Four Tips to Start A Valuable Music Box Collection, Part II

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins

Many music box and antique collectors enjoy collecting inlaid music boxes, wooden keepsake boxes, musical jewelry boxes, and other mechanical music and musical gifts. In part two of this two article series, we will take a look at additional tips to consider when seeking to develop a valuable music box collection.

1. While music box collecting can be expensive, its important to remember to make sure the item that is being purchased does not have inflated value. So, take your time and develop a systematic appraisal, which can be used for all music box purchases. For example, some things to look for are loose, damaged, and missing veneer; looking to see if the design on the lid is an inlay and not a transfer. It is also necessary to check to make sure the musical movement is not damaged, no corrosion is present which can lead to lead leaks, and listen to make sure the tune on the music box is perfect. Plus, take your time when making a decision

2. If you find a music box that you fall in love with, but it has defects, go ahead and buy it! Usually, everything is capable of being replaced if you have the time, money, and know someone who is skilled in this area.

3. When buying a music box at an auction, always look at the piece prior to the auction. Make sure you examine the box carefully and decide how valuable it truly it is for you, no matter the cost. This will also ensure that you remain within your budget!

4. Music boxes can be delicate. Therefore, when it comes to transporting them you must be careful. There are precautions to take to ensure that your valuable collectible is not damaged in any way. Transpiration suggestions include putting the piece on the floor in the car, and remembering to never stand a music box on its end. Also, carry a cylinder music box in a level position to keep the cylinder from bouncing up and down. Additional tips include using a high density plastic foam to wrap your valuable in, using large strong crates for large musical boxes (best to let the professionals pack it) and putting "breakable" or "handle like glass" if it has to be shipped a long distance.

Collecting music boxes such as inlaid music boxes, wooden keepsake boxes, musical jewelry boxes, and other mechanical music and musical gifts, and many other mechanical instruments and movements are hobby loved by many a music box and antique collector. Following the above tips can greatly assist collectors in forming a valuable music box collection.

Four Tips to Start A Valuable Music Box Collection, Part I

Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins

Collecting music boxes such as carousel music boxes, music trinket boxes, children's jewelry boxes, and many other mechanical instruments and movements is a hobby loved by many a music box and antique collector. However, there are certain things music boxes and antique collectors can do to ensure they are getting a valuable piece for their collection. Here are a few tips to help in this process.

1. Make sure you truly are purchasing a valuable music box. There are some vendors who inflate the value of the item and in general are just unscrupulous. To protect yourself, first took carefully at the box. If it looks like new, be cautious since, unfortunately, some restorers have just cleared away all the originality. If the music box is  old and pricey, you can usually find out who has restored it, how good it was,  as well as check out the restorer's reputation.

2. If purchasing a fully restored music box, consider a preserved piece in an unrestored and original condition, as this will have much more value. While fully restored musical boxes look quite attractive, they very well maybe of less value that a preserved piece in an unrestored and original condition. For example, just about all key-wound music boxes made before 1850 were produced when quality was the priority. Typically, the more plain the case of a cylinder music box, the earlier it was made. Also, tune sheet forms are important and any absence decreases its value. Most antique and music box collectors prefer to have music boxes with the original sheets. So, remember these important points when considering purchasing a fully restored or unrestored music box.

3. Take a careful look at the front, sides, and back of music boxes made from the 1880's on. Many were made to look nice with a simple walnut veneer, but in reality a simple technique of brush-graining using scumble was done. In addition, the bells were cheap and had a high and untuned sound. So, these types of music boxes are best to avoid if seeking a box of value.

4. Look for music boxes with plain cases as an important point to consider since it is likely the date when it was manufactured was early. Another point to consider is the larger the movement relative to its case, the higher quality and value a music box has. While this may not be true in all cases, it is important to think about when assessing a music box's value.

Collecting music boxes such as carousel music boxes, music trinket boxes, children's jewelry boxes, and many other mechanical instruments and movements is hobby loved by many a music box and antique collector. Following the above tips can greatly assist collectors in forming a valuable music box collection.

Collectible Pewter Figurines Are Child Friendly

Children often enjoy collecting items just as much as adults do. They may want delightful figurines but parents are often hesitant due to the cost of them and the risk of such items getting broken. A good solution is to consider buying pewter figurines because they are in expensive and they won’t break. Your child can be rough with them as children often are without any risk of them getting injured in the process.

There are so many amazing pewter figurines that your child can choose to collect. They describe their favorite pastimes and hobbies for both boys and girls. There are also common items from many different manufacturers including dinosaurs, clowns, animals, angels, and bears. Once your child has chosen what they want to collect you can take a look at the various pewter figurines that are available.

To help your child grow their pewter figurine collection, they can share this interest with their family and friends. When it is their birthday or Christmas they will likely get some great additions to their collection as gifts. They can even purchase some of them with their own money on occasion because that will make those particular pewter collectibles even more important to them.

The price of pewter collectibles is extremely reasonable compared to what you will pay for other types of materials. The fact that they are so durable makes them well worth what you will pay for them. The heavier the pewter collectible is the more expensive it will be. Size sometime places a role in the price too but generally it has to do with the overall weight of the object.

Many pewter figurines also increase in value over time. If your child keeps the collection for years they may end up being worth quite a bit of money. Of course many children would rather have their collectibles than the money they are worth but it is something to think about.

Since pewter is so durable, these types of collectible figurines can easily become a family heirloom passed down to new generations of children in the family. You can start a new tradition just by purchasing your own child a few pewter figurines to get their collection started.

For adults that enjoy collecting items but often have many children around, pewter figurines are a good option for them as well. They don’t have to worry about their precious items being broken due to the curiosity of small children that happen to be visiting them.

Pewter is a great looking material and you can’t go wrong buying children collectibles make from it. Many of them are amazingly detailed and they will be cherished items by any child. You can find them online, at retail stores, and even at flea markets or yard sales from time to time. Help your child find something they are interested in and start collecting. They will have plenty of wonderful childhood memories wrapped up in each one of the pewter collectibles that they have.

Antiques - 7 Reasons Why We Collect Them.

People collect antiques for many different reasons and therefore have many different views.

1. Some people collect antiques because they hold sentimental value. For example, I own a ceramic parrot that had been given to me by my grandparents, a cupboard from my other grandparents and a very old doll that had been given to me by my great aunt.

2. My in-laws once owned an antique business which they set up for sales and auctions. Their basement was always filled with a treasure trove of fascinating and interesting items. They could tell you the worth of any item in the basement. They loved restoring old pieces, not so much so that they could sell it for more but simply because they gained satisfaction from doing so.

3. My son enjoys collecting antique games and old books and even collects them. One of his favorite antiques are the tiddly winks games which he has collected from all over the world.

4. Antique lovers enjoy the chase more than anything. They enjoy searching through stores and antique shops all over the country searching for that specific or unusual item they been looking for.

5. Some people look for antiques as simply a hobby but they very seldom buy anything. They simply enjoy looking at what different areas of the country have the offer. It can be a lot of fun searching through antique stores.

6. Sometimes people who want to furnish their home look for antiques. Antiques of different time periods will often work well together to create a beautiful home.

7. Their other people who deal in the buying and selling of antiques. They are hard-core, know the value of pretty much everything, and always want to buy low and sell high. These folks typically are only interested in the price itself.

Collecting antiques can be a wonderful experience and provide enjoyment for people of all ages.