Coming Soon - Collector's Page
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Wade Red Rose Calendar Series Figurines 2008-present
These delightful treasures are going to be a lovely addition to your collection!
Note! These figurines are not for sale! You will find them available as a free promotional item in your box of tea in the next few months.
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January - Snowman
February - Cupid
March - Leprechaun
April - Easter Bunny
May - Mother's Day Flowers
June - Graduation
July - Uncle Sam
August - Sandcastle
September - Scarecrow
October - Pumpkin Kitty
November - Turkey
December - Christmas Tree
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Pet Shop Series 2006-2008
This unique collection has the theme of your neighborhood pet shop.
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Laborador
Cat
Tropical Fish
Parrot
Kittens
Puppies
Pony
Rabbit
Turtle
Duck
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Noah's Ark Series 2002-2006.
The wonderful story of Noah and his family! The strength of his beliefs and the adventure of survival! Enjoy collecting each of these imported porcelain miniatures, each depicting the male and female, "2 by 2" and display them on the Ark display piece.
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Noah and Wife
Male and Female Elephant
Male and Female Rhino
Male and Female Zebra
Goose, Gander
Hen, Rooster
Ram, Ewe
Lion, Lioness
See article about a collector...here
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North American Endangered Series 1999-2002
These figurines were designed exclusively for Red Rose Tea to help focus attention on conservation efforts to protect these treasured animals. Red Rose wanted to be reminded of the plight of these beautiful animals and the responsibility each of us has to protect them.
Sturgeon
Manatee
Timber Wolf
Bald Eagle
Florida Panther
Polar Bear
Peregrine Falcon
Green Sea Turtle
Humpback Whale
Spotted Owl
Circus Series 1994-1999
Childhood memories return of funny clowns bringing smiles to children's faces while circus animals and performers astounded and amazed crowds everywhere.
Ringmaster, Human Cannonball, Strongman, Clown, Bear, Custard Pie Clown, Elephant, Teapot Monkey, Raised Elephant, Teacup Monkey, Lion, Poodle, Seal, Horse, Tiger.
American Series #1 1983-1985.
Monkey, Lion, Buffalo, Bush Baby, Owl, Bear Cub, Rabbit, Squirrel, Bird, Otter, Baby Hippo, Seal, Wild Boar, Turtle, Elephant.
American Series #2 was promoted from 1985-1994
Koala, Giraffe, Pine Marten, Langur, Gorilla, Camel, Kangaroo, Tiger, Zebra, Polar Bear, Orangutan, Raccoon, Rhino, Beaver, Leopard, Puppy, Kitten, Rabbit, Pony, Cockateel.
Red Rose began to give away Wade miniatures 41 years ago, in 1967. At first the promotion was very restricted, in terms of the geographical area. Figurines were given away in Quebec, Canada as part of a short term promotion. The results were so successful that the promotion was gradually extended until it covered all of Canada. In 1983 the promotion was finally launched "full scale" in the United States. To date, it is estimated that more than 300 million Wade figurines have been given away in packages of tea in America.
Although figurines had been offered to American collectors via mail and had been test marketed in two regions in the 1970's (Pittsburgh and Pacific North West), it was not until 1983 that they became widely available in the United States. While the molds were the same as those used for Canadian series, coloring and glazes were different.
At the end of each series a closeout option is given to consumers to purchase a complete set of figures from the current series while inventory supplies last. After a series has closed out, availability will be limited to trading among other collectors. Look for closeout options in specially marked boxes of Red Rose Tea at the end of each series promotion. We at Red Rose adhere to a very strict "no sale" policy during in-pack promotions. Our figurines are for promotional purposes only.
How valuable are the figuirines?
In truth, nobody knows. Like all collectibles, it is a question of supply and demand. When first introduced by Wade in England, during the 1950's, the miniatures were designed to be sold at a price equivalent to thirty cents - for five!
Today, the most active avenue for finding these treasures is at flea markets, or on the internet. Complete sets, in mint condition, are now quite valuable. We heard of one report where the original Canadian series sold for more than $100,000 but we think the figurines had been mounted in a special cabinet.
The molds for many of the figurines are now quite worn and some may now be broken. Figurines from series dating more than 15 years past have not been available for quite some time. According to one professional collector, "the miniatures will definately increase in value." We have seen those in short supply rising month by month.
Experts on the subject:
Ian Warner & Mike Posgay -
Authors of The World of Wade.
This comprehensive guide has suggested prices both in U.S. dollars and British pounds. Of particular importance to Wade collectors are the notes and illustrations of reissues and reproduction figurines, which always occur when an item becomes so highly collectible and sought after. There is a complete illustrated list identifying the many Wade backstamps from the late 1800s through to the present.