Avon Summer Bride

Figurines have become one of America’s favorite collectibles. So, a word of advice to those who pass them by in garage sales, flea markets and even retail stores like they are unwanted calories: watch your figure but don’t forsake those figurines! They could bring in great added value to your collection of treasures.

Whether made from wood, bronze, ceramic, spun glass, pewter, resin or porcelain, figurines can find a special place in your heart and home. With multiple themes to choose from – a figurine collection will characterize you and your interests from children to patriotic, cherubs and angels, animals, mythical, Christmas to religious. The options are endless.

Personally, I do not own a Hummel figurine but I love what they have produced over the years. How did these gentle figures come about? In the 1930s, Franz Goebel, the founder of a porcelain firm near the town of Oeslauby, Germany, thought that in a world of economic and political chaos, customers would respond to a product that illustrated the uncomplicated simplicity and innocence of childhood. Consequently, the artwork of a Franciscan Sister, named Maria Innocentia Hummel, was introduced to Mr. Goebel. The nun’s drawings of country children that were printed as art cards eventually became the basis for Goebel’s line of now famous earthenware.

Perhaps the uncertainty of our current world scene has promoted increased popularity to these and similar collectible figurines.

I would say the Colonial era encourages the same sentiment. From village figurine collections to dancing and musical pairs often produced in Japan, these lovely objects speak of elegance and simpler times. Grandma’s Treasures Online offers this colonial musical pair for a special price until November 15th!

Then, the phenomenon of collecting Precious Moments figurines has swept the country like no other. Nestled in the woods of Missouri, the unique chapel and factory of this famed collectible continues to attract thousands to it’s out of the way niche. There’s just something about an angel that draws the observer into it’s web. But, when that angel has a sweet, childlike angelic face, few can resist. Grandma’s Treasures Online offers this Precious Moments 50th Anniversary retired figurine 25% off until November 15th! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add to your own collection.

Speaking of angel figurines, we can’t forget Dreamsicles! I addressed this topic in my “Dream On…Dreamsicles” article. As these darlings are completely out of production, finding missing pieces is of immediate concern. Check out our Dreamsicle inventory if you are one of those who have a collection.

The Lefton Company, founded by George Lefton, is another fine manufacturer of figurines. George was a Hungarian immigrant who arrived in Chicago in 1939 with a background in marketing and clothing design. But, he had a passion for fine porcelain. So, in 1945 he traveled to Japan to finalize an importing agreement followed by the first Lefton product marked “Made in Occupied Japan” reaching the United States in 1946. Vintage Lefton products have a variety of marks, often including a paper label. They  include:Lefton, Lefton China, Geo. Z. Lefton, G.Z.L., and sometimes just the letter “L”.  Here’s an excellent example of Lefton figurines in our inventory. It is a highly detailed porcelain piano teacher figurine which is also currently on sale.

Hey, do you like half price bargains? In the figurine inventory, we offer a popular 1950′s spaghetti poodle and another colonial couple made in Japan.

So….do you watch your figure…ine? If so, tell us about your success. Share the story of your figurine journey. And tell us some of the manufacturing history too if you can. Then perhaps, you could also give the rest of us a recipe for success as a bonus.