Avon Collectibles
From LoveToKnow Antiques
Avon collectibles include so much more than perfume bottles these days. Ask any avid Avon collector and they'll be sure to tell you of the many collectible items that the Avon Company produces each year. From bells to jewelry, there is something for every Avon fan.
Avon Collectibles: Bells and Baseball
The Christmas bell is probably one of the most hoarded bells for people collecting Avon collectibles. Each year a unique bell is produced with a holiday theme such as snowflakes, holly or wreaths. Avon has made many other collectible bells including Precious Moments, metal carousel bells and ruby red Cape Cod glass hostess bells.
It may come as a surprise that there are many baseball fans amongst Avon collectors. Baseball Avon collectibles include trading cards and baseballs. Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays baseballs are highly collectible. They were produced as commemorative items and have copies of the signatures and a photo image on the balls. The trading cards can be found made of paper or metal, depending on the issue dates.
Fragrances and Figurines
Most collectors begin collecting Avon collectibles with fragrances. People tend to collect the special issue fragrance bottles such as the glass cars and animals that were popular in the 1980's. Collectors also enjoy fragrance bottles that are unique because the fragrance is available for a limited time. Favorites include Contrast cologne spray, Far Away and the new Goddess perfume bottles. Avon fragrance collectors prize miniature perfume bottles as well.
Figurine collectors represent another large segment of Avon collectors. Avon has produced figurines in porcelain, pewter and ceramics. Figures within the collection include women, children, animals, Lionel trains and buildings. Favorites of the figurine collectors are the 1982 Scarlett O'Hara figurine and the annual Christmas figurines.
Ornaments and Tankards
Christmas ornaments are popular Avon collectibles. They are relatively easy to find and are usually inexpensive. Avon ornaments include Barbie, pewter partridges, silver-plate snow scenes, Fostoria glass and more. Ornaments are a great place to start for beginner collectors as they come in a variety of themes and materials.
You don't have to collect dolls and perfume bottles to enjoy Avon collectibles. Tankard mugs have become very popular items amongst male collectors. Themes for the steins, tankards and mugs include ships, cars, baseball, cowboys, motorcycles and more. These items are highly detailed and command a good price on the secondary market if the collector keeps the box they came in.
Thimbles and Teddy Bears
Avon American Fashion thimbles are one of the popular thimble series. These thimbles represent American women's fashions through the decades. Edwardian dress, the 1920's Flapper and more await thimble collectors. The Christmas thimbles from the Christmas Memories series are favorites because of the small Christmas scenes from year's past.
Most teddy bear collectors have at least one Avon Cherished Teddy in their collection. The Cherished Teddy collection items are usually made of either resin or porcelain. The antique looking teddies can be found in a variety of poses dressed in cute outfits. Popular Cherished Teddy outfits include the scarecrow, teacher and the patriotic Gregory.
The National Association of Avon Collectors
If you would like to find out more about Avon collectibles, the National Association of Avon Collectors is a great place to start. This organization has chapters all over the United States as well as abroad. The chapters often have monthly meetings and there is also a yearly convention held for all members. This organization can be contacted at the following address:
- The National Association of Avon Collectors
- P.O. Box 7006
- Kansas City, MO 64113
Collectors that are new to this hobby or simply would like to know about the values of their items can either read about them, or speak with a knowledgeable antique appraiser. There are also many books on the subject ranging from Hastin's Avon and Collector's Encyclopedia to specific guides on individual objects such as the ruby red Cape Cod pieces. These books, as well as many others on the subject, can also be found at many public libraries.
Take another look at those Avon collectibles you have hidden in the attic or collecting dust on a neglected shelf. The values of these items may surprise you!
Comments
Sherry, eBay will be your best bet. You might also try http://findavon.com/ Good luck!
-- Contributed by: Marye AudetHi Years ago brought my kids the outdoor lighs 1 set has bee's and ladybirds on them the other set has butterflies I use them for night lights and clip them around my children';s room.My doughters stopped lighting up the butterflies one.so I contacted avon and said If they can't be replaced I would like them back and try and fix it.maybe it was just a globe.But avon said that product had finished.they would not return my daughters lights nor would they refund me.so I am now eagerly searching for a set for her. can u help? thanks
-- Contributed by: sherry deenenMichelle, I can verify four plates in that series. They were released in 1974 through 1975 and done by artist Don Eckelberry. The four plates in the series were Cardinal, Bluebird, Oriole, and Yellow Breasted Chat. I don't believe that there were more than four in the series. I hope this helps.
-- Contributed by: Marye AudetThis page has been accessed 3,333 times. This page was last modified 14:52, 4 July 2008.
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