What Sells: Decorative Collectibles

Decorative Collectibles include an eclectic collection of vintage and contemporary baskets, figurines, plates, ornaments and other knick-knacks.

Not all items offered under these brand names are valuable, however; usually only retired pieces (those that are no longer produced) are in demand by collectors. Many companies have changed their hallmarks over the years. Pieces with older marks also tend to be more valuable than contemporary pieces.

The following websites contain photographs and pricing data for different collectibles, and can help you identify, date and describe your items:

• Christopher Radko ornaments: http://www.holidaytimes.com/
• Hallmark ornaments: http://www.hookedonhallmark.com
• Hummel figurines and trademarks: http://www.area51collectibles.com/mihumin.html
• Lladro figurines: http://www.aretiredcollection.com/
• Longaberger baskets:ttp://www.the-collections.com/Longaberger/collectorclub.htm
• Precious Moments figurines: ttp://www.preciousmomentscommunity.com/
• Royal Doulton figurines and character mugs (“Toby Jugs”): http://pascoeandcompany.com/
• Swarovski crystal figurines: http://swanseekers.com/

Look for these signs of damage:

• Chips and cracks (run your finger around the rim, base and handles to detect tiny chips called “flea bites”)
• “Crazing,” a web-like network of tiny, delicate cracks in the glaze of old pottery
• Breaks that have been repaired (look for cracks and blobs of dried glue — even a well-done repair can lower the value of a piece)
• Missing or broken parts
• Dirt and fingerprints from being displayed
• Manufacturing defects (uneven glaze, blurred or double stamps)
• Missing COA and box

Be sure to include photographs of all markings in your listing, since markings offer important clues to a collectible’s value.

Use the original packaging (box and styrofoam inserts) whenever possible for storage and shipment; because this has value to collectors, wrap the item in the original packaging in bubble wrap and place it inside a larger box cushioned with packing peanuts. If the original packaging is missing or unusable, wrap each item in bubble wrap and cushion with packing peanuts for shipment.