COLLECTING AND CARING FOR SEBASTIAN MINIATURES
Note: This article is adapted from one originally written my Nancy Sebastian Meyer in June, 1984. Used with permission. Click on a topic.
evaluating a Sebastian prior to purchase
WHY COLLECT SEBASTIANS?
The "why" of collecting is easy to justify. Sebastian Miniatures are varied, interesting and fun to collect, as well as valuable. The "how" of collecting is more difficult to elucidate. Paul Stark of Design Galleries, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, furnishes counsel, "Buy only what you like, enjoy and can live with for the rest of your life." He also advises collectors to intelligently watch for rich prospects. Find what you think is the most attractive deal and pursue it enthusiastically.
Collecting intelligently requires familiarity with the miniatures themselves, as well as additional details surrounding auctions, publications, clubs and other Sebastian-related essentials. In learning how to collect, it is important to know what to look for, where to look for it, and how to get it when the opportunity presents itself.
EVALUATING A SEBASTIAN MINIATURE PRIOR TO PURCHASE
What should you look for in a Sebastian Miniature? Three elementary details in the appraisal process need immediate attention. First, check the label and determine the period in which the piece was produced (Arlington or Marblehead Studios, the Lance Corporations, or (since 1998), Spoontiques, Inc. Next, thoroughly examine the condition of the paint and Ceramastone. Finally, evaluate the figurine according to your observations and the current Gold Book of Sebastian Miniatures Information and Valuations or as stated on the sebastianworld.com web site. Past issues of the (Sebastian Collectors Society News and the Sebastian Exchange publications may be of further help. If the item is relatively rare and valuable, be sure to check the web site for any recent auction notes as well. Compare the value thus determined with the price tag.
Follow the basic examination with a subjective decision based on personal preference. Remember that artistic appeal, like beauty, "is in the eye of the beholder." Sebastian Miniatures are hand painted with unique features of individuality; therefore, choose carefully according to taste when two or more are available. Also, keep in mind when evaluating a particular piece the possibility of restoration. Decide ahead whether you wish to maintain an originally perfect collection, or possibly one which includes both perfect and restored figurines, or a third option in which all objects are kept in their existing condition.
Do not neglect other collecting angles. Some collectors enjoy the challenge of completing a series (e.g. America Remembers). Others like to seek out and invest in Limited Editions (e.g., the Conestoga Wagon for Lancaster Bible College, 1983), or figurines which have been Discontinued Forever (e.g., Lexington Minuteman). Sebastians have been grouped into collecting "Topics" as well that may give you an excellent approach to collecting. This may be very appropriate, particularly if you already have a keen interest in a specific collectibles area such as the American Revolution, children, Colonial crafts, U.S. presidents or any of several dozen other topics.
WHERE TO FIND SEBASTIANS
Where should you look for those elusive miniatures? Well, if you have access to the Internet, the best place to start is right here on sebastianworld.com. (continue later).
Where to find Sebastians is really as diverse as the people who collect them. Visitors to the Sebastianworld web site or readers of the Sebastian Exchange news have made precious finds everywhere form the trunk in Grandma's attic to auctions held across the country. The Internet has introduced on-line auctions. The largest, eBay, sees thousands of Sebastians change hands each year. Auctions hold a special attraction for many collectors. The novice collector needs to be aware of the fundaments of this phase of collecting: know the terms, preview the pieces carefully; set price limits; and be in control when "auction fever" strikes. If you are planning to attend a live auction or bid on an Internet auction, take time to read up on the guidelines on this web site, the Gold Book of Sebastian Miniatures Information and Valuations or elsewhere.
When the opportunity presents itself, how should you go after that figurine you now cannot live without? The place where you've made your find is important. At an auction, you buy the piece if its price is within your projected budget. In the little junkshop across the street you may be able to negotiate the price with the shopkeeper. Congratulations if you are the one who finds the 25 gorgeous little figurines all neatly wrapped up in the odds and ends box you bought at the rummage sale for $1.00!
Occasionally a collector will have to sell and entire collection. If sold to a dealer, the price will be up to50% of the generally accepted value in order for the dealer to make a profit in resale. Collectors could try for the same bargain when dealing in the private market in such cases as this. You may also find other collectors who have bought more than one a particular piece and are willing to trade.
Collecting Sebastians in enjoyable - most of the time; there are moments of disappointment and frustration as in the purchasing of any collectible. But, with accurate preparation, forethought and the essential materials you will find gratification in this hobby.
CARING FOR YOUR SEBASTIANS
You just bought another Sebastian figurine. Now the question becomes, "What do I do with it?" Whether your collection is comparable to the Sebastian Museum (extremely unlikely) or ore realistically akin to the average collector's cabinet-full, a major consideration is how to care for your Sebastian Miniatures?
Carrying the collectible home from the purchase must be a special consideration. Remember to pack it well, lest you unwrap a great disappointment of broken pieces.
After the exciting exercise of taking your new Sebastian out of its paper, store the box and original wrappings in a safe place. You may have to sacrifice some closet space, but there is a certain mystique about a Sebastian in its original box that cannot be duplicated by any other type of packaging, and this could prove to be worth a few extra dollars at the time of resale. "But, I'm not thinking of selling them!" you say in horror. Some of the most faithful collectors felt the same way but needed to make ends meet and were forced to sell. Keep the boxes; better to be safe than sorry. More recent boxes are collapsible for easier storage anyway.
As you collection expands, you will need to keep track of what you have purchased. You should keep your sales slip. If you received a Certified Appraisal Form at the time of purchase, keep this with the sales slip. If you are purchasing more valuable items, be sure to read your property insurance policy and add coverage if necessary; talk with your insurance agent if in doubt. As with any other valuable collectible, keep detailed records in a safe location.
Your next responsibility is an enjoyable one. Take a photo of each new Sebastian as it enters your collection. Keep these photographic records in a safe place as well. Additional yearly pictures of your collection show how it grows , and can be dated by including children or grandchildren in the pictures. How delightful it is to look through pictures from the last ten years and see the changes in the people, display area and size of your collection.
Your figurines are now appraised or otherwise valued, logged into your checklists, photographed, insured and ready to be displayed and enjoyed. The options here are endless and there are no restrictions on creativity in this area! Series were mentioned early and can be used a a means of display organization. In a few cases, special bases and Lucite covers were created to house groupings. Protective plastic or glass domes are very suitable. If you also collect Sebastian plates, they can be attractively grouped with their corresponding figurines.
DISPLAYING YOUR COLLECTION
Next, take into consideration the place you show off your collection. Some people reserve one special area in their home for their collection, while others spread it throughout several rooms. When you decide on the location, consider the shelving. Sebastians are hard to dust! Optional solutions to this puzzle include glass enclosed shelving or the use of an aerosol can of "dust off" found in most photo supply stores. Remember to light your Sebastians properly to show them off to best adventure. Keep the "miniature" hands and inquisitive little figures from breaking your treasurers by keeping the figurines out of little people's reach, except for those special times when you share them with the children.
Extra creative touches can bring Sebastian Miniatures to life! Display your Bronco Buster on a bed of coarse sand, in front of a picture depicting a western rodeo. If you have one of the coveted Jell-O pieces, put it in it's own special nook in the kitchen, surrounded by Jell-O trivia from years ago. The Dickens Series complete with cottage, could be placed on a special shelf above a collection of Charles Dickens' books. Have fun thinking of unusual ways to display your favorites, and enjoy your hobby of collecting Sebastian miniatures.
Copyright © 2000 Sebastianworld, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Revised: July 05, 2000