SEBASTIAN EXCHANGE
Passes Baton to
SEBASTIANWORLD, INC.

By Robert Edmunds, Founder of sebastianworld.com

    For many years the Sebastian Exchange has performed a great service. It has kept Sebastian miniatures collectors knowledgeable, enthusiastic and informed.  It has provided a sense of community, a forum for collectors and a valuable channel of communication.  To those who have made all this happen and particularly to Paul J. Sebastian and Nancy Sebastian Meyer, a profound debt of gratitude and a heartfelt thanks must be extended by all Sebastian enthusiasts!

     However, all good things must eventually change.  And so it is with the Sebastian Exchange -- at least in its old, comfortable, familiar format.  Times, situations and personal circumstances change. Yet, as with Sebastians themselves, there is much to keep and cherish of the old ways.

     Sebastian miniatures are an American treasure!  They provide a rich heritage that is worth extending far into the future –an island of stability, tradition and value in a world of change!  There are countless collectors who wish to see this heritage continue and prosper. The question becomes not one of why or what or where or when.  It is rather a matter of who and how.

        With all of this in mind, a small group of enthusiastic, even excited individuals have put together key elements of a plan.  This group realized that change is necessary.  Those wonderful Sebastian figurines and other creations of Prescott W. Baston Sr. and Jr. need to be presented to the world in an appealing way.  There are tens of thousands of people who need to know that Sebastians exist and discover that many of them match precisely their own diverse collecting interests.  Without “new blood,” Sebastians, so popular twenty years ago, will, in all likelihood, slowly and quietly fade from the scene within the next decade or two!

      This small group – and it must remain small for the present – includes some names familiar to long-time collectors - Woody Baston, Doris and Craig Edwards, Jonathan Way, Jim Waite and Bobbie Miller. Bob Edmunds, a newcomer but no less enthusiastic about Sebastians, is committed as well. Collectively, this group has some ambitious plans.  There is much to be done.  Here is what is going on today.

    There have been many long discussions among ourselves and with others who have been long involved in the “Sebastian scene.”  In addition, Nancy Sebastian Meyer and the other Sebastian Exchange folks have been most support ive. Nancy and Paul Sebastian will continue to work closely with this group to make the transition as “seamless” as possible.

       A web site is already under way.  You can visit at www.sebastianworld.com.  You may still encounter many construction signs as you move about the site.  But you are still encouraged to visit – hard hats not required!  In fact, your suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

        This web site, which will number about 1500 to 2000 pages, will serve as the ultimate repository of Sebastian collectibles information.  For example, you will find all collectible Sebastians itemized in four ways: (1) SML number; (2) alphabetically; (3) by collectible topic (about 50 topics such as American Revolution, children at work and play, occupations  and  professions,  religious figures and themes, etc.); and (4) by series (Dickens, Jell-O, Godey Figurines, Afternoon in the Park, etc.).  This will make it simple for a visitor to find items to match his or her collecting interest.

     In addition to the lengthy listings, each item will be described in detail.  For each and every item, there will be about a dozen facts of interest to collectors including full descriptions of each version of that item, value estimates, auction notes and general information of historical or human interest about the figurine or other collectible.  Each item will have a “thumbnail” picture that, with the click of a mouse, can be expanded to see a large, full-color image. Other portions of the web site will range from a virtual tour of Stacy's famous Sebastian Museum to an area devoted to buying and selling Sebastian figurines, publications, etc.  Hopefully, everything you wanted or needed to know about your favorite collectibles will be there.  If not, webmaster Bob Edmunds wants to know.

     A second major effort will be the publication of a new “catalog” tentatively titled, The Sebastian Miniatures Gold Book of Information and Values.  In addition to containing the various listings that will match those on the web site, all items will be illustrated on pages opposite their corresponding listings.  A wide variety of background information including a section on identifying, valuing and acquiring Sebastians is included.  Values or value ranges for every item is also provided.  The “Gold Book” will replace the Value Register and its addendums previously published by the Sebastian Exchange as well as the very informative Collectors Handbook compiled and published by Paul Sebastian in 1984.  Of course, the listings and illustrations will be brought completely up to date.  Updated valuations are being established. This significant effort is being coordinated by Jonathan Way.

     Those wonderful fairs and festivals that have been so much a part of the joy of Sebastian collecting will continue and we believe will attract ever larger groups of enthusiastic participants.  The Stacy's sponsored  Festival  and  Jim Waite's Midwest Fair are already solidly on  the calendar as you will discover in reading this issue.

     And as the “old” Sebastian Exchange phases out, we are grateful and delighted that Nancy Meyer and Paul Sebastian are on board to help us through the transition.

     Now, what of the Sebastian Exchange Collectors Association News that has come faithfully into your home every few months?  Sadly, this will need to be discontinued, at least for a period of time as will the Sebastian Exchange as a collectors' organization.  You are entitled to know the reasons.

     First those involved with the project quite simply lack the time and resources to devote to this.  We need to complete our two major projects – the web site and the Gold Book as soon as we can; all our current efforts are fully devoted to this.  To attempt to issue a quality publication and maintain the ongoing operations of the Sebastian Exchange would require a serious diversion from this vital effort.

     Second, the basic economics to allow the Sebastian Exchange and particularly the newsletter do not exist with the current small membership base. If there were 3 to 5 times the number of members and prospects were bright for future growth, we could perhaps find an individual or organization willing to pick up this challenging task.   There  is presently  no financial incentive for anyone to put in the effort and meet the expenses involved.

     Where does this leave you good Sebastian Exchange members who do not have convenient access to the Internet, either in your home or through a friend, neighbor, relative or local school or library?  Or perhaps you are just uncomfortable with the technology required – did we hear someone say, “I really hate computers!?”  But you still want to “stay in the loop.”  If you are not currently on the mailing list of an active Sebastian dealer who can keep you informed about what's going on, you can ask to be put on Stacy's list.  Stacy's can, with its mailings, keep you up to date on news of interest and opportunities for Sebastian collectors. You may contact them at Stacy's Gifts, The Walpole Mall, Route One, East Walpole, MA 02032-1511, give them a call at (508) 668-4212 or FAX them at (508) 668-7553.

            In conclusion, the future of Sebastian collectibles is, to a large measure, in your hands as collectors and enthusiasts.  The Internet is an incredible vehicle to help build the large base of collectors that is needed to make Sebastians, old and new, succeed and prosper.  An updated and complete guide to collecting will be of great value to an expanding community of collectors.  And the enthusiasm and vigor of our dedicated artist, Woody Baston, is of inestimable worth as we start a new phase of the long, ongoing story of Sebastian collectibles.  Together, all of us, including you, can make good things happen.

SEBASTIAN NEWS AT THESE WEBSITES www.sebastianworld.com www.StacysGifts.com If you are not an internet subscriber, go to your local office supply store, where you may pay a fee and use their computers and even make printouts of the information on these Sebastian websites!

EDITORIAL

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES
By Nancy Sebastian Meyer

As I look back over these past twenty years of Sebastian Miniature collecting and news-telling, my mind and heart are filled with remembrances of many treasured friends and experiences.

     Our lives have been forever enriched by treasured friendships with the Bastons, the Edwards family, Jim Waite, Bobbie Miller and her husband Joe, and so many others.  We would be remiss not to mention the members of the SE Advisory Council and the individuals who served so faithfully as reporters, technical support people, and staff writers for the Sebastian Exchange News.  In addition to these, folks we’ve met at special events have become like family.

     Alas, time often brings change.  For us here at The Sebastian Exchange, we must say good bye to the old (not our friends, just our responsibilities) and hello to the new endeavors before us.

     As the Editor and Director, I feel sorry to see this chapter of my life close.  But the present and future hold many exciting challenges.  Beyond my role as wife and mother, my life includes teaching, speaking, singing, and writing.  Folks often tell me they get tired just thinking about doing all the things I do.

     My duties include substitute teaching in my daughter’s public school, evaluating for home school families, teaching women’s Bible study classes, giving concerts, speaking at women’s events and church events, and more. 

     Over the past several years, I’ve recorded a CD featuring classic hymns, written several devotional booklets, and authored a book called  Hope for the Heart of a Wife.  I am currently revising this book for further publication.        

     Paul J. Sebastian, Founder of The Sebastian Exchange and Chairman of the Sebastian Exchange Advisory Council, experienced major changes in his life a few years ago.  In the early ‘90's, Paul (my father) turned The Sebastian Exchange directorship over to me and also sold his photography business (after over forty-five years in that profession).

            No, he did not retire.  Nationally well-known for his architectural designs of photo laboratories, Paul still enjoys full-time work with  plenty  of  vacations and time off to spend with family.

     Christine Freeman, the SE Membership Director, homeschools her three adorable daughters and manages a private accounting business from her home.  Even with all of these responsibilities, she is disappointed to see the end of the Sebastian Exchange.  Chris will miss the wonderful collectors she’s gotten to know over these past several years.

     As you can see from these short updates, the time has come to move on.

But we hope to see many of you at future Sebastian events.  And we wish much  success  to  the  “Next Phase Team” in their Internet endeavors. 

            Thanks to all of you for the delightful past.  Here’s to an exciting future!  And may our friendships remain forever.

MY FAVORITE THINGS
(Sung to the tune of “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music)
by Nancy Sebastian Meyer

Come to the Festival in Massachusetts
See Woody Baston, the Edwards, Richard Betts,
Bid at the auction, see what a piece brings,
These are a few of my favorite things.

Visit the Midwest Fair in Farmer City
You’ll enjoy Jim Waite, he’s really quite witty
It ain’t over till the Fat Lady sings
These are a few of my favorite things.

Dress up like one of your fav’rite Sebastians
Paint your own min’ature, talk to the Bastons
Special events, such a crowd each one brings
They are a few of my favorite things.

When it’s mid-June
Or October,
Reservations sent,
I simply remember my favorite things
And run to the next event!

Look-Alike Memories  -  If you've never tried your hand at dressing up like your favorite Sebastian Miniatures, sign up for Jim Waite's Midwest Fair Look-Alike Contest this October.  It's a lot of fun.  

FROM THE ARTIST ...
by Prescott W. Baston, Jr.

    At a time like this when a publication such as The Sebastian Exchange is printing its final issue, it is hard not to reflect back on the years of superb reporting that the Exchange has provided Sebastian collectors.

     I remember the first time I met Paul Sebastian. It was in a gift shop in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Our first meeting was in the early eighties when I was just starting to add my pieces to the line. I was on one of many whirl-wind tours and found myself in Pennsylvania. After the initial rush of autographing had subsided (in those days it was rather quick for me to sign all my pieces as I had sculpted only one or two designs), I had the opportunity to chat with the collectors who had stopped by that evening. One of those collectors was Paul.

     During the course of the conversation, Paul made the comment that the line needed to have a logical listing of all the older pieces my father had created over the years. Paul said he had some ideas and some experience with newsletters and would be interested to work on a newsletter that would cover the secondary market. As a result of this first discussion with Paul, the Sebastian Exchange was born.

     In those days the Exchange was a completely independent from the Lance newsletter. For many years the two newsletters maintained their separate identities, the Exchange covering the older pieces and the Lance newsletter covering the introduction of new pieces and a calendar of events.

     As time went on and the cost of printing started to climb, it soon became apparent that it was inefficient to print two separate publications. It was at this time that the two newsletters joined forces and printers and became one publication with two separate entities. The Exchange portion or the newsletter still covered the older pieces and the Lance portion of the newsletter covered the new introductions. Because the cost of printing was less expensive in Pennsylvania, the printing of the unified newsletter was handled by the Exchange and their printer. With this move came the opportunity for me to start and to maintain to the last issue the custom of being late with my articles.

            The important thing is to express my appreciation for all the hard work that Paul and Nancy have put into the Sebastian Exchange and by so doing making the Sebastian aftermarket much easier for the collector to understand. All of us are saddened when we realize that this is the last issue of the Exchange. An era has come to an end. All of us who have been involved with Sebastians over the years will miss the lively newsletters and the enjoyment we received when we read them. 

            At this time the only thing left is to borrow a saying made famous by Bob Hope, "Thanks for the memories."

... AND HIS WIFE
by Marjorie Baston

            The Sebastian Exchange Newsletter has always had an incredibly high standard for its photography and articles.  Based on an organized overview of the Sebastian after-market, which Paul Sebastian helped to "put in order," readers have been given a lively periodical, and an orderly perspective and an idea of the market values of older Sebastian Miniatures.

            As the artist’s wife, I have been awed by the talent (and hard work) that has gone into the creation of Sebastian Miniatures. I have had little involvement in the business, other than as an admiring observer. I also have been awed by the talent that has been drawn to the  Sebastian Miniature business!  Who could have imagined that someone with the talents of Paul Sebastian would have entered the Sebastian scene – with his gift for orderliness, his professional photography skills, his editorial know-how, his dedication, and a work standard paramount to perfection? Then that same talented person passed the baton on to his daughter, Nancy Sebastian Meyer, who expresses many of the same talents as her father. They have offered educational workshops on Sebastian collecting – including certification programs. Their efforts on the newsprint front, not surprisingly, have been exceptional.

            There have been other individuals who have also contributed their talents and hard work to the Sebastian line. For instance, the Edwards family – with their wonderful Sebastian Museum, and their sponsoring of the Sebastian Festivals for close to twenty years, and Jim Waite, with his provision for a Sebastian Midwest Fair for almost the same length of time. There are others who have contributed mightily to the Sebastian line.

            What stands out to me is the talent that has been drawn to Sebastian Miniatures has been just as awesome in its own way – as the artistic talent the Line represents. 

  Editor’s Note: We thank Woody and Margery Baston for their faithful support, constant encouragement, and delightful contributions--but even more, for their treasured friendship over the years.

 

From the SE Membership Director
by Christine Freeman

It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly five years since Nancy introduced the idea of venturing forward with The Sebastian Exchange.  It was a huge undertaking, but the timing was right, and the business took off with Nancy as the head cheerleader, writer, and director.  Obviously, a business such as this succeeds on the subscriptions that faithfully come in, and we extend our thanks to all of you for your gracious support throughout all of the many changes during these past years.

  Sebastians have survived a great deal since the beginning, and we have no doubt their special charm will continue to make them a favorite collectible.  But as you know, the information age is upon us, making instantaneous computer information the sought-after medium and  newsletters obsolete.  As much as we have enjoyed working on the newsletters, we can no longer run a viable business with information readily available on the Internet.  We considered the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” approach, and after much soul searching, prayer, and home­work decided that it was time for us to bow out.  Our families, ministries, careers, and extra curricular activities are filling up our days with no time left over to change courses with this business.

            We have appreciated the opportunity to be involved in this business and get to know some of the special people out there who collect Sebastians.  It’s hard to let this go, knowing  that some of our collectors don’t have computers and may feel disconnected from the Sebastian world.  But the ever popular Festivals and Fairs are scheduled to continue, and the dealers will undoubtedly have contacts and information that folks may need.

            It’s been a pleasure doing business with you the past five years.  Blessings to all of you. 

Editorial Note: Chris Freeman deserves more esteem and recognition than we can offer in this newsletter.  Her meticulous and caring attention to each and every member is beyond compare.  Thank you, Chris, for all you’ve done!

TWO EVENTS OF INTEREST! Stacy's Gifts and Collectibles -- SEBASTIAN FESTIVAL June 16 & 17, 2000 Mansfield, MA 1-800-STACYS-1 click here for details & auction list Blossom Shop's MIDWEST FESTIVAL October 6 & 7, 2000 Farmer City, IL 1-800-842-2593 click here for more details

Sebastian Exchange Membership Refund Policy

As this is the final Sebastian Exchange newsletter, we will begin issuing partial refunds to some of our subscribers.  The breakdown of the yearly $35 membership fee includes:  $20 for the "members-only" miniature, plus $5 for each of the three newsletters published per year.

The refund policy is as follows:

Members who have received their "Anna" miniature and two newsletters during their subscription period will be issued a $5 refund check.  Members who have received their "Anna" miniature and one newsletter will be issued a $10 refund check.  We will begin processing refunds immediately following the mailing of this newsletter.  Please remember to cash in your refund checks promptly.  Thank you for your cooperation!

My Life with Sebastian Miniatures
By Richard B. Betts, SE Staff Writer, SE Advisory Council Member, SE Certified Appraiser

          My life with Sebastians had an unusual beginning.  In 1970, I went to a small gift shop in my home town of Belmont, MA to purchase a birthday gift for my wife.  I had hoped to buy a Hummel until I saw how much they cost.  The owner of the shop said “Perhaps you might be interested in this figurine,” showing me the SML-277B Colonial Carriage.  “It is a Sebastian Miniature and was made by a man in Marblehead,” she said, “and some day it will be worth as much, if not more, than Hummels.”   
          Oh sure, I thought, what a sales pitch.  It is too bad I didn’t believe her as I could have started my Sebastian  collection years earlier than I did.  In any event, I did purchase the Colonial Carriage for $7.50 
          In another local gift shop, run by a friend, I saw a small case of Sebastians and asked about them.  Because I wanted  them as “knickknacks” for my summer cottage by the ocean, I eventually purchased Old Salt, Skipper, Lobsterman, and Home from the Sea.  But still no real collecting bug bit me
          My wife and I did buy a few more pieces from a gift shop on Cape Cod.  They were on sale at 50% off, so a few more figures joined the collection.  About that time, I began to get very interested in those beautiful figures, but still did not consider myself a serious collector.  Actually, only thirteen pieces were added over the next nine years. 

            In 1980, I joined the Sebastian Miniatures Collectors Society and received my first “Member-Only” figure, Rip Van Winkle.  Later that year, I attended the first ever Sebastian auction in Boxborough where I was exposed to the older Marblehead and Arlington pieces.!. I wasn’t able to purchase anything at that auction, as they were all out of my price range, but I was hooked.

     Then in 1981, tragedy hit as I lost my devoted wife to cancer at the age of 51.  One would think I would have given up Sebastian collecting, but it was just the opposite.  As a means of therapy, I lost myself in Sebastian collecting, haunting gift shops, antique shows and auctions as a way to recover from my grief.  According to my records, I added 103 Sebastians to my collection that year.

     Then in 1982, Paul J. Sebastian introduced an independent service and Newsletter featuring aftermarket information, and I immediately became a member of The Sebastian Exchange. Dr. Glenn S. Johnson’s illustrated book, The Sebastian Miniature Collection, with history of all the figures to date opened new vistas to me.  I then took the SE Correspondence Course and became an SE Certified Appraiser.

     A friend in San Diego called one day from a gift shop that was selling Sebastians at half price.  As she read off the list, I told her which ones I wanted to buy.  They were $9-$10 each, and fifteen new pieces joined my collection.

     My first purchase of “secondary market” Sebastians were the Swedish Boy and Swedish Girl.  I acquired these for $260 from a friend who ran a week-end flea market.  From then on, every Sunday was spent reading the auction pages--and the hunt was on in earnest.  At those auctions I began to recognize the same people bidding when the Sebastians came up.  It didn’t take long to become friends with many of them.  Bob and Jan Robinson, whom I met at an auction in Ipswich, are close friends to this day.  We later went to auctions together.

     Fifty pieces were added to my collection, followed by 37, 45, and 18 over the next three years.  In 1987 I retired, after 42 years in the Belmont Engineering Department.  I went into the engineering consulting business for myself, and my collecting really took off.  The next six years, I added about 100 Sebastians per year.  I was finally able to afford some of the ones previously out of my price range.

     Forty figures were bought  from a collector in  Worcester, who had to sell her collection.  Tony Piet, Bunky Knudsen, the New England Home for Little Wanderers, the Jell-O Whale and Moose, along with other rare Sebastians came home to Belmont.  I think I needed a bank loan for that major purchase!  Many other stories such as this are part of my collection.

     Every collector has stories about a good buy or two.  My stories include buying Webcowit at the Brimfield Flea Market  for $3.00; Aerial Tramway at a flea market in Rowley for $1.50; St. Teresa of Lisieux for $35; Robin Hood and Friar Tuck for $100; the Mark Twain House for $75; and the Iron Master’s House for $60.  At an antique coop in Salem, MA, I spotted a Jell-O Cow Pitcher on a low shelf.  When I asked about the price, the dealer said it was probably Austrian China and would have to get $12 for it.  Needless to say, that was a quick purchase.

     At the annual antique show in Springfield, MA I saw a couple looking at the Fisher Pair Penstand.  When they put it down and stepped back to discuss it between themselves, I quickly scooped it up, and for $205 that VR piece joined my collection.

            A Belmont friend heard of my interest and said he had two Sebastians that belonged to his father.  I could have them, he said, as they were of no interest to him.  Thus, two WEEI pieces (Jesse Buffum and Carl Moore) joined  me.   A local contractor friend sold me a box of seven Sebastians for $45--found while he was cleaning out an old house.  They included Dutchman’s Pipe and Gathering Tulips.  At an antique show I spotted a Sebastian Dealer Plaque, with a picture of a country scene pasted over it!  After buying it for $20 and carefully removing the paper covering when I got home, I found the Marblehead Dealers Plaque!

     At another Antique show I spotted Darned Well He Can and quickly purchased it.  The dealer asked if I collected Sebastians, and when I said yes he reached under his table and brought out Priscilla Fortescue, who also went home with me.

     While these finds were great, they only helped to counteract my over bidding at some of the Festival auctions for a figure I really wanted or paying too much at a dealer table.  When one finds a piece he has been searching for, sometimes the desire overcomes common sense.  But how does one describe the feeling when finally finding a highly sought after piece?  I recall buying Gabriel from a dealer in Montreal, The Thinker on a thermometer base, and the Jell-O Old Lady in the Shoe from a lady in Ohio.  Those prices I don’t like to remember. 

     I also bought several “Sebastians” made by Louis Salemme who worked in Arlington with Prescott Baston and made some special Rotary Club award plaques on his own.  Another special piece was Mary Had a Little Lamb mounted on a music box made especially by Prescott for one of his painters when he closed the Marblehead plant.  It took two years, but I was finally able to purchase it.

     Don’t think that Sebastian collecting comes easy.  According to my records--since 1981--I have been to 68 auctions, made 10 trips to the Brimfield flea markets, 26 trips to other flea markets, 42 antique shows, most of the Sebastian Annual Festivals, as well as made purchases from 39 individual collectors and dealers.  While I do have an extensive collection, I am still looking for about 30 rare pieces, including: the Texcel Tape Boy, Girl on a Diving Board, Mrs. Obocell, Cliquot Club Eskimo, and Speedy Alka-Seltzer.  At least I can see them at Stacy’s Sebastian Museum in Walpole!

     In 1987, I sent an article to The Sebastian Exchange on “Philatelists and Sebastian Collecting” which was published.  Thus began my writing for The Sebastian Exchange, which sadly ends with this final issue.  Then I was asked to cover the Annual Festivals, first day issues of Woody’s figures, and other miscellaneous news stories.

            After the death of Prescott Baston in 1984 (who I unfortunately met only once), Woody picked up the mantle and began making figures of his own.  How many of you collectors remember standing in line for at least an hour at the Wayside Country Store in Marlboro, MA to purchase his First Kite?

       In 1992, I was honored to accept an appointment to the Sebastian Exchange Advisory Council from Paul Sebastian, thus joining at that time Quentin Banks, Doris Edwards, James Garrabrandt, Deanna and Charlie Mazza, and Maureen and Joe Morgan.  What a thrill to be a part of that illustrious group who soon became good friends!

     Today, with four full curio cabinets in my living room and a jampacked four-section lawyer’s bookcase in my den, my original Colonial Carriage (which is still my favorite piece for obvious reasons) is now joined by just over 700 Sebastians, not counting about 100 extra figures.  The bookcase has all the early couples starting with the Shaker Man and Lady including each Arlington, Marblehead, and Lance pieces side by side in SML order.

            Where do we go from here?  I was so unhappy to learn that Nancy Sebastian Meyer is giving up The Sebastian Exchange which has been such a major part of her life as well as that of her father, Paul, who founded it in 1982.  Alas, it seems to be time to turn to the newest form of communicating news--the Internet.  Welcome Bob Edmunds and the “New Phase Team.”  Meanwhile, to Paul Sebastian and Nancy Meyer--thanks for the memories. 

A WORD FROM THE SE FOUNDER
Paul J. Sebastian

      It’s been my delight to meet and befriend so many wonderful people during the past 20 years.  Our lives have been enriched in many ways because of two very special gentlemen, Prescott and Woody Baston (and their families), who have created and designed hundreds of endearing and meaningful figurines that we call Sebastian Miniatures.

      I will never forget meeting Woody in 1981 at Paul Stark’s Gift Shop in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania.  I shared with Woody some ideas to expand the services of the Sebastian Collectors Society Newsletter to include secondary market activity.  Woody agreed the ideas were good but said he didn’t have the staff to do it, and told me I should write an aftermarket newsletter.  This was the birth of The Sebastian Exchange.

     Write we did, and many others wrote their point of view on various subjects.  A few writers joined our staff and like Richard Betts, wrote regularly for our enjoyment.  Many dealers like Stacy’s, Bobbie’s and Beth Haley placed ads in every issue.  We all enjoyed these and all the contributions during these 20 years.  Many thanks to each one.

       We will always be grateful for the early work of Dr. Glenn Johnson who created The Sebastian Miniature Collection, a hard cover book that showed every known Sebastian in full color with Prescott Baston’s comments, a great work.  Dr. Johnson also compiled the first Sebastian Value Register.  He appointed the initial Sebastian Advisory Council of master collectors and master dealers to work with us to establish an all-encompassing Sebastian Exchange Value Register.  I’ll never forget our first meeting at the Holiday Inn at Marlborough when we considered hundreds of figures for eight hours straight, stopping only for a quick meal.  We all owe a great debt of gratitude to the council  members who for many   years  met twice a year, and in recent years just once a year, to establish fair market values for each Sebastian miniature.  Of the eight original members, Doris Edwards and Quentin Banks continue to serve along with our current members today.  Our grateful thanks to each of the Advisory Council members.

     Stacy’s Annual Festivals, the Midwest Fairs, and many other Sebastian events were great fun that all enjoyed immensely.  These times were great fun - like old-time family reunions.  Year after year, we got to know each other and the members of our families as well. We saw our kids enter into the Sebastian fun, too.  Jean and I were so pleased to see our daughter, Nancy Meyer, become active in the Sebastian circle and eventually take over the Sebastian Exchange.

     And now it is time to pass on the business of news and information reporting to a newcomer and his “New Phase Team.”  We wish Bob Edmunds, Woody Baston, Jonathan Way, Doris and Craig Edwards, Jim Waite, and Bobbie Miller the very best as they pursue this next phase in the life and times of Sebastians.

     Thanks to all of you  for  making  the collecting of Sebastian Miniatures so delightful.  We all hope to see you again at Stacy’s Festival in June.  Come and enjoy Sebastians with us!

News from the Museum
By Craig Edwards, Manager of Stacy's Gifts and Collectibles

It is with a growing hole in my heart that I write the last Museum article for The Sebastian Exchange. As in any relationship, there are good times and bad.  It does seem that the last few years have been hard for Sebastian collectors.  But within that time many highlights still leave us encouraged for the future.

            We at Stacy’s will continue our dedication to promoting and selling Sebastian Miniatures.  One of the most exciting developments has been the explosion of the World Wide Web.  While still in the introductory stages, we expect to be a major part of the upkeep and progress of Sebastian sites.  Our own website has inspired creative selling opportunities.  We have seen much activity on e-Bay, an on-line auction site offering many Sebastian Miniatures. We hope that those who are new to col­lecting will be intrigued to find out more about those “made-in-America” figurines.

            On Saturday, June 17, 2000 we will host the Twentieth Stacy’s Sebastian Festival.  All of those special events you have come to expect on this Festival weekend will be squeezed into one day.  That day will include dealer tables (offering over 60-years-worth of figurines), artist Woody Baston signing his work, and an auction featuring many hard-to-find miniatures to help round your collection.

            As in past years, The Holiday Inn in Mansfield, MA will be the location of the Festival. Friday night, June 16th, Stacy’s will host a reception at our store- only a ten-minute ride up Route 95 from the hotel.  The Official Sebastian Museum is always on display and is an attraction for everyone.

     To find more information about the Festival, visit our web-site at: www.StacysGifts.com   If you are not on  our mailing list or are not sure, please contact us by snail mail, e-mail or telephone.  We will be happy to become the clearing house for Sebastian information.

            Finally, we want to personally thank the Sebastians, Paul and Nancy, for all they have done to expand the world of Sebastians, and for their friendship.

INVENTORY SALE

THE SEBASTIAN EXCHANGE OFFERS INVENTORY AT SALE PRICES Your paid offer must be postmarked by May 31, 2000 "Rebecca," SE Member Piece for 1998 $15.00 "Peter," SE Member Piece for 1999 15.00 "Anna," SE Member Piece for 2000 15.00 Current SE Value Register 15.00 New Collector Kit (Included Value Register 20.00 Past Newsletter Issues (upon written request as supplies last; available at reduced prices, especially if ordering more than one)   Dr. Johnson's Color Guide (Hardback) 15.00 Prices include shipping and handing. Available while supplies last - checks returned if sold out - send paid requests to: The Sebastian Exchange P.O. Box 10905, Lancaster, PA  17605-0905

THE SEBASTIAN EXCHANGE

Director and Editor

Nancy Sebastian Meyer

  Editorial Staff

Prescott W. Baston, Jr.

Richard B. Betts

Nancy Sebastian Meyer  

Technical Editors

Paul J. Sebastian

Richard B. Betts

Christine L. Freeman

  Photography

Paul J. Sebastian  

Advertising Director

Nancy Sebastian Meyer

Membership Director

Christine L. Freeman  

Advisory Council

Paul J. Sebastian, Chairman

Quentin Banks

Richard B. Betts

Doris Edwards

James H. Garrabrandt

Robert D. Johnson

Jonathan Way

The Sebastian Exchange is a registered trademark.  Established in 1981, The Sebastian Exchange is  dedicated to supplying collectors with aftermarket information.  The entire contents of all Sebastian Exchange publications are copyrighted at issue date and may not be reproduced in any way without written permission from the Editor.  The opinions expressed by the authors of any article or letter are not necessarily the opinions of The Sebastian Exchange.  Articles by Sebastian collectors are encouraged.