Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Prayer Plaque Value Guide

The 'Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep' prayer plaque is a cherished piece of mid-to-late 20th-century Americana, often gifted for baptisms or nursery decor. These rectangular wall hangings are highly collectible for their nostalgic appeal, featuring a signature relief of a kneeling child paired with the classic bedtime prayer.

What affects the value of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Prayer Plaque?

• The condition of the metallic paint on the relief figure, as chipping or oxidation can reduce the $15-$25 market price.
• The clarity and completeness of the printed prayer text, ensuring no fading or peeling of the transfer.
• The structural integrity of the wood or resin backing, including the presence of the original hanging hardware.
• The specific era of production, with examples from the 1970s often carrying a slight premium over later 1990s versions.

How to Identify Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Prayer Plaque?

• Look for a small rectangular base made of wood or resin with a molded relief figure of a kneeling child.
• Check for metallic paint finishes on the relief figure, a common design choice for pieces produced between 1970 and 1990.
• Verify the presence of the full 'Now I lay me down to sleep' text, typically applied via a print or transfer process below the figure.
• Confirm the origin as United States, often distributed through church supply houses or religious gift manufacturers.

History of Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Prayer Plaque

Bedtime prayer plaques featuring the opening lines of the classic childrens prayer "Now I lay me down to sleep" became popular mid-20th century as nursery and communion gifts. These items were produced in wood, resin or ceramic by church supply houses and gift makers to hang in nurseries or give at baptisms and first communions. They combine a molded or cast figure with printed or transferred text, and similar examples have been sold on collectible markets since the 1970s.