Vintage Deer Collectibles
A recent purchase of a few Christmas deer pins got me to thinking about deer in general and how they are collectible on a few different fronts–vintage costume jewelry wearers, Bambi lovers, and decorators, for example.
With Christmas right around the corner and deer continuing to be the stars of many decorating schemes, I thought today we’d take a look at some vintage pieces related to this majestic animal. Let’s consider some vintage deer collectibles, shall we?.
Related posts: Christmas deer stamps and collecting vintage Christmas decorations
Vintage Deer Pins
Nothing stirs one’s sense of nostalgia like vintage Christmas images and my small selection of vintage pins certainly fits the bill. This leaping deer, signed “Emmons,” dates to the early days of Sarah Coventry. They operated a home party network under the “Emmons” name, but it went out of business in 1984. Available.
Two deer are better than one! These tiny “scatter” pins date to the 1950’s when it was common to wear more than one on a lapel or dress (near the neckline).
Large-eyed does, like this enamel painted version, appeal to many vintage-lovers. Available.
This pin, marked “Tancer II,” likely dates to the 1970’s when the company started business selling high quality costume jewelry. Their Christmas pieces are especially desireable. Available.
Vintage Books About Deer
I sold this deer taxidermy guide this past year on eBay for $14.99.
Who doesn’t love Bambi and his friends Thumper and Flower? Little Golden Books, especially older versions have become quite collectible.
Related post: Collecting Little Golden Books
The handsome graphics on this 1940 copy of Bambi’s Children make it ideal for decorating. Available.
Vintage Deer Figurines
I haven’t let this flocked trio of deer leave my possession yet; their thoughtful poses and dainty feet set them apart.
This set of flocked and glittered deer ornaments sold for $8.
Ceramic deer sell easily on Etsy, but I now save them and use them to create holiday dioramas.
Each of these found a new home inside one of my dioramas that I sell at the Shaker craft show every year.
Using Vintage Deer in Christmas Dioramas
I began creating the dioramas a few years ago. This one is housed in the bottom of a recipe box that I chalk painted black and “aged” with a bit of sanding.
An antique cigar box contains this version. Most sell for $20-25 each.
This one, enclosed in a glass and brass display case, is one of my favorites.
Make Your Own Christmas Deer Stamps
Back in 2015 I shared how to make your own holiday stamps, like the ones you see here of deer heads.
They make great gift tags, but can also be used for wrapping paper, buntings, or sales tags (if you’re a vintage seller). I updated the post to provide a deer template in the member library, in case you want to make some like mine 🙂
Related post: Star Christmas Ornaments
Before I say good-bye I want to leave you with a free printable of this sweet Christmas post card of an angel with a small herd of deer. In fact you’ll find a total of three vintage post cards on this download.
Each of them offer all kinds of decorating and celebrating opportunities: this year’s Christmas cards perhaps, gift tags, or a holiday bunting to name a few. Enjoy!
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I’d love it if you’d pin for later–
ohhhh, the many deer I’ve passed up! But you can’t buy everything, can you? We are having a city wide yard sale next weekend, so I am preparing as much vintage and rusty goodness as I can to disappear into other lives! I have found boxes of goodwill items I bought 5 years ago!!! Price tags still attached…. I must have bought them for resale, but it never happened. Hope to make lots of dough, it will be a gorgeous day, so I hope the shoppers come!
The little flocked deer remind me of our first Christmas. My hubby didn’t have much money but he went all out and paid a large department store to wrap his presents. (1962). On one of these presents was a little white flocked deer. The only reason I’m mentioning this is when our home burned down and we were going through stuff, there was that little white reindeer. One of the only Christmas things that made it through the fire. That little deer is always on our tree. Thanks so much for sharing vintage Christmas!
I love them all, Diana! Such a fun collectible!
Oh, still is another thing I would have NO trouble collecting! So far I only have a bunch of resin ones for my Santa Claus dollhouse someday shop–don’t think I have 9 yet (need Rudolph, too!) I have managed to pass on other ones! There is just something so nice about the vintage ones! I love Christmas pins and don’t have enough yet–I hate how the shoulder seat belt catches on them; I have lost a few that way. Started setting up for our church bazaar this a.m. Tylenol for my back tonite! Imagine you are doing last minute crafting crazies for the Shaker show; hope it goes well.
Like you Diana, I am partial to the figurines as holiday decor. Thanks for sharing your charming collection at Vintage Charm!