About Antique Snow Babies

While most people are familiar with the collectable Department 56 Snowbabies, it is not commonly known that these precious ornaments are styled after an antique German-made craze that began over a100 years ago. While some of the original Snow Babies were quite similar to today's models, many were as unique as the artists who created them.

History

The earliest Snow Babies were made around 1900 in pre-WW I Germany. Most of these original models featured children and adults, crafted with exquisite detailing; some being "frosted" with ground porcelain to imitate snow. After WW I the popularity increased, and the variety with it. Japan joined Germany in the creation of Snow Babies, and Santas, elves, snowmen, children and animals were depicted in an endless array of settings. After WW II Snow Babies were made of bisque, with less detailing and more vivid colors.

Size

The earliest Snow Babies were a mere 1 to 3 inches tall, much smaller than the Department 56 Snowbabies of today. After WW I the opposite became the norm, with most figures less than 3 inches tall. The later versions tend to be longer, with added figures of houses and sleighs expanding the overall length.

Types

The first Snow Babies are just that: babies. Modeled to commemorate the birth of the daughter of North Pole explorer Rear Admiral Robert E. Peary, they show in detail a tiny bundled baby dusted in snow. As their popularity grew, Snow Babies were grouped according to their themes. An entire set might be of snowmen playing different musical instruments, while another shows elves playing amongst trees, snowmen and toys.

Recognition

As with many antique collectibles, reproductions of Snow Babies abound. The most practical means of identifying an original is to examine the "snow." Many copies have tiny specks of black in the snow. Smears of snow on the detailing and faces are another giveaway. Look at the color. If the snow is bright white, it most likely isn't a 100-years-old. The best means of identifying a true antique Snow Baby is to read and study the book "Mary Morrison's Big Book of Snow Babies," written by a renowned expert on the subject.

Considerations

There are literally thousands of Snow Babies to choose from. If you would like to start a collection of your own, it might be wise to choose a style and era to begin with. Many people collect only Santas, elves or children. Others focus on only those made between the World Wars. By defining your goals, your collection will look more "together," whether you have two pieces or 20.