My interest as a laser collector is based on historical significance, representation of makers, and unique or interesting design features. But that interest didn't really kick in until after completing 40 trips around the sun. Before that, I had one old laser and a few He-Ne lasers that died of natural causes from use making holograms.
The value of things comes from rarity multiplied by audience. The rarest thing is worthless if nobody cares. If everyone cares, it doesn't have to be rare. Lasers are closer to the former than the latter. Having said that, when confronted with a pointer made since 2010 I'd ask myself "what's special about it?". Is it a "first"? Is it a "most powerful?" Is it memorable because of some feature? Was it owned by someone "famous?" (even if only in the industry). Will people look back in 20 years and say "I remember THAT one!"? If these questions are difficult to answer, I'd say enjoy the laser as much and as long as possible. Pass it on to your kids. Write about your interest in lasers and experience with yours. A story gives value and context to an object. They'll cherish it.
I have a Wicked Lasers Arctic Spyder blue laser I ordered when first announced (and waited well over a year for it). There are probably lots of commercially made pointers made since that groundbreaking one that should be in a legitimate laser history museum, but I'm not the one to identify them. So I'd ask, what do people here think will be the most fondly remembered handheld lasers 20 years from now? The first 520nm pointer? The first "gattling" style host? Other "firsts"? Signature models from significant companies? Any "biggest"? Which homebuilt lasers should make the list? What design features are groundbreaking and/or memorable?
What would be your "Top Ten" list for collectable lasers made in this century?
