Picking the Perfect Display Case

By Dee Dee Smith

Protecting and preserving the condition of your sports memorabilia collection is extremely important.  Daily exposure to sun, moisture and even heat can lead to fading and discoloring; while dust and simple handling can decrease the value of your memorabilia. This is especially true with autographed memorabilia as signatures are prone to fading, bleeding and smearing.  Excessive handling and exposure can even lead to a signature disappearing entirely.

The best protection for collectibles such as helmets, balls, hockey sticks and bats are glass display cases.  These cases not only protect the item, but they also offer an attractive way for your memorabilia to be displayed.  While being protected in the case, the collectible can be seen and handled without compromising its integrity and value.

Although any protection is better than no protection at all, clearly, some display cases are of better quality than others.  When looking for a good quality football display case, first consider its sturdiness.  Is it well crafted?  Can it withstand moving and handling?  Will it protect against the sun or other damaging light?  In many cases you may not have the opportunity to actually examine the case, however, there are a qualities every high-quality case should have. 

Construction - How is the baseball display case crafted?  Some cases may be glued or even stapled together.  Although these cases may suffice in the short term, a case that is attached in a more secure way is much better.  Look for items that have been handcrafted or handmade in lieu of cases that have been mass-produced. 

Design - Most baseball bat display cases are cubed shape, although a few are round, hexagonal or something else.  Some cases are all acrylic, but more sturdy and hardy cases often have a solid wooden base or bottom.  Wooden bases should be constructed with quality and endurable wood, not compressed paper or a wood laminate.  Typically wooden bases are available in black, cherry, walnut or oak. 

Cases are designed to protect and fit particular collectibles, i.e. a baseball, bat, hockey puck, jersey or boxing glove.  As elementary as it sounds, it is important to purchase a case that is designed specifically for the item you are storing (i.e. a basketball in a basketball case).  Specialty cases have been designed for almost any collectible imaginable, such as basketball display cases.  You can purchase a case that will protect and store multiple collectibles (several baseballs, a hockey puck display case, mini-helmets or a combination of a helmet and ball) as well as unique memorabilia such as autographed shoes, golf balls, stadium seats and dirt from a major sports stadium. 

Various cases allow collectors to protect and display their collection on the wall while others are specifically designed for the desktop.  The case should offer easy access to the collectible through either a removable glass top or an access door. 

Glass Cases – This type is case is usually considered to be the best quality and offer the best protection for your collectibles.  They provide very good protection against ultra violet rays, which keeps your items from fading or discoloring.  

Acrylic Cases - Because glass can easily break, collectors with young children and pets might want to opt for an acrylic football hellmet display case.  Acrylic cases, like glass cases, should also offer protection against ultra violet rays. 

Shelving and Display - Display cases should be protective but also offer an attractive way to allow you to share and admire your collection.  Because you do not want your memorabilia to shift or move around, the case should supply a built in cradle or stand for secured placement.  The shelf should allow the collectible to be positioned in a way in which it can be seen from all angles.

Mirrored Back or Bottom - Cases can have either a clear back or a mirrored back for enhanced visibility.  Additionally, some cases have a mirrored bottom so that the entire collectible can be clearly viewed.

Attractiveness - Display cases should protect and store your collectible, while affording an opportunity for you to present and share your treasure with others.  Consequently, you’ll want to choose a display case that is attractive with a quality appearance.  Ornamentation such as gold risers (that elevate the collectible), team logos and custom engraving can greatly enhance your display. 

Other unique features might include a lock and key for added security or a place for your favorite athlete’s photo. 

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