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.

1,111 Colnectors became our contributors!

Today we are celebrating a very important and beautiful occasion

1,111 contributors on Colnect!

What does this number actually mean? It means that 1,111 passionate collectors from all over the world spend their free time helping Colnect happen. They are so open-hearted to share their knowledge, time and expertise to bring more value to Colnect catalog so collectors from different countries could use it and enjoy their hobby of collecting.

Day by day Colnect is getting bigger and better and every single catalog is increasing in quality and quantity. Colnect is able to deliver information about collectibles around the world in the best way thanks to the group of hardworking collectors who are putting their effort into helping out fellow collectors to get what they desire.

In just two years the number of contributors jumped up from 777 to 1,111. We are happy that so many people are ready to dedicate their time to make the experience of collecting more enjoyable for those who share same passions and interests. It’s admirable what every single one of these collectors has done.

We would like to thank everyone for being a part of this amazing community which keeps on getting better. You guys are truly amazing and we appreciate everything you do. Every catalog on Colnect is what it is because of your contribution.

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.

Interesting facts through collectibles: Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

First full-length animated movie, which revolutionized the animation industry and found it's way into people's hearts all around the world, was released on December 21, 1937.

Stamp, Dwarf House, Paraguay, 1978, Colnect Catalog

Snow White is a German fairy tale published by The Brothers Grimm in 1812 as part of the collection called Grimms' Fairy Tales. Walt Disney's adaptation was one of the earliest animated work of Disney and the first movie to ever have a soundtrack album released for it. This cartoon toned down the violence which was featured in the fairy tale and included a singing Snow White.

Stamp, Scene from the fairy tale "Snow white and the seven dwarfs", Germany, 1972, Colnect Catalog

Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was named as the best animated film of all time. Even today, Snow White remains an incredible adventure and for many people, it is the first fairy tale or a cartoon that they ever saw.

Stamp, Snow white dancing with the dwarves, Sharjah, 1972, Colnect Catalog

On Colnect you can find many Snow White collectibles. For example, in kids meal toys category you can find different characters of this cartoon. My favorite character is Sleepy. Which one is yours?

Stamp, Celebrate the Century - 1930's - Snow White, United States of America, 1998, 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.

7,777 WoW trading cards added

We are happy to announce that Trading Card Games just got a new addition of items. With 7,777 new World of Warcraft TCG cards, this category just reached more than 71,000 items.

Trading Card Game › World of Warcraft TCG › Leeroy Jenkins, Colnect Catalog

World of Warcraft TCG was published by Upper Deck Entertainment in 2005. It was based on a popular MMORPG video game released by Blizzard in 2004. In this TCG, players can fight each other one on one or they can play together to complete dungeon and raid encounters. Eventually, the game was discontinued in 2013 because Blizzard decided not to renew the license.

Trading Card Game › World of Warcraft TCG › Dark Lady Sylvanas Windrunner, Colnect Catalog

Throughout years World of Warcraft TCG experienced extensive popularity. Numerous tournaments and events were held and even now there are people who still enjoy taking out their set of cards and challenging other players to the fight in this classic TCG.

Trading Card Game › World of Warcraft TCG › Ragnaros the Firelord, 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.

Interesting facts through collectibles: Nobel Prize

Alfred Nobel, well-known Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist, passed away on December 10, 1896. He signed his last will in 1895, which stated to use his assets to establish Nobel Prizes.

Bertha von Suttner (1843-1914) writer, Peace Nobel Prize, Stamp, 1965, Austria, Colnect Catalog

In 1901, on Alfred’s fifth anniversary, first Nobel Prizes were awarded. There were 5 prizes in total for Chemistry, Literature, Peace, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine. 

50 Pesetas, Banknote, 1905, Spain, Colnect Catalog

Ceremonies take place annually in Stockholm, Sweden and each laureate receives a gold medal, a diploma, and money. These prizes have the purpose to reward people for their incredible achievements.

1 New Sheqel (Nobel Prize in Literature - Shmuel Yosef Agnon), Coin, 2008, Israel, Colnect Catalog

Over the years, there were many individuals who were awarded Nobel Prize and to celebrate their beneficial work for the humanity, many collectibles were made in their names. 

William Faulkner – Litterature 1949, Maximum Card, 1985, Sweden, Colnect Catalog

There are numerous amounts of stamps, phonecards, philatelic products, coins, banknotes, milk cup lid, postcards, which you can find on Colnect. Hard work of these people to benefit humanity will always be appreciated.

Famous people through collectibles: Napoleon Bonaparte

Everyone has heard stories about Napoleon and his achievements. During the Revolution, he served in the army as an artillery officer. He managed to rapidly rise through ranks and eventually became a general. From there on he continued increasing his reputation and influence which resulting in him becoming First Consul of the Republic in 1799.

Stamp › Bicentenary of the birth of Napoleon Bonaparte, French Colonies and Territories, 1969, Colnect Catalog

In 1804, he became the first Emperor of the French. His coronation took place in Notre Dame Cathedral on December 2 and his reign continued until 1814. He managed to take control of France again in 1815 but this time his reign ended after several months.

Stamp › Silhouettes of Napoleon and Josephine, Saint Lucia, 1969, Colnect Catalog

Many different collectibles were made over the years in the name of Napoleon. On Colnect, you can find various kinds of items which are connected to him. For example, you can even find coins which were made during his reign such as this one:

 Coin › 1 Centesimo (B), Italian States, 1807, 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.