Thursday, April 2, 2009

Dog Collectibles are Kitschy Companions

Dogs collectibles are one the most popular "kitshy companions" collected. It seems that there a different kinds of dog collectors. Some people simply want to find collectibles that remind them of their current dog. Other collectors like pop culture icons and go after the "famous dogs" who have been associated with celebrities, movies, products, presidents etc. Still other folks enjoy looking for reminders of their childhood pooch. Whatever the inspiration is for collecting canine pals ... dog collectibles make kitschy companions.
Top Dog
Over the years, I have tired to figure out which "Kitschy Companions" are of interest to buyers and have discovered that while there may be rooster lovers and pig enthusiasts, dogs collectibles have one of the biggest fan clubs of all the animal pals. Sure there are pelican and giraffe collectors and a serious group of cat lovers, but canines have always been "the top dog" among pet and animal related collectibles.
Popular Dog Collectibles
Dog lovers are loyal to their furry companions and serious buyers of pooch related collectibles. Of all the breeds collected, 1950s poodles and Colorful Era Scotties are perhaps the most collectible and sell for a bit more than similar items. Famous dogs are also important to collectors such as the beloved basset hound icon which represented Hush Puppies shoes or Nipper, RCA's noted terrier. Fala, FDR's black Scotty inspired oodles of kitchen-wares and keepsakes in the 1940s. The Black and White Scotch logo as well as numerous movie stars who favored Scotties made this dog a favorite. And lots not forget Lassie who is still the best known Collie.
Sentimental Dogs
Many dog and cat collectors however are not after the famous characters but really just want to find figurines; planters, keepsakes, and textiles etc. which remind them of a dear pet or are simply one more addition to their precious collections.
So where can you find dog collectibles? Small miniature keepsakes are fairly easy to find and priced very fairly. Since many people build collections of small figurines ,often you will find dealers who may acquire an entire collection or are fond of these collectibles themselves and tend to stock these novelty items. Ceramic figurines are generally inexpensive imports or marked bone china and will go for a little bit more, but still quite affordable. Photo Courtesy of Dawn Forbes.
Doggy Features
Usually if a piece has finer detail , such as beautifully decorated face features which are clear and well done, you have a clue that the piece is bone china, perhaps Made in England or Made in Germany. This is not to say that you need to pass up imports from China or Japan, but this is important to note as you would expect to see a difference in price reflecting these markings. Many times, I will find figurines with no markings at all and I have to size up the piece by handling it, evaluating the price and deciding how badly I want it and what I will pay.
Variety of Dog Collectibles
Besides ceramic "doggies", there are many other dog themed collectibles to consider. Kitchenwares, textiles, old magazines, books,calendars, postcards, vintage prints, toys etc. are all available with dog motifs. Many of the home magazines form the 1940s and 1950s featured pets on the cover. Kitchen glassware, towels, aprons and appliance covers often featured poodles, Scotties and other dogs. Whimsical dog planters common in the 1950s and 1960s were often used as nursery decor. You can find dog collectibles almost everywhere so happy hunting. Photo courtesy of Memory Too Antiques, Coventry, CT.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro cafĂ©.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com


Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

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