Downsizing? Determined to get rid of stuff you no longer need? Cleaning out a home or an estate? Stop. Know Before You Throw.
Last month, I talked about Easter collectibles. So, in keeping with the holiday theme, let’s talk about our very important May holiday, Mother’s Day.
Now, there really isn’t anything specific associated with collecting for this holiday. However, there are many things of similar genre that we tend to get for Mom to express our love and never-ending gratitude for bringing us into the world.
Dinner out, or a coupon promising we’ll take out the trash or wash the dog, while nice and thoughtful, lacks enduring collector value. The kinds of things I’m talking about are the additions we make to Mom’s jewelry or doll collection, or perhaps her collection of figurines.
These collections can sometimes span many years. So, having a progression of items in the collection is probable. This, of course, is if gratitude kicks in at least once a year on your part.
For example, one of the more popular series of collectible figurines is the Hummel. These were produced by W. Goebel Porzellanfabrik (porcelain factory), of Germany, starting in 1935, with current production handled by Hummel Manufaktur GmbH as of 2009.
Current Hummel figurines can be purchased for as little as $25 for small, mass-produced pieces, to as much as $3,000 for a limited edition offering. Online pricing for early Hummels usually is a few hundred dollars. They go up from there, depending on condition and rarity. Careful shopping at local antique malls can sometimes uncover better prices, but always be on the lookout for broken and repaired pieces, as that can compromise their value.
So, is it going to be another I’ll wash the dog coupon this year? Or do you really show Mom some love and get her one of those $3,000 Hummel figurines? Mmmmmmmm…
Jon Englund has more than 25 years of experience in appraising and liquidating personal property, jewelry, art, collectibles, antiques, furniture, printed items and more. A Midwest transplant, Jon trained at New York University in appraisal studies.
For more information, call (480) 699-1567. You also can send an email to Jon@KnowBeforeYouThrow.INFO.