Love this metal thingamig I found in a store this weekend, something that I was tempted to bring home even though I had no use for it!

• Size: 4 - 5 "
• It's actually two pieces, but it's hard to see the second piece (on the bottom)
• Circa: 1930s (approximate)

An interesting little gadget that was submitted. Not antique, might not even be collectible -- but since people collect just about anything, it could be!

Any thoughts or ideas?

Size: 4.5"

THE ANSWER

I know of several people that collect Wedding Toppers, those figurines that symbolize the bride and groom on top of the cake. One friend features them in her bookcase in front of books in a charming eclectic display, others group them together on a table or shelf.

You can find wedding toppers made in a variety of materials, including plastic pieces, fine porcelain and china, as well as chalkware, celluloid, paper and other materials. It is one collection that can easily be started for those on a budget, but like any collection, prices can vary widely, depending on the age, condition and material.

Wedding toppers can often mirror one's hobbies and other collections. We've all seen Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Precious Moments and other hobbies depicted on a cake. Today it's not unusual to see toppers depicting a gay or lesbian couple, but one picture I found had a polygamy wedding ceremony - one groom and several brides, now that was unusual and I wonder if it was staged or there was a real wedding cake like that.

If you love romantic collectibles, there is something for everyone, a collection that can be fun, whimsical, make a statement or be just plain romantic.

One woman's wedding collection is featured on MSN Today as the Ultimate Wedding Topper Collection.

With so many woes about the economy, one might think that big ticket items did not do well. Wrong. Big ticket sales were good, as were the very low end items.

Read more . .

^İTIAS