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When I recently started listing pieces of a huge collection of older Precious Moments pieces that I bought from a neighbor, who was an avid collector, I decided that information about this line would be a good subject for a guide.  Everyone has seen these porcelain figurines at card and gift stores, but their history isn't well known.

HISTORY

Sam Butcher, of Carthage MO, is the artist behind these adorable nostalgic and motivational figurines.  After being trained in art in college, he and a friend started a small company in 1974 to produce a line of cards and posters based on Sam's drawings of children with his trademark teardrop-shaped eyes.  They called their company Jonathan & David.  When they attended a Christian Booksellers Association Convention in Anaheim, their merchandise was an immediate hit. 

Within a few years Butcher was approached by Enesco with the idea of producing 3D versions of his drawings in porcelain.  The first figurines were produced in 1978.  The earliest figurines are marked Jonathan & David, but the name was soon changed to Precious Moments, which was felt to be more descriptive and easier to remember.

PRODUCTION

Over the years more than 1500 different designs have been produced in a number of different series.  Most were widely sold, but a small number were limited production, members only, etc.

Although produced in a number of different countries over the years, Enesco and the Precious Moments company have always adhered to high quality standards.  The earliest figurines were wrapped in paper and corrugated cardboard inside a box labeled with the name of the figurine.  Later, bubblewrap was used.  Starting in the 1980s, most figurines were packed in fitted styrofoam cases inside heavy decorated cardboard boxes.  Many buyers store their figurines in their original boxes.  Some, but not all, figurines came with a printed tag or card of some kind.

PRECIOUS MOMENTS CHAPEL AND PARK

In 1989 Butcher opened an elaborate chapel in Carthage with handpainted children covering the walls and ceilings.  Over 400,000 people visit the chapel and surrounding park every year.  Although Butcher is semi-retired, he still adds to the murals occasionally.

OTHER ITEMS

In addition to figurines, there are also a number of books devoted to Precious Moments and a few other non-figurine items.  Ebay is a good place to find collectors' books as well as figurines, both common and rare.

VALUE

Precious Moments pieces have always been priced to reflect their high quality with prices for some figurines exceeding $100.  For rare and popular pieces, after-market prices found on ebay are higher than original prices.  In other cases, ebay prices are much lower than the original prices, allowing collectors to add to their collections at bargain prices (even when the cost of shipping is factored in).

BUYING TIPS

When shopping for Precious Moments items, it is important to review the seller's ebay feedback to be sure that you are dealing with a high quality seller who doesn't have complaints about slow shipping or undisclosed damage.  It is also wise to buy from dealers who include pictures of the actual piece rather than stock photos.

OTHER INFORMATION

The Precious Moments web site has a fascinating video showing the production of Precious Moments (from drawing to molding to painting).  The video is currently accessible by clicking on "about" and then on "video" in the lefthand pane.

My current Precious Moments offerings are here.