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Volume 32 No. 10 JUNE 2019 www.antiqueshoppefl.com TAKE ONE

Goin’ To The Chapel:

Collecting Wedding Cake Toppers

By Donald-Brian Johnson

The June sun shines merrily. Birds chirp, and church bells The best-known predecessor of the modern cake
ring. The radiant bride and her glowing groom have topper came courtesy of Queen Victoria.
at last shouldered their way through the shower At her 1840 wedding, pride of place atop the cake
of well-wishers, making a grand entrance at the went to a figure of “Brittania”, symbol of Great
wedding reception. Britain, blessing Roman-costume-attired figurines of
Right now, they’re posed cheek-to-cheek behind the day’s other the Queen and her Consort, Prince Albert.
star attraction: the wedding cake. Overlapping hands grasp a Although Victoria set the fashion, it took several decades
decorative knife, poised to cut that first festive slice at the for cake toppers to catch on. Until then, vases of flowers
cameraman’s command. At the cake’s very tiptop, two miniature customarily crowned cakes in England and the United States.
figures serenely survey the happy (and hungry) crowd. A bride. A groom. The first readily available toppers, dating from the late
Put them together, and you have what’s known as a “cake topper”. 1800s, were hand-painted, and fashioned of marzipan, (a
sugar-and-egg-based moldable almond paste), or the also-
edible gum paste.
Soon, manufacturers realized that cake toppers needn’t necessarily be made
of cake (or candy). They could be made of. . .well. . . wax, Plaster of Paris (aka
“chalkware”), papier-maché, crepe paper, fabric, porcelain, ceramic, metal,
bisque, celluloid, plastic, wood, composition, saltware, glass, pipe cleaners,
shells, and even peanuts! Many toppers were combos of different materials: a
celluloid bride with a net veil or crepe paper gown; a plaster groom, his tux a
mix of fabric and paint.
As the twentieth century progressed, unique elements were incorporated.
Oviedo Antique Mall Summer Extravaganza May 31st - June 3rd There were music box toppers, and electrified

During the 4 day extravaganza, all 110 dealer booths will be offering fabulous sale pricing toppers, which bathed the happy duo in
- up to 50% off storewide. Deep discounts offered on huge new selections of antiquarian twinkling lights. Wedding pairs struck their
books, military collectibles, antique cans & bottles and antique cameras. There will also be a poses in cars, coaches, Fabergé-styled eggs,
complimentary hot & cold buffet available all 4 days. During the Friday thru Monday sale each gondolas, and even hot air balloons. They
customer purchasing $30 or more receives a free gift.
The 12,500 square foot mall is loaded with an ever-changing array of all your favorite found themselves framed in arbors and
antiques and collectibles. Offered are coins & paper money, gold, silver & costume jewelry, gazebos, and stood their ground amidst such
furniture, primitives, linens, Lladro, Baccarat, China unlikely accessories as airplanes, sailboats,
OVIEDO ANTIQUE MALL & Crystal, Lenox, military collectibles, Fiestaware, “Good Luck” horseshoes, and oversize
95 Geneva Drive artwork, advertising collectibles, antiquarian books, Cinderella slippers.
OviedO, FL 32765 Kitchenalia, LP albums, Longaberger baskets, Disney Continued on Page 3
407-366-3668 collectibles, antique toys French milled soaps &
lotions, antique & modern cameras, and much more! SHOWN ABOVE: A comic topper by Wilton, early 1970s.
Open 7 Days a Week Stroll through Oviedo Antique Mall while listening Groom, 5-1/4” h. $75-100.
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm & Sun 12-6pm to 1950’s hit music. Onsite watch & clock repair by 40 LEFT: Elegant papier-maché couple, dating from 1995,
www.OviedoAntiqueMall.com year veteran watchmaker, as well as complete onsite and made by the Joseph F. Finch Co. for “Golden
antique and modern camera repair service. Wedding Whiskey”. Groom, 7-1/2” h. $15-20.

Florida’s Largest Monthly Antique Event!

300 South Florida Fairgrounds MAY 31-
9067 Southern Blvd.
VENDORS West Palm Beach, FL 33411 JUNE 2

www.wpbaf.com info@wpbaf.com
EARLY BUYERS: “1st Pick” Friday 12-5PM • Admission $10 - Good All 3 Days • GEN. ADMISSION: SAT 9AM-5PM, SUN 10AM-4:30PM • Admission $8