Here the interest is frequently in the art work. The fruit crate and can labels of the 40s and 50s are now reproduced in books and postcards, showing the interest in this form of collectible has exceeded the available originals. Which of the current labels will be the collectibles of the future?

Colorful label with nice graphics.

Wine labels, can labels, cigar labels. Many items come with identifying markers that can be save even when the item itself has been used. These days, to prevent the labels coming off when they shouldn’t, labels may be a lot harder to salvage, but that also increases the likelihood that they will be thrown away with the container they come on, making your collection more unique and perhaps more valuable.

Cigar makers have used good graphics on their labels for many decades. One of the few positives to come out of the tobacco industry.

Labels with good designs are eye-catching, but what about the poorly designed labels? Perhaps they provide more information that the catchy labels, information that may prove interesting in the future: company history or original recipe information.

Can labels from the old school: two colors, simple presentation in simple fonts.

Look at the products that come into your house as a matter of routine. Which labels are catchy? Which mundane? Which downright boring? Why? Save the ones you like best. This might take a little work and some ingenuity to remove them intact, but they will take very little room and over time may become a history of commercial style as well as the labeling requirements of our society. Remember labels before ingredient listing and nutritional information?

Whiskey boxes have the same labels as the bottles, and can probably be acquired for free from the purchaser.

These are also part of the world of ephemera, things “normal” people throw away, and good ground for collecting. Ephemera shows will have labels from the past, and past labels are being published in both books for collectors and for the general populace. Look around you.

The images on this post are from Stock Xchnge.

* * * Visit wine labels for information specifically about wine labels for the home vintner. * * *

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