Bottle Collecting For Beginners

The first thing to consider when starting a bottle collection is specialization. You need to think about what types of bottles you want to collect. In the beginning of the collection, you can have a few different types, but as the collection gets larger, it would be better to select one or two different types of bottles to collect to prevent the bottle collection from getting too large and having no similar traits between pieces. Deciding on collecting one brand of bottle, or bottles from a certain period can be a good definer to the collection. Another thing to consider collecting is odd shaped or designed bottles, such as bottles with the shape or design of sports equipment, bottles representing certain events or dates, or bottles that have unique labels and markings. Specifying what type of bottle you wish to collect gives you direction and helps refine searches for the next display piece in the collection.

Another thing to consider when starting collecting bottles is where to get them. In the beginning garage sales, junk stores, and swap meets are good places to look. You will be able to find many different types of bottles at anyone of these places, and the price is usually very low. This allows you to get your feet wet in bottle collecting without huge money expenditure in the start. Antique stores and outlets that deal strictly with collectable items are usually best to avoid in the beginning, and they tend to be more expensive, and this can limit the amount of bottles you start with.

Once you set your boundaries and your type of collection, you can begin to search out specific bottles that you want for your collection. This is when the Internet and antique dealers come into play. Be prepared to spend more money on these pieces, and do not be surprised if you come across bottles that cost a couple of hundred dollars. Internet auction sites can be a good place to look for bottles, as well. Any time you are searching an auction or collectable site on the Internet, remember to make sure you know what you are getting. Sometimes pictures on a computer do not tell the entire story, and you might wind up getting something that described as being in better shape or quality. Make sure you check the return policy and complaint procedures for any site you are considering buying from, and be sure that if the deal is not what it was cracked up to be, that you do have options for resolution of the problems.

Now you have a collection started, where to keep them. A good suggestion is a simple wooden shelf for displaying them. This is an inexpensive option, with most box type shelves with an open front and back can be built for less than $50.00. As the collection grows and more pieces that are valuable are introduced, the display method can improve as well, introducing stained shelves, and glass door cabinets. Choosing how to display the collection is an individual preference, just as the type of collection is. Vintage bottles can look great in a detailed, stained cabinet with latching glass doors, but can look equally as well on a more rustic shelf.