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June, 2019 The Antique Shoppe Page 3
Toppers

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Religious diversity was celebrated by
toppers that came complete with their own
Rabbis, priests, or ministers. Ethnic diversity
took a bit longer: early toppers were simply
identical figurines with different skin tones.
In the military? Grooms (and sometimes,
brides), could be found attired in the
appropriate uniforms. Occupational figurines
included firefighters and police officers. And,
for groovy gals of the 1960s and ‘70s, Coast
Novelty offered a bride decked out in either
in a traditional floor-length gown - or a Crepe paper bridal party with hand-painted detailing, circa 1920.
mini-skirt. Coast even provided “customized Groom, 4-3/4” h. $300-325/set.
hair”: the bride came with a rubber wig, in a choice of
color and cut. ABOVE: Unusual “props” are the hallmarks of this topper-“Sailing
Among the numerous themed toppers: Barbie and to Happiness”, German, 1920s. The wedding couple are bisque, the
Ken; “Pez” characters; Precious Moments; Kewpies; sailboat gum paste. Groom, 3-1/2” h. $375-400. LEFT: Rose O’Neill
bisque “Kewpie Doll” couple, 1920s. The figures are dressed in
Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and even Marge and crepe paper and silk, and are standing in crepe paper nut cups.
Homer Simpson! Groom, 4-1/2” h. $475-500/pr.
“Novelty” toppers included brides attired
ala Jacqueline Kennedy or Grace Kelly, plus
uncomfortably eerie “Elvis” grooms and “Marilyn”
brides. Good for a bridal party chuckle, (and sure All wedding cake toppers are from the Patty & Barney Deden
Collection, courtesy of the Douglas County Historical Society,
to annoy the bride’s mother), were comic toppers: Omaha, NE.
forceful brides dragging reluctant grooms to the altar, Photos by Patty Deden. Photo Associate: Hank Kuhlmann
and “Shotgun Wedding” pairs.
Today, toppers can still be found in ready abundance Donald-Brian Johnson is the co-author of numerous books on
design and collectibles, including “Postwar Pop”, a collection of
at garage and estate sales, and household auctions. his columns. Please address inquiries to: donaldbrian@msn.com
Prices range from 5 dollars to 1500, based on such
factors as age, condition, and cross-
collectible status, as many “name”
manufacturers, including Lladro,
Ceramic Arts Studio, and Josef, turned Visit Historic Downtown MADDY'S ANTIQUES
out toppers.
A comprehensive cake topper ARCADIA 121 W. Oak St.
collection offers fascinating three- 863-494-2500
dimensional snapshots of times gone
by. There’s added fun to be found Voted Best Antiquing Town in Florida Specializing in:
in matching up toppers with actual by Florida Monthly Magazine Country, Primitives,
wedding pix, since almost every
wedding album included at least one “Come Spend the Day With US” Vintage Sports
“cutting-the-cake” photo.
Cake toppers are appreciated for Thur. & Fri. 12-4, Sat. 10-4 or by appt.
their craftsmanship, and diversity of View our store at:
style. Even more enjoyment, however, ORANGE AVE MONROE ST maddysantiques.net 1
comes from imagining the uniquely OAK STREET POLK AVE DESOTO AVE
personal histories of the couples who ! ANTIQUE ASSOCIATION
first cherished them. A wedding cake
topper is a memento of a day like no MEMBERS
other. . .and a welcoming promise of Antique Association of Arcadia
countless happy days ahead. www.ArcadiaFLAntiques.com Bizarre Bazaar - 863-456-5608
Corey’s Antiques - 863-494-5959
Maddy’s Antiques - 863-494-2500
PICKERS MARKET (2ND SATURDAY) Yellow Brick Road - 863-993-3000
Great Discoveries, Great Prices
June 8

MONTHLY ANTIQUE FAIR

4TH SATURDAY 8am-3pm

JUNE 22
JULY 27 • AUG 24
Booth Info 863-993-5105
“Shotgun Wedding”, 25th Anniversary
“novelty” ceramic toppers by Lefton, from
the 1950s. Groom, 4-3/4” h. $225-250/pr.