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The holidays are upon us and while we are checking off gifts on our holiday lists and stocking the pantry with baked goods, there is a holiday tradition that has many of us visiting our attics and basements digging out those lovingly stored Thanksgiving-themed objects to decorate our holiday homes. On tour, on the road across America, I present my antiques appraisal comedy shows, and I evaluate many objects that highlight the holidays.
For instance, a popular collectible that I see regularly is the traditional transferware turkey platter with an image of a plump turkey at the center. Other Thanksgiving collectibles include Napco of Japan ceramic salt and pepper shakers in the form of two turkeys or a pair of pilgrims. Also, a host of Thanksgiving postcards from the early 1900s that showcase days gone by make popular collectibles this time of year. Another favorite Thanksgiving collectible is the bright-colored plastic door decorations featuring Native American children from the 1970s or ears of corn. Turkeys featured on chromolithograph prints are popular holiday ornaments, too. Here are some examples of the rare and unusual Thanksgiving collectibles that were appraised on my national appraisal tour.
Toy turkeys
I met Peggy in New Jersey whose family has placed a Steiff turkey from the mid-1900s on their Thanksgiving table every year for as long as she can remember. This little German collectible toy called Tucky was made by the world-famous toy maker, Steiff. The toy retained its Steiff metal ear button and yellow identification ribbon and tags typical of the mid 1900s. Tucky, the turkey, has printed felt hind feathers, brown painted feet, and a long orange head and neck. On the market today, collectors of Steiff stuffed animals pay $45 for this cheerful Thanksgiving toy. If you buy one in November rather than in June, you'll pay more for this seasonal piece of memorabilia. He makes a surprising centerpiece and cute addition to any table or toybox.
Posting holiday wishes
Thanksgiving postcards are easy to find online and popular with collectors. Many people have postcard collections squirreled away and some have been handed down or assembled from online sources. Postcard collections are displayed, typically, in scrapbooks. Tried and true holiday collectors amass colorful lithographed cards from the early decades of the 20th Century by John Winsch, the Detroit Publishing Company, and Samuel L. Schmucker, to name a few of the best-known producers. These Thanksgiving themed postcards feature Native Americans, pilgrims, pumpkins, and the plentiful foodstuffs that are enjoyed on the Thanksgiving holiday. For instance, turkey and other wild fowl along with corn, pumpkins, seasonal fruits, and plum pudding have a prominent place in printed Thanksgiving images, especially on postcards. These holiday collectibles range in value from $1 to $10 each. Be sure to keep them in a metal storage box (not cardboard) or an acid free solander storage box to maintain good condition for decades. Handling postcards is like handling any other type of print. It is best to refrain from touching postcards regularly. Also, using white cotton gloves when handling postcards is always good practice.
Seasonal collectibles
Objects relating to the history of the various Native American people across North America and their traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday remain of interest with collectors at this time of year. For example, Native American pottery, baskets, and regalia items with confirmed provenance carry very high values on the resale market. These items are among some of the most coveted collectibles of the autumn season. Objects such as blackware pottery pieces including plates, vessels, and bowls by the San Ildefonso potter, Maria Martinez and those in her circle are valuable. Baskets for seed beating or grain storage and woven tobacco pouches produced by some of the most important and influential Native American weavers from the Haida and Tlingit tribes of the Pacific Northwest are widely traded on the antiques market of Alaska, California, New Mexico, Washington state, and beyond. Also, hand hammered sterling silver bracelets and squash blossom necklaces featuring native stones like blue/green turquoise, green gaspeite, and orange spiny oyster are desirable. These pieces are designed and hand made by the Navajo and Zuni people and come with high price tags. Collectors of Native Americana are always interested in adding to their collections, particularly around Thanksgiving.
This is certainly the time to display your seasonal autumn collectibles with all the friends and family members who visit during the holidays or sit at your Thanksgiving table. Happy Thanksgiving!
Ph.D. appraiser, author, and award-winning personality, Dr. Lori presents live appraisal events nationwide, appears on the Drew Barrymore Show, Netflix, History channel and CBS. She hosts her popular vintage thrifting channel with tips on www.YouTube.com/DrLoriV with 150 Million views. Visit www.DrLoriV.com or call (888) 431-1010 for info.