People have been collecting key chains probably since the invention of the key. Many of us remember when our parents left us a key or keys and tied them to a piece of string, telling us to be careful not to lose them. Today, keychain collecting is a very hot item among collectors & there are a lot of them, as there are a lot of different types of keychains.
It's a great item to collect as it is not too costly and many keychains can be had for pocket change. Do you remember the genuine leather keychains that were out in the late 1960's and 1970's. There were a lot of these with most of the automobile models featured. These are beginning to be rare & hard to find. Many advertising promotions over the years featured keychains as part of their campaigns.
There are an endless variety of vintage keychains available to the collector today. Fraternal organizations have been using keychains in their promotions for years. Every imaginable topic or subject has been included with this collectible. And in such great abundance that prices are really reasonable.
Not all collecting has to be expensive & with the massive production of keychains over the years & the incredible variety, it's just a dream come true for a young collector getting started! It would be just impossible to collect all that were ever produced, but there are some gems to be had.
One of the great things about collecting keychains is that they are often "cross-collectible", meaning that they are collected not only for their keychain value but for what is marked on the keychain. Perhaps it is the anniversary of some organization or a special occasion, or absolutely anything deemed significant. That makes the keychain a lot more than just an old key ring. It makes it doubly collectible & maybe worth a few dollars more! Antique keychains, the real old ones, can be very special and very elaborately designed! Those are the ones we all seek and it is a personal decision that decides which ones they actually are!
Some collectors prefer certain chains such as the plastic ones produced by chain restaurants for children, while others hold out for the rarer & older treasures.
Keychain collecting can be a very rewarding experience & many of your best finds can be had at garage sales, flea markets, and church sales.
One thing for sure, as long as people have keys, there will be a need for keychains and this is the guarantee to the collector of an everlasting & neverending supply! And keychains make great gifts, not only to a collector, but to all!
