History of Things
Fascinating stories about cult objects, brands and their creators. Emotional longreads about things with soul.
Articles (22)
The History of Perfumery: Collecting Vintage Fragrances
Collecting vintage fragrances is a fascinating hunt for the perfume treasures of the past. Perfumes are generally considered vintage if they were released at least 15-20 years ago, but bottles that are 50 years old or more are of particular interest to collectors. This is not just about buying old perfumes, but about the opportunity to touch history in a bottle.
History of Things
Read More →
Mysteries of Antique Maps: How Geographical Atlases Became Works of Art
Initially, geographical maps were purely practical tools, vital for sailors, merchants, and explorers. They helped to plot routes, avoid dangers, and reach distant lands. Over time, however, maps ceased to be mere diagrams and evolved into something more.
History of Things
Read More →
Legendary Cars: The Stories of Ferrari, Porsche, and Other Automotive Icons
There are thousands of car models in the world, but only a few achieve the status of an icon. A legendary car is more than just metal and mechanics. It is history frozen in form, a symbol of an era, and an object of desire for millions. Such cars become collectibles not by chance, but thanks to a unique combination of factors that make them stand out from the rest.
History of Things
Read More →
Marvel and DC Comics: How Illustrated Stories Became Part of Mainstream Culture and Expensive Lots
Once, comics were simple magazines sold at newsstands for just 10 cents. No one could have guessed that these cheap booklets with illustrated stories about heroes in tights would eventually turn into a cultural phenomenon and objects of multi-million dollar investments. Their journey from mass entertainment to expensive collector's items is the story of an entire era.
History of Things
Read More →
Not Just Toys: The History of Toy Soldiers as Military Miniatures
Figures of warriors have accompanied humanity since ancient times. Miniature depictions of soldiers, meant to serve them in the afterlife, were found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. In Ancient Rome and Greece, clay and bronze statuettes of warriors were used as toys and ritual objects.
History of Things
Read More →
The History of Silverware: From Tsarist Feasts to Family Heirlooms
The history of silverware in Russia is closely linked to the era of Peter the Great and his efforts to Europeanize the lifestyle of the nobility. Until the 18th century, silver tableware was a privilege exclusively for the tsarist court and the highest nobility, but it was Peter's reforms that initiated the widespread adoption of silver sets as a symbol of status and wealth.
History of Things
Read More →
The Evolution of the Camera: From Camera Obscura to the Legendary 'Leica'
The path to the creation of photography began long before the invention of film and lenses. The foundation of it all was the camera obscura, which translates from Latin as 'dark room.' This simple optical device, known since the time of Aristotle, is a light-proof box with a small hole in one of its walls.
History of Things
Read More →
Behind Every Postcard – a Story: A Guide to the World of Deltiology
Collecting postcards, or deltiology, is much more than just a hobby. It's a way to connect with history, art, and geography through small cardboard cards that once traveled the world, carrying news, greetings, and views of distant cities.
History of Things
Read More →
Soviet Christmas Ornaments: Nostalgia Embodied in Glass
The history of Soviet Christmas tree decorations begins not with glass, but with simpler and more accessible materials. In the 1930s, after the official return of the New Year's tree as a children's holiday, factories began mass-producing ornaments from pressed cotton wool, papier-mâché, and cardboard.
History of Things
Read More →
Vinyl Returns: The History and Magic of Analog Sound
In a world where music is available with a single click through streaming services, a surprising phenomenon is being observed—the return of vinyl records. This renaissance of analog sound attracts not only seasoned collectors but also a new generation of listeners seeking a deeper and more meaningful interaction with music. Vinyl has ceased to be just a medium, transforming into a cultural symbol and an artifact of special value.
History of Things
Read More →
From Postal Necessity to Treasure: The Story of the First Postage Stamp
Until the mid-19th century, Great Britain's postal system was in a state of chaos. Sending a letter was an expensive and complicated affair, full of illogical rules. The main burden of the cost fell not on the sender, but on the recipient, which often led to refusals to accept correspondence.
History of Things
Read More →
Legendary Rolex Watches: The History of Models That Changed the World
The history of Rolex is a story of a relentless pursuit of perfection. Founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, the company focused from the very beginning on creating precise and reliable wristwatches, which was a revolutionary idea at the time. A key breakthrough was the creation of the world's first waterproof and dustproof Oyster case in 1926, which proved its reliability by crossing the English Channel on the wrist of swimmer Mercedes Gleitze.
History of Things
Read More →
How Soviet Porcelain Became a Collector's Hunt
Once, porcelain figurines and dinner sets were found in almost every Soviet home, decorating sideboard shelves and considered a sign of prosperity. Today, these items have become objects of desire for collectors, and prices for rare pieces at Christie's and Sotheby's auctions can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
History of Things
Read More →
The History of the Iconic Zippo Lighter: From the Trenches to Hollywood
The Zippo story begins in 1932 in Bradford, Pennsylvania. Its creator, George Grant Blaisdell, decided to improve upon a cumbersome Austrian lighter, making it not only elegant but also extremely functional. The main goal was to create a lighter that would work even in strong winds and could be operated with one hand.
History of Things
Read More →
Rare British Gold Sovereign: The Story of a Unique George VI Coin
Among the many collectible coins, the British gold sovereign holds a special place. This coin is known worldwide, but some examples stand out even among their peers. One such coin is the 1937 gold sovereign, minted during the reign of King George VI.
History of ThingsCollector's Guide
Read More →
1886 Morgan Dollar: Popularity and Grading
Morgan Dollars, often called 'Morgan Bucks,' enjoy enduring and high popularity. These coins are considered legendary, and their demand among collectors is expected to continue for many years to come.
Collector's GuideHistory of Things
Read More →
The History of the Imperial Fabergé Eggs
The tradition of giving precious Fabergé eggs for Easter originated with Emperor Alexander III. In 1885, the fifth year of his reign, he decided to give an unusual gift to his wife, Empress Maria Feodorovna, who was a Danish princess born in Copenhagen.
History of ThingsInvestments
Read More →
Soviet Christmas Ornaments: Nostalgia Embodied in Glass
For many who grew up in the USSR, an old box of Christmas ornaments is a true portal to childhood. Fragile glass baubles, clip-on figurines, and cotton-wool animals evoke a warm feeling of nostalgia. However, these decorations are more than just family heirlooms. They are silent witnesses to history, reflecting in their design all the key events, ideological attitudes, and cultural trends of a vast country. From the first cardboard figures symbolizing the new Soviet era to cosmonauts celebrating scientific breakthroughs, each ornament told its own small story against the backdrop of a larger one.
History of ThingsCollector's Guide
Read More →
Legendary Rolex Watches: The History of Models That Changed the World
The history of Rolex is not just the story of a watch brand, but a chronicle of a relentless pursuit of perfection. The company's founder, Hans Wilsdorf, set an ambitious goal from the very beginning: to create wristwatches that were not only elegant but also exceptionally precise and reliable. In the early 20th century, wristwatches were considered fragile and inaccurate female accessories, while men preferred pocket chronometers. Wilsdorf was convinced that the future belonged to the wristwatch, if its main problems—vulnerability to dust and moisture—could be solved.
History of ThingsCollector's Guide
Read More →
The 15 Ruble Gold Coin of 1897: History and Value of Nicholas II's 'Imperial'
The 15 ruble gold coin of 1897 appeared during the reign of Emperor Nicholas II. Its issuance was a direct consequence of the monetary reform carried out by Sergei Yulyevich Witte in 1895–1897. The main goal of the reform was to introduce gold monometallism in Russia, modeled after Great Britain, to strengthen the financial system.
History of ThingsInvestments
Read More →
New 5-Ruble Paper Bill: Unboxing, Review, and Reaction to the 2023 Banknote
Banknotes with a face value of 5 rubles have reappeared in circulation. These bills, being a supplemental printing of the 1997 design, were manufactured in 2022. They are supplied in sealed bank packages, so-called 'bricks,' each containing 1,000 banknotes for a total value of 5,000 rubles.
Collector's GuideHistory of Things
Read More →
Overview of a Collection of Russian Empire Silver Coins
The first page of the album is dedicated to large silver coins from the late 19th century. The centerpiece is the commemorative coronation rubles, issued in honor of the accession to the throne of the last two Russian emperors.
Collector's GuideHistory of Things
Read More →