Sea shells and other sea treasure collections are a hot commodity in today's collecting market.
The love of the sea has created a new breed of sea treasure aficionados, amassing everything from unique fishing lures to tin lithographed sand pails. Whether you are a fisherman or just fishing for compliments, fishing artifacts include hand tied feather flies, bamboo rods and aluminum tackle boxes.
Sea shells have been valued and treasured for centuries for both their aesthetic value and historical accounts. Iroquois used the 'quahog' shell to create money belts. Victorian sewing boxes were encrusted with coquinas and cowries in the 1930's. Shells were a highly notable commodity for trade and bartering as well.
Various treasures can be grouped in different settings or themes. Create a theme of sailors, and you can amass anything from sailor boys from the 1930's to pamphlets.
Love combing the beach for shells and glass? Enjoy the fruit of your labor by arranging the shells on a flowerpot, or creating a mosaic combining the shells with some lures or even an antique sand-pail shovel adjacent to some sun-dried starfish.
Many sea treasure collectibles can be found at garage sales. Purchasing a discarded aquarium can be an excellent showcase for your ships, sand castles, shells and beach glass, along with figurines in a charming display. Auctions are another excellent source for finding tugboats, sailboats, and sand pails. Consider that rust and dents lower the value of the potential collectible when making your bid, and enjoy your treasures of the sea!
