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Precious Moments, the trademark pastel-hued figurines with teardrop-shaped eyes, were created by Samuel Butcher of Missouri in 1978, with 21 figurines ("Original 21"). Sam Butcher was a preacher, and he based his creations on Christian values, naming each figurine based on either sayings from children, or deriving from their innocence. There are also holiday themes. He thoughtfully recognized special needs, with a figurine of a boy on crutches and a figurine of a girl signaling an "I Love You" sign language with her hand.
Enesco Company sells the figurines, usually found in Hallmark stores and other gift shops ("official" dealers). The figurines' values increase every year on the secondary market. Secondary prices are based on demand after each retirement or suspension. Retirement means no longer made- with the original mold destroyed. Suspension means taken off the market (for various reasons- could be an error was found). Sometimes suspended items are returned with a new saying after adjustments are made. When purchasing a figurine, be sure there is a mark on the bottom for purpose of authentication and secondary pricing:
Date/Mark
1981 Triangle
1982 Hourglass
1983 Fish
1984 Cross
1985 Dove
1986 Olive Branch
1987 Cedar Tree
1988 Flower
1989 Bow & Arrow
1990 Flame
1991 Vessel
1992 Clef
1993 Butterfly
1994 Trumpet
1995 Ship
1996 Heart
1997 Sword
1998 Glasses
1999 Star
2000 Cracked Egg
2001 Sandal
2002 Cross in Heart
2003 Crown
One of the most popular Precious Moments to date is an early figurine of a girl pulling a cart full of puppies for sale entitled, "God Loveth a Cheerful Giver." The figurine retired quickly, so demand on the secondary market ran high, shooting the price up higher than expected.
When I began purchasing more than a few Precious Moments figurines in the early '90s, I selected the ones of girl/cat and girl/dog of various themes (and the one with the sign language). Because most reflected my special relationship with my "Furkids," I don't have a particular favorite, and none is for sale!
Be careful when handling the very fragile figurines, since they are made of clay and break very easily. They are sculpted and carved so intricately and detailed that they chip so easily. Be careful of cracks from high humidity or poor handling. Display them in cool rooms with low humidity and, depending on your region, with good air conditioning...
For more information, here are two Web sites:
http://www.preciousmoments.com
http://www.enesco.com
You will also find legitimate sources that sell official guidebooks for pricing.
Happy collecting!
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