Lefton Bluebirds Best Tips and Price Guide for Collectors

Yasmina Greco Lefton Bluebirds Topline Import Bluebirds
Yasmina Greco Lefton Bluebirds Topline Import Bluebirds

Lefton bluebirds, there’s something undeniably captivating about their allure. With their delicate features and cheerful expressions, these charming little creatures have soared into the hearts of collectors worldwide. In this blog, we’ll explore bluebirds by manufacturers Norcrest, Napco Lefton, and Topline Imports, the origins of these delightful figurines, discover how they became a beloved symbol of happiness and hope, and share the best tips and price guide for collectors.

NOTE: You can read about my collections here at Antique Trader Magazine

Norcrest bluebirds and Topline Imports bluebirds are often confused with Lefton bluebirds because they were also produced during the same era and have similar designs. Norcrest bluebirds were produced by the Norcrest China Company, which was founded in Japan in 1953. Norcrest bluebirds are typically marked with a “Norcrest” stamp and are known for their bright colors and playful designs.

Topline Imports bluebirds were produced by the Topline Imports Company, which was founded in Japan in the 1950s. Topline Imports bluebirds are known for their simple, elegant design and often feature a matte finish.

One reason why collectors confuse these three types of bluebirds is that they were all produced during the same era and share similar design features. Additionally, many of these bluebirds were not marked with identifying information, making it difficult to determine their origin.

However, there are some key differences between these three types of bluebirds that can help collectors identify them. For example, Lefton bluebirds are typically marked with a “Lefton” stamp, while Norcrest bluebirds are marked with a “Norcrest” stamp. Topline Imports bluebirds are often marked with a paper label or foil sticker that reads “Topline Imports.”

Continue reading

Share

The Best Tips for Collecting Vintage 1950s Spaghetti Poodles

Yasmina Greco Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950sToday I am thrilled to share one of my passions with you all – collecting vintage Spaghetti Poodles! These little guys are positively precious, and they add a wonderful sense of cuteness while perfectly fitting into my mid-century modern aesthetic.

My favorite pieces from the collection have got to be the 1950’s Norcrest poodle trio in glasses & bows on the tray plus Lipper & Mann’s ‘NOEL’ set for Christmas time. Also included in this beloved assortment is an array of delightful lipstick holders, planters, vases – it just can’t get any better than that!

UPDATE: You can ready about my collections on a recently published piece in the Antique Trader

Norcrest Napco Lefton Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950sTake a step back in time and revel in the kitschy cuteness of 1950s poodles! Back then, these furry four-legged friends were everywhere – from classic Poodle skirts to intricate spaghetti art ware figurines. Ceramic artists crafted unique pieces using a special technique that mimicked the pup’s fur and sparked an excitement for all things “spaghetti” poodle!

Spaghetti art wear is made from clay, porcelain, and ceramic which is applied as “fur” to form various textures of a poodle’s hairdo. To accomplish the spaghetti look, ceramicists and designers would have different techniques like using tea strainers to push the material through to form strands that were then attached to the poodle giving it a pom-pom look or they would swirl it onto to the poodle for a curly look. The spaghetti is very fragile and tends to break or chip over the years.

Norcrest Napco Lefton Spaghetti Poodle Collection 1950s Yasmina Greco

Continue reading

Share

Mid-Century Modern Christmas: The Best Retro Holiday Guide

Yasmina Greco Mid-Century Modern Christmas Philco Predicta Television
Yasmina Greco Mid-Century Modern Christmas Philco Predicta Television

Embrace the season with a Mid-Century Modern Christmas! Discover tips on aluminum trees, color wheels, vintage ornaments, Pinup fashion, and more. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through creating a fabulous Mid-Century Modern Christmas atmosphere with an aluminum tree, color wheel, vintage Shiny Brite ornaments, Mid-Century pinup fashion, and a Philco Predicta TV for retro entertainment.

I can’t believe the weeks have flown by; I tell my hubby Gary that ever since Thanksgiving it has all been a blur to me and it’s gone by so fast. So I really can’t believe that this is post five in our  six-part Vintage Christmas Collecting Series and, I think one of my favorite posts because not only are we talking about the key elements of a mid-century modern Christmas but also sharing holiday fashions from the 1950s-1960s with me as your festive model.

Retro Aluminum Christmas Trees:

Yasmina Greco Retro Christmas Aluminum Tree
Yasmina Greco Retro Christmas Aluminum Tree

Aluminum Tree: A Retro Centerpiece
An authentic Mid-Century Modern Christmas simply wouldn’t be complete without a dazzling aluminum tree. These artificial trees, which flourished from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, featured aluminum branches and needles in various sizes, with some even boasting charming pom-poms at the tips. As shown in these delightful photos, vintage aluminum trees from the ’50s and ’60s have become highly sought-after collectibles, with prices steadily increasing each year.

You may find these treasures ranging from $175 to over a thousand dollars, particularly for those boasting unique hues like teal or green. However, if an original vintage tree proves elusive or costly, consider opting for a modern reproduction. Several companies offer multicolored and kitschy pink aluminum trees at more affordable prices, ensuring everyone can indulge in this retro holiday centerpiece.

Color Wheel: A Kaleidoscope of Lights:

Yasmina Greco Mid-Century Modern Christmas
Yasmina Greco Mid-Century Modern Christmas

Add a touch of whimsy to your aluminum tree with a vintage color wheel. A color wheel is a rotating disc with colored panels that cast different hues onto the tree. As the wheel turns, the tree transforms into a mesmerizing display of festive colors.

Track down an authentic color wheel at antique stores, or opt for a modern version available online. Place the color wheel a few feet from the tree, and let the magic unfold.

Vintage Shiny Brite Ornaments:

Yasmina Greco Shiny Brite Ornaments
Yasmina Greco Shiny Brite Ornaments

Continue reading

Share

Under the Sea: Collecting Vintage 1950s Mermaids and Fish

Yasmina Greco Vintage Mermaid Collection Crazy4Me
Yasmina Greco Vintage Mermaid Collection Crazy4Me

I have always loved mermaids, and the 1950s were a time of great fascination with the mythical creatures. This blog post will discuss how to collect vintage mermaids from this era to decorate your home.  My favorite mermaids are from the early 50s made by Norcrest, Napco, and Lefton. I love how whimsical they look on my bathroom walls. I’ll also share more of my favorite finds with you all in this post.

Yasmina Greco Vintage Mermaid Collection Crazy4Me
Yasmina Greco Vintage Mermaid Collection Lefton Norcrest

Continue reading

Share