I began collecting antique vibrators around 1997 when I began finding them while out hunting for typewriters and other antiques. I thought some of the vibrators were interesting so I began buying them. I have been collecting aggressively and have assembled an extensive collection with many unusual examples. This is my public display for some of the more unusual items in my collection. This site is new and is little more then a shell of what I would like to make it. Currently I am focusing on getting more pictures posted with a little information about the items. Only a portion of the collection is currently represented on this web site, I plan to add the majority of my collection as time permits and there are many interesting items yet to be added. I have two major objectives in developing this site. The first is to provide a forum for the public display of one of my more unusual collections. The second is to create a resource of information on the history of massage vibrators. I use several sources of information for preparing and updating this site and put considerable effort into assuring the accuracy of the information provided. Some information comes from books and the web. Primary sources of information include trade catalogs, advertisements, user manuals, manufactures data plates, and patent records. The value of massage in physical therapy has been well know for thousands of years and massage is by no means considered medical quackery. From the late 1800's to the early 1900's when medical quackery was in it's heyday, vibrators were marketed as a cure for all that ails you earning them a classification as quack medical in the field of collectibles. The vibrator has an especially amusing place in medical history in that it was invented in the 1860's to aid doctors in the treatment of what was then a common female nervous condition known as hysteria. Independent scholar Rachel P. Maines encountered the early history of the vibrator when she began finding ads for vibrators in early women's publications wile researching a graduate study on textile arts in the late 1970's and early 1980's. After graduating Rachel Maines became increasingly curious about the subject and began extensive research into the history of vibrators. She has published several papers on the subject and an award winning book titled "The Technology of Orgasm: "Hysteria," the Vibrator, and Women's Sexual Satisfaction" a review of the book can be found here. Why a person collects anything in particular is a mystery often even to the people who collect. There are a variety of reasons I will purchase a particular vibrator for my collection. I am especially interested in the very old or unusual examples. Like many collectors I tend to develop themes or groups within my collection and will purchase items that fit in with established themes. Some vibrators I acquire to fill in gaps in the time line of design represented in my collection. Many are purchased simply because I liked the name. I am actively expanding this part of my collection so if you have an item that you think would go with my collection I would be delighted to hear from you. A note to researchers: I do try to find the time to respond to request from researchers for information but am often not that good at keeping up with email. Try not to wait till the last minute to ask questions. If I don't get back to you in a few days sometimes it helps to email me again. mike@vibratormuseum.com