Tips Collecting Cow Decorations

Tips Collecting Cow Decorations
Collectors enjoy collecting various items such as stamps, postcards, coins, and toys. Those owning cow collections are not that unusual as evidenced by the numerous cow products available on the market. Denise Tubangui of California was awarded the Guinness World Records largest cow collection in 2009 thanks to her 2,261 cow items. Derrill Osborn of Dallas, Texas auctioned his 350 cow collectibles which were estimated to be worth more than $ 500,000.

Cow merchandise can be obtained from garage sales, estate sales and auctions, antique shops, flea markets, and internet markets. Many collectible clubs throughout the world gather to display, trade, or sell their items to fellow collectors.

The pieces to collect for cow merchandise seems endless. Kitchenware available includes salt and pepper shakers, canisters, sugar bowls, creamers, pitchers, teapots, cookie jars, coffee cups, plates, and platters. Even bedding such as pillows, pillow cases, sheets, blankets, and matching drapes depict this favorite farm animal. Bathroom sets can whimsically adorn any home, and cow ashtrays can make any smoker hesitant to dirty such a cute container. Both children and adults enjoy collecting cow toys, stuffed or plush cows, and figurines. Some collectibles consumers also collect posters, portraits, books, clothing, jewelry, clocks, and lamps for their home. Handcrafted yard signs and wind chimes exhibit cow pride outside the home.

There are many famous manufacturers of cow collections. In Germany, Goebel is famous for their creamers and pitchers. This company also produces Hummel figurines. Schleich is a German toy company which also makes various cow products, Schafer and Vater produces creamers, and Royal Bayreuth makes cow creamers and pitchers.

In the United States, Fitz & Floyd are famous for their teapot, creamer, sugar containers, plates, and platters. Cow merchandise produced by Otagirl Manufacturing Company, recently acquired by Enesco Corp., was often replicated by Jared Products. Kenmar was famous for sugar bowls, salt and pepper shakers, butter dishes, and creamers. The Lefton Company, originally located in Japan, was purchased by Otagril Manufacturing before their acquisition and imported kitchenware to United States consumers.

Elsie the Cow became the mascot for the Borden Company in the 1930s. Borden produced many collectibles depicting her image. The Swiss Cow Collection offers many series of their crazy cow and funny cow in teapots, cups, bowls, ashtrays, creamers, and sugar holders.

CowParade is a public art show that has been hosted all around the world since 1999. Professional and amateur artists design and display their cow masterpieces which are then auctioned to raise funds for children’s organizations. Originals have been purchased by celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, and Ringo Starr. One cow sold for $ 146,000 in 2003 in Ireland. Smaller replicas are produced for the general public to purchase.

Owning cow collections is not only a good investment for the future, but is a fun hobby. Many proud collectors become very passionate and feel it is more than just a hobby. Displaying and taking care of one’s collection is relaxing, stress relieving, and offers an interesting decorating theme to any household.