How to Collect Football Memorabilia

Get ready for some football by collecting a wide assortment of memorabilia. Football is one of America's most beloved pastimes, and those who are interested in the advertising and apparel associated with the game have lots of options. To enjoy the art of football collecting, show variety and team spirit.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Focus on your favorite football team and its colors to make a splash in your memorabilia displays. Collect team photos from the best years of your team's history. You can have these photos framed or simply put them in plastic holders and file them in a safe place.

2. Expand your collection by including other team memorabilia. Examine NFL teams to add to your collection. Make a display for each team, embellishing it with little accents special to the team's city. Reveal a stand-out player associated with that team, like a Jets display featuring classic player Joe Namath. You can surround a photo of him with clips from magazines, team patches and logos.

3. Clear a space in your sports room for some college football memorabilia. The appeal and interest surrounding these teams is just as compelling as it is for the national leagues. Capture all the pomp and circumstance of the game by highlighting the marching bands, mascots and eager students supporting the teams. Focus on one of the many college rivalries that create a lot of interest in the community, such as the Army/Navy game.

4. Collect team pennants. Colorful and lively, pennants are a great way to add interest to your collection. Get a few officially licensed pennants for each team. Have your purchase shipped in an oversized, flat package and specifically ask the company not to roll the pennant. You can use pennants to decorate your walls or store them in specially made holders. Seek out vintage pennants from defunct franchises or Super Bowl teams, which can drive up their value.

5. Collect mini football helmets to add a different look to your collection. This is a less expensive way to add appeal to your showroom. Many times collectors get one full-sized helmet and line up a series of mini helmets around it.

6. Collect miscellaneous items to enhance your assortment of memorabilia. Patches, plastic cups, hats, glasses/mugs and action figures are all things avid collectors put on display. Round out your collection with a wide range of programs, bumper stickers and yearbooks, too.

Tips & Warnings

• Always handle an autographed football while wearing white gloves and be sure to pick it up at the seams. You should wrap the football in acid-free tissue or muslin.

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on 4/28/2008 You can find all the NFL and NCAA football memorabilia you will ever need at www.number1sports.com