Posts by Lana | Rare Finds is a bidorbuy blog about antiques and collectibles, including coins, stamps, gems and militaria

Lana

52 Articles

The fotoverhaal phenomenon

by Lana on October 21, 2019

Do you know that fotoverhaal is one of the most-searched for keywords on bidorbuy? Month after month, it’s up there among the top fifteen or so, rubbing shoulders with high-tech products such as newest models of smartphones. So, what is so special about …

African traditional beadwork

Antiques & Collectables

by Lana on September 18, 2019

While recently browsing through bidorbuy (one of my favourite pastimes), I came upon these lovelies in the Africana section of antiques and collectibles: They are, from left to right, a cascade necklace in Xhosa tradition; a Yoruba diviner’s belt; …

The beauty of the globe

Antiques & Collectables

by Lana on July 25, 2019

There is something special about holding the world in your hands. This feeling was once reserved only for the wealthy and educated members of society. Today, everyone can enjoy the beauty of a globe. World globes, also known as terrestrial gloves, are …

Collecting rocks, crystals and minerals

Gems

by Lana on April 29, 2019

Do you appreciate the beauty of rocks, crystals and minerals? You are not alone. Many people do. Some choose to have an interesting crystal as a decorative element in their home. Some enjoy handling tumbled stones, whether they believe in their …

Antique and vintage cutlery

Antiques & Collectables

by Lana on March 19, 2019

Are you about to throw away those forks and spoons that somehow came to you from a grandmother? I am all in favour of decluttering, but don’t consign your old cutlery to a (hopefully, recycling) dust bin just yet! At least not until after you’ve given …

How to collect wrist watches

Antiques & Collectables

by Lana on December 6, 2018

Traditionally, men were more likely to collect wrist watches than women, and they tended to collect men’s watches. The times are changing. Nowadays, women collect watches too, and many collections are themed around women’s watches. Whether you …

Collecting celebrity memorabilia

Antiques & Collectables

by Lana on November 2, 2018

The appeal of a sweat-drenched T-shirt worn by a superstar may escape those who are not (yet) affected by celebrity culture. However, most of us are to some degree fascinated by celebrities and items used by or associated with celebrities are widely …

Collecting glass paperweights

Antiques & Collectables

by Lana on August 22, 2018

A glass paperweight is a solid object with a flattened base, originally made to hold down papers. The best paperweights are a wonder of design and workmanship. They are recognised as works of art. Paperweights made entirely of glass were first …

Militaria: 6 books on warfare

Militaria

by Lana on July 9, 2018

As every collector knows, half the fun of collecting is in the learning. All collectors want to know the story behind a specific artefact, but to also find out the history relevant to their collection. This is especially true about militaria collectors, …

How much is that in notgeld?

Coins

by Lana on May 16, 2018

What, have you never traded in notgeld currency? No? Well, I hope that you never have to. Notgeld is a German term for emergency currency, and it does not take an economics brainiac to figure out that emergency currency is not a good thing: it means …

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