Collector Goes Green with National Treasures 'Noise Toy'

By Andrew Tolentino | Assistant Editor

Some might say that the trading card industry is notoriously not “green.” However, as featured on Panini America’s blog, Delaware collector Amarin Cogburn has proven otherwise.

Scouring the internet and seeking expertise from an engineering-minded friend, Cogburn managed to repurpose a 2007 National Treasures Football box as “noise toy.” Specifically, Cogburn created a functioning amplifier with the collectible wooden box, a soldering iron and a few spare parts along the way.

Originally intended as a tinker-based offering for a white elephant gift exchange,  the recycled high-end hobby container was a success. “The amp was  a hit among my friends and I ended up building two more in the following month,” Cogburn said on The Knight’s Lance.

Ideally, this type of DIY spirit can permeate throughout the hobby, leading to more recycled collecting ingenuity. Considering the winter weather, who is willing to make the first foil-wrapper overcoat?

Below are a few more images of the National Treasures noise toy. Check out Tracy Hackler’s article for more details and a few sound samples from the amp.