So, we are not surprised that collectible value for items marked “Made in Japan” or other known backstamps from Japan, continues to rise.

The “Nippon Era” 1891-1921, the Art Nouveau Years. The first backstamped Japanese collectible ceramics were the hand painted Nippon pieces as result of the 1890 Mckinley Tariff Act in America, requiring all imported goods to be marked with their country of origin.

‘Made in Japan’ ceramics is a big, big world of it’s own! These include all the figural and decorated objects exported to America mainly from 1921 to 1941. There was, of course, an interim of interrupted trade and markings of ‘Made in Japan’ after the US declared war on Japan in 1941, which basically resumed again in 1952.

The beginning of the ‘Made in Japan’ era ran simultaneous with the ‘Noritake Era’ of the Art Deco years (1921-1941). The biggest difference was the superior glaze quality of Noritake. They were considered the top of the line of export ceramic ware. If you are a collector of Noritake, we can recommend: “The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Noritake” 1st and/or 2nd Edition. We offer the 1st Edition 1984, with values updated from 1997.

Noritake china saucer (NP-49 #88), circa 1921-1941

From 1947-1952 was the “Occupied Japan” Era. Following World War II, a huge amount of ceramics was produced and exported to America from Japan. The Potsdam agreement permitted the Allied Powers to decide what Japan could manufacture during the Occupation. Ceramics passed the criteria. Most of these pieces were marked “Occupied Japan.” The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Occupied Japan five-volume series by Gene Florence is an excellent reference source on this topic. We offer a set that includes 2nd, 4th and 5th of this series.

China plate marked “Occupied Japan”

To read more about what was made in Japan, The Collector’s Guide to Made in Japan Ceramics Books I and II by Carole Bess White, is a great resource!

Beautiful quality cermaics and ‘Japan’ marked somewhere on the item, just go together.  [Grandma’s Treasures Online offers several pretty items “Made in Japan.”]

Jule Aften 1978 Bing&Grondahl Christmas Collector Plate

In my opinion, the Bing & Grondahl Christmas Collector Plates capture the meaning and sentiment of Christmas like nothing else. Each plate is in the traditional blue and white - Henry Thelander design, using the Scandinavian majolica style.

Replacements, Ltd gives an interesting historical account of the beginning of all collector plates…and it all began with Bing and Grondahl. “The first recorded Limited Edition collector plate came from the Bing and Grondahl factory of Denmark in 1895. Titled “Behind The Frozen Window,” it was the first known commemorative plate to be limited in production with date and title information fired on the plate itself and was followed by a second plate the following year as the first Annual Bing and Grondahl Christmas plate titled “Jule Aften 1896.” An annual plate was produced each year thereafter and still is today under the Royal Copenhagen name.

“Behind The Frozen Window,” circa 1895. First collector plate ever!

Valued $6999.00. Photo courtesy of Replacements, Ltd.

From 1904 until post WWII, other Scandinavian and German companies introduced annual Christmas series plates including Alumunia, Royal Copenhagen, Rosenthal and Konigliche.

By 1949, as interest in the famous blue and white Danish plates rose, plates were being imported and sold in the United States through dealers and auctions. It wasn’t long before demand for earlier issues created a collector plate market and prices began to increase on out-of-production issues. As the collector plate market grew, other European companies produced and exported Limited Edition plates to North America.

By the early 1970’s, J. Roderick MacArthur saw an opportunity to organize the buying and selling of collector plates by telephone just as stocks and bonds were bought and sold. Thus began the Bradford Exchange, the leading dealer in first-issue collector plates. By the 1980’s, the Bradford Exchange was fully computerized with over 11,000 transactions each day. By this time, Lalique and Orrefors had produced Annual Crystal plates, Limoges, Royal Doulton, and Wedgwood were producing fine china Collector Plates and American companies such as Reed & Barton produced silver and pewter plates.

As the theme of Collector Plates grew from Christmas to children, to birds, flowers, animals, famous people, movies, rhymes and tales and so on, so did the number of manufacturers. These included Anna-Perenna, W.S.George, Edwin M. Knowles and Dominion China of Canada. The first Chinese collection called Beauties of the Red Mansion and the first Russian collection called Russian Legends became instant best-sellers and remain popular collector plates today.

Because Collector Plates are traditionally taken from fine works of art from such notables as Norman Rockwell, Donald Zolan, Lena Liu, Sandra Kuck, Edna Hibel, etc, the trend of buyers is to collect the whole series of any one title. This created the Secondary Market of Collector Plates as buyers actively sought out first issues no longer in production and available only through dealers, auctions, second hand shops the Bradford Exchange and now over the Internet. Values fluctuated with demand almost daily during the highest activities of the 1970’s, 1980’s and early 1990’s.

Limited Edition Collector Plates have recognized standards to maintain for would-be collectors. All plates are limited in production and once closed, are never produced again. They are usually taken from signed works of art, produced by reliable companies of quality workmanship, are usually sponsored by a prestigious institution, may have some commemorative importance and usually form part of a theme series. Maintaining the original paper work including the Certificate of Authenticity (if produced), is important for most collectors. Original boxes for storing and shipping are also handy but do not usually affect the value.

Today, collector plates are still in production by many companies and older, long out-of-production issues are bought and sold on the Secondary Collector Plate market by buyers starting a collection or replacing broken or lost plates.”

Add a collector plate to your collection today! Grandma’s Treasures Online offers an AFTER CHRISTMAS SALE 25% Off for each one!

]]> http://www.collectibletreasuresblog.com/2008/12/bing-grondahl-christmas-collector-plates/feed/ http://www.collectibletreasuresblog.com/2008/12/discontinued-china-where-do-i-look/ http://www.collectibletreasuresblog.com/2008/12/discontinued-china-where-do-i-look/#comments Tue, 16 Dec 2008 23:49:08 +0000 admin http://www.collectibletreasuresblog.com/?p=200 This article is a guest post written by Katie Nielsen at eDish, a china replacement business.

“Breaking a beloved teacup is relatively easy (and heartbreaking); the challenging part is finding its replacement - particularly if the pattern is discontinued or rare. Without a pattern name or number to reference, you may find yourself giving up before you’ve even started. But take heart! Finding your discontinued china is not as hard as you may think, if you know where to look. Here are the best places to explore and hunt for your missing piece - the piece that will complete your set once again.

Estate Sales – A best-kept secret of antique dealers and collectors, an estate sale (or liquidation) is the sale of the personal property and belongings of an individual, typically deceased. The sale is often conducted as an auction by liquidation firms and items can be priced far below retail value. Estate sales can be treasure troves of valuable vintage pieces, including discontinued china sets. For sale listings in your area, check the newspaper classifieds or a search online for local liquidation firms. Focus your search on affluent areas and historic neighborhoods to score the best finds and possibly your sought-after china replacement.

Collectors – Whether you’re on the hunt for a rare or more common pattern, chances are there’s a collector out there with your exact piece – one who’s willing to part with it for the right price. To find them, simply search online using the pattern name, number, or even the phrase “china collectors.” Many fine china manufacturers (i.e. Lenox or Wedgwood) also have associations comprised of antique dealers and collectors of their various patterns.

Antique Shops – What better place to scour for vintage, second-hand china than an antique shop? To increase your chances of success, shop frequently – antique stores are rarely the same shop twice. Also, strike up conversation with the dealer or owner and let them know specifically what you are looking for; most will keep an eye out for you if it means acquiring your business.

Auction Sites – eBay and similar auction sites provide a platform for sellers and buyers from all over the world to connect. Such sites are a smorgasbord of old treasures and rare, hard-to-find items - possibly including your china. Search by the pattern name, number, or manufacturer.

China Replacement Services – When it comes to mending your broken set pronto, an online china replacement service is a great place to start. Such services typically stock thousands of pieces in hundreds of patterns ranging from fine to casual china. Browse their inventory online to see what manufacturers and patterns are in their inventory. If you don’t know the pattern name or number of your piece, you’re in luck! Most replacement services can help you identify an unknown pattern just by a photograph, photocopy, or detailed description.”

This collector plate was followed by a second the following year as the first Annual Bing and Grondahl Christmas plate titled “Jule Aften 1896.” An annual plate was produced each year thereafter and still is today under the Royal Copenhagen name.

1973 Betsy Hallmark Keepsake Ornament - First year made!

Hallmark ornaments entered the collector world in 1973 and soon became popular collectibles in the secondary market in the early 1980’s. By the 1990’s conventions for the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collectors Club were just getting started. In those early years, each attending collector was well rewarded. For example the convention in 1991 distributed the silver plated “KC 1991 Santa” to it’s 300 collectors present and because it has been the lowest number of collectible commemorative ornament produced, it’s value has remained high. On the popular Hooked on Ornaments website, there is one listed for $574.95  For about half of that price you can buy one on eBay this week at a ‘buy now’ price without a box and it’s even missing the plaque stating the commemoration!

Also, back in the early 1980’s, the secondary market consisted of only a few dealers who bought and sold and set the prices for all the other retired ornaments. Today, the scene is much different with eBay and a multitude of other upcoming online selling sites, the prices can vary and consequently not see the same value trend as earlier years.

Well, I jumped on the bandwagon in the 1990’s and purchased three ornaments that I have protected, stored and moved with me several times to say I have a bit of Hallmark History. I decided this year to offer them for sale and this week of November 15-30, they are all 25% off! If they happen to be one you’ve wanted, you have hit the jackpot for price! Check them out: Popeye, Lou Gehrig Baseball Heroes Series and PEZ Santa. I also offer a pretty Hallmark Keepsake Charm from 2005 called “Heart of Motherhood” for only $4.46!

1995 PEZ Santa Hallmark Keepsake Ornament

If anyone is interested, I’m also selling my 1997-1998 Greenbook Guide to Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments listing more than 3500 product portraits from 1973-1997, profiles of the Keepsake artists during the 1970’s-80’s and an analysis of the secondary market with a ten-years-ago perspective. From what I can tell, the pricing of 1998 is not much different from what I find online today.

Hallmark headquarters is located in Kansas City, Missouri and continues to be directed by the family who started it nearly 100 years ago. Their commitment to quality and enriching lives keeps them in the forefront of specialty retail.

Not to mention, the Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collectors Club that was started in 1987 continues strong as well!

There are numerous websites that display large selections such as Christmas Past and The Ornament Shop.

Which adorable Keepsake Ornament do you own? Why is it special to you? What traditions do you share with these collectible treasures? Let’s talk about it - just in time for Christmas!

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.

Last month, I decided to open up the 1950’s guest cottage, located on our little ranch in Northwest Colorado, to anyone who would like to experience vintage living. I don’t have it completely decorated yet, so there are not so many photos of vintage interior but what I do have is some comfortable living space in a serene setting in a gorgeous part of Colorado that just maybe someone may want to experience.

Regarding the decor, I’m thinking more cottage style with mid-century retro mixed in. Using a few original kitchen collectibles left in the house from the 50’s - like this vintage Sunbeam mixer and Fire King juicer, I can make the cozy kitchen even more time period friendly.

Also the vintage Woodland stove adds quaint charm to this open kitchen.

Let me know any fun ideas you may have for this project and links to resources that I might be able to use. Also, you must check out a few of my online friends that can ‘cozy’ up any cottage anywhere with products, books and tons of ideas: Preserve Cottage, Kitsch-N-Stuff, Prim Rose Design, Back Home Again, Vintage Goodness, just to name a few. If you offer a blog or website that promotes cottage vintage decorating, feel free to register and leave us a link!

Want to know something sad? I actually threw away the original wagon wheel twin headboards when we moved here four years ago. At that time, I didn’t realize vintage meant valuable treasures. Go ahead, and let me have it with your comments on how I could be so ignorant! Or console me and cheer me up that surely I will find another set for free!

Metalware represents… “all things bright and beautiful.” Brass, silver and silverplate, gold, and copper…are a few examples of materials used for these “bright and beautiful” collectibles. Cast iron and pewter are examples of rather dull but yet beautiful collectibles. From trays to vases to pitchers to baskets to flatware to tins to functional service items, the hand-made craftsmanship or casting and design of antique and vintage metalware makes for an exciting collection. In fact, the options are endless.

Sterling silver and silverplate are lovely collectibles! For instance, sterling silver makes for the most valuable and collectible jewelry. Navajo handcrafted jewelry is a wearable art investment that is unsurpassed. Also, in silverplate, we offer this very old  Sheffield Silverplate Hollowware Tray on pedestal for a shockingly low price!

Discussing the intriguing history of silver-making, 1876 to 1920 noticed a sudden increase of silver production in new regions all over the world, including North America. In fact, the last quarter of the 19th century quadrupled to nearly 120 million troy ounces annually. You can read more about The Rise of North America and the overall History of Silver at 925-1000 website. For more details on silver collecting, you can read my article on this blog: Hobby of the Kings? Silver Collecting.

Lowly aluminum is not only great for recycling, it represents beautiful and highly sought after collectibles - even though at this point they are very affordable. Check out this Aluminum Basket from the 1950’s.   Pamela Wiggins tells us in her article “Collectible Aluminum Hammers Out a Niche,” Most hammered aluminum pieces made their way into homes from the 1930s through the 1950s as wedding gifts. Colorful anodized aluminum wares were popular with homemakers through the ’50s and early ’60s. Also, “Rodney Kent sparkling hammered aluminum kitchenwares and serving pieces. Yet to be discovered by mainstream collectors, hammered aluminum is enjoyed by a small cult following. His is most famous for his Tulips pattern. Many pieces are decorated with tulip flower tops or with ribbons and blooming tulips hammered into the design. Rare pieces are beginning to fetch higher auction prices as collectors are just beginning to come under the spell of Rodney Kent.”

Brass is another fun collectible. From instruments to military objects to photo frames and candleholders, vintage brass can bring a handsome price. For something really unusual, Israeliana Brass is a great option. To clarify dating, I’ve heard that the earlier markings on brass objects usually said ‘Palestine’ while later items said ‘Made in Israel’ and even later brass souvenirs have paper labels. In decorative art collectible Israeliana items, we offer this large and beautiful brass vase/pitcher from the 1970’s.

Another big option in metalware collecting is silverplate flatware. I admit, I have only just begun to explore the depths of this topic. But, I am on a search to discover the history of the silverplated flatware that I’ve inherited from my grandmother on my dad’s side. I also have a large assortment of gold flatware that my mother passed on to me that came through her antique and collectible store, probably from the 1970’s and 80’s. Anyone a guru in such?

Grandma’s Treasures Online is having an October Sale on the four metalware collectibles listed - all for half price! A great place to start your collection.

Do you collect anything bright and beautiful? Weigh in here with your comments and let us know your story.

To explore Victorian treasures and relics left over from a Victorian lifestyle that have become so collectible today, let’s peek back in time to the Victorian culture from 1837 to1901. Named after Victoria who was born in 1819 and was Queen from 1837 until her death in 1901, the Victorian era was at the height of the Industrial Revolution, a period of noteworthy social, economic, and technological change across the Western World – which is strangely similar to the era we are living in right now.

The parallels don’t stop there though. Did you know that immediately into Victoria’s reign, her country began experiencing a similar economic crisis like we had seven years ago with the dot.com fall out? During the nineteenth century, the Bank of England had only gradually built up its institutional control over the London money market. In fact, in a way, it competed with other private banks (such as the House of Rothschild) until the 1840’s and sometimes speculate as irresponsibly as any other investor. Here’s what happened: the Bank of England had the only sizable gold reserves and consequently came to monopolize government stock issues and short-term loans. Along with a few large insurance firms including the East India Company, it took on the role of administering the financing of the national debt, subscribing its share through competitive bidding and then reselling it in small amounts to ordinary investors at a premium – even buying bonds from the US! The smaller banks acted as agents for these investors for rural estate mortgage funds, construction an d with private industrial and business capital. In this climate, it grew excessively and led to speculative surges and crises. So, in the troubled economic climate of late 1830, business-oriented political leaders saw the need for tighter credit control and the Bank Act of 1844 came about, retaining the decentralized system of private provincial banks but allowing the Bank of England to compete with them in the speculative loan market, on the theory that it would stabilize rates of interest. Unfortunately, it back fired and led to a stock market panic and financial crash in 1847 that subsequently led to a global depression. Flash forward one hundred and sixty one years…we not only have a surge of collecting antique Victorian treasures, but we have a global treasury crisis with “Victorian history” written all over it! Ah…history does repeat itself.

On the lighter side, the charm of the Victorian era in the United States, draws us all back to it’s enticing elegance and a feeling of simpler times – at least in our imagination. Say “Victorian,” and I can immediately see an expansive front porch on a quaint Victorian house with gingerbread lattice adorned with a perfect lady dressed in silks and lace serving tea from perfect English bone china to her perfect gentleman guest, also dressed in silks and fine clothing. Hmmm…to most of us, Victorian equals romantic!

Do you enjoy romantic treasures? I offer these 1940-50’s vintage Turner prints depicting the Victorian era.

My friend, Kari, has such a passion for all things Victoriana and has recently published a lovely book entitled “The Riches and Treasures of Home.”

The book is written in a delightfully charming old fashioned “language,” and is a lovely compendium filled with sweet remembrances from the past, along with fond old recipes and homespun wisdom of yesteryear. With topics ranging from the proper method of tea dying a favored linen, to making hand soap or setting a fine tea table, the book overflows with historical imagery and Victorian ephemera in full and vibrant display, and is sure to become a favored keepsake! To preview her new book, you can visit her website at www.alittlegraceandcharm.com and click on The Riches and Treasures of Home.

New movie? I read that a new movie called “The Young Victoria” began filming in August 2007 on location in England and at Shepperton Studios during a 10 week shoot. Many of England’s famous estates and landmarks were to be featured. Anyone know if this movie is being released soon? If so, all us who love Victoriana –won’t want to miss that one!

Victoriana Magazine is a free online publication for all who love the Victorian Era. It is a vibrant and inspiring magazine that cuts through the complexities of modern life to illustrate what was beautiful in the past. It promises to provides ideas, inspiration and information on Victorian fashion, decorating, remodeling, entertaining, holidays, history and more. Each illustrated issue contains a special crafts section, children’s corner, plus the latest museum.

Speaking of museums – I actually had the privilege to browse part of the famous Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. It is more than impressive with so many artifacts housed from that era. If planning a trip to England, don’t miss this informative tourist attraction with free tours!

Frills, lace, pink, sophisticated, proper, high tea, ladies, fine parlors, detailed rich furniture are all synonymous in my mind with Victorian. But, perhaps there was even yet another side to the Victorian era going on out west during this same time period. What did that look like? Cowboy hats with lace? Front porches with hitching posts and wicker chairs? Since I live in Colorado, I think I’ll find out and write about it sometime! How the West was Won – Victorian Style!

Are you a romantic? Do you collect Victoriana? Share with us!

The sad part about the barn was that it was in disrepair with exposure to the elements over the years and woodland creatures in the area had all but destroyed the contents. However, undaunted by the mess and misfortune, I tackled the project of cleaning it completely out and hosting two “barn sales,” advertising only on craigslist. It was suggested to me by a local dealer of ‘hidden-treasure-aka-junk,’ to call it a “Diggers Delight.”

People came by the car loads with gloves and knee pads to dig through the remains of my family’s history to discover their own hidden treasures. We passed out large garbage sacks and only charged $5 to fill them up! One lady was overheard to exclaim to a friend “You won’t believe what I found!”

And so it went, people began meeting others as they pored over boxes and sacks covering the landscape. It was not uncommon for a camaraderie and teamwork to emerge as they learned the interests and collections of each other.

Many dealers came who either had booths in antique/collectible malls or hosted their own regular garage sales from their homes. Doll collectors returned time and time again over the scheduled sale days - as the dolls were endless.

As cash was handed to me, I knew more cash would soon be handed to them from future customers and no doubt their customers would be selling it even again. It was then I realized the “Hidden-Treasure-Junk-Business” is alive and well and probably the most solid economy going right now! In the process, I got a clean storage barn to store my own vintage and antique treasures to sell!

Have you been involved in the “hidden-treasure-junk-business”? Share your success story with us!