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Page 12 The Antique Shoppe January, 2020
CALIFORNIA ORIGINALS COOKIE JARS

HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME

By Larry LeMasters

LeMasters’ Antique News Service

We all know that cookie jars are This licensing agreement led to several more 1978) at $1,150; The
utilitarian (sometimes decorative) agreements with companies such as D. C. Count (Muppets) at
ceramic or glass jars that used to Comics, Walter Lantz, and the Muppets. $650; Pinocchio
be found in most American Although these licensed character cookie jars (Disney) at $1,150;
kitchens. And in England, were manufactured for only a few years, they and Snow White
cookie jars are known as are the cookie jars collectors seek today. (Disney) at over
biscuit jars or biscuit tins. California Originals cookie jars are $2,000. However,
These British biscuit tins usually marked with a number (three to four there are many ↑ Red California Originals
have been in use since the digits in length) and “USA” somewhere on California Originals Ferdinand the Bull cookie jar
late-1700s. the rim of the jar, usually on the back near the cookie jars that that is valued at $185.
The concept of bottom. The cookie jars were are both affordable
storing cookies produced in great numbers and desirable, such as Frog with Bow Tie at $35;
in their own jars and are typically found in Lion with Lollipop at $25, and Juggling Clown at
came to America beautiful, bright colors, and $50. If you desire collecting the character cookie
with immigrants, and the character jars are definitely jars, be prepared for a major sticker shock since
by 1929, cookie crossover collectibles since the average character jar from California Originals
jars had become they enhance collections based runs about $650.
quite popular on the character as well as And watch out for reproductions. Since so many
in America. cookie jar collections. The of the California Originals cookie jars are quite
The earliest non-character California pricey, they have enticed unscrupulous dealers
cookie jars Originals cookie jars are into selling rip-off reproductions. Making a mold
were simple normally brown glazed with from an authentic cookie jar is how reproductions
cylindrical white or yellow detail. While are generally made, making reproductions smaller
shapes some find these non-character in size and weight than original cookie jars. Also,
that were jars “ugly,” others find them most original cookie jars show a little wear, but
sometimes a wonderful throwback to the wear can be recreated with a piece of sandpaper, so
painted with 1960s. beware of this also.
floral or leaf ↑ Woody Woodpecker (Walter Lantz Productions cookie jar valued As with most collectibles, Some collectors willingly purchase reproductions
decorations. at $675, California Originals Pixie cookie jar, circa 1960, and Califor- time has a way of stabilizing as “shelf” pieces since the original piece is too rare
During nia Originals “Mickey Mouse” cookie jar, valued at $300. the prices associated with to find or too pricey to purchase. A reproduction
the Baby cookie jars. For jars made can add an interesting cookie jar to a collection, but
Boomer generation, following WWII, cookie by “out of business” companies no serious collector would ever mix a rip-off jar
jars, like babies, boomed too. One of the largest, such as California Originals, with original jars. The best advice to new collectors
American, art pottery companies manufacturing 25 years have passed since is to buy from reliable dealers.
cookie jars was California Originals (located the last California Originals California Originals closed its doors in 1982, but
in Manhattan Beach and Torrance, California). cookie jar was made, which its cookie jars remain some of the most collected
Founded by William Bailey, California Originals has established their true niche cookie jars ever made. Not only do they remind
started out as Heirlooms of Tomorrow in 1945. in the collecting world and collectors of simpler, more nostalgic times, but
Heirlooms of Tomorrow first produces leveled their prices. Although, each year these wholesome cookie jars increase in
porcelain lace figurines, but by the 1950s, both leveling prices is not the same value, having stood the test of time in popularity
the company’s name and its product line had as reducing prices. California Originals and quality,
changed. Probably most noted Prices vary greatly for Shoe House cookie making California
for some of its outlandish different California Originals jar #484 → Original cookie
ashtrays, California cookie jars. Popularity, rarity, note the brown & jars a wise
Originals produced many and condition all factor into orange coloring investment
home items such as vases, pricing. indicative of early during rough
candy dishes, relish trays, ↑ Hard to find, Price guides can 1960 wares. economic
Superman (D. C.
lazy Susan, and, today, some Comics) in phone be helpful, times.
of the most sought after booth, circa but don’t
cookie jars. 1978, that is depend ←Rare, Goofy
In 1979, Harold periodically solely on cookie jar
Roman purchased offered on them since (Walt Disney),
California Originals, eBay in the prices vary #862, valued Snow White →
at $1,300.
combining it with his range of with the (Walt Disney), #866;
Roman Ceramics and $200 - $600. different California
Cumberland Ware guides. Originals
Company. Shortly after Some of most
the purchase, California the more expensive California expensive
Originals was licensed Originals cookie jars include cookie jar,
by Walt Disney to ↑ Raggedy Ann cookie jar, #859, Superman (D. C. Comics, valued at
produce cookie jars by California Originals; # 859, 1978) at $700; Wonder $2200+.
using Disney characters. which is valued at $35. Woman (D. C. Comics,