Baseball cards are one of the most common items for collectors to search for. Over generations, dozens of companies have tried to be the number one business in this billion dollar industry. Topps baseball cards have the most popular and long running series of baseball cards for nearly sixty years. Since 1951, they have been releasing different sets show casing some of the stars of America's pastime. Any avid collector has multiple series of Topps baseball cards, some being incredibly valuable.

It started in 1951 when the Topps company began producing cards similar to a deck of playing cards. One hundred and four cards different cards were released in total, in two decks of fifty-two. Few know that the original intent of Topps baseball cards couldn't be further from the purpose of today's cards. Instead of being collectible, the cards were designed to play a card game that recreated the plays of baseball. The cards had a player's image drawn on the front and the back was either blue or red. It came as a shock to the company when baseball fans began holding on to the cards instead of playing the game. A lightbulb went off and the Topps baseball card industry was soon to bloom.

The next year, 1952, Topps released a total of four hundred and seven cards and sold them with packs of bubblegum. For the first time, both sides of the card could be displayed. The front still featured an image of a baseball star, this time painted in oil by artist Gerry Dvorak. The back now listed different statistics and facts about that particular player. Fans ate up the new style and the new form of Topps baseball cards was an immediate hit. A few years later, Topps switched to color photographs instead of oil paintings to be more cost effective and decreased the size of the cards to two and a half inches by three and a half inches. This slightly smaller scale is still the size of most baseball cards sold today.

Topps baseball cards quickly became the number one selling baseball card on the market. There were competitors, however. Bowman, Donruss and Fleer were the three largest rivals of Topps over the years and try as they did, they simply could not keep up. At that time, players would sign an exclusive contract to have their likeness portrayed on one specific brand of baseball card and no other. Competition was fierce and as Topps grew, many companies tried to copy their marketing techniques or sought legal action to bring down the new titan of baseball cards. It seemed that nothing could stop Topps baseball cards from staying on top and the company has continued to thrive despite monopoly allegations, baseball strikes and the demise of rival companies.

Today, Topps baseball cards stays relevant by marketing though the Internet. In affiliation with eBay, the exclusive line of etopps baseball cards was released in 2000. These cards were sold only on line through auctions and pre-ordering. Another site, ThePit.com allowed Topps baseball cards to be traded and sold similar to stocks on the stock market. Thousands of forums, fan sites and unofficial Topps baseball card sales sites cement Topps as a leader in baseball cards and reassure fans and collectors that the marketing giant won't be going anywhere any time soon.

Baseball cards have been a popular collectible for generations. Some of the marketing strategies used by various baseball card companies has been strokes of pure genius. In the early days of this budding hobby, baseball cards were sold for next to nothing with a piece of bubblegum or other candy. They were placed in the front of the store where it was impossible to miss and children would beg and plead with their moms and dads until they got their cards. Adults found that the cards came with their tobacco and found joy in collecting.

More recently, baseball cards are sold across the Internet. One website initiated a system comparable to the stock market. Prices and values would change throughout the day and card collectors felt the pressure to grab their own holy grails in the form of a laminated cardboard. Though this site is no longer in business, it is just one of many examples of how baseball card companies have used brilliant sales tactics to bring a five cent card up in value to hundreds of thousands of dollars. While many baseball cards are costly, a select few are appraised at over one million dollars.

There are many pieces of the puzzle in deciding what makes a valuable baseball card. Of course, the fame of the baseball player featured on the card is a major factor. Everyone has heard of players like Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth. Even those not familiar with baseball cards or the sport itself for that matter are familiar with the legacies left behind by these greats. The Lou Gehrig 1933 Goudey PSA 10 card, the Mickey Mantle 1952 Topps PSA 9, and the Babe Ruth 1914 Baltimore News SGC 40 cards are all appraised at prices ranging from $275,000 (Lou Gherig) to $282,000 (Mickey Mantle) to $517,000 (Babe Ruth). Though their bodies are long gone from baseball, their legends carry on and keepsakes from their heydays continue to rake in the big bucks.

The age and condition of a card is another component in deciding whether or not yours is a valuable baseball card. Condition will always be important, but to own a baseball card that is almost a hundred years old and still in pristine condition may make you a very rich person. Protective plastic, card holders held together with screws or zip up pouches are essential in making sure cards don't fall victim to time and the elements. Perhaps you are questioning if an old card is really a valuable baseball card. There are less than a hundred of the 1909-1911 Eddie Plank T206 PSA 6 card, worth around $188,000. The increased rarity is due, in part, to its age and basic rule of collecting says "the more rare, the more valuable the baseball card".

If nearly $200,000 isn't a big enough chunk of change for you, perhaps you may want to go on a hunt for the Honus Wagner 1909-1911 T206 PSA 8 card. Only a few hundred of this card were ever produced and even less are known to exist today. Recently, the card sold for $2.8 million dollars, securing its spot as the most valuable baseball card in existence.

Like most modern basics, the bookcase evolved out of necessity. When book publishing began to grow as an industry, wealthy and religious households bought volumes in larger numbers, presenting the problem of proper storage. Because of the reverential nature of religious and scientific texts, the bulk of what was published early on, purchasers wanted to find a way to store their tomes so as to prevent decay, rotting and waste. An initial solution was to store books in kitchen cupboard shelves. Doors were discarded in short order; owning books, especially enough to need shelving, was a symbol of economic status, and doors prevented the volumes from being properly displayed. This was the beginning of the modern bookcase.

Some of the oldest bookcases of note are located at the library of Oxford University in England. Installed at the very end of the sixteenth century, the cases are made of solid wood and constructed in the simplest, most unadorned way.

Antique bookcases can be made of wood, plaster, iron or bronze, though wood is the most common medium. Styles can range from austere to ornate depending on the country, era and manufacturer.  When shopping for an antique bookcase, its important to do research before hand, so that you know exactly what kind of bookcase you want to purchase. Because the collection of books is a universal activity, antique bookcases come from all over the world, which means that the material and style of these bookcases can vary greatly. Some of the styles that are easiest to find are oriental, Georgian and revolving.

Antique bookcases can lend a sense of charm, sophistication or glamor to your home, depending on the style of your decor and the type of case purchased. To that end, you should keep a few elements in mind when shopping. First, keep in mind the size and scale of your room. A small room with a low ceiling is probably best suited by lower, English style book shelves while a larger space with vaulted ceilings would easily accommodate the taller, more ornate French style bookcases. Mind the space you have available in your room and take into account the kinds of books you'll be storing in the antique bookcase. Avoid glass shelved bookcases if you'll be storing heavy volumes, but for displaying dainty figurines or light weight objects of a delicate nature, stay away from bulkier wood shelving. As with any antique purchase, be sure the manufactures mark is visible at the bottom or back of the piece, and purchase from a reputable dealer to avoid counterfeits.

The wide array of antique chairs on the market can overwhelm the first time shopper. Still, if you take some time to familiarize yourself with the most common styles of antique chairs, you'll find yourself navigating the market with ease and expertise.

Developed during the Regency period in Paris, the French bergère was designed as a lounge piece. The style rose in popularity between 1715 and 1723, with slight design evolution in the following decades.  This style first appeared in Paris during the Regency period, 1715-1723 and the style was refined in subsequent periods.The French bergère style is similar to an armchair and features an upholstered frame, arms and back. The variety in bergères comes in the different types of wood, carving and molding used to create and decorate the chair. Depending on the region and era that the chair came from, the piece may also feature wood that is gilded, painted or coated with wax for a shiny gloss.   The bergère chair will always have a separate but tailor fitted seat cushion.

The most popular and prolific style of antique chair is the Chippendale. Because of its popularity, there is are many different types of Chippendales, but all have a single unifying characteristic: the open back chair. The open back might be cut out, interlaced or woven.

The French fauteuil is the most popular style of French Antique chairs. Developed during the 18th century, the fauteuil is an open-arm chair with an upholstered wood frame. The wood frame also features carved relief ornamentation and an upholstered seat, back and arms. The upholstered wood frame segments that are exposed typically feature either painted surfaces or gilding.

The Hepplewhite chair's hallmark features are a shield shaped chair backing, shorter, curved arms and straight legs.  Meanwhile, the 18th century English Queen Anne style features cabriole legs, carved scroll work and a horseshoe shaped seat.

When shopping for an antique chair, keep in mind the style and space the chair will be going into. The intended use of the chair will be the determining factor in how sturdy the chair you are purchasing should be. A decorative piece that will not be used often can afford to have more ornamental features and less sturdy construction, while a dining room chair or living room seating that will receive lots of use should be constructed of solid wood and have a greater load bearing capability. Also keep in mind that upholstery will wear with extended use, so pieces that will see higher traffic should be upholstered with higher quality, denser fabrics.

There is no quicker way to add glamor, style, sophistication or charm to any room in the house than with a well selected piece of antique furniture.

It is a common misconception that antique furniture only works with very traditional or even Victorian style rooms, nothing could be further from the truth. In point of fact, a well chosen piece of antique furniture can elevate the style of any design whether the space is modern, kitschy, retro, global or even minimalist. The trick is to select pieces that wither blend in (homogenize) with decor or provide rich contrast. Antique furniture can be grouped into four basic categories by location of origin: English (Victorian, Pre-Victorian), European (French or German, usually), American (Shaker, New York, Western) or Far Eastern (Chinese, date/era specific). 

While there are no hard and fast rules on the subject, collectors, dealer and historians agree that a piece of furniture is considered antique if it is more than 100 years old. In order to be a successful antique shopper, it is vital that you study and familiarize yourselves with the hallmarks of the most popular styles. For the occasional antique shopper, of if you're only looking to purchase one piece, you can skip the more intensive, broad scope study and zero in on information pertaining to the type of piece you're looking to acquire. History, art history and antique guide books are all readily available at bookstores, online or at the local library. Being prepared with this type of information before purchasing will help you to get a great price and avoid scams or counterfeit pieces.

The construction of antique furniture out of solid woods both rare and fine grade makes it an investment that, if well maintained, will almost certainly increase in value over time. The value of wood pieces is determined both by the condition and type of wood. The highly prized woods include mahogany, oak, walnut and pine. When shopping look for pieces with the original hardware and avoid pieces that may have been refurbished, refinished or redone. Be sure to inspect the piece completely, keeping in mind that slightly wobbly or shaky legs are usually a sign of authenticity and original fittings.

Once purchased, retaining the value of your antique piece will require vigilant maintenance. Never use lemon oil on the wood of your antique furniture, as this will cause drying and actually damage the wood and diminish your purchases value. Instead, use cleaning products and polishes are primarily made of natural beeswax.

Antique tables are usually divided into categories based on their use. Purchasing an antique table is both a smart investment and a savvy decorating move. Antique tables infuse a sense of style and charm into a room without sacrificing functionality.

For example, buying an antique end table is one way to spice up an otherwise boring piece of furniture that rarely gets a second look. The benefit of an antique end table is that you can take style risks that might be much more dangerous with larger pieces of furniture. The relatively obscure nature of the end table and its "low man on the totem pole' status allows one to experiment with bold color, construction or mediums without tearing a room apart. Using an antique end table will allow the purchaser to show some flare without breaking the conventions or design restraints of a room.

A slightly bolder move, the antique coffee table allows the purchaser to make a statement and create a central focal point in the room. Here again the purchaser can make a riskier style choice with the hedge security of the pieces minor role in the furniture landscape. While an antique coffee table make a decidedly stronger statement than an antique end table, the nature of the table's function (to hold books, vases and other display items) makes it a still safer option than a larger piece of antique furniture.

Perhaps the strongest design choice when it comes to antique tables is a dining table. Far from being relegated to country or rustic styles, an antique dining table can inspire even the most modern design, infusing a sense of unexpected sophistication into the space.

Caring for your antique tables takes a little bit of common sense and a whole lot of diligence. If the table is in a high traffic area, regular dusting will help prevent nicks and scratches to the surface caused by dragging weighted items (like books, plates, cups or lamps) across the surface when its covered with particles or debris. Regular dusting and polishing will preserve the wood on your table which helps retain and grow your antique tables value. Avoid using drugstore brand cleaners and wood soaps, and always avoid cleaners with lemon oil as an ingredient. Lemon oil may impart a pleasant smell, but it will also dry out the wood of your antique table, decreasing its long term value and making it prone to splintering and breakage.

If collecting action figures is your hobby, then you have something in common with millions of people around the world. There are specialist collectors who will only dabble in rare and expensive merchandise, but they are in a minority. Not many people are interested in spending thousands of dollars on a first edition Darth Vader doll and would prefer to get cheap action figures to add to their collection.

You are certain to find bargains if you go online. There are a plethora of stores that will offer you great deals on the latest action heroes. Cheap action figures don’t have to be of dubious quality and this is evidenced by the new Batman the Brave and Bold Batman set. As well as buying the caped crusader himself in a variety of different costumes, you can also buy a fantastic figure of one of the villains he is trying to thwart known as Rubberneck.

If you would prefer the thrill of any auction, you can go to eBay or OLA and bid for your favorite action figures. These sites are the best place to find cheap action figures that are of the highest quality. For example, you can bid on one of McFarlane’s Beatles Yellow Submarine figures for a much lower price than you would expect to pay in regular retail shop or even on an online shop. Also, you will come across action figures that you believed were sold out and were desperate to find. Of course, the key is not to let the seller know that you are anxious to purchase it.

And you never know, you may even be the beneficiary of either a mistake by a seller or else one who does not know the value of what they have. Occasionally, eagle-eyed collectors will spot a cheap action figure on one of these auctions that is worth quite a lot of money. Now the moral thing to do if you’re not interested in that toy is to inform the seller that they are massively under-pricing their figure. Of course, in this dog eat dog world, this almost never happens. So if you do see a vintage action figure masquerading as a cheap action figure, be sure to snap it up as soon as you can.

Collectors who successfully manage this will feel no qualms about picking up such a bargain at someone else’s expense because they will deem it just reward for taking the time to develop their collecting skills and effectively utilising them.

Collectors knives come in a wide variety of choices, with some collectors looking for knives from specific eras, that are made by certain companies and have particular designs. For newcomers, the world of collectors knives can be a confusing place and guidance is required before they know precisely what the are looking for and what they should pay for a particular knife.

The first step is deciding what kind of knives interest you the most. This requires you to do lots of research online and you should also visit a shop to get the physical feel of the knives on display. Perhaps the Chambriard range of folding knives with their beautifully handcrafted handles will take your fancy or else you may fall in love with any one of the popular Buck knives that are well regarded amongst knife collectors.

Your next consideration should be your budget. Unfortunately, your dream knife may be out of your price range for now, but it is still important to know what your favorite collectors knives are. If you immediately start off with your budget before looking at what’s on offer, you could restrict yourself from brands you will be able to afford later on. For now you may have to settle for something less than your ideal, but that doesn’t mean you cannot buy something fantastic. The Official Price Guide to Collectors Knives is on sale every year, so pick up a copy to get accustomed to the various prices.

Although you are starting off at the bottom rung, you should still take any opportunity you can to attend local knife shows and exhibitions and try and converse with the many knife experts that will be in attendance. Most of them will be thrilled to help a newcomer and could give you valuable tips. These shows will also give you a first hand look at how the collectors knives sales industry works and you will also become familiar any alien terminology.

Following on from the previous advice, join a local knife club. If none are available, there are hundreds of choices online. Again, this will give you the opportunity to talk with fellow knife lovers and you could perhaps build up a network. This is always handy when you are looking to sell or if you’re after a hard to find model.

Use these contacts and your own research to spot the hundreds of fakes on sale. Collectors knives are highly sought after items and there will always be devious people looking to profit. Be sure to help your fellow club members by informing them of any fakes that you spot. By being a team player, you can help all knife collectors enjoy buying, selling and admiring genuine, high quality knives with beautiful designs.

Harley Davidson, a company that is said to be worth approximately $4.34 billion dollars in 2009, is known to have designed some of the best motorcycles ever made. A study was done back in 1987 that reflected that half of all Harley riders were under the age of 35. But in 2005, studies showed that the average age went up to 46. Today, Harley riders come in all ages. Everybody wants to enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride down the long highways.

You may already have a few of the Harley Davidson accessories such as the helmet, sunglasses or leather outfit, but it's one thing that you're missing. If you want to be a true Harley Davidson fan and represent the company then you should invest into some of the Harley Davidson posters. They could fit quite well in your home or garage where you store your Harley.

People hang posters on their walls for many reasons. They add art and design to the room and some people put up posters for advertising purposes. Posters are said to be dated back to 1870 and have become very popular to date. Harley Davidson posters are very popular. There are all kinds of Harley Davidson posters to choose from. The Harley Davidson Legend poster is one poster that many come to admire. It features all different styles of the Harley Davidson motorcycles available. If a question ever came up about all the different types of Harley bikes, then this poster could be used as a reference.

The Harley Davidson Flat Track poster shows two riders on their bikes making a sharp turn on a track. This poster gives an impression that Harley bikes will be able to give you easy steering controls that will allow you to make turns easily. Another classy poster is the 1937 Harley Davidson ELS Knucklehead poster. It shows the bike standing alone waiting for a rider to take it for a ride. Another bike that stands alone is the 1914 Harley Davidson Board Track Racer. The bike is shown with white tires that will remind you of the white-wall style tires that are featured on Cadillac cars.

A different type of Harley Davidson poster is the 1948 Harley Davidson Panhead poster. This poster will draw attention from its hardcore pink body. The motorcycle's all pink body is unique and quite different from most motorcycle designs. But if you're looking for a poster with a motorcycle featured by some graffiti, then the Harley Davidson Heritage Softail poster is the best poster that will fit your needs.

Rat Knives are sought after by those interested in collecting the variety of these knives available as well as for their general use which includes hunting and fishing. These knives will lose their luster, and their value, if their blades are allowed to dull. Here are some tips on keeping your collection of Rat Knives sharp and valuable as well as analyzing some of the best Rat Knives on the market.

ONTARIO RAT 1 FOLDER FOLDING KNIFE BLACK SERRATED

US $19.99

ONTARIO RAT 1 FOLDER FOLDING KNIFE LINERLOCK SERRATED

US $19.99

ONTARIO RAT 7 SERRATED 1095 FIXED BLADE KNIFE CAMPING

US $89.99

Don’t take too long between sharpening. It is far better to sharpener frequently. When sharpening your Rat Knives, you shouldn’t make the blade too thin as it will not last nearly as long. If possible, make the blade wedge-shaped when sharpening as this will allow you to use it for longer without worrying about the it dulling.

The Izula, (from RAT cutlery) is an ideal hunting knife, as it is just over 6 inches in length. This means that you can carry it with you wherever you go. It is made from carbon steel, and has an extremely durable and sharp edge. This particular brand of Rat Knife is what is known as ‘skeletonized’ which means that there is no handle as such. The blade is all one piece including a stub which works as a handle. If you find this hard to handle, there is always the option of wrapping it in something to make it easier to grip.

Master Cutlery RIVER RAT pocket Knife NEW bray

US $7.95

Germany Boker 35 Red Bone Rat Congress Pocket Knife

US $49.95

Ontario RAT 1 Black AUS 8 Folding Pocket Knife Fine NIB

US $13.50

Swamp Rat Knife Works is another well renowned maker of Rat Knives for survivalists and hunters. It was formed in 2002, and has since successfully fitted into this niche market. It produces high quality Rat Knives at prices that any woodsman can afford. Their new ‘Howling Rat’ is only 4.5 inches long, but it has a fine, sharp blade that could conceivably be used for shaving. The ‘mousepad and sandpaper’ technique is ideal for this and all other kinds of Rat Knives in order to keep them sharp. For a small knife, the handle on it is quite easy to handle yet allows for a good grip.

Rat Knives are a huge favorite amongst those who like to test themselves against mother nature and need an all-purpose knife to help them do this. Their size makes them quite easy to conceal, so you will not inducing panic on those you pass by on your way to hunting or fishing. While they are collector’s items, great care must be taken as they are exceptionally sharp. No one under legal age should be allowed to handle Rat Knives at any time, and they should be stored safely away in your home at all times, do not leave them lying around.

Swamp Rat Busse knives Howling Rat HRLM sheath

US $29.99

RODENT WAKI sheath SWAMP RAT KNIFE Busse SCRAPYARD

US $60.00

Custom Paracord Knife Lanyards FITS BusseSwamp Rat x4

US $6.98