Profiles of Collectible-Related Companies

Department 56 articles, profiles and resources.

A favorite Christmas company of collectors and non-collectors alike. I love the story of how Snow Village got it's start!

Learn more about the pottery and ceramic companies behind our collectibles and what makes their pieces so sought after today.

Abingdon was founded in 1908 as the Abingdon Sanitary Manufacturing Company, producing toilet fixtures and commodes, but fortunately for collectors they changed their focus.

About Arreola Designs -- Christmas Glass Ornaments from Poland

American Bisque Pottery Company Profile

One of the more popular collectible searches continues to be Avon and Avon collectibles. Find out more about the company, along with additional link resources.

You've probably seen the television advertising and bulk mail ads, but have you shopped at a Big Lots lately? There are always bargains to be found and many times, interesting stuff that appeals to the collector in me

Collecting Blenko Glass

Profile of the Braums Dairy and Ice Cream Company and their collectibles.

George Buzza founded his company in 1907 in Minneapolis. The early products included college advertising posters, greeting cards, books and later framed mottos. Buzza was considered to be a pioneer in his use of color and the variety of papers used in the greeting cards.

California Originals -- it's easy to recognize the jars, but hard to find out more about the company. There are no fence sitters when it comes to the brown jars made by California Originals. You either love them or hate! And for if you're trying to identify the non-brown jars, look for cold-painting or matte glazes on the licensd pieces like Winnie the Pooh characters or DC Comic heroes.

The Chein Company: Toys, Tins and Wastebaskets american toy company

Christopher Radko was instrumental in the passion for collectible, handmade glass ornaments.

Deforest of California was in business from 1950 through 1970.

Hand crafted mouth-blown ornaments from Italy

Faberge Eggs

Facts about Fenton Art Glass, a family run company for over 100 years.

When it comes to ceramic giftware and products, Fitz and Floyd set the standard a long time ago with quality and design that other companies strive to attain.

Learn more about Frankoma Pottery -- an American pottery made in Oklahoma and started in 1933.

No matter what you collect, there is a Hallmark ornament that "fits just right". Advertising, cars, toys, racing, Star Trek, Barbies, Disney -- Hallmark has it all. From eighteen ornaments in 1973 to well over two hundred ornaments in 2005, Hallmark ornaments are one of the most enduring and endearing collectibles lines made today.

From a humble beginning to a huge family enterprise today Hobby Lobby is always an adventure. There is always something to look for and usually something to buy. As my tastes have changed, so has the company. But they have never lost sight of their beginnings and still have the largest, most complete crafts supplies anywhere, but also much more.

Learn more about J.K. Farnell Alpha Toys, one of the early manufacturers of teddy bears in Britain.

George was a Hungarian immigrant who arrived in Chicago in 1939. Although his background was in marketing and designing specialty clothing, he had a passion for collecting fine porcelain.

Since 1889 the vision of Walter Scott.

There is no doubt what a Hummel is. And even though there have been hundreds of pieces with numerous figurines made in different sizes over the years and many other companies trying to cash in on their popularlity by making copies --the popularity of these charming Bavarian children has not diminished.

McCoy Pottery never patented their designs, which today has opened a floodgate of copycats and fake-makers! The popular company's name is also used to sell auction items, not everything is a McCoy piece. Although it would be hard to prove to sellers.

A look back at Metlox Pottery and the jars they produced.

In Mandarin, Ne'Qwa describes a centuries-old artistic tradition of painting on the inside of glass. Now Ne'Qwa Art bring this art tradition to a new level with the addition of licensed art from a variety of distinguished artists.

The Merck Family's Old World Christmas ornaments are the most affordable and have something for everyone.

Who doesn't know Mr. Peanut? Mr. Peanut, an oldie but certainly a goody, has been around for almost 100 years.

Collecting Purinton Pottery

Robinson-Ransbottom pottery operated for 105 years in Roseville Ohio.

Shanwee pottery was in business form 1937 though 1961 and is a favorite pick of pottery collectors.

The History of Treasure Craft

The Wade name has been associated with fine pottery since the 1800s. It all started in 1810 with George Wade & Sons, Ltd. Later in the century John Wade started his company, Wade & Co, making teapots and "go-withs". Three of John's nephews later owned and operated potteries under various names and producing assorted products.

The first sound cartoon, Steamboat Willie opened to rave reviews and Walt Disney never looked back.