Collectible Hallmark Ornaments
Collectors Love Hallmark's Popular Christmas Ornaments
Back in 1973, Hallmark turned Christmas decorators into Christmas collectors. The popular ornaments can be found for large and small sums, almost anywhere.
First Collectible Ornaments
The Hallmark Company has been around for ninety years, but it’s been only the last 35 years or so with their entry into the ornament business that they’ve been a Christmas superpower. Many companies were producing Christmas collectibles such as dishes, figurines and serving pieces, but Hallmark was first with the concept of collectible ornaments. And while competitors were selling boxed sets of matching ornaments, Hallmark introduced the concept of the sale of individual pieces.
In 1973, Hallmark introduced its first line of Christmas ornaments, and with it, the introduction of the limited edition ornament. Their first release included six collectible balls, and twelve yarn ornaments... The yarn ornaments included Mr.& Mrs. Santa ($16) Raggedy Ann & Andy ($16) the Little Drummer Boy ($6) and Angels and Carolers ($4-5 each). Prices quoted are from recent eBay auctions. They look almost home made, but have tags that require a close inspection to find. These ornaments can still be found at yard sales and thrift store for pennies. While the satin balls did well, the yarn ornaments never really took off, and by 1975, Hallmark was busy creating a different look.
The First Series: Betsey Clark
Although the individual ornament concept did well, the lure of a collectible series really turned the ornament profitable, as few collectors can resist the impulse to complete their collections. The first series was a set of ball ornaments by artist Betsey Clark, white glass balls featuring cute little girls with animals. Although collector books cite a secondary market value in the hundreds for the earliest of this series, a recent eBay check showed them selling for between $25.and $50.
A Series of Series
Over the years, Hallmark has introduced more than one hundred groups of ornaments based on a specific theme, with a new issue coming out each year. Long running series include Nostalgic Houses and Shops which are highly collectible, and the earliest releases can sell for $200 or more. Sought after collections include Frosty Friends, Star Trek, and Betsey Clark Angels; however, the earliest issues tend to bring the highest prices. A Frosty Friend from 1981 recently sold on eBay for $195, but the 1991 issue in the same series brought only $11.50. The Babies First Christmas Series is very popular, but Barbie themed ornaments seem to have seen their day.
M.I.B. ("Mint in Box") Means Makes Impressive Bucks
Top dollar goes to ornaments that are in mint condition, in mint condition original packaging. For some that means a cardboard box with no creases or color loss with the perforated price tag intact. For others mint packaging includes a cardboard box, a flocked plastic insert, the cardboard display tab, and a Mylar cover free from cracks, scratches and rubs. Even the most popular ornaments bring 25-35 percent less without boxes. Prices on the secondary market seem to be subject to fluctuations, so if you’re buying for investment, do your homework, and buy the best condition possible. Otherwise, pick up the ornaments that make you and your Christmas tree twinkle!
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