The “antiquarian cabinet” of the local historical association, which forms the core of the collection, mainly consisted of classic collection items such as crafts, clothing, military items, ceramics, glass, and furniture. Today efforts are being made to collect objects that document the everyday life of ordinary people.

Highlights of the early period include the unique tombstones of the Counts of Nellenburg from the 12th century and the famous Onyx of Schaffhausen, the most beautiful piece of jewelry from the Hohenstaufen period. Particular focuses of the collection are glass paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries, portrait miniatures mainly from the 18th century, dough and clay models from the 16th to 19th centuries, and gold and silver works on loan from Schaffhausen guilds and societies. Highlights from the craft objects include the works of Johann Conrad Speissegger, Lorenz Spengler, and Johann Heinrich Hurter.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Schaffhausen was an industrial site of national importance. Companies such as Ziegler’sche Tonwarenfabrik AG, Schoeller Albers AG, and the Jezler silver manufactory were important employers whose products are specifically collected. Another focus of the collection is advertising posters. The largest parts of the collection are numismatics and playing cards, which are listed separately below.