Items Commonplace Today That Will Be Valuable as Collectibles in a Century
Throughout history, certain commonplace items have transcended their initial utility to become highly sought-after collectibles, finding their value as artifacts and symbols from the past. In one hundred years, what items currently considered mundane could see a resurgence of interest and form the focus of collectors’ aspirations? Let's examine some promising possibilities, with a special focus on the microwave oven, a device that has all but replaced the need for traditional food preparation methods.
Understanding Historical Context for Forecasting Future Value
To predict which modern-day items may become valuable in a hundred years, it's prudent to learn from previous examples. Just as the iconic Nurse series of action figures, with the GI Joe Nurse, became highly prized decades after their production due to their low popularity and historical rarity, similar trends could be observed today. Items that were not initially produced with a collecting audience in mind but later gained significance in the eyes of collectors tend to skyrocket in value.
The Microwave Oven: A Pivotal Entry Point
Current Status: The microwave oven has become a staple in most homes. Now in every kitchen, it once represented a revolutionary technology that simplified and modernized food preparation.
Potential Future Recognition: One hundred years from now, the microwave oven could be viewed as a milestone in the evolution of domestic technology. The original models, their packaging, advertising materials, and promotional items may become highly collectible. Imagine a future where the early microwave ovens from the 1950s and 60s are showcased in museums of technology, much like the first home computers or vinyl records. These objects could exemplify a period of rapid technological change and cultural transformation.
As the microwave has changed the way we prepare and cook meals, perhaps it will also change how we interact with and preserve our cultural artifacts. Collectors may be interested in the evolution of design, packaging, and even the marketing strategies behind the microwave.
Other Likely Collectibles of the Future
Considering other items that are commonplace today but may one day be considered valuable as collectibles, we can explore various categories:
Birth Control and Sex Toys
Mind as Gateway to Emotion: With advancements in technology and neuroscience, future breakthroughs could lead to more direct methods for achieving desired emotional and physiological states. Traditional methods like birth control and sex toys might become recognized as transitional technologies, representing a specific era before the advent of more sophisticated interventions. These items could become highly valued for their role in defining a historical moment of societal and technological change.
Psychological and Historical Significance: They serve as tangible links to the collective mindset and cultural attitudes of a particular period. As history progresses, these items may hold symbolic value, representing key themes of personal freedom, human progress, and the evolving relationship between technology and the human body.
These objects could be seen as significant artifacts that reflect the cultural and societal shifts of late 20th and early 21st century. They might become integral parts of exhibits and publications discussing public health, sexual liberation, and technological innovation.
Smartphones and Personal Devices
The ubiquity of smartphones today is mirrored in the commonplace nature of other personal devices from recent history, such as game consoles, PDAs, and simple electronic alarm clocks. As these devices become obsolete and turned to history, their kits, manuals, and packaging could become collectible artifacts. A future generation might appreciate the technological advancements and aesthetic design trends of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
These devices represent a significant phase in the development of personal electronic devices and could be viewed as crucial pieces of evidence for technological evolution and social change. Personal devices like Google Glass and smartphones might also be notable for their role in the digital revolution and dating back to a period when augmented reality and wearable technology were emerging.
Retro Video Games and Consoles
The history of video games is marked by numerous iconic consoles and classic games that were once commonplace in homes and arcades. Just like the example of the GI Joe Nurse, some game consoles with low initial popularity (e.g., the Atari 2600 or even the Nintendo Entertainment System, NES), could become highly prized as collectibles. The colorful marketing materials, original packaging, and advertisements from these consoles could transform into valuable items in the eyes of future collectors.
Moreover, the evolution of gaming controllers, from the simple joystick to modern ergonomic designs, could also be of interest to collectors. These controllers are an important part of the narrative of how technology has transformed our leisure time and social experiences.
Conclusion
The items of today that seem mundane could become priceless collectibles in the future. From the microwave oven that changed our culinary landscape to everyday devices like smartphones that paved the way for modern digital interactions, the value of these objects could grow as we revisit the technological and cultural shifts of the past century.
By understanding and preserving these items, we honor the innovations and societal changes that have shaped our world. This knowledge not only adds depth to our understanding of history but also enriches the narrative of human progress.