People love collecting things that remind them of good times or special places. But some folks take collecting to a whole new level! They build amazing collections that are truly unique. These collections, filled with rare and fascinating items, can be as impressive as museum exhibits. Ready to explore some of the strangest collections ever?
10. Do Not Disturb Signs
The “Do Not Disturb” sign is a common sight in hotels. But one German man, Rainer Weichert, took his appreciation for these signs to an extreme. He collected over 11,570 of them!
Since 1990, Rainer traveled to 188 countries, picking up “Do Not Disturb” signs along the way. His collection includes signs from all over the world, each with its own unique design and story.
From modern English signs to sign language versions, Rainer’s collection offers a glimpse into different cultures. Some highlights include a wooden statue from a Bali resort, a sign from the 1936 Berlin Olympic Village, and a 1910 sign from the Canadian General Brock Hotel.
9. Miniature Chairs
Barbara Hartsfield from the United States has the world’s largest collection of miniature chairs. In 2008, she owned about 3,000 chairs, earning her a Guinness World Record!
As a psychiatric nurse, Barbara used a small chair and doll to help her focus while writing nursing articles. Her hobby grew as she found more and more interesting miniature chairs.
In 2009, Barbara opened the Collectible & Antique Chair Gallery, a museum showcasing her collection. People visit from all over to see her tiny chairs, which include lamps, clocks, and even salt shakers.
8. Air Sickness Bags
While most travelers enjoy the views or chat with fellow passengers, Niek Vermeulen from the Netherlands had a different purpose: collecting airsickness bags!
Niek started collecting barf bags as a bet with a friend. Starting in 1986, his collection grew rapidly. In 2012, he entered the Guinness Book of Records with 6,290 bags from 1,191 airlines in about 200 countries.
Niek’s favorite bag spent 16 days in space on the NASA space shuttle Columbia. For Niek, these bags are more than just trash; they hold memories of his travels.
7. Hamburger-Related Items
Harry Sperl, also known as Hamburger Harry, is a huge hamburger fan. He’s collected thousands of hamburger-related items over the years.
Harry’s love for hamburger stuff began when he bought plastic hamburgers to make a vintage drive-in tray look better. He liked them so much that he kept collecting them. In 2014, the Guinness Book recognized Harry’s collection of 3,724 items.
His collection includes a customized burger Harley Davidson and a hamburger waterbed. Harry hopes to open a museum shaped like a double bacon cheeseburger to showcase his collection.
6. Backscratchers
We’ve all had that annoying itch on our back. Manfred S. Rothstein has a solution: his collection of 675 back scratchers from 71 countries!
Manfred Rothstein, a dermatologist, became interested in backscratchers when he received one from Atarax. He started collecting them during his travels. Soon, patients and friends began donating to his collection.
His back scratchers include an alligator claw, hand-carved rib bones, and kangaroo paws. Manfred believes that a unique collection is the key to success. He has no plans to stop collecting anytime soon.
5. Clocks
Jack Schoff from the United States is fascinated by time. He owns the world’s largest collection of clocks. Jack started collecting in 2003 and entered the Guinness World Book of Records in 2010 with 1,509 working clocks.
Jack Schoff, a former Naval Shipyard pipefitter, began collecting clocks when health issues kept him home. He found that taking apart and reassembling clocks kept him busy.
His hobby grew as he visited yard sales to buy clocks. Neighbors also contributed, leaving clocks at his door. If Jack Schoff is ever late, it won’t be because he doesn’t know the time!
4. Pizza Boxes
While most people throw away pizza boxes, Scott Wiener from Brooklyn keeps them. In 2013, Scott held the world record for his collection of 595 pizza boxes.
Scott saw an artistic pizza box while traveling in Israel in 2008. He realized that pizza boxes could be interesting and started collecting them.
With help from friends and fans, he expanded his collection. Scott published a book, “Viva La Pizza! The Art of the Pizza Box,” to share his collection. With over 1,500 boxes, Scott loans them to museums and exhibits.
3. Celebrity Hair Collection
John Reznikoff collects locks of hair from famous people. He owns hair from Elvis Presley, Beethoven, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe.
Insured for $1 million, John Renzikoff’s collection tells stories about the past. Hair collecting was once a status symbol, like owning an autograph today.
2. Traffic Cones
David Morgan from the UK loves traffic cones. He has 500 of them, in all shapes, colors, and sizes.
David started collecting cones in 1986 while working for Oxford Plastic Systems. He was investigating a rival cone company when he fell in love with the cones. Since then, he’s collected them everywhere he goes.
With 500 cones, Morgan has two-thirds of all types ever made. He’s still looking for a rare five-sided cone from Manchester to complete his collection.
1. Fossilized Dinosaur Poop
George Frandsen collects fossilized dinosaur poop, known as coprolite. He owns at least 5,000 specimens and holds a world record.
Frandsen became interested in coprolites when he visited a fossil shop in Utah. He bought one and started collecting different sizes, from tiny specks to samples weighing over 4 pounds!
Coprolites provide clues about what dinosaurs ate. Frandsen even lent his collection to the South Florida Museum. He also runs an online website called Poozeum, which displays ancient poop!
What did you think of these unique collections? Which one surprised you the most? Leave your comment below!
