Tin figurines – what to collect?
Pewter figurines are very beautiful and elegant. Some people may think that they are expensive and that is true if you compare them to plastic or wooden figurines. But in reality, they are quite affordable. Because they are made of metal, they have a shiny, shiny appearance, especially when new. And the great thing is, they look better with age! You see, as pewter ages, it will develop a grayish patina on its surface due to oxidation. This patina is highly desirable and prized by collectors. So don’t polish it.
You can find different types of pewter figurines to collect. Fantasy figurines are definitely a very popular topic. And that means you’ll be collecting dragons, fairies, witches, elves, and all sorts of other mythical creatures. Dragons in particular are a favorite of many and can actually be a topic in themselves. You can collect European dragons and Chinese dragons. European dragons resemble large lizards with bat-like wings, usually depicted as fearsome creatures that spew flames from their mouths. Chinese dragons, on the other hand, are snake-like with long and scaly bodies.
You can also find tin figurines of famous characters from fantasy novels. Who can resist Frodo, Gandalf or Aragorn hobby figures? The Lord of the Rings trilogy is so popular that these figurines have become favorite items for many collectors. They can be a bit pricey as licensing fees are involved, but are still highly sought after for their high collectible value.
If fancy figurines aren’t for you, then there are pewter animal figurines too. What animals are there? Let’s see…horses, cows, eagles, pigs and even alligators and otters!
Many people like to collect things in sets. And with pewter animals, you can put together a set of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac system. This system consists of a twelve-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. They are Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig (in that order). If you don’t know, 2009 is the year of the Ox.
There are pewter dealers who design and sell these animals in kits. Getting a whole set at once might burn a hole in your pocket, but it’s probably worth the price. There are also tin producers who only produce and sell one animal each year. This is easier on your finances, but it will take you twelve years to complete the set.
Too long? Well, as they say, patience is a virtue. Also, good things come to those who wait and it’s definitely worth the wait. The value of your collection would have greatly increased by then.
Besides fantasy and animal figurines, you can also find figurines of deities or gods. They are more common among oriental societies. Two of the most recognizable deities are the Laughing Buddha and the God of Longevity. The Laughing Buddha symbolizes happiness and prosperity, while the God of Longevity, as his name suggests, represents a long and healthy life. Both are great to display in your living room and are also appreciated as gifts.
Is that all? Of course not.
There are many other pewter figurines to suit everyone’s taste. You can check out sci-fi figurines from Star Trek and Star Wars. There are figurines of cartoon characters, horror characters and legendary characters, and even figurines of vehicles such as cars, planes, boats and spaceships. The choice is endless.
You can start with anything you like without worrying about the theme. As your interest grows, you will know better who is for you and from there you can be more specific in what you want for your collection.
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