Do you look at what you collect?

Tedw9 · February 16, 2007 10:18PM

I was wondering how many collectors have either some or all of their collections displayed? Even if it is only a small bookcase, do you have something set up so that you can actually sit, look and enjoy your collection? Or do you have all of your collection stored away in totes/boxes/safes?

I live in a small apartment so my space is limited. But my wife has no problem with me displaying some stuff. I have a Ted Williams print framed and hung in my living room. And in my bedroom I have a signed 16 x 20 framed and hung along with a tall bookshelf with some of my smaller items displayed. I get tons of enjoyment from just sitting there, checking out the items, remembering how I got them or other memories that go along with them. For me it is a nice escape from the everyday stress, my happy place.

That may sound a bit wierd, but it's something that works for me and usually makes me happy.

I would love to hear about how you all handle your collections and of course, display pics are welcome!

Lothar52 · February 16, 2007 10:26PM

my lack of actually appreciating what i have drives me insane...if i could display it...maybe id be more satisfied.

WinPitcher · February 16, 2007 10:44PM

I do not display but at least 1x a week i take somthing out of the closet and look at it. usually on sunday I do this. Tomorrow I'll be looking at my 75 Topps set. I'm thinking of sending in some stars that may grade 9.

steve

ToppsCo1lector · February 16, 2007 10:53PM

I'm actually trying to get plans for some shadowboxes, if anyone has any plmk. I don't have my collection displayed, but I've got a room for it. I've got a full basement thats basically empty, I'm building a granite bar right now and looking into another big screen. It's going to be a big den/sports room. Luckily for me, no wife(hey, I'm 21) and since it's my place my future roommates opinions won't matter. Hopefully by the end of the summer I'll have the den finished. I've got it drawn up, and since I'm in the home renovations business I'm building some nice shelving, hopefully a few shadowboxes, and I'll be making some frames up for some other memorabilia.

I do look through my collection often; but thats a task since I've moved about 6 times in the past 4 years. But, from the looks of it I'll be here for a while. The only things I have on display are my personalized 8x10 auto from Larry Coker, another from Jamal Lewis, and a few players baseball bats(Which I've started collecting seriously in the past month or so).

Ladder7 · February 16, 2007 11:26PM

I've made color copies of my stuff to look at when away on vacation. Then again, I don't have a whole lot like some of youz.

ajw · February 16, 2007 11:27PM

I look at my collection all the time.

Edited to say: that's one of the main benefits of building my website. I very strongly encourage everyone do something similar. It's a lot of fun, puts you in contact with lots of other collectors, and allows you to easily view and show off your collection whenever and wherever you want. I can even browse my collection on my blackberry!

Pittfan · February 16, 2007 11:30PM

Every day I look at the slabs and think which one I need to sell next.

frankhardy · February 16, 2007 11:32PM

My wife is really nice about letting me display a few things in our bedroom. I have a corner of autographed baseballs and cards on shelves, an autographed 8 x 10 of Stan Musial above a shelf and a shadow box with game used Pujols batting gloves autographed hanging up.

jerrywest45 · February 16, 2007 11:38PM

I'm looking into buling a display case for my basement....I am worried about security!!!

kylehess10 · February 16, 2007 11:45PM

Every single item I own is all in display cases. It's fun looking at everything and it looks like you're walking into the Hall of Fame when going into my room.

Ladder7 · February 16, 2007 11:45PM

Don't worry Jerry, you can trust us

*You'll feel less stress with an alarm sys, a heavy safe and big loud dog or two.

Downtown1974 · February 17, 2007 12:20AM

All of my modern stuff (1970 - present), I keep in a big chest down in my basement. All of my vintage and graded cards, I keep up in a closet that is in our study. I have a display cabinet in the closet that has a section with wooden doors and a section with a glass door to display some of my things. I dont have cards on display, but I display some auto. balls, pins, a couple of old baseball gloves from the 40s, some old magazines, etc. I like to go through my older cards from time to time. Especially my raw sets.

Stone193 · February 17, 2007 1:28AM

I have a room in the front of the house. I will get pics when done.

It's about 12X13' - has one 30" built-in shelf to the ceiling in the corner of the room.

I display balls, sports related whiskey decanters and board games. I have pics on the wall - the largest - one is a 1/2 proof sheet the other a full uncut sheet. One shelf has all the autographed books I have picked up. I have two gumball and 1 exhibit vending machine (50s metal) mounted on stands.
I have one 50s Dodger penant framed and am submitting about 10 pieces to have framed.

Right now I have 11 pieces framed along with what I have already discussed.

I have two bat racks wall mounted - I have 12 GU bats displayed. Not sure what I'm gonna do with jerseys.

I'm thinking of putting up a "slanted" wall mounted shelf to display board games.

I look at my stuff every day.

I would like to have everything framed and displayed by the end of this year. Excess framed is going into our converted workout room - compliments of our departed son.

mike

Estil · February 17, 2007 4:15AM

I used to look at my cards all the time (that's why I insist on even the cheapest of my sets being in binder/pages) but even now that I have a new shelving system to put them in, I still keep putting off going through them. I guess when you have over 54,000 cards (yes, I did the math) in your PERMANENT collection, it can get kinda overwhelming.

ripkenintheminors · February 17, 2007 4:22AM

It's this subject that really got me interested in consolidation. I had so much stuff that it was hard to keep up with and/or find. With that being said, I decided to sell the smaller cards in hopes of having money to be higher valued cards.

I do have some things framed and displayed but not a lot. It is fun looking at it every now and then.

brumbach · February 17, 2007 5:30AM

<< It's this subject that really got me interested in consolidation. I had so much stuff that it was hard to keep up with and/or find. With that being said, I decided to sell the smaller cards in hopes of having money to be higher valued cards.

I do have some things framed and displayed but not a lot. It is fun looking at it every now and then. >>

I'm with you, I have spent the past three or so years trying to reduce the physical size and consolidate the overall value of my collection. I have adopted the philosophy that if I don't remember where or when I bought something and I don't like, then why am I keeping it? It is an ongoing process but I like the results so far.

RipublicaninMass · February 17, 2007 5:31AM

<< It's this subject that really got me interested in consolidation. I had so much stuff that it was hard to keep up with and/or find. With that being said, I decided to sell the smaller cards in hopes of having money to be higher valued cards.

>>

ditto that!

Do I look at what I collect?

yes, and then I cry, and ask Why Why Why??

PuertoRicanFogBank · February 17, 2007 5:34AM

Every day I look at the slabs and think which one I need to sell next.

NEEEEEED?

Sound like me, Hoss

Stone193 · February 17, 2007 5:42AM

About the size of our collections and it's "direction?"

We all have heard that the three most important things to consider when buying property are:

1. Location
2. Location
3. Location

Well - the corollary to it for our Hobby...

The three most important things to consider when buying collectibles:

1. Focus
2. Focus
3. Focus

It took me years to learn this! Oh!!! And don't forget BUDGET.

Brian48 · February 17, 2007 9:13AM

Not as much as I should

CDsNuts · February 17, 2007 9:34AM

I play poker for a living, so at any given time I need to have quick cash available the next "business opportunity" presents itself. Unfortunately, there is tons of room in the safe I keep my cash in, so it houses my cards as well. The fact that it's fireproof and waterproof make it the ideal place to keep my cards. I pull them out every now and then to "organize" them (which is just the excuse I use to look at them).

Lee

Stone193 · February 17, 2007 10:04AM

<< I play poker for a living, so at any given time I need to have quick cash available the next "business opportunity" presents itself. Unfortunately, there is tons of room in the safe I keep my cash in, so it houses my cards as well. The fact that it's fireproof and waterproof make it the ideal place to keep my cards. I pull them out every now and then to "organize" them (which is just the excuse I use to look at them).

Lee >>

Lee

Interesting thing to bring up.

When I went to Kentucky for a funeral - I was worried about someone breaking into the house and cleaning me out.

I moved a bunch of stuff to the office - spread the wealth.

I guess I need to consider a way to protect some of the stuff.

I guess if ya get a big enough safe - put it in the closet - along with the home alarm - they'll never be able to open it in that short amount of time.

Have I seen you on WSOP or the PPT - or the WPT I believe?

mike

cravetopps · February 17, 2007 10:22AM

Mike.....make sure your safe is one that you can bolt to the floor. Or, you will need an industrial safe that is more than 300 pounds, to be safe. Of course, that won't keep the Bulgarian Olympic team from stealing your stuff. Funny you mention poker.....I did the first video game on poker (World Championship Poker) with Lederer et al. Nice guy. It did pretty well on PS2/Xbox and frankly was instrumental in providing me with a decent budget for cards!

Stone193 · February 17, 2007 10:27AM

<< Mike.....make sure your safe is one that you can bolt to the floor. Or, you will need an industrial safe that is more than 300 pounds, to be safe. Of course, that won't keep the Bulgarian Olympic team from stealing your stuff. Funny you mention poker.....I did the first video game on poker (World Championship Poker) with Lederer et al. Nice guy. It did pretty well on PS2/Xbox and frankly was instrumental in providing me with a decent budget for cards! >>

Thaxn for the advice.

Wow - did you write the program?

I like Howard and his sister Annie. The one I love to hate? Helmuth and sometimes Matusow.

mike

tennesseebanker · February 17, 2007 10:29AM

I dont know if it holds true anymore, But most deep freezers used to be at least fire resistant. I think you can get a fairly small one for two hundred bucks or less and put a lock on it. It would be a cheap way of storing a lot of cards from fire and theft.

cravetopps · February 17, 2007 10:36AM

Mike.....I did not write the program. That was done by a company in Orange County....a team of about 15 people, actually. Our latest version (X360) has Annie in it as well. My company published the game and I did the deal side with Howard and worked with SONY and Microsoft to get the game concept and design approved.

colebear · February 17, 2007 10:59AM

In this day and age it is my personal belief that we all should have security systems monitored by a reliable 3rd party (brinks, ADT, etc.). I have had one since I bought my first house. I have a brinks system, cost me $600 to have it installed and $30 dollars a month. If you have ever had your home/office broken into, you know how violated you feel afterwards. I would seriously suggest thinking about. For how much I love my cards and also how much I spend each month, $30 is a small price to pay.

I have a friend that thinks his dog is the ultimate security system. I also have a 110 lb dog but he would sell his soul for a steak, at least I know that Brinks is not going to trade my passion for a snack.

CDsNuts · February 17, 2007 11:11AM

Mike,
Tragically, you haven't seen me on TV. I've played two main event tourneys and didn't cash, but I have cashed in a bunch of $500-$2500 buy in tourneys, and just waiting for that big score. It seems whenever I get deep in a tourney I catch a wicked run of cards, so hopefully one will break my way. Regardless of my tourney results, cash games will always be profitable.

Haven't played with Matusow, but Helmuth's whole persona is all schtick for when the camera's are rolling. It's his way of marketing himself, which seems to work out for him financially even if he comes off as a tool sometimes. He's a bit of a sore sport, but not nearly as bad as when the cameras are on him. He was very respectful to me while he was at my table in one of the WSOP events.

Lee

digicat · February 17, 2007 11:20AM

I love looking at my cards. I don't really have them displayed really, but I have a utility shelf assembled inside a closet in our spare bedroom/office that I'll often sit infront of with the door open. I'll pull down some boxes, and go through some cards. I've scanned in most of the cards in my registry sets, so I get to sneak a peak when I'm bored at work.

one of these days, when we have more room, i might put get some binders to display some of my cards. Maybe even some frames to put my autos in.

Jdurg · February 17, 2007 11:59AM

I am constantly looking at my cards mostly because my collection expanded pretty quickly and I ran out of space to house them all. I try and get all of my cards into binders so I can look at them and so they are protected. (I use the somewhat pricey acid-free binder pages. While it is kind of costly, I know that the pages won't destroy my cards over time). I'm currently, still, looking to purchase my first home later this year and having a place to safely store and display my baseball cards, coins, elements, and limited memorabilia is a major factor for me. I want my collections to be safe, but at the same time available to look at when I want to. Individually, I don't have anything in any of my collections that is ultra valuable, but all put together I have a great deal of time and money invested into these collections that I don't want to lose.

meuandthelot · February 17, 2007 1:39PM

<< Every single item I own is all in display cases. It's fun looking at everything and it looks like you're walking into the Hall of Fame when going into my room.

>>

I like it ALOT..it's like a locker room feel too.
Thank you for taking the time to post the pics, bet you're proud...BUT especially so sharing with others of like taste

who really appreciate.

Physically visible...
I've made slab holders(they're 1"-2" x4"wide scraps I get at the local sawmill(sometimes Cherry,Walnut,Beech,Maple,Oak,Pine it varies) I hand sand them and varnish which is fun in itself, then router a slot for the proper tilt) to display about 10-15 graded cards, on my desk a bookshelf, unused shelf in entertainment center, sometimes my nightstand..but only during playoffs or when we need to get off the shnide

which get changed every couple weeks to month, depends on mood, sport and season.

The time spent when I'm thinking/looking for the next displays, then putting away the others really does keep me from getting in that "Why am I really doing this, what do I really like/need, etc" funk as often as I used to.

One other thing I have is a framed 2 1/2' x ~ 3' piece of soft Styrofoam type material(but it's gray & not as brittle) with holes cut into for my etopps or other encased modern/shiny cards.

Thanks tedw9 for the post!!

djspann · February 17, 2007 1:45PM

A friend of mine is building a coffee table to hold all of my slabbed cards. It's still in progress, but it should be great when it is done. It will have 2 glass panels on the top, showing a total of 48 cards beneath the glass. There are drawers throughout the rest of the table, and we expect it will hold 1600-2000 slabs in the drawers.

Doug

Gonblott · February 17, 2007 1:52PM

I just leave my good cards in a safe deposit box in the bank. Anyone else do the same?

jerrywest45 · February 17, 2007 1:54PM

<< A friend of mine is building a coffee table to hold all of my slabbed cards. It's still in progress, but it should be great when it is done. It will have 2 glass panels on the top, showing a total of 48 cards beneath the glass. There are drawers throughout the rest of the table, and we expect it will hold 1600-2000 slabs in the drawers. :

That's a great Idea Doug...I'd love to see a picture when complete.

djspann · February 17, 2007 2:09PM

<< 

<< A friend of mine is building a coffee table to hold all of my slabbed cards. It's still in progress, but it should be great when it is done. It will have 2 glass panels on the top, showing a total of 48 cards beneath the glass. There are drawers throughout the rest of the table, and we expect it will hold 1600-2000 slabs in the drawers. :

That's a great Idea Doug...I'd love to see a picture when complete. >>

Yeah, thanks. I am excited to see it done too. Actually, it was my friend's idea -- I think he wanted an excuse to buy a new table saw.....

Anyway, I will post pictures when it is complete.

For right now, the majority of my stuff is in a few boxes in a closet. I don't see many of the cards often, but I take a peek from time to time.

Doug

Jdurg · February 18, 2007 12:15AM

<< I just leave my good cards in a safe deposit box in the bank. Anyone else do the same? >>

Can't say that I do. Then again, I honestly don't think I have any cards worth more than $100 at the most. I guess that's the good thing of only collecting mainstream modern cards. I don't have to worry about the financial value of any particular card as the era I collect in is wrought with overproduction. (I collect Topps Complete Sets (regular and traded/update) from 1980 through the present).

rise2it · February 19, 2007 2:09PM

I ain't bringing pictures of other men into the bedroom.

(Now, where is that ProSet Jennifer Montana??.....)

1989FleerBillRipkencollector · February 19, 2007 11:23PM

Do I look at what I collect?

Yes !!! And I still get my moneys worth out of doing just that.

50% displayed and rest will be when boys are old enough to view it. (I dont want to explain the FF, C3PO etc. just yet) Sometimes I'm in my corner looking at my cards and I feel like a teenager hiding a magazine from my parents.

lostdart58 · February 20, 2007 12:23AM

I sleep with my cards............................wife slept in the closet.....but left me for a woman.

Uncbob · February 20, 2007 1:01AM

300 lb safe bolted to the basement floor houses my cards and guns

Estil · February 20, 2007 1:14AM

Well, I finally sat down and looked through ALL my Topps sets from 1978-1998. And I must say it was a lot of fun. I most definetly am going to do that more often, especially this one binder I have that has nothing but complete INSERT sets of 1992-95 Fleer and Ultra (still lacking the 1993 Fleer, the four big 1994 Ultra insert sets, and about half the 1995 Ultra insert sets though).

dpfitzell · February 22, 2007 9:33AM

I am a single full time dad, my son just turned 3, I built a small shelf where he could not reach and display some of my things, I am always looking threw my cards and enjoying them.

BigDaddyBowman · February 22, 2007 11:03AM

Fortunately I am able to view my favorite cards in my collection everyday.....I've showed this pic before..but I figured I would post it again. These are the display cases in our family room, so I can look at the cards daily.

bigfische · February 22, 2007 11:20AM

<< Fortunately I am able to view my favorite cards in my collection everyday.....I've showed this pic before..but I figured I would post it again. These are the display cases in our family room, so I can look at the cards daily.

>>

ive always liked this set up, well done

BigRedMachine · February 22, 2007 11:35AM

That is absolutely fantastic looking Bigdaddy.

I think I see a '55 Thorpe Stown and I would love to have!!

Top notch stuff, you should be proud.

shawn

flatfoot816 · February 22, 2007 8:11PM

The fact that it's fireproof and waterproof make it the ideal place to keep my cards. I pull them out every now and then to "organize" them (which is just the excuse I use to look at them).

Sadly, there is no such thing as fireproof or waterproof. Most commercial safes are only "fireproof" to a certain temp. Paper, such as cards and $$, will combust at a high enough temp. The term "fireproof" simply means that the safe will keep the goods intact up to a certain time frame. Hopefully long enough to get the fire dept. at your house. My safe is rated up to 2-3 hours. After that time, what's in it probably will combust. As for water...water will always find a way in. There are holes in all big safes to allow you to bolt the safe to the floor. Fill enough water from a fire hose in that room and it will come in thru those holes. If your safe dealer told you that it is 100% fire and water proof...he did not tell you the truth.

I learned all this when buying my safe, which cost me about $2,500. I too always assumed it was fire proof and water proof. Not true.

I'll post a pic of it later.

As for viewing my collection. My Yaz stuff is on a a series of 9 custom built shelves in my lower level. I have about 20 autographed Ted Williams and other entertainment pictures on the walls. No vintage packs or high end cards. Those are all in safe depo boxes. Nothing over $300 gets displayed. What I do is take digital pics of them and store them on my computer. I then activate the slide show and look at them that way. Not as great as holding them, but this collection is goign to my kids someday and I want to preserve it.

rose14com · February 22, 2007 8:50PM

I made this display, well, it's about 90% finished. I plan on making another one for my 70's Topps stuff of Rose, and one for the 80's Topps of Rose. Seems to make the concrete walls in the basement, a bit more tolerable.

Image is a bit too big to stick in here, so here's a link: pete rose display

I've also been working on a section of my site for pete: pete rose collection

Bunker · February 22, 2007 10:56PM

<< I also have a 110 lb dog but he would sell his soul for a steak, at least I know that Brinks is not going to trade my passion for a snack. >>

Stingray · February 23, 2007 1:04AM

I just bought a 1997 Topps Expos team set. Love the photography on the 97s, some of the best IMHO. Anyway I will actually look at them while watching T.V. reading the information on the back of them. I do look at my 84 Donruss cards about once every couple of weeks.

flatfoot816 · February 23, 2007 2:07AM

pic of the home gun safe--800 lbs. someone gets this out they deserve what's in it

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r81/flatfoot816/13-9.jpg">[/IMG]

Chippy · February 23, 2007 2:11AM

i have actualy come up with a clever way to display my cards, I just bought some magnet boards from ikea, bought magnet tape, stuck it to the topholders and voila, the cards now stick to the magnet board

Do you look at what you collect?

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