10 Great Tips For Any Collector

• Never use really hot or really cold water to clean your glass figurines because this could cause damage that can't be fixed.  Use dish washing liquid and a soft toothbrush along with warm water.  Rinse and then dry with terrycloth.
• Never put your old dishes in the dishwasher especially if they have a gold or platinum trim. Hand wash only.
• Don't throw away those broken pieces of antique plates.  Hang them on the wall right with the perfect all-in-one-piece plates for an eclectic style all your own.  They also work great for creating a border for a flower garden.  Or how about trimming your side walk with them.
• Before 1930, you could find Santa Claus pictured wearing a blue or mauve suit.  Old items picturing Santa with a suit that's not red is worth more.
• Mix one tablespoon bleach into one quart of warm water and wipe on spots of mold when found on furniture.  This should kill the mold.
• Metallic glazes have been used on pottery since the 16th century.
• Silver dollars were replaced by casino chips in the 1950's and these chips are collectible.  Rare ones will sell for a high price.  You should only clean them if absolutely necessary like most collectibles.  Keep them in a binder away from sunlight.
• A dress without a zipper usually dates before the 1940's.  Side zippers were used in dresses in the 1940's and 50's.  Metal zippers dates a dress before 1970. Because after that, zippers are plastic.
• Remove old glue when repairing loose rungs or parts of chairs with vinegar by dripping it into any hole with a small oil can
• If you or someone you know is turning 80 or even older, you can request a greeting card from the White House.  Contact your US senator or representative or write directly to the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC 20502.  A 50th wedding anniversary warrants a greeting card request too.  These cards will be collectible in future years.
• Old rule for judging the age of an antique.  The owner's age plus 25 years for each generation that previously owned it.
  

So what do you collect?  I would love to hear all about your collections.  Pics are good too.  Just let me know in a comment.