Fontanini Nativity Figures

Fontannini Nativity figures have been popular collectables for decades, widely available in the United States since the late sixities.  Prized for their for their incredable workmanship and detail, there are hundreds of figures and accessories available in sizes ranging from the 2 1/2 inch set, to the 'towering' 50 inch figures.  Each year, Fontannini introduces a few new figures, and also retires others in their line.  Ebay offers a chance for collectors to acquire either the new Fontannini introductions, or some of the long-retired figures, which are only available on the secondary market.                                           

A Brief History of Fontanini Nativity Figures                    

Fontannini has been producing nativity figures since 1908.  Their earliest figure productions were made through a molding process using plaster or paper mache.  However, these  proved to have limited durability.  As new materials came onto the marketplace, and as Fontaninni expanded its reach, nativity figures were made of a nearly indestructable polymer resin.  The polymer resin figures are those usually seen in the American market, and these are the types of figures that are focus of this guide.

The Fontannini family still owns and operates their company in Bagni Di Lucca, in the Tuscan region of Italy.  Behind each Fontannini figure is one of the world's finest sculptors, Elio Simonetti.  For more than fifty years, his hand and his imagination has brought into being the many and varied figures.  All of the figures are manufactured in their Italian factory, and to this day, all the figures are hand-painted by the villagers of Bagni Di Lucca.  Most of the buildings and accessories are fabricated in China, while the design and treatment initiates from the Fontannini headquarters in Italy.  Fontannini has also forged a relationship with Roman, Inc., an American company, which prepares a Story Card for each figure.  Each story card tells of the figure's role in the Bethahem nativity story.  Roman also produces the packaging, and is responsible for the distribution of Fontannini's product to the American market.  As is the case with other types of collectables in the American Marketplace, acquiring a Fontannini figure means acquiring the story card along with its original packaging.

The Fontannini Nativity Figure Lines          

The following are the sets (Lines) of Nativity Figures:

• The 2 1/2 inch series has some fifty + figures, a nativity 'village' and other outbuildings and accessories.  This series was discontinued in the late nineties.  It is a popular collectable because it is discontinued, and because its small scale allows it to be easily displayed.
• The 4 inch and 4 1/2 inch series where the original Fontannini Nativity Collection first offered in the United States.  I t was retired, and replaced with the 5 inch collection.  Often collectors mix these figures with their 5 inch collection.
• The 5 inch series is by far the most popular line for collectors, with over 200 figures and hundreds of accessories.
• The 6 1/4 and 6 1/2 inch series are discontinued and not widely collected, but occasionaly show up on eBay.
• The 7 1/2 inch series is another popular line with over 50 figures but very few building or accassories.
• The 12 inch series are not as common in eBay auctions, but there are lots of great eBay stores that carry this size.
• 18 inch, 20 inch, 27 inch, and 50 inch are used more for institutional settings, such as churches, hospitals and store displays. .

Buying Fontannin on eBay                

The word 'Fontannini' in the search box is all you need to get started.  There are usually 200 to 400+ listings for Fontannini in auction, and double that in eBay stores.  Pick a size that suits your taste.  The 5 inch collection is the most popular size, and the most widely available line.  This line has over 200 figures, dozens of animals, and a large array of buildings, allowing you to create an impressive display. The individual 5 inch figures on eBay sell for as low as $5.00.  Condition is usually not an issue because of the durability of the polymer resin.  Some collectors are only interested in purchasing a figures if the story card and original box are part of the offering.  However, a review of sales indicates that the presence or absence of the card and box seems to have little impact on the price , on eBay, at least, the older the figure is, the less likely the box and card will be present.  A rare figure should not be passed up just because the story card and/or the box are missing. 

Special Edition Figures        

Fontannini established a collectors club in the 1990's.  Each year hence they have produced a new 5 inch figure and offered it to its dues-payng club members as a gift, as part of a preview of new figures, or as a limited edition figure.  Even though these figures were retired after at the end of each year, you will  find them offered for sale on eBay, they often command a higher price than other figures.

Buying Tips                                                                                                                      

When searching for figures on eBay, try buying figures in lots, or multiple figures from the same seller.  This will save you on the shipping costs, which can add up. It does't make sence to to pay more for shipping that the cost of the figure.  I n a lot sale, you get the figure you were seeking.  You then can turn around and sell the unwanted items on eBay to some other hungry hunter.  Also, make sure to check out all the great eBay stores that sell Fontanini ,  there are over 130 at the time this guide was prepared.

Know what you are buying.  All Fontannini figures made from polymer resin are marked.  Older figures are marked on the undersides with a small spider and the words "Depose Italy".  During the 1980's, Fontannini replaced the spider with the Fontannini name, the date of manufacture, and a small fountain.  Most new figures now have Elio Simonetti's signature stamped on the base.  Though this is not an autograph, some sellers will put 'artist signed' in their listing.  Actual signed figures are floating around.  Look for figures bearing a Fontannini family member, signed in ink.  These hard to find figures were part of forays by Fontannini family members , traveling in the states to promote new figure releases, or a big retailer's sales event.

The Fontannini Figure 'Holy Grails'     

There are some figures that are extremely rare, and very desirable to collectors.  Within the 5 inch line, these are the members only relases, or the limited edition figures.  The most prized of these is The Pilgrimage, a members only exclusive introduced in 1990, and retired in 1995.  With the original box, it has fetched as much as $150.00 on eBay.   Another one sold for $70.00 in August of 2006.  Other 'must haves' such as Jeshua & Adin, Abigail & Peter, Celeste , Ariel , Raphael, Gabriela, Dominica , Gideon and Sarah are even harder to find.

That is what makes collecting fun, finding that special piece to add to your collection. These figures are sure to be a hit at the holidays, and will become a family heirloom to be enjoyed for decades.