain model of automobile may cost these days. The prices found in the antique car price guide are somewhat loosely approximated because not all cars of the same make and model are restored professionally or even restored properly. Popular price guides include MacRAE's Blue Book online, and Kelley Blue Book.

The hobby of collecting antique and classic cars can be fun and enjoyable, and it can also incredibly rewarding, especially financially. As long as you are informed and take the situation seriously, you should not have any problems, and not only will you have a great time but as well can make quite a bit of profit for yourself if you go about things in the right way.

Steve Dolan is an avid collector and loves classic cars. Find out more about car collecting at http://www.funcollectiblesweb.com/classiccars and if you have other collections take a look at http://www.funcollectiblesweb.com
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All About Heritage Coins

Victor Epand offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
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Article Title: All About Heritage Coins
Author: Victor Epand
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 620
Keywords: Heritage Coins
Author's Email Address: ve_kd_marketing@hotmail.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
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The term heritage means past history and ancestry. Heritage coins are historically significant coins that tell us something about our history. These coins range from the first civilizations to the more recent contemporary history.

Heritage coins are the windows though which a person can get a glimpse of the past. They feature the kings and queens of bygone eras, their achievements and important events in their lives. Sometimes heritage coins may feature great statesmen who excelled in their field.

The circulation of coins finds its origination in ancient Lydia. The coins produced then were more of a token than currency. Before the invention of coin currency, barter systems or usage of precious metals and conch shells was used as a trade medium.

The coins Drachmae and Obol were the first Greek coins that were circulated all over Greece. They were influenced by the Lydian coins. The Drachmae was a silver coin and featured a turtle on its reverse side. This symbolized the island of Aegina. The Obols were one sixth the value of the Drachmae. The Corinthians also took to minting coins and produced coins with the winged horse Pegasus. Pegasus was special to the people of Corinth as he was attributed to the origin of the spring of Peirene.

Soon, large cities began producing their own coins made of silver or gold with the portrait of their god, goddess or hero and a symbol of their city.

Alexander the Great is believed to have started the tradition of minting coins all throughout his empire. He was the one who initiated the tradition of publishing a portrait of the ruler on every coin.

Romans were the first to propagate coin minting at large scale. The coins featured exquisitely engraved portraits of Roman kings, sometimes their families also. Some rulers had their portrait engraved right next to various gods and goddesses in order to influence the public with their image. Sometimes, to legitimize an heir, his portrait was published along with the King's on a coin. As can be seen, these coins had influence over the people of Rome, and over a period of time the coin was used for political propaganda purposes also. Major events such as the death of Julius Caesar are also depicted on Roman coins.

At the same time, coins are a means of currency beginning in India as well. The Mahajanapadas established the first coins in India. Each Kingdom had its own style of coin with its own symbol. The humped bull symbolized Saurashtra, while the swastika represented the Dakshin Panchala. The Gandharas, Kuntalas, Kurus, Panchalas, Shakhyas, Shurasena, Surashtra each had their own coins.

During the Maurya period silver coins called the Karshapana with geometrical patterns, circles, human figures, wheels, animals, bows and arrows, trees and hills, etc were created. The most common symbols were the Sun and a six armed symbol. The reason behind the extensive range in symbolism is still a mystery.

In the Pandya Kingdom the coins were copper squares, struck with a die. The inscription on silver and gold coins is in Sanskrit, while some had Tamil legends on them.

Satavahana, Kuninda and Sunga Periods all had pre Hellenistic influences with animals and religious symbols and Sanskrit or local scripts engraved. This style of coinage is still seen in Indian coins today, with the Indian emblem and Sanskrit terms present on the coin.

Countries created recently also try to find their history in their coins; though these coins are not ancient they also have heritage value. The coins of America like the Half Dollar - 1838, Quarter Dollar - 1792, etc, are valued for this very reason.

It is obvious that Heritage coins are important remnants of our history, showing us the historical setting and art of eras gone by.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines.
When shopping for pottery, antiques and figurines, we recommend only the best online stores: http://www.potterysell.com , http://www.selltheantiques.com , and http://www.sellfigurines.com .
------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------

In Love With Rare Coins

Victor Epand offers the following royalty-free article for you to publish online or in print.
Feel free to use this article in your newsletter, website, ezine, blog, or forum.
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Article Title: In Love With Rare Coins
Author: Victor Epand
Category: Collecting
Word Count: 438
Keywords: rare coins, coin gallery
Author's Email Address: ve_kd_marketing@hotmail.com
Article Source: http://www.articlemarketer.com
------------------ ARTICLE START ------------------

Are you fond of collecting old and historical coins? You can collect them from rare coin galleries. If you want heavy discounts in your purchasing you can find a number of schemes for doing this as well. Just accompany us through the rest of this article, and we will teach you about it.

An example of a rare coin is the 1886 50c seated liberty half dollar. That coin is the only "star" designated 1886 proof and can be found selling for as high as $5,200. An even older rare coin is the 1834 $2.50 classic that can be found selling for as high as $65,000! To give one more example, this time even older, the 1794 50c flowing hair half dollar can be found selling for near $47,000. Of course, these prices are approximate and can vary over time.

Many of us love to collect antique things. These things may include historical gift items, crystals and stones as well as early currencies. However, antique coins are somewhat easier to find and collect, and people often collect them in large quantities. In the United States, the business of antique coins is opening its feathers. Some years before, coin dealers provided collectors with antique coins, but now, rare coin galleries are available.

Many companies manage rare coin galleries through the internet as well. There are online coin galleries attracting customers in large scale. In fact, it might be possible that you do not get a wide variety in the retail antique showroom, but many varieties online.

Coins are available in a number of constituents. For instance, you can find antique coins of gold, silver, nickel and platinum as well. Search all the websites related to rare coin galleries and enter keywords for the qualities you want in the coins. Suppose you type silver, eagle, 18th century, for instance, if those are the types of coins you are looking for.

Rare coins can be divided into two categories. Some coins are obtainable to some extent, but other coins that are really antique have very high prices and may be hard to find. Online shopping makes it possible for us. They are offered online through auctions and lucky draws. Interested people have to register their names and other information on the website. In bidding, they also have to give a number to the site and if their number is selected, they can take possession of the rarest coins in the world.

So, now you have gotten to know about two different channels of rare coin galleries. We hope that you will try to take full advantage of both of them. Good luck with your coin search!

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for pottery, antiques, and figurines.
When shopping for pottery, antiques and figurines, we recommend only the best
online stores: http://www.potterysell.com , http://www.selltheantiques.com , and http://www.sellfigurines.com .
------------------ ARTICLE END ------------------