EXPLANATION OF ITEM LISTINGS
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for an explanation of abbreviations used, click here

reference numbers
description
topics and series
related or similar items
first issued/withdrawn/discontinued forever
private issue and/or limited edition & quantity
era first introduced
value range
auction notes
comments
general information

reference number A reference number (commonly referred to as the "SML Number") is used to identify all Sebastian items available to collectors.  In addition to the SML (Sebastian Miniature Listing) numbers used to identify figurines, several other prefixes are used -  PF (Pewter Figurines), SP (Sebastian Plates), LC (Large Ceramastone figures), PP (Pewter Plates) CB (Crystal Bells) and OWA (Other Works by the Artists).  Numbers were generally, although not always, assigned in the order in which items were manufactured.  If versions of an item were manufactured, the SML number is followed by a letter for each such additional version.  For example, SML-9A identifies a second version of SML-9.  Separate Production Numbers were also created by the manufacturers.  These are also shown where used - Lance Production Number 3060 for example.  A simple (L) means that it was made during the Lance era but it was not handled by Lance Corporation.
description This is a brief description of the figurine.  This may be elaborated further in General Information towards the bottom of the page.
dimensions The most common dimension(s) are shown, most typically the height although often the size of the base as well. Dimensions are reasonably precise to the nearest 1/8 inch.
topics and series A TOPIC describes an area of collecting interest - US Presidents or Religious Figures and Themes for example. A SERIES, on the other hand, is a group of figurines that were created by one of the artists as a grouping or collection.  SERIES were sometimes sold as a numbered set.  Sometimes a SERIES was produced over several years.
related & similar items Figurines are sometimes related to one another in any of several ways.  Related figurines (such as a husband and wife) are often depicted on a single page. An example of related figurines is a husband and wife (pair) who were originally created as two separate figures and later combined on a single base.  These figures would all be considered as related.
Note: If a relationship or similarity is already covered because of a topic or series assignment, the other items in that topic or series are not shown again.  Click on the Topic or Series to see related or similar figurines.
first issued/withdrawn/
discontinued forever		 This line is used to indicate the first year a figurine was produced, the last year it was produced and the date or year it was discontinued forever (DF). In many cases, a figure was simply taken out of production but not permanently discontinued.  For in item to be "DF", it usually means the original mold has been destroyed.  A short line is used when an item is still in production or has not been "DF".  For example "1948/1951/-" means that an item was produced during the period 1948 to 1951 but was never discontinued forever.
private issue and/or
limited edition & quantity		 If an item was made for a company, organization or special occasion, it is identified as a private issue (PI).  In addition, items were often limited either by date or by a maximum number.  Whenever the actual quantity produced for an item, it is shown.
era first introduced Figurines and other Sebastians are usually identified by an "era" which represents a range of years during which the item was first produced -- Arlington (AL), Marblehead (M), Lance (L), Hudson Creek (HC) or Spoontiques (SPT).
value range A realistic range of prices that a knowledgeable buyer should expect to pay to a knowledgeable seller.  The item must be in good or excellent condition, free from damage or defects.  There are a number of variables that may affect value - condition, labels & incisures, signatures, etc.
auction notes Higher value items that have been sold at auction during the past few years are identified with the "hammer price" shown.  Please be aware that the condition of the item may have been a factor.  In some cases the price may have been the result of two or three "spirited bidders" wanting a particular piece rather than reflecting a true market value.
comments/observations This is used for any brief notations that are not adequately covered under a previous heading.  This will often be blank.
GENERAL INFORMATION Background information of interest to collectors about an item. The content here will vary a great deal from one item to the next.  Much of the descriptive material on the older items (prior to 1983) has been adapted from The Sebastian Miniature Collection by Dr. Glenn S. Johnson.