Verdigris Hearth Cricket Value Guide

The Verdigris Hearth Cricket is a classic American collectible inspired by Charles Dickens' 1845 novella, 'The Cricket on the Hearth.' These heavy cast iron figurines were produced between 1950 and 1980 as traditional symbols of household prosperity and good fortune.

What Is Verdigris Hearth Cricket Worth?

The typical price range for Verdigris Hearth Cricket is $30 - $33 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The preservation of the original green verdigris finish significantly impacts the $30-$33 price point.
• Structural integrity of the cast metal, specifically the antennae and legs which are prone to snapping.
• Authenticity of the mid-century (1950-1980) production era versus modern mass-produced replicas.
• The presence of the original bronze patina underneath the chemical or natural oxidation.

How to Identify Verdigris Hearth Cricket?

• Check for a heavy, solid cast iron weight consistent with mid-century American manufacturing.
• Look for the distinctive aged green verdigris finish over the bronze-toned patina.
• Identify the specific grasshopper anatomical details characteristic of 19th and 20th-century hearth designs.
• Verify the absence of modern plastic components or lightweight resin substitutes.

History of Verdigris Hearth Cricket

Commonly referred to as a Hearth Cricket, these figurines became popular in the 19th and 20th centuries based on the Charles Dickens story 'The Cricket on the Hearth.' They are traditionally placed on a fireplace mantle or hearth as symbols of good luck and prosperity for the household.