Tag Archives: Deforest

Under the Sea: A Collector’s Guide to 1950s Vintage Mermaids & Fish Figurines

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

Discover the charm of vintage 1950s mermaid and fish collectibles—history, makers, and tips for starting your own whimsical underwater collection. From sultry sirens lounging on seashells to playful ceramic fish with sparkling eyes, these mid-century treasures capture a world of fantasy and nostalgia. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes into the hobby, this guide will take you on a colorful journey through their history, the artists who brought them to life, and how you can build your own enchanting “under the sea” display.

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

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California Pottery Collectibles – DeForest Anthropomorphic

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It all started with Margaret DeForest back in 1950. Margaret’s hobby was pottery and she turned it into a business in 1950 – 1970. The DeForest of California company was located in Duarte, California. DeForest’s most collectible items today are anthropomorphic, whimsical and fun Veggie pottery pieces, Pig jars that have their comical saying ”Go Ahead and Make a Pig of Yourself”, DeForest Onion series, DeForest Mustache Man condiment Jars, DeForest Pickle Condiment Jars and Salt and Pepper Shakers, DeForest Serving items, DeForest BBQ items or DeForest Bar-B-Cutie, DeForest Condiment jars, DeForest Canisters, DeForest Tureens, DeForest Salt and Pepper Shakers, DeForest Banks, DeForest Vintage Mermaid and Fish Wall Plaques, DeForest Chips and Dip sets, and DeForest Platters. Some of the rarer and harder to find items are the DeForest Wall Pockets, DeForest Cylinder shaped jars, DeForest Ponytail Girl, DeForest Little King Jar and the DeForest Halo Boy Jar. Values for the harder to find items currently range $700 and upwards of $1,500. Keep your eyes open for some vintage DeForest of California pottery collectibles as they not only will brighten your kitchens and dining rooms but they are increasing in value too!! Lots of the photos in this post are from this amazing DeForest collection on Flickr so visit here for more. CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE.


Collecting Vintage Mermaids, Seahorses and Fish

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To all collectors of ceramic Mermaids, Seahorses and Fish, boy you are in for a real treat with this book by Arleen Smith – Ceramic Fish, Mermaids & Seahorses: Bathroom Decorations of the 1940s & 1950s. I have not come across another book like this one that particularly focuses on vintage 1940s – 1950s bathroom ceramics. The author introduces you to the “Ceramic Potters” of yester-year like Bradley Exclusives, Josef Originals, Ceramicraft, Kay Finch, Deforest, Freeman-McFarlin, Lefton, Napco, PY, Enesco, Norcrest, Napco, Joty, Gilner, Holt Howard and the Made In Japan imports. The book was published by Schiffer back in 2001 but don’t for one moment think it is out-dated as it has 128 pages full of photos, information and values. OK, value wise the book is a touch out-dated but from researching these kitschy sea collectibles in today’s 2010 market, I can tell you that their value and appeal is skyrocketing! 
























































Ceramic Fish, Mermaids & Seahorses: Bathroom Decorations of the 1940s & 1950s shows the reader the many beautifully crafted Mermaids, Fish, and Seahorses complete with bubbles. You get to see the differences in the crafting styles of the many artists during the 1940s-1950s and also see the differences between the Japan made pieces. Yes, the Mermaids are beautiful Vixen Sirens of the sea and the Seahorses are a Magical Mystical creature some with rhinestone eyes and Fish made from chalkware to such highly detailed, painted and stylized pieces that you are left in awe!  For details about this amazing book please visit HERE to get yours!