What is your Twelve Days of Christmas piece worth, you may ask? The Twelve Days of Christmas Collection was inspired by the Christmas song of the same name and introduced by Fitz & Floyd in 2000. The pieces numbered for days 1 thru 5 were limited in production to 1500 while those numbered for days 6 thru 12 were limited to 1000 pieces. The most popular items from this collection include: (1) A Partridge in a Pear Tree Musical (3) Three French Hens (5) Five Gold Rings Lidded Box followed by the (6) Six Geese-a-Laying Cachepot (8) Eight Maids-a-Milking Pitcher and (7) Seven Swans a Swimming Centerpiece Bowl.
The value of the individual pieces from this collection fluctuates during the season depending on demand, availability and condition. The market value is determined by the price the buyer is ready and willing to pay. Demand for this collection is at its peak during the holiday season (October - January). In a good market, each piece that is free of any chips, cracks, crazing, repairs or restorations increases in value. The greatest value is obtained when found new-in-box with certificate. At present the demand for this collection has dropped off dramatically.
The beautiful decorative features are delicate, fragile and prone to damage. Damage occurs because insufficient protection is provided in packing these collectibles for shipment . Providing protection is a challenge because packages are subjected to very rough treatment during transit. As a result, most items from this collection have been damaged and/or repaired. That "perfect" collectible therefore increases in value when a casualty causes its production number to diminish or makes it harder to find.
If you are trying to complete your set or are simply replacing a piece from The 12 Days of Christmas Collection , keep in mind you will have competition. The items that draw the greatest attention and value include the salt & pepper set, the cream & sugar set, teapot, the lidded box, the centerpiece bowl and the pitcher. The teapot and the lidded box have been the hardest to acquire and rarely appear on the market. Before you attempt to bid or to purchase the item, make sure you know the condition of the piece you plan to buy. Make sure your seller packs his shipment to the carriers specifications or the insurance will not cover damage. The seller must issue your refund if the damage was determined to be his or her fault for not packaging the item correctly.
Reinforcement of the package is essential. It means using a strong box and providing a minimum two inch cushion of space to protect all sides of the item inside. Check the seller's feedback. Remember, you want your purchase to arrive as described and undamaged. It will be a challenge to find the piece you want and more of a challenge to find a seller that will pack it correctly. Your piece will eventually surface on eBay either at a fixed price or in auction. Consider yourself very fortunate to find one that is new and in excellent condition especially with its factory box!
I hope my article is a helpful guide for the purchase or sale of one of your favorites. Please visit me at : http://www.rexmidian.ecrater.com
Market Value Range:
1. Partridge in a Pear Tree...............$110.00 to $475.00
2. Turtle Doves S & P.................... $60.00 to $300.00
3. French Hen's Teapot................... $255.00 to $825.00
4. Colley Birds Creamer & Sugar..... $125.00 to $600.00
5. Gold Rings Lidded Box............... $290.00 to $825.00
6. Geese Cache Pot.........................$265.00 to $500.00
7. Swan Centerpiece....................... $215.00 to $790.00
8. Eight Maids Pitcher......................$239.00 to $525.00
9. Ladies Dancing Candleholder........$230.00 to $575.00
10. Lords Candelabras...................... $590.00 to $1075.00
11. Pipers Candleholders.................$225.00 to $600.00
12. Drummers Cookie Jar.................$312.00 to $860.00
