Disney Limited Edition Cookie Jars If you've been a collector for any length of time at all, you're probably in the same boat as I am -- lots of stuff, crowded shelves, filled closets and overflowing attics.
In my case it was a combination of early enthusiasm and the difficultly of finding vintage cookie jars lead me, early on, to buy almost every one I saw. Now a few years later and a few thousand jars later I've learned my lesson.
Buying and Collecting Disney Limited Edition Cookie Jars
Cookie Jars -- a collection that will bring a smile to everyone who sees them. But with so many to choose from, how do you decide where to start? For the newer collector, your best bet is limited editions and licensed pieces. One particular favorite among collectors are the jars produced for Disney Auctions.
Have a favorite character or movie? Chances are there's a limited edition Disney jar to commemorate it. From Chef Donald, the first Disney Auction jar, to an assortment of Stitch jars -- there's something for everyone. And like that famous potato chip commercial, once you get started, it's hard to stop at just one.
Disney cookie jars have always been a popular collectible starting with the earliest cold painted turn-a-bouts in the 1940s to the online Disney Store jars available today. Over the last decade cookie jars have been well-marked and there is usually no question about what company made the jars. But it was different in the early years. Although intelligent guesses can be made, it's not always possible to identify the manufacturers as many potteries did not mark their works. It can be a very fuzzy history.
It's different today. Companies mark their jars and Disney jars are plentiful. In recent years, licensed Disney jars can be found at discount stores during the holiday seasons and throughout the year at various Disney markets including their online stores, the Parks and at one time, at Disney Auctions.
Disney Auctions
Disney Auctions was launched in the fall of 2000 and became the online destination to find truly limited edition Disney merchandise. Although pins are the most popular item sold, they also offered movie props, snow globes, theme park items, an occasional prototype and a particular favorite, limited edition Disney character cookie jars.
Edition Sizes and Prices
The jars that were available through Disney Auctions are very limited in production, typically 150 - 350 editions. But the low numbers don't mean high prices. The jars are quite reasonable, with initial auction prices ranging from $40. to $85.
Buying Tips
Even when sticking to limited edition Disney jars, a jar collection can really grow quickly. Buy only what you truly love. I find it best to stick to favorite characters, otherwise the jar quickly winds up back in the box.
Looking for Older Editions?
If you're looking for older editions, check both eBay and online collectile malls.
Other Limited Edition Disney Jars
There have been two limited edition jars offered through the Disney Stores, a LE 1000 Dumbo and a LE Radko Christmas Tree offered in 2005.
Future Values
Although I believe people should collect from their heart and that future values should not be the primary consideration when collecting, Disney Auction jars are one of the safer bets. The jars are rarely discounted from Disney, have a reasonable issue price with unusually low production numbers and Disney characters will always be popular. Also See:
Disney CooKie Jar Gallery on About Click on pictures below for larger image and more information:
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