Among the most popular figures with collectors today are those of animals. Bears were popular with the American public during and after the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. Glass birds have always remained popular Christmas ornaments, in part because birds seem natural in trees. Collectors judge glass ornaments using a variety of criteria, of which the most important is condition. Ornaments that are cracked, damaged, or missing paint, unless extremely rare or old, will hold little attraction for a collector.
Size is also a consideration for many collectors, as larger ornaments are rare.
Although production records were not kept, collectors have learned that certain forms are more plentiful than others. Birds, musical instruments, and fish appear frequently and are valued less than rare unique forms. The exception to this rule is the Santa Claus figure. By Jessie Walker. All rights reserved.