Information on this page is based on my experiences in this country and in Germany. In the process of exploring snow babies, I have had the opportunity to examine thousands of snow baby pieces. What you read here is based on this experience and my own conclusions.
Since the mid-1990s there has been an explosion of new German snow baby pieces made from old molds. Some look remarkably like the original pieces. They are frequently described by dealers as "old" and sold for high prices. The artistry and workmanship in these snow babies is improving. Collectors and honest dealers are having a difficult time distinguishing new from old. My goal is to help both collectors and dealers recognize the differences. One chapter in my new book helps you decide whether a snow baby piece is old or new. Some chapters show old and new side by side for comparison.
Some new pieces are so nice that I have begun to add a few to my own displays. Most of mine are from old molds, and I have never seen old examples of many of these pieces. But I will only buy them from dealers who advertise them as "new."
Sep 5, 2003 WARNING: This week NEW Santas (Chapter 13 size) with improved, but still new, snow began to appear on ebay. These of the first of this type I have seen. If you have questions about this, contact me, but not after you have bid and won such an auction.
Oct, 2003 WARNING: NEW jointed snow babies, both wire-sturng and elastic-strung, are appearing on ebay now. These have good looking snow with no black specks.
Nov, 2003 WARNING: More dealers are misrepresenting snow babies on ebay now. Most know the pieces are new but will argue to the death that they are antique. These dealers are located primarily in Germany but also in other European countries and the US.
Note: * indicates "new"
This is an old German figure on skis. It belongs in Chapter 8 with other large figures. *Uh-oh! That snow is not old! It has been applied recently. I have seen this type of vandalism on old German pieces frequently lately. Dealers know that snowed pieces sell for more than unsnowed. Snow products like this one are available from craft stores.
Notice how the snow is applied in blotches and sometimes in unnatural places. Here it is on one scarf end and not the other. There are blobs on one sleeve and on the front of his sweater but not on the other arm or on the back of the sweater. The color, usually stark white, (although this could be easily changed) doesn't blend in with the piece. I believe that adding new snow decreases the value of the piece.
Left: Googlie snow babies are nothing new. *But this googlie is new. The salt & pepper snow is the first warning. The face is beautifully painted and fired. Unlike most the other large googlies I've seen, this one is not a container.
Above: *Two new babies from old Hertwig molds were manufactured by the German Doll Company, which advertised them as "new." Notice: No salt & pepper snow.
Left: *New three-inch tumbler lies on a giant snow ball. Note his bisque skis. I've never seen an old piece of this type with bisque skis. Also obvious is his salt & pepper snow. I've shown a profile view of his face so you can see his blunted nose.You might find this new baby in many poses.
Above: Front and back views of a handsome *new Father Christmas made by the German Doll Company. This piece is particularly significant because it is incised "D.R.G.M." (German design patent) on the back of the piece and "Germany" on the underside. These markings appear because the piece was made from a mold cast from an original Weiss, Kuhnert mother mold. 3.25"
*The three pieces above are deeply molded, unusual, and newly made from Weiss, Kühnert molds. There are more shown in my new book. I have some of these with no gold trim as well. They can be found with or without ornament hooks in the top (see Teddy's head). I am so happy to own these pieces because I've never seen old examples. But know that they are new when you buy them. 2 - 2.25", each incised with a number and "Germany." The signature above is a NEW mark stamped on each. This in not an old mark.
*I am reposting this piece because it is often mis-represented and is appearing again on eBay. Just because it appears to have bids, don't be fooled! Pic 9.35 3"
