A Guide to Collecting Vintage Wade Figurines
Tiny enough to fit in the palm of your hand, Wade Whimsies have delighted collectors for decades. Produced by Wade Ceramics of England beginning in the 1950s, these miniature ceramic figurines—often animals, nursery rhyme characters, or everyday objects—were originally tucked into boxes of tea as promotional prizes.
What began as a simple marketing idea has since become a beloved collecting category, prized for its whimsy, craftsmanship, and nostalgic appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just discovering them, Wade Whimsies offer the joy of small treasures.
My grandmother would often have a special surprise for me when I visited: one or two Wade figurines. She drank tall glasses of Red Rose iced tea every day of her life, and in each box of tea came a small Wade figurine, usually an animal.
My favorite was a white polar bear that brings back so many happy memories of times with her. Wades make a wonderful introductory collection for children especially, but adults should not hesitate to collect them, too!
Some collectors, like my daughter, focus on a specific animal, dogs for example. Others focus on pieces Wade produced in collections, for instance the circus or Noah’s ark series.
Some Wade Whimsy Background
Wade Ceramics has a long history of manufacturing pottery of all kinds in the Stoke-on-Trent area of England, known far and wide for pottery production.
In the 1950’s Sir George Wade organized a number of local potteries into the George Wade & Sons Ltd pottery, and shortly thereafter in 1954 began producing an assortment of figurines, including tiny Wade Whimsies. They sold these Wade’s on the English market.
The pottery entered into an agreement with Red Rose tea in 1967 and figurines began appearing in boxes of Red Rose tea in Canada. Amercans didn’t discover Whimsies nestled inside their Red Rose tea boxes until 1983.
By their own estimation, Red Rose gave away over 300 million in America alone(!). Sadly, as of 2018, Wade lovers could no longer find their beloved figurines in the tea boxes. One could only purchase them directly through the Red Rose website.
Each figurine is part of a larger series, for example, the bald eagle, sea turtle, and timber wolf are part of the Endangered North American Animal Series.
The tiger, camel, zebra, and cockatiel are each part of the Animal Series II. Looking at the front row: the bison is from the American Series I, while the giraffe and puppy are from those Series II. Both Series I and II feature animals from around the world.
You may have noticed that Wade produced all the Red Rose figurines in single colors, with one exception, the poodle, part of the Circus Series III that you’ll see below.
Wade Series Produced for Red Rose Tea
All in all, Wade has produced ten series for the American Red Rose Tea market:
- Animals Series I (15 figures, 1983-1985)
- Animals Series II (20 figures, 1985-96)
- Circus Series (15 figures, 1994-99)
- Endangered North American Animals (10 figures, 1999-2002)
- Noah’s Ark Series (15 figures, 2002-06)
- Pet Shop Friend Series (10 figures, 2006-08)
- Calendar Series (12 figures, 2008-12)
- Nautical Series (12 figures, 2012-16)
- American Heritage Series (12 figures, 2016-20)
- World Heritage (10 figures, 2020-2023)
Animals Series II (1983-1985): 20 Figures
Value of Complete Set: $70-90
These six belong to the Animal Series II, of which there are twenty total. Pictured are:
- orangutan
- giraffe
- rhinoceros
- camel
- zebra
- gorilla
And here are three more of the Series II animals:
- langur
- leopard
- kangaroo
Circus Series III (1994-1999): 15 Figures
Value of Complete Set: $55-70
This advertisement for the circus collection probably appeared on the side of a Red Tea cardboard box. The two pieces missing in the photos below are: (1) the clown w/drum and (2) the rearing horse.
One of the main ways to tell circus figures from other series figures is that most of the animals are sitting on a round, decorated base–even the Ringmaster is standing on one. There are other tell-tale markers as well: the seal wears a bow, the bear a hat, the monkeys clothes, the poodle a skirt, for example.
Above are 9 of the pieces in the set:
- seal
- tiger
- male monkey (holding a hat)
- female monkey
- bear
- poodle
- clown w/pie
- ringmaster
- lion
Here are four more from the Circus Series
- strong man
- human canonball
- standing elephant
- sitting elephant
Missing: (1) the clown w/drum and (2) the rearing horse.
Endangered North American Animals Series IV (1999-2004): 10 Figures
Value of Complete Set: $40-50
Here are six of the ten figures in the Endangered North American Animal Series.
And here’s a seventh–the white polar bear given to me by my sweet grandmother.
Missing: The three missing from this series include the spotted owl (light brown), humpback whale (blue), and manatee (gray).
Noah’s Ark Series V (2002-2006): 15 Figures
Value of Complete Set: $55-70
This full set of Noah’s Ark features 15 figures (available 2/26):
- Zebra pair
- Rooster & Hen
- Rhino pair
- Noah & his wife
- Lion & lioness
- Elephant pair
- Goose & gander
- Sheep & ram
Calendar Series VII: 2008-2012
Sold: $59 on Etsy (12/25)
This is the first complete set that I had ever come across. In fact, it was a special gift from a kind reader! It sold on Etsy for $59, demonstrating how it’s possible to make more by selling the figurines as a set than individually.
- January: Snowman
- February: Cupid
- March: Leprechaun
- April: Easter Bunny
- May: Girl w/Flowers
- June: Graduation
- July: Uncle Sam
- August: Sand castle
- September: Scarecrow
- October: Jack O’Lantern
- November: Turkey
- December: Christmas tree
Unknown Series
These little cuties are all white and quite a bit smaller than typical Wades. I could never find out anything about them. If anyone has any info on them I’d love to know! Leave me a comment, please 🙂
UPDATE: A reader kindly informed me in the comments that these little white figures were part of a Noah’s ark set issued between 2002 and 2006. Now I’m wondering how many other figures are in this set and did it include Noah and a Mrs. Noah as well?
Wades Made for the English Market
When we lived in the UK for a couple of years (2009-11), I picked up several Wades that had been produced for an English audience only.
This little fellow is about 3″ in diameter with an embossed “WADE ENGLAND” mark on the bottom (see below). He was made for the English market, and my sweet daughter and I picked him up at a car boot sale 50 p (pence). Value: $10-15
Note that the two-color puppy is cemented to the basket he’s sitting in.
We picked up these miniatures in England as well. Notice that most of them are painted in more than one color (except the gray puppy). I feel like they’d sell for $4-5 each here in the U.S.
- alsatian puppy (Dogs & Puppies, 1969-82)
- mongrel (Second Whimsies, 1971-84)
- alsatian (Second Whimsies, 1971-84)
- gray puppy (unknown origin)
- setter (Second Whimsies, 1971-84)
- collie (Second Whimsies, 1971-84)
- corgi (Second Whimsies, 1971-84)
I’m going to say, based on a cursory look at eBay, that they may be worth up to $5 each. They were not part of a promotion but were instead sold separately in their own boxes.
How to Find the Wade Mark on the Figurines
Over the years, Wades have been marked in a few different ways, including WADE, WADE ENG, and WADE ENGLAND. You can typically find the mark on the lower back of the figurines.
Let’s take a look at the most common marks:
Here you see the common marks: WADE, WADE ENGLAND (unglazed), WADE ENG, and WADE ENGLAND (glazed). Sometimes you find Wades in the same series with different marks(!).For example the female monkey from the Circus Series is simply marked WADE, while the elephant from the same series is marked WADE ENG.
Meanwhile, other pieces are marked WADE ENGLAND, perhaps because there was more room? Hard to say. There seems to be no specific time periods attributed to any single mark, so I’m guessing space and convenience played their roles.
Vintage Wade Figurine Values
You can sell Wade Whimsies most effectively in two different ways: (1) individually or (2) in sets. Individually, they usually sell for $2-3 each. Exceptions: I’ve found the Christmas tree, blue pair of cats, and brown eagle sell regularly for $4-5 each. There may be others that I just don’t have experience with. My experience has been that full sets sell best on Etsy.
Condition is everything when it comes to Wades. You want to sell unchipped, perfect condition examples. Unfortunately, they chip rather easily. I mark these chipped pieces “Free” to give someone who doesn’t mind chips a nice surprise.
Among the most valuable Wades are those made for other countries. Figurines that have never been available in the U.S., like Canada or Englands’s Nursery Rhyme Series tend to go for slightly higher amounts. Usually around $4-5 each.
Other pieces made for the English market, including larger figurines and a Disney series, also go for higher amounts.
How to Display Individual Wades in Your Booth
My go-to method for selling Wades is to place them in some kind of shallow container with a small sign stating, “Vintage Wades, $2 each (please take a tag).” I make a bunch of small tags that say, “Wade figurine, $2” and tuck them in with the Wades. The buyer can grab one or more figurines and one of the tags and take them to the cashier.
They sell very well and fairly regularly, usually three or more/month. I like the idea of having items in my booth that encourage children to begin collecting something. It’s my way of spreading the love of vintage and antiques forward to future generations of collectors!
How to Display Your Vintage Wade Figurine Collectibles
This antique divided cheese box displays these little cuties perfectly.
An attractive brass and glass display case like this one provides a lovely way to show the world your collection while at the same time keeping your critters dust free–win-win, right??
Where Can You Find Vintage Wade Figurines?
I rescued many of the whimsies you see in this post from a “free” box at a garage sale a couple of years ago, much to my and my daughter’s great pleasure. She has inherited her mother’s fascination with these wonderful collectibles. I suppose putting one or two in her Christmas stocking every year didn’t hurt!
Wades make a perfect introductory level collectible because they can be found “out in the wild” so cheaply–often for about a quarter. Even at antique stores, they rarely cost more than $2.00, which as I mentioned is what I charge when I have them in stock.
The Red Rose Tea website offers figurines for sale and of course you can also find them on eBay and Etsy as well. Look for them on Facebook Marketplace and at flea markets as well. Keep in mind that the full Noah’s Ark set is currently (3/26) available in my Etsy shop.
Looking for More Information?
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Final Thoughts
Wade Whimsie hit on so many levels: they’re small, affordable, and cute-as-can-be. And the act of searching for them at garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets stokes the fires of that “thrill of the hunt” feeling we all aspire to.
I hope you enjoyed learning more about Wade Whimsies and seeing some examples of that I’ve bought and sold over the years, along with some that are in my daughter’s collection. What’s your favorite Wade Whimsy??
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Hi Diana! Oh, these little figures are darling! I've never heard of that brand of tea. Maybe different areas have different brands? Anyway, if I'd ever known a tea brand had a goodie inside, I'm sure it would have been in my pantry! What a sweet collection to pass on to your daughter.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 🙂
Hi Sheila! It never occurred to me that the tea and/or figurines would be regional. Nothing in my "research" indicated that. These little guys are available all over the Northeast at garage sales, flea markets, and antique shops. Next time, I take some photos of Gracie's extensive collection 🙂
as a child growing up I. the 70s & 80s I collected these. I wish I had kept the boxes then. Im trying to find a good list of the UK marketed ones, little did I know that they also made it to the US & Canada.
thanks for reading
Jo
You’re welcome Jo 🙂 Happy collecting!
How cool, Diana – I learned something I didn't know today! I've never heard of these animals, and if I'd seen them before, didn't realize their history. I've never heard of the Rose Tea company either but, then, I'm a coffee drinker. A great post, and sweet collectible for you (and now Gracie). Those would look great in a faerie garden!
Rita
Hi Rita 🙂 Like I mentioned to Sheila, I had no idea these might be a regional collectible. And I can't imagine an area without Red Rose Tea! They would definitely look perfect in a faerie garden. There's even a smaller set of all white that are super cute.
Happy Wednesday,
Diana
Hi Diana Ihave the complete Noah’s ark which includes the ark animals and Noah and his wife
Lee
I thought that the little man and woman might be Joseph and Mary. When you mentioned Noah’s ark collection,it cleared things up. They are all I have from that group.
Glad I could help Rob!
These are absolutely darling! The all-white set sounds intriguing.
I love these little guys and have a few. I found some at a thrift shop and hope to pass them on to my Grandson Tiger….so I guess I need to find a 'tiger' for him. Thanks for the website info!
hugs,
Linda
My sister in law was a painter at wade when she left school, so we had tons of them, I collected loads for my daughter but now they just sit in a box
I justed collecting wade figurines, but I really like the buildings, would you have any to sell.
Great information Diana … will forward this information to a friend but she may already know about these cute collectables. I think I have the elephant looking down in the circus collection. I will have to see if it is marked.
Thanks for sharing.
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
I've never heard of George Wade pottery Thanks for the informative post. Thanks also for sharing this at the #saygdayparty. I just pinned this to the Say G'day Saturday board.
The party is in full swing now so if you haven't had a chance to visit some the links please do stop by and have a look!
Best wishes for a wonderful week,
Natasha in Oz
cute little mini's Thank you for sharing your sweet blog at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop xo
I am a collector of wimzies. I just got a prized 3 inch wimzie (polly put the kettle on). I hope to one day leave them to my grandson.
Hi Diana,
Thanks for the link to the Red Rose Tea site with lots of info on Wade figurines. Another site that I love is in England and they have many collectible categories that you can use for reference on many other items. It is http://www.pricklepin.co.uk It has tons of Wade series listed, you click on Wade, then for example if you click on Wades Nursery Rhymes….it will then show you 7 different categories within that….7 of them ranging from 1958 to 2001. Every single category has many sub-categories and when you click on one of the sub categories it will show you the pieces that were featured in that series. It is an awesome site.
have a great day!
Even though my family was hard core Lipton people, I remember RedRose tea ☕️ & I think I remember those adorable little animals & my daughter playing with them. I too would buy tiny figurine animals trying to get my daughter interested in antiques, unfortunately it didn’t stick. Thank you for reminding me of a sweet slice of history that we all took for granted.
Good morning Diana, I’ve always wanted to know more about these charming little figures. Your post has given me some history and I’m excited to begin the “search”! I may even introduce them to my granddaughters. I’ve Been collecting small dog figures, just because I like dogs, many do not have stamps or signatures on them and it’s all about the “find”. Can you give me any information on what would be good to know in my discoveries? Thank you I really enjoy reading your posts.
Yay! I’m so glad I could add to your knowledge base Kathy 🙂 I think they would make a great collectible for your granddaughters, I know my daughter absolutely loved them for years. Almost all Wade figurines are marked in some one, so look for that (see examples in the post above). Once you’ve seen a few, you won’t have any trouble recognizing them at all. Happy hunting!
Hey Diana!
I’ve recently inherited my grandmothers collection of wade figurines and I had no idea what they were or the value of them!
Thank you for your amazing little article, it has helped me to understand the importance of these to her!!
Aww, that really blesses me to know Anika–thanks so much for sharing that with me. Enjoy your little darlings!!
Diana, the reason the gingerbread man is so expensive, is because it’s arm has a tendency to break off. The cream colored gingerbread man is extremely rare and expensive. I’m in my late 50s, still collect them because my sweet grandmother (who lived in Canada) gave me the hedgehog when I was 10. Take care.
Thanks so much for the inside info 🙂 Love that your grandmother got you started, like mine!
I have more than a few Wades, not a big collection, but I’m always on the look out. I keep mine in a printers box I have hanging on the wall. I’m hoping to leave them to my Granddaughter. IM the youngest of four girls and can’t believe my sisters did not know about these, although I’m more of a vintage shopper than they are.
A printer’s box is the perfect way to display Wades, Tina! And such a blessing to have a granddaughter to leave them to 🙂 Thanks for dropping by and taking the time to leave a comment–
Thanks for the information, i am bookmarking it for future updates.
You’re so welcome Elanor! I’m glad you found it interesting 🙂
Hi…I’m just catching up on here!! I’m going to look at our Antique Mall tomorrow while I work….I know there are some there and now you’ve peaked my curiousity to find them! Blessed Christmas Greetings….your friend, Susan Beldyga
I hope you found some Susan!! Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year 🙂
I have the whole nursery rhyme set but didn’t know it was only offered in Canada. Took me years to find all the pieces at garage sales and antique shows. A few years back I found a gingerbread girl also.
Woo woo for finding all those pieces!! What a special collection Cindy 🙂
Diana – Thanks for this site and all the great information and photos on it. I am a recent fan of Wade Whimsies. I ran across a box of them at an antique mall and realized that they would be the perfect accessories for my 1/12 scale miniature houses.
I bought several and they look great on a mantle or bookshelf. The colors and glazes fit right in with the craftsman style of decor, and they are much more affordable than many of the accent pieces that are made and marketed for doll houses.
So far, I have a pair of lions, a locomotive engine, a zebra, and am on the look-out for an upright figure that I can adapt to a table lamp base. I do not expect to amass a huge collection, but in this context, they are perfect for me!
Lee
You’re welcome Lee! How fun that you discovered these cute collectibles that work so well with your miniature houses. Here’s to finding more examples that work well with this hobby 🙂
Hi, I have bee trying to sell my Wade items, you cannot give them away in the UK. I sell 13 at a time for £2.99 plus postage, I sell on Ebay with my other antiques.
So sorry to hear that Jeannette. I’m guessing the market is pretty saturated over there given that that’s where they’re made.
The polar bear you have pictured is from one of the older Animals Series, not the North American Endangered set. There is a polar bear in that set as well but the pose is different.
Thanks for the insight Christopher!!
My Oma (German Grandmother) had a large collection of these. I played with them when I was a little girl. When my grandparents took me to Germany in 1978, one of these would come in every cup of tea. My Oma told me they were placed in the teacups before pouring the tea so that when you took them out, there was enough room to add sugar.
She passed away last year at age 94. I inherited many of her figurines and I have the “Tea Animals” (the name I used for them when I was little) sitting on a display shelf that my Grandfather made. Now my grandsons play with them when they visit me. I love being able to pass on a cherished memory to them and hope that they will in turn pass it on to their grandchildren one day.
I LOVE this story so much Maranda! Thank you for sharing it with us. I was very close to my grandmother so I know how precious this memory is for you. How beautiful that you get to share your experience with your own grandchildren!!
I scored 8 figures all in their original boxes!
So happy.
I appreciate all of the information you put on this site. Many thanks.
Woo woo! How exciting 🙂 I’ve never found any in their original boxes Rebecca so you’re way ahead of me. So glad you enjoyed the article-
Hey girl! So the wade dogs you said you picked up in England are part of the Wade Canadian Animals set, which predates the other sets. All but the grey puppy are part of that set – all in all it’s a HUGE collection – I myself am still missing 2, and it’s SO hard to find them – a pelican and a penguin!
This set is WORTH collecting. Many of the pieces from it are worth more than $5 each…especially the husky (looks like a black wolf) the dolphin (attached to the base by its tail) the seahorse (brown), the pelican, the penguin (has a yellow beak), the seal pup, and several others, but the ones I listed are hard to come by. Good luck!
Thanks so much for the great info Tessa!! Good luck completing your set 🙂
I picked up a bag of these figurines today at a value village there were 14 in the bag for $7.99 in the bag was the ginger bread man black sheep and the pelican.
Hello! The set of white wades you sold are part of a Noah’s ark series that was done between 2002-2006. I just picked up one of the ewes today. Hope this helps!
Thanks for the info!!
I just picked up an Animals From Around The World stand for these animals, not sure if there is a specific collection to display on it. On the bottom it says The Official WADE Collectora Club. And 2007 Members Only Set.
I have loved these tiny treasures since my grandmother and mother began finding them in Red Rose Tea back in the 60 s. So happy to see the interest in them continues. I am Canadian, but on every trip to the US, I watch for ones that were only issued there. Thanks for a wonderful post full of information!
You’re so welcome Prue! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and yes, people still love them–I sell them quite regularly 🙂
I’m not sure with the pandemic if it’s still the case but Wades will have a show once a year in a different state and attendees get a free figurine made only for that special show.A friend brought me back a set of dinosaurs about 10 yrs,ago from England.There are actually two different sets.There is also a Noah and wife figurine to go with the ark,as you had asked.My dad,aunt ,son and I all have our collections.My parents put plexiglass overr front of their printer box frames as with young grandkids it might offer a bit of protection..
So much great info Ginny! I was not aware of the annual Wade show. Plexiglass over a printer box is an excellent way to display and protect a collection. Thanks for sharing your insights with us 🙂 It’s so need that collecting Wades is a shared family experience–I just love that!
I have a wade figurine, danny boy, but it doesn’t have a stamp . My friend says it’s a duplicate. But it looks so authentic.
Hello. I have about 20 of these little Wade creatures. They don’t go for much in the UK but it makes them easier to collect here. I did not know the full background to them so it has motivated me to collect more. Thank you for that.
You’re so welcome Judy–I’m glad you enjoyed the article 🙂
Rummaging thru the closet I found a bag ful of these little fun animals..I used to have tthem displayed in my house having fun colllecting them from the Rose tea initiated by my friend in Canada. It was a fun thing to do..However living in a condo doesnt give me the space I once had..So now I have a new (old) hobby looking up to see if any of them might be a “grand prize” Since my collecting started many years ago..This might be fun..Thanks for your “site”
So glad you enjoyed the info I provided in the post. Sounds like you’re having a good time researching your collection–I hope you find the “grand prize!!” Be sure to let us know 🙂
thanks for the information my note is above..
I have over 300 of these in the various sets, including Noah’s ark!
What a collection Lee!! They must be something to see 🙂
I have been collecting these wade figurines since 1970 when my son was born. I have over a thousand and complete sets of most. I was so disappointed when they stopped putting them in red rose tea. Recently I have been getting them again in the tea. I was so excited to be able to collect them again. I drink iced tea daily so I have quiet the collection. I have many duplicates also. I love them just have a hard time displaying them.
Sounds like an amazing collection Ellen!! I was not aware that Rose tea had begun giving them away again–that’s awesome. I’ve seen people display them in old printer’s trays. They have SO many cubbies that you can display a lot of them on one tray.
I have probably 1000 pieces of Wade. I would like to sell a set of decanters made by Royal Victoria in 1950s. They are gin, cognac, sherry, scotch, port and a larger one rum. Do you have any suggestions on selling? I live in California. I do not want to ship out of the US.
Sandy
I have a YouTube video about how to sell antiques if you’re not a dealer: https://youtu.be/4tyZGJ1gHnA Hope that helps Sandy!
Diana, I thoroughly enjoyed this article; so informative. Just to let you know, I do own the Mr.&Mrs. Noah. My collecting started today with a bag full from my local Resource Store for $5. Love them already.
My grandparents lived in Detroit and used to drink Red Rose tea in the 1960’s. In the 1980’s when I lived NY, I bought a bunch of the Wade figurines. I only have three wolves left.
My son made a ceramic pig in high school that’s a little bigger than the wolves. They have been sitting on the windowsill in my kitchen ever since as, “the 3 little wolves and the big bad pig”!
I see them occasionally at flea markets. I have a vintage booth in NC, I think I’ll start selling them. Not my wolves though. Thanks for the information.
I have a Wade England Blue Grey Elephant standing on four legs (no base) that appears to be Hand Signed and numbered. On the bottom of his front leg, it looks like1/51 (or 61). There is not a Wade Stamp just the Wade England which appears to be handwritten. I have only found this elephant in the Wade England guide and no place else on the internet. Can someone point me in the direction to learn more about this piece?
Hi Shelly! The Wade Collectors Club may be able to help you or this guide (an affiliate link from which I may make a small commission): https://amzn.to/3QCr3yW Good luck!
In 1977 I purchased in England Nursery Favorites by Wade of England. I am missing 5 of them and wonder where to find them for sale. Mine are still in original boxes. Any ideas. I love all the information and comments on your site. Hoping to join soon. I purchased for my daughter and now would like to finish for my granddaughter. Thank you.
Hi Toni! So glad you’ve been enjoying my website 🙂 I would look for Wades in antique shops, on eBay, and on Etsy. Best of luck with your search!
I was born in England and collected (purchased) Wade figurines as a little girl, early sixties. I have many pieces that need to go to a good home as I’m downsizing. I’d love to chat with you by email.
Hi Karen! I’m not currently in the market for any Wades but I have a video where I talk about various ways to sell collectibles if you’re not a “dealer.” You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/4tyZGJ1gHnA
Hi Diana,
My sister and I started to collect these figurines when we’re children (in the UK) as they used to be in Christmas crackers back in the 80’s and early 90’s.
I hadn’t realised that so many collections existed, nor how wide-spread they are. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
You’re welcome Lorraine! Thanks for sharing your personal story about Wades coming in Christmas crackers–that so fun. We lived in England for two years and had loads of fun with English crackers around the holidays 🙂
I have a small figurine that several dealers have told me it’s a Wade figurine.
However it has no markings at all, it does appear to be ceramic.
it’s a black woman facing forward with her hands on her waist. she is wearing a head scarf tied in a bow at the top with a gold-ish crown. I believe it’s a perfume bottle. she’s almost 3″ tall including the crown.
I’ve been searching for several years, off and on, to find out who might have made her. I stumbled across your site and I’m hoping you might shed some light on who and what she is.
I apologize for wasting your time if this is something you’re totally not interested in. but I’m hoping.
thanks, jc
Hi Joyce, unfortunately I’m unfamiliar with the piece you describe. Have you done a Google reverse image search? I explain how to do that with your smart phone in this article: https://adirondackgirlatheart.com/google-reverse-image-search/ I hope you find some answers!
Yes, there is a Noah and wife figure Wade Whimsey. There are 15 figures in that series and also an ark. I have photos on my Etsy shop if you’re interested.
Thanks so much for the info Diane!!
Hi my name is Joelle. I have an extensive collection of Wades. Such fun going to yard sales or consignment shops and finding the little treasurers. I do have a question or maybe an observation. I have what I thought was an Wade orangutan. Upon a closer look I thought it looked more like a sloth. I searched online and the figurine in England matching my figurine is considered a sloth. In the US the online figurine is said to be an orangutan. Did you know this? Seems to me that no matter whether the figurine was made for England or the US, it appears identical and would be considered the same cirtter! Anyway just wondered what if anything someone else thought. Be well, Joelle
That’s so interesting! News to me 🙂 As you say, perhaps another reader has some insights.
Hi Joelle-
I am also a long time collector of Wade’s. I am “finishing” up my collection by completing the sets I have. I used this website for help.
https://birdingandmore.com/Wade_Figurines.htm
They have many sets with lists and pictures.
I also have several books for reference. I purchase most of my pieces on either e-bay, ETSY or in antique shops or vintage stores. I love it when we visit a new town or go on vacation, because I find variety in other parts of the country!
My biggest issue is that now the Wade company has closed and the collector club is no more-anyone that has or finds pieces tries to sell them for crazy prices!!
Good luck to everyone on their searches! Happy Wading!!
I was searching for information for a collection of ‘Wade England’ miniature figures, some have no writing but are in the same style. I came across your pages in the search which gave me interesting information and history. I hope I have genuine things and not Chinese copies. Need to identify them a little more … and then they will be uploaded onto our eBay page (the email is the email used on eBay). Thank you.
I’m sure there are ocassional Wades that have escaped the “Wade” mark, but most that I’ve come across a properly stamped. There are multiple guides that would answer your question. Here’s a link to one on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ko4NY9 (If you make any purchase using this link, I’ll receive a small commission 🙂 )
I’ve just found your site. Happy to be the first poster of 2024! I was fascinated with these as a child when my Grandma )who was from Wales) collected them and drank Red Rose tea. I have a few as I also drank/drink Red Rose hot tea. They are still fun.
Welcome Kym! I agree 100%–they are still fun 🙂
I have my Dad’s collection of Wades that I’m trying to catalog in order to sell. Is there a definitive list of Wades out there somewhere that divides them by series? I have found some but there has been some discrepancies about which series they belong to. Also, photos of the little guys would be helpful too!
Your best bet would be to pick up a Wade guide from your library or bookstore Sheri-
I am seeking an old Wade Figurine called “CAROLE”. I saw it in a book a long time ago. Anyone have it??? Let me know if you want to sell it & how much.
Hi, I came across these little figurines in a garage sale. They are so cute, I had to have them. Looking through them all,I see I have parts of some series. I don’t know the value of any of them, but have about 34 pieces. How do I get them checked out to see what I have? Thank you in advance for your time. 😊
Kim
I would look for a group on Facebook–they tend to be filled with “experts”. I think the Rose Tea website has some photos of various sets, so you could look there too, Kim. Enjoy your collection!
I have some wades from 1970 to 1980 and most of the animals don’t have wade on them only the bigger ones. I know they were wade as I bought them myself boxed though boxes going gone now. Did they mark them in this period of time.
Not sure about that Trish, but I know many Wades slipped through the cracks and weren’t marked, so that may explain why you have some unmarked. Though I’m not sure what “boxed through boxes going gone now” means?