In the world of collectible stoneware and ceramics and such, a treasured place is held in the hearts of many for PenDelfin items, and especially the venerable PenDelfin rabbit.
These lovable creatures have graced many a mantle and hutch in the more than fifty years since their first creation in England.
What many people do not realize is that the original makers, Jean Walmsley Heap and Jeannie Todd, at first focused their production on witch themes, perhaps inspired by the local lore of their native area.
Also not widely known is that their original products were in the form of wall plaques! This could be a useful bit of information for persons frequenting estate sales and flea markets, as even some PenDelfin collectors might fail to see the collectability of such a piece if they found it.
It was not for several years that the first family of rabbits emerged from their workshop.
They were a near instant success, as people clamored for the precious items, and production runs had to be repeated and expanded.
A dynasty was born, and PenDelfin rabbits took the collectibles world by storm.
Part of the charm of PenDelfin rabbits is that each new creation is developed with its own personal character and charm.
Perhaps among collectors, these histories are as familiar as are the common tales of Peter Rabbit and Brer Rabbit, but have the added attraction of being manifest in a beautifully cast stoneware form.
After several decades of growth, the company weathered the storm of a disastrous fire in the mid-80's.
They bounced back as quick as a bunny, and production went on and popularity soared.
In the early 90's a collector's club was formed and special creations were made solely for its loyal membership.
By now, some of these specialty pieces are beginning to appear in the secondary market, and they are eagerly sought out by current collectors.
However, market forces ultimately took their toll, and the company was sold in 2005.
Production was transferred away to China.
It's not clear what the long term effect of this move will be on the market for new PenDelfin rabbits.
However, it has increased the desirability of the old, English made models.
Knowledgeable collectors and even investors scour the internet for them, and many sell at a nice premium.
If you are a fan of online auctions, you will find that these rabbits are very well represented on eBay.
It is one of the more popular places available online for buying and selling these collectible figurines.
You may also be able to find retired pieces locally if you are willing to visit estate sales that feature collections of figurines.
These lovable creatures have graced many a mantle and hutch in the more than fifty years since their first creation in England.
What many people do not realize is that the original makers, Jean Walmsley Heap and Jeannie Todd, at first focused their production on witch themes, perhaps inspired by the local lore of their native area.
Also not widely known is that their original products were in the form of wall plaques! This could be a useful bit of information for persons frequenting estate sales and flea markets, as even some PenDelfin collectors might fail to see the collectability of such a piece if they found it.
It was not for several years that the first family of rabbits emerged from their workshop.
They were a near instant success, as people clamored for the precious items, and production runs had to be repeated and expanded.
A dynasty was born, and PenDelfin rabbits took the collectibles world by storm.
Part of the charm of PenDelfin rabbits is that each new creation is developed with its own personal character and charm.
Perhaps among collectors, these histories are as familiar as are the common tales of Peter Rabbit and Brer Rabbit, but have the added attraction of being manifest in a beautifully cast stoneware form.
After several decades of growth, the company weathered the storm of a disastrous fire in the mid-80's.
They bounced back as quick as a bunny, and production went on and popularity soared.
In the early 90's a collector's club was formed and special creations were made solely for its loyal membership.
By now, some of these specialty pieces are beginning to appear in the secondary market, and they are eagerly sought out by current collectors.
However, market forces ultimately took their toll, and the company was sold in 2005.
Production was transferred away to China.
It's not clear what the long term effect of this move will be on the market for new PenDelfin rabbits.
However, it has increased the desirability of the old, English made models.
Knowledgeable collectors and even investors scour the internet for them, and many sell at a nice premium.
If you are a fan of online auctions, you will find that these rabbits are very well represented on eBay.
It is one of the more popular places available online for buying and selling these collectible figurines.
You may also be able to find retired pieces locally if you are willing to visit estate sales that feature collections of figurines.
Source...