Wade Whimsies Value & Price Guide

Wade Whimsies are charming, miniature porcelain figurines produced by the Wade Potteries in England. These highly collectible pieces gained massive popularity through their inclusion as free premiums in Red Rose Tea boxes, captivating collectors with their intricate details and glazed finishes.

Price Range: $8 - $14 based on recent sales

History of Wade Whimsies

The story of Wade Whimsies began in 1953 when the George Wade & Son Ltd. pottery introduced a series of small animal figurines intended to be affordable collectibles for the general public. While they were initially sold in retail shops, their legacy was cemented in 1967 when the company partnered with Red Rose Tea to include a figurine in every box of tea sold in Canada, and later the United States. This marketing masterstroke turned the tiny porcelain animals into a household name, leading to the production of hundreds of different designs ranging from zoo animals to nursery rhyme characters. Over the decades, the production moved between various Wade factories, but the core appeal of these 'pocket-sized' treasures remained constant until the original Wade Ceramics closed its doors in 2022.

Value Factors for Wade Whimsies

The typical price range for Wade Whimsies is $8 - $14 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The specific series or set the figurine belongs to, with early 1950s releases being most valuable.
• The presence of original packaging or promotional materials from the Red Rose Tea era.
• Regional variations, as some figurines were only released in specific markets like the UK or Canada.
• The rarity of the color glaze, as some production runs featured limited experimental hues.

Tips for Buying Wade Whimsies

• Inspect the glaze for any chips or 'flea bites' which are common on these small pieces.
• Look for the 'Wade England' stamp on the base to verify authenticity and age.
• Prioritize figurines from the early 1950s sets as they often command higher prices due to rarity.
• Consider collecting complete sets from specific Red Rose Tea series to increase the overall value of your collection.

Items in This Collection

• Wade Whimsies Turtle
• Wade Whimsies Red Rose Tea Figurines
• Wade Whimsies Collection
• Wade Whimsie Panda
• Wade Whimsies Camel
• Wade Whimsies Crocodile
• Wade Whimsie Penguin
• Wade Whimsies Fox
• Wade Whimsies Poodle
• Wade Whimsies Lion
• Wade Whimsies Squirrel