Shawnee Tales
Dec 2020
by Lin Romberg
The holidays sure got here fast this year - overall what a terrible year with this virus and all the changes in lifestyle. Hope this finds everyone healthy!
This month I wanted to chat about the Smiley and Winnie bank cookie jars and the version that is NOT A BANK but a regular cookie jar. Many collectors are not aware of the version. Outwardly they appear the same but there is not coin slot and the lid is typical cookie jar opening underneath. A collector recently purchased a pair of these and was surprised to learn they were not actual banks!!!! Pictures are shown.
I have a story about these jars - years ago - over twenty years now Mel and Jean Gibson took the long way home from wintering in Texas to home in Michigan to visit me in Arizona. I had been in a serious car accident the week prior and my vehicle was totaled so I had a rental truck that was a humongous 4x4 that was not conducive to antiquing but we traipsed all around town anyhow! We had left a shop where there was next to no Shawnee - the only quality piece was a Smiley chocolate bank sitting on a low shelf. We were talking about it and I commented I would have bought it in a heartbeat had it not had a coin slot - Mel replies there was no money slot on the lid………… well, I whipped a U-turn that startled Mel and on the way back I was certain he was mistaken but he insisted - funny thing is he did not know about the version with a regular lid and just figured it was an error. We get to the shop and I laughingly told him he could go check it out as by that late in the day I was so sore from running around post accident……. Well, he comes back out the door signaling us to come in and sure enough it was the hard to find version!!! Eagle eye Mel. Obviously we left with the jar but learned a valuable lesson as I have so many times glanced at a jar thinking" Oh I have that" and don't look further other than maybe a glance at the price. It's memories like this that we treasure with this hobby.
A collector recently found a terrific Smiley "in the wild" - an apple Smiley for only $67 - love to hear about deals like this!!!
She also spotted a Sun Dial casserole with the rack and candle holder warmer - I think many of these accessories have become separated over the years!
"Is this stand and candle holder an original thing it came with? The candle holder is heavy and the same color pink as the lid. We took a pic, thought I'd see what you think. I didn't buy it, it was marked $19.99."
Yes, an original thing.
Another collector sent in a great selection of pictures of their collection displays - love a home filled with Shawnee!!
Hoping everyone has a safe and happy holiday season - please share any of your Shawnee Christmas gifts!!!
Photo by Brad
