We all have those special collectibles that our grandparents gave us, or we found at the flea market or that we found while out collecting in the field as was my case both pre and post buying my first metal detector. We then are faced with a dilemma. How do we get these out where we can enjoy them on a day to day basis? It isn’t much fun to have something we love get buried in a box in the garage or stuffed in a drawer to be forgotten until we accidentally stumble across it.

I wanted to solve the problem for two reasons. One, as stated above, is I love to see and show off what I have collected through the years, I have Indian artifacts that I found in high school and college (and some more recently). I have buttons and artifacts found with my metal detectors, and I have the things that my wife and I have collected on our outings. This includes anything from Native American pottery, to shells collected on the beach, to Kachinas purchased from talented Native American wood carvers.

The second reason was that I needed a way to carry some of these items so that I could speak to groups in a show and tell history lesson. I speak to social groups, professional groups, and school groups. It is something I enjoy and something that gets my audience minds to spinning.

The value of a good curio cabinet.

First let me say, I don’t have enough of these. Currently much of our pottery occupies the one we have leaving my shells, rocks and minerals, gold nuggets and other small one of a kind items homeless.  We have had ours a while but when we get a new one, I will ensure that there are small LEDs on each shelf to show the items in reduced light circumstances. Hopefully soon I can wire this one which should be relatively simple.

The Beauty of Wood

My daughter enjoys working with wood and makes us simple two piece stands to put some of our Kachinas on the walls. Others adorn furniture and shelves. They are also useful if you are a collector of crystals and other items that are showy in brilliant light. One word of warning, though; these should not be in traffic areas as they may get bumped and your prized item may do its best Humpty Dumpty imitation.  Also it is a good idea to secure the item to the shelf with double sided take or Velcro for safety.

Large and Small Frames

Most of us have seen frames of Indian Artifacts arranged in pleasing designs that show off the intricacies of the artifacts while catching your eyes with the artful display. I have done this with everything from the afore mentioned artifacts to mining artifacts, military artifacts, and buttons found in ghost towns over a hundred years old.

In addition, I like to show those special items off in small frames that command full attention of the viewer. This usually contains a special artifact and a related item about the historical significance of the item. I found a 6 pence hammered silver coin in England produced when Edward VI, the boy king, was ruling England from 1547 until 1553. The item is mounted in a frame with a postcard of Edward VI. Another is a trade token from the oldest saloon in Leadville, Colorado. The one I am currently working on also is Leadville related. It will have a souvenir from the Ice Palace that was a major attraction in Leadville in 1895.I have an acquaintance who bought a Salvador Dali tie on the internet and has it nicely mounted in a frame as a true piece of art.

So What’s Your Point?

If you have things you enjoy, get them out where you can enjoy them and share them with others. There is so much you can do.  Sports cards and memorabilia, military mementos, railroad items, ceramic and porcelain; all are perfect for display.

You will find it challenging and rewarding and you can enjoy your Treasured Pasts.