![]() This early figurine was made in the late 1970s, starting in 1977 under the Jonathan & David name and then, in 1981, the firm discontinued or retired the original figurine. One such figurine was called God Loveth a Cheerful Giver. When it comes to the original 21 Precious Moments figurines, the firm made and later even reproduced the original figurines. Often these prices are not accurate and some are even ploys to attract buyers or excite sellers. So when you see a price online, don’t assume that the price is actually an appraised value or that the price is the amount that someone currently paid for a Precious Moments figurine. Others are easy to find and widely traded online. Some of the original 21 Precious Moments figurines are rare and difficult to find in good condition. Like Beanie Babies and other collectibles, Precious Moments were widely bought, sold and traded by collectors in the 1980s and 1990s and have made a market revival now in the 2010s. The original 21 Precious Moments figurines are, for many reasons, more collectible, desirable and depending on many factors, more valuable than other Precious Moments figurines on the market. If you have one of the original 21 Precious Moments figurines which are highly collectible and valuable, then you have a highly coveted figurine. There is a wide variety of Precious Moments figurines that have been produced over the years ever since the firm was established in the late 1970s. These signatures would impact collectability and value. The firm’s founders, Sam Butcher and Bill Biel were known to have signed Precious Moments figurines at public events, fairs, and other happenings. Many other things do too like the material, condition, artist, designer, sculptor, etc. Remember the mark is not the only bit of information that impacts a Precious Moments figurine’s value. Enesco Imports.” This information is important when trying to tell whether or not you have a real Precious Moments figurine. The highly recognizable figurines along with their notable mark on the underside of the base of each early figurine reads: “Jonathan & David”, name and date of the figurine, and “Lic. to sell giftware including the famous circa 1980s-era painted ceramic Precious Moments figurines. Later the team partnered with Enesco Corp. The partners sold cards at book fairs under the company name, Jonathan & David. was formed in 1979 by illustrator, Samuel Butcher and his business associate Bill Biel. It meets back up with the 44 right before Springfield.Precious Moments Figurines are the brainchild of an artist and his business partner. GPS systems will have you hop back on the 44 to proceed into Springfield, but we enjoyed taking the 96 instead, which goes through Carthage before turning into a beautiful country road. ![]() Beautiful area, lots of room for the kids to run around, and very shaded. They do have an indoor restaurant, but it was closed while we were there (and we prefer picnicking anyway). We spent about a half hour walking through the gift shop, chapel, and museum, and then came back out front to the picnic tables for lunch. Wooden pews, wall to wall murals (even on the ceiling!) and stained glass on the outside. Through the tiny village is a beautiful landscaped walkway to the chapel and museum. There was a pretty strong musty smell in the gift shop (think: nursing home), but once you move past that area I didn't smell it so much. Almost like if you stood there long enough Belle would come strolling down singing "Bonjour!" ![]() My 9 year old liked perusing the store and my younger ones appreciated the larger than life figurines in the little "European Village" area, which kind of reminded me of the Paris hotel in Vegas. We still enjoyed our visit to the chapel, mostly because of the garden setting, the shaded picnic area, and the stained glass in the chapel itself. We have zero interest in the precious moments figurines. It's quirky, beautiful, and FREE, making it a perfect place for roadtrippers to take a break, stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Not a MUST SEE, but a great stop along the 44 between Tulsa and Springfield, MO.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |