Of course! “Vintage Easter set” can refer to a few different types of collectible items, typically from the mid-20th century. They are highly sought after for their nostalgic charm, pastel colors, and often kitschy designs.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of vintage Easter sets, their eras, what to look for, and where to find them.
1. Ceramic & Chalkware Figurine Sets
These are the most iconic vintage Easter decorations. They were often sold as individual pieces that could be collected to form a scene.
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Common Pieces:
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Rabbits: Dressed in human clothing (overalls, dresses, suits), playing instruments, or pushing carts.
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Chicks: Fluffy yellow chicks, often in groups.
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Lambs: White, curly-haired lambs, sometimes with a ribbon around the neck.
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Baskets: Ceramic baskets meant to hold small, fake Easter grass and eggs.
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Eras:
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1940s-1950s: Often made of chalkware (a fragile plaster-like material). These are more primitive, hand-painted, and have a folk-art feel. Colors can be slightly faded.
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1960s-1970s: Usually made of ceramic. Glazes are brighter and more uniform. Designs become more whimsical and detailed.
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Notable Makers:
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Lefton: Very common and high quality. Often marked with a “Lefton China” stamp and a gold crown.
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Napco: Known for pieces marked “Napco” or “Jaynor.”
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Enesco: Produced many popular figurine sets.
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Hull: Known for its “Little Girl” and “Little Boy” rabbit series.
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Shawnee: Famous for its “Smiley Rabbit” cookie jars and figurines.
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2. Plastic & Celluloid Figurine Sets
These were cheaper and more durable, often marketed as toys or table decorations for children.
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Common Pieces:
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Small, hollow plastic rabbits, chicks, and ducks.
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Sets of eggs that nest together.
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Plastic baskets with decorative designs.
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Era: Primarily 1950s-1970s.
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Characteristics: Often have a slight sheen, simple paint applications, and a lightweight feel. Celluloid (an early plastic) is highly flammable and can become brittle with age.
3. Easter Egg Dye Sets
The packaging for these kits is a huge collectible. They evoke strong nostalgia.
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Common Brands:
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Paas: The most famous brand. Vintage Paas kits featured wonderful lithographed boxes with cute illustrations of rabbits and chicks. The dye tablets were in colorful foil or paper packets.
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Bubble Bunny: A less common brand.
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Era: 1940s-1980s. The older the box, the more valuable it is, especially if unopened with all components.
4. Tableware Sets
For those elegant Easter Sunday dinners.
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Common Items:
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Melamine Plates: Companies like Playskool and PMC made child-sized melamine plates with Easter themes.
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Paper Goods: Vintage paper plates, napkins, and tablecloths with pastel prints, often featuring bunnies and eggs.
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Glassware: Milk glass or pastel-colored glass with embossed Easter motifs.
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Era: 1950s-1970s.
How to Identify & Date a Vintage Set
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Look for Marks: Check the bottom of ceramic pieces for a maker’s stamp (e.g., Lefton, Napco, Japan, USA).
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Feel the Material: Chalkware is lightweight and has a chalky, matte feel. Ceramic is heavier and has a hard, glazed finish.
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Analyze the Colors: True vintage pieces often have softer, more muted pastels compared to modern bright reproductions.
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Check for Wear: Look for signs of age like crazing (fine cracks in the glaze), paint loss, or a worn patina on the high points of the figure. This is often a sign of authenticity.
Where to Find Vintage Easter Sets
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Etsy: A fantastic source for individual pieces and curated sets. Sellers are often knowledgeable.
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eBay: Great for hunting specific pieces or complete sets, especially rarer items like Paas boxes.
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Local Antique Malls & Flea Markets: You can often find the best deals here and physically inspect the items.
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Facebook Marketplace & Local Buy/Sell Groups: Good for finding larger lots from people clearing out their homes.
Value & Collectibility
Value depends on:
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Rarity: Less common makers or unusual poses command higher prices.
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Condition: Chips, cracks, and significant paint loss greatly reduce value.
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Maker: Pieces from well-known companies like Lefton or Hull are more valuable.
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Completeness: A full set with all original pieces is worth more than individual items.
A single common ceramic rabbit might be $10-$25, while a rare, large, mint-condition Shawnee Smiley Rabbit figurine could be over $100.
Whether you’re starting a collection or just love the nostalgic aesthetic, vintage Easter sets are a delightful way to celebrate the season with a touch of history. Happy hunting
