Famous people through collectibles: Alexander Bell

These days we can not imagine our lives without phones. It is a part of everyone and often even a defining factor for a person. Alexander Graham Bell, a scientist and inventor, was born on March 3, 1847. He is mostly known for his invention of the telephone.

Stamp, Alexander Graham Bell, Canada, 1947, Colnect Catalog

There are many stamps and other collectibles, which were dedicated to Alexander Bell. Many collectibles usually have illustrations of his portrait or the telephone to celebrate his invention. You can find these collectibles on Colnect.

Stamp, First Telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, Bulgaria, 1976, Colnect Catalog

Alexander Bell was born in Scotland and later moved to Canada. There he began his career as an elocution teacher. Even though the telephone was Bell's most famous invention, his contributions to the world don't end there. 

Erfinder 4 - Alexander Graham Bell, Germany, Federal Republic, 2002, Colnect Catalog

Both his mother and wife were deaf. This influenced his interest towards transmission devices leading to his various inventions. Later his interests shifted towards researching experimental forms of boats known as hydrofoils.

Stamp, Metal detecter, 1881, Burundi, 2012, Colnect Catalog

Would you like to contribute to Colnect too? You can check our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page and start to add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories. For collectibles you would like to trade, you are welcome to visit Colnect Marketplace.

Famous people through collectibles: George Harrison

Everyone knows about The Beatles and everyone's musical taste has been affected by them in one way or another. Not only did the band itself become a legend, but also each individual member managed to completely innovate the pop culture as we know it. 

Gift Card, Beatles 3, France, Colnect Catalog

George Harrison, also known as "the quiet Beatle" was born on February 25, 1943. His interest in music started at his early age. As he got older the interest in Indian culture and mysticism developed in him. 

Banknote, 1,000,000 Dollars, Fantasy Issues, Colnect Catalog

Even though most of The Beatles' songs were written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, there are many songs which were composed by Harrison. With music, he introduced Eastern religion and music to the Western audience.

Stamp, Paul McCartney & George Harrison, Mongolia, Colnect Catalog

Even after the break up of the band, his career kept on blooming. Rolling Stones ranked him as number 11 on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". Also, he became a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Stamp, George Harrison, Chad, 1996, Colnect Catalog

In addition to their work, there are many collectibles dedicated to this amazing band. You can find many collectibles illustrating members of The Beatles or the name of their song. There is a story connected to each collectible which is always fun to learn about. Several years ago we covered "with The Beatles" Stamp and its story. If you are interested in The Beatles then you are welcome to check out more of their collectibles featured on Colnect and have fun :)

Stamp, With The Beatles, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, 2007, Colnect Catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors just like you. Are you interested in contributing to Colnect? Then you can go and check our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page and start making Colnect better. For collectibles, you would like to buy or sell check our marketplace.

7,117 Lego Sets Cataloged

Colnect's own Lego sets category has reached a new milestone of 7,117 sets cataloged.

Lego Set, Arkham Asylum, 2017, Colnect Catalog

Special thanks go to the coordinator of this category, Graeme Kilpatrick [nzexchange]. We would also like to thank everyone else who contributed and helped achieve this milestone.

Lego Set, Automatic binding bricks, 1949, Colnect Catalog

Starting in 1949, replacing wooden toys with plastic and introducing the highest quality and renovating the market, Lego has constantly been rising in popularity. It's not a surprise that colorful plastic toy bricks with many different themes, which enables you to use your imagination to no limit, are this successful. 

Lego Set, The Joker™ Notorious Lowrider, 2017, Colnect Catalog

Over the years, Lego has been releasing sets of many different video games, cartoons, and movies Even though these sets were quite popular, they are more focused on their own characters and classic themes such as Legoland.

Lego Set, Loader Hopper with Truck, 1971, Colnect Catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors just like you. If you wish to contribute to our growing community of collectors and start making catalog better for other fellow collectors then you can add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories. If you are interested in trading collectibles, you can check out marketplace.

Interesting facts through collectibles: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

We have all heard of Mark Twain's fictional character, Tom Sawyer. His best friend and the narrator of Twain's two other novels, Huck Finn was introduced on February 18, 1885, in the U.S.

Stamp, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, United States of America, 1993, Colnect Catalog

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is told in the first person and although it is the sequel to Twain's earlier works. This novel touches many serious topics, such as racism, slavery, and religion. All of these are emphasized with the extensive language and racial stereotypes of characters. Despite it being criticized for a very long time, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn still remains among one of the greatest pieces of  American literature.

Stamp, Illustrations for novels "Tom Sawyer" and "Huckleberry Finn", Paraguay, 1985, Colnect Catalog

The popularity of Mark Twain's novels is undeniable. Reading The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is an adventure of its own. Many items were made with themes of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. Some of them feature quotes from novels, while others illustrate characters. Several of these collectibles can be found on Colnect.

Coin › 1 Dollar (Mark Twain), United States of America, 2016, Colnect Catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors for collectors. Do you want to start contributing? Check our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page and start leaving your mark. If you have collectibles that you would like to sell or buy then you can go to Marketplace and start trading with others.

Interesting facts through collectibles: St. Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!!! We would like to wish everyone to have a wonderful time on this magnificent holiday.

Stamp, St Valentine's Day, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, 1981, Colnect Catalog

Valentine's Day is a celebration of romance in many parts of the world, which honors one or more saints named Valentinus. It's interesting that this day was first celebrated in the 14th century. Later, in the 18th century, the holiday started being celebrated in a fashion similar to today, introducing heart-shaped symbols, cupid, and the tradition of giving each other gifts and handwritten greeting cards.

Coin, ½ Crown (Cupid with hologram heart), Gibraltar, 1998, Colnect Catalog

One of the biggest traditions of Saint Valentine's Day is giving gifts to your loved ones, because of this many gift cards were made to celebrate the day of love, some of which you can find on Colnect. There are also other Valentine's Day themed collectibles worth checking out if you are interested.

Gift Card, Flowers as heart (dark red), Germany, Federal Republic, Colnect Catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors just like you. If you wish to contribute to our growing community of collectors and start making catalog better for other fellow collectors then you can add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories. Don't forget to take a look at marketplace if you want to buy or sell your collectibles.

New Category: Paper Napkins

We are happy to announce the launch of a new awesome category on Colnect. Paper napkin catalog is now available for collectors around the world.

Paper Napkin, Rose, Poland, Colnect Catalog

Usually, when we hear napkin we automatically assume a rectangular item, used for wiping mouth and hands while eating. But there is much more depth to it than most think. The first use of paper napkins is dated back to 2nd century BC, in ancient China and it was mainly used for serving a tea. Nowadays, napkins cover a wide array of functionality and there even exists many origami techniques to create specific paper napkin designs.

Paper Napkin, Love, Ukraine, Colnect Catalog

Paper napkins category was suggested on Colnect New Categories forum several years ago. Recently, we have found a dedicated coordinator for it, luissaldanam.Now we are proud to present the category to the public with more than 13,500 items yet.

Paper Napkin, Pansies, Poland, Colnect Catalog

Paper napkin catalog has 9 different options for sorting. These include countries, napkin types, qualities, shapes, folds, colors, uses, themes, newly added. Collection management tools are also available for this catalog. 

Paper Napkin, Popeye, Spain, Colnect Catalog

Do you want to help to expand paper napkins on Colnect? Check our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page to find out how you could contribute. If you have paper napkins which you would like to sell or buy then don't forget to check out the marketplace.

8,888 Cigarette Packs Reached

By conquering the number 8, cigarette packs achieved a new milestone. More than 8,888 packs have been cataloged on Colnect and we would like to thank Skyforger, the coordinator of this category and everyone who contributed and helped grow cigarette packs catalog.

Cigarette Pack, Winston Ultra Lights 100's, United States of America, 1990, Colnect Catalog

Smoking has an incredibly long history which dates back to 5000 BC and was used in shamanistic rituals. Despite it being used so early, the popularization of tobacco started only in 16-17th centuries AD and started spreading all over Europe.

Cigarette Pack, L&M Red, Greece, Colnect Catalog

For a long time, smoking cigarettes was considered cool, attractive, and good for your health. Even though today smoking is widely-known as an unhealthy habit, collectors found a way to turn cigarettes into a fun and danger-free hobby. Some companies are even producing packs which are labeled as a collectible. These packs are really rare and valuable.

Cigarette Pack, Marlboro Menthol, Germany, Federal Republic, Colnect Catalog

Cigarettes are the most traded items in the world. Because it is such a big industry, there are many cigarette packs in circulation. On top of it, there are many different types of packages and brands. And even each brand's illustration differs from country to country. All of the above-mentioned facts, make cigarette packs an easily accessible and popular to collect.

Cigarette Pack, Dunhill Switch, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland, 2016, Colnect Catalog

Would you like to contribute to Colnect too? You can start to add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories. If you wish to buy or sell your cigarette packs don't forget to check out the marketplace.

Interesting facts through collectibles: World’s largest diamond found

On January 25, 1905, Frederick Wells was more than 2 meters below earth's surface in Thomas Cullinan's mine, when he found a starlight in the wall, which turned out to be the largest diamond ever. It was named after Cullinan and weighed 3,106.75 carats (621.35 g).

Stamp, Cullinan I 530,2 carats, South Africa, 1980, Colnect Catalog

Cullinan, also known as the Star of Africa, was cut into 9 major and 96 minor brilliants. Two of the most notable cuts are Cullinan I or the Great Star of Africa at 530.4 carats (106.08 g) and Cullinan II or Second Star of Africa at 317.4 carats (63.48 g). Both of them are part of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, the collection of 140 royal ceremonial items which are kept in the Tower of London. Other 7 major stones are in private possession of Queen Elizabeth II, who inherited them from her grandmother, Queen Mary.

Coin, 10 Dollars (Cullinan Diamond - Great Star of Africa), Cook Islands, 2015, Colnect Catalog

As mentioned above, the major part of the most famous girl's best friend remains as a part of the royal collection in United Kingdoms, but many collectibles with the theme of diamonds or other precious stones are part of Colnect catalog. Some of these items are even ones that are illustrating Cullinan.

Stamp, Cullinan II 317,4 carats, South Africa, 1980, Colnect catalog

Do you have an item which you want to mark but it is not in Colnect catalog yet? Learn more about contributing by going to our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page. If you are interested in selling or buying collectibles you're welcome to visit recently launched Colnect Marketplace.

Famous people through collectibles: Edgar Allan Poe

A writer, editor, and literary critic, Edgar Allan Poe, was born on January 19, 1809, in Boston. He is best known for his poetry and short mystery and horror stories. Poe is considered as the inventor of detective fiction genre and the first well-known American writer to earn living completely off of writing.

Stamp, Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849), United States of America, 2009, Colnect Catalog

Although his life was rather difficult, Edgar Allan Poe left us a great collection of his poems and stories. Numerous collectibles were made in the name of this truly remarkable writer, some of them featuring his quotes, some illustrating his portrait, and some celebrating his achievements. If you are interested, on Colnect you can find various collectibles associated with Edgar Allan Poe.

Stamp, Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) Never More, Hungary, 1948, Colnect Catalog

Among Edgar Allan Poe's works, the most notable ones are The Black Cat, a short tale about the psychology of guilt, and The Raven, supernatural poem about lost love. Pluto, a cat from The Black Cat, and a talking raven from The Raven are two of the most well-known characters created by Poe. Many collectibles, which are made in the name of Edgar Allan Poe, depict these two characters, as the main image.

Stamp, Edgar Allan Poe, San Marino, 2009, Colnect Catalog

Do you collect Poe-themed or Poe-related collectibles? If there's any collectible in your collection that's not on Colnect yet, you can easily add it to our catalog. You can check our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page and start to add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories. If you are interesting in selling or buying collectibles you're welcome to visit recently launched Colnect Marketplace.

700,007+ Stamps on Colnect

Colnectors, let's celebrate that our Stamp category has passed a new super-cool number of items, 700,007 ;)

Paintings, 1997, United Arab Emirates, Colnect catalog

Beginning a stamp collection is entertaining, discovering new information about the stamps which have been issued by the countries of the world over the years. Stamps are tiny pieces of art – colorful, well-designed. Some of them commemorate famous people and events, others - present animals and birds, flowers, railways, ships and aircrafts, buildings and bridges, armors and flags, space and sport.

Fairy Swordfish, 1982, Ascension Island, Colnect catalog

Actually, the Stamps category is the biggest one on Colnect. It has been led for a long time by two dedicated coordinators - Guido Fußhöller [footy68] and Klaus Jochimsen [Lola22]. Thank you guys for all you do for Colnectors and Colnect catalog.

Discovery of America, 500th anniv., ships, 1992, Uruguay, Colnect catalog

There are three main approaches to structuralizing stamp collection:

• chronological - stamp lovers collect items from the specific historical period
• thematical approach - stamps on the specific theme for example butterflies
• geographic approach - stamps from the specific countries

What's your approach to collecting stamps?

African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus), 2002, Azerbaijan, Colnect catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors for collectors and any help is much appreciated. Would like to join and contribute to the Stamp catalog too? Learn more on the Stamp Catalog Contribution Guidelines page. There are many ways you can help us make Colnect catalog better: add new items, add images and information to existing ones, translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create a new category. If you are interesting in trading stamps you're welcome to check recently launched Colnect Marketplace.

Famous people through collectibles: Rowan Atkinson

On Colnect you can find collectibles of various celebrities. One of these people is a British actor, Rowan Atkinson, best known for his role as Mr. Bean, who was born on January 6, 1955.

Stamp, Mr Bean - The Postbox episode, Maldives, 2016, Colnect Catalog

Thanks to his physical and black humor, and astounding performances, Rowan Atkinson established his name as one of the most iconic comedians. He first appeared on television, in popular British comedy series called Not the Nine O’Clock News. From there on his journey continued, which led to the creation of his most successful character Mr. Bean. This character ended up finding its way into the hearts of millions all around the world and led to Atkinson being called "the man with the rubber face".

Phonecard, PolyGram Video - Schon gesehen? "Mr. Bean", Netherlands, Colnect Catalog

Who's Mr. Bean? Mr. Bean lives alone. He has a small flat in Highbury, North London. He's practically always seen in his trademark tweed jacket, white shirt, and skinny red tie. Mr. Bean infrequently speaks, and when he does, it's commonly only several murmured words.

Mr. Bean oftentimes seems uninformed of basic aspects of the way the world works. The humor mostly comes from his unique (and often absurd) answers to problems and his total disregard for others when resolving them.

Sugar Packet, Rowan Atkinson, Spain, Colnect Catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors for collectors. Any contribution is welcome and appreciated. If you would like to help out you can add new items, add images and information to already existing items, help to translate catalog to your language, edit the catalog, write wiki articles, and even create your own categories.

New Category: Aircraft Safety Cards

A new category of Aircraft Safety Cards has just been launched on Colnect. Aircraft safety card collecting is an excellent option for travelers and graphics design enthusiasts. If you are interested in safety cards or aviation memorabilia, then you can dive into this awesome category.

Aircraft safety cards are impressive pieces of information visualization and graphics. The safety cards have no universal graphics standard to comply and demonstrate a wide variety of aesthetic approaches. The safety cards reflect the culture in which they were produced.

Aircraft Safety Card, Boeing 767-238, Australia, Colnect Catalog

There are many approaches to aircraft safety card collecting. Some people like to collect things which are connected to a specific country or airline, while others like to collect aircraft collectibles. Of course, the main reason is to complete your aircraft safety card collection.

Aircraft Safety Card, Airbus A320, Singapore, Colnect Catalog

We would like to welcome the coordinator of the new category, [Guidojet], who suggested adding aircraft safety cards to Colnect catalog in June 2017.

Aircraft Safety Card, B737-700, 2003, Hungary, Colnect Catalog

The aircraft safety cards catalog allows sorting items by 8 characteristics, which are airlines, countries, plane manufacturers, models, compositions, formats, years, and newly added. Now Colnect's aviation memorabilia enthusiasts have a brand new and shiny catalog, along with collection management tools available to them.

Aircraft Safety Card, B777-300, 2009, United Arab Emirates, Colnect Catalog

Colnect has been built by collectors just like you. Are you interested in contributing too? Then you can go and check our Catalog Contribution Guidelines page and start making Colnect better.
If you want to sell or buy collectibles you're welcome to do that on the Colnect marketplace.