Collecting Snow Globes
Jerry Snawglabe
The very first snow globes appeared in the mid-1800s. Originally used as paperweights, these glass balls contained snow (flitter) made of porcelain and china chips, bone fragments, ground rice, metal flakes or a mineral called meerschaum. Today, most snow globes are made of plastic inside and out. Early snow globes were filled with water. Later, the liquid was changed to light oil, then water and with antifreeze (glycerin or glycol). An added benefit was that glycerin and glycol slowed the descent of the flitter.
Steps for collecting snow globes:
1. Decide whether your collection will be for your personal enjoyment or profit - or both.
2. Choose snow globes with a theme such as Christmas, famous buildings or kitsch.
3. Make sure you have a good place to display your globes away from direct sunlight.
4. Find globes at truck stops, online auctions, theme parks, gift shops near famous sites, airports and antique stores.
5. Most globes are mass-produced, but you can find ones with figures inside that are hand-painted. These vary in quality and attractiveness - compare various "identical" globes.
6. Snow Globes come in an assortment of shapes: perfect spheres, domes, eggs, bottles, cubes, pyramids and a variety of other forms. Globes that aren't globes are called figurals.
7. Look for globes made of glass with ceramic, wood or bakelite bases. These are more valuable than the plastic ones.
8. Keep an eye out for "premium" globes, which are used to advertise a product. These are typically available for a short time and are limited in quantity.
9. Learn the different manufacturers and styles from various countries. For instance, 19th century globes from France are mounted on thin porcelain or marble bases. These are very valuable if found in good shape. Hong Kong globes are very different from West German ones.
10. Be aware that the liquid in most snow globes will evaporate eventually. Sometimes it will change color as well, and the flitter may clump and settle. However, refilling or otherwise refurbishing it may reduce its future value.
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