Pewter figurines are very beautiful and elegant. Some people may think that they are expensive, and that’s true if you are comparing them to plastic or wood figurines. But in reality they are pretty affordable. Being made of metal, they have the lustrous, shiny look especially when new. And the great thing is, they look better with age! You see, as pewter ages it will develop a grayish patina on its surface due to oxidation. This patina is highly desirable and is treasured by collectors. So, don’t polish it off.
You can find various types of pewter figurines to collect. Fantasy figurines are definitely a very popular theme. And that means you’ll collect dragons, fairies, witches, elves and all other mythical creatures. Dragons especially, are the favorites of many and in fact they can be a theme in their own right. You can collect European dragons and Chinese dragons. European dragons resemble large lizards with bat-like wings, usually depicted as fearsome creatures that spit flames from their mouths. Chinese dragons, on the other hand, are snake-like with long and scaly bodies.
You can also find pewter figurines of famous characters from fantasy novels. Who can resist the figurines of Frodo the Hobbit, Gandalf, or Aragorn? The Lord of The Rings trilogy have been so popular that these figurines have become the favorite items of many collectors. They can be a tad expensive as licensing fees are involved, but are still much sought after for their great collectible value.
If fantasy figurines are not for you, then there are pewter animal figurines too. What kind of animals are there? Let’s see… horses, cows, eagles, pigs, and even alligators and otters!
Many people like to collect things in sets. And with pewter animals you can collect a set of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac system. This system is made up of a twelve-year cycle with each year being represented by an animal. They are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig (in that order). In case you didn’t know, 2009 is the Year of the Ox.
There are pewterers who design and sell these animals in sets. Getting a whole set in one go may burn a hole in your pocket but it’s probably worth the price. There are also pewterers who produce and sell only one animal each year. That’s easier on your finances but you’ll need twelve years to complete the set.
Too long? Well, as the saying goes, patience is a virtue. Besides, good things come to those who wait and it’s definitely worth the wait. The value of your collection would have increased significantly by then.
Apart from fantasy and animal figurines, you can also find figurines of deities or gods. These are more common among oriental societies. Two of the most recognizable deities are the Laughing Buddha and the God of Longevity. The Laughing Buddha symbolizes happiness and prosperity while the God of Longevity, as its name suggests, represents a long and healthy life. Both are great for display in your living room and are also appreciated as gifts.
Are these all? Of course not.
There are many other pewter figurines to suit everyone’s taste. You can check out science fiction figurines from Star Trek and Star Wars. There are figurines of cartoon characters, horror and legendary characters, and even figurines of vehicles like cars, planes, boats and spaceships. The choice is endless.
You can start off with anything that you like without worrying about the theme. As your interest grows, you will know better which one is for you and from there you can be more specific in what you want for your collection.
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