A Brief History Including Tips for Collecting Antique Creche

Creche is the French word for manger. The origin of the French word is Greccio, a town in Italy where St. Francis of Assissi displayed the first nativity scene was displayed in 1223.

The scene included an ox, a donkey, and a manger. St. Francis of Assissi organized the people of Greccio to meet in a cave to make a real life creche. The towns people acted out the birth of Jesus and were encouraged to remember the gift God gave to men. of The birth of Jesus was that gift.

In the Catholic countries, from the time of St. Francis forward, creche competitions were held to determine who could set up the most elaborate nativity. The creche figures included articulated dolls of gesso covered wood, carved ivory, plaster and precious metals.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, three-dimensional crèches replaced live nativities. The desire to to decorate their homes with nativities spanned all economic lines. Whereas wealthy individuals were able to to commission hand-crafted, elaborate pieces others made their own nativities from readily available indigenous materials

Variety stores, such as Woolworths, Sears, and Montgomery Ward, sold items individually. Each year new pieces could be added.

In 1960, Harland Plastics, Inc. of Hartland, Wis., began producing unbreakable crèches. While many of the older American generation continued to collect mainly European nativities, younger families bought the American-made, indestructible plastic versions.

New collectors need to learn how to differentiate an original from a reproduction. The first tip is to work with reputable dealers who will authenticate in writing what is being sold. If a dealer refuses to provide written authenticity then “Buyer beware.”

It is difficult to ascertain originality and condition without first examining a piece. Look at the hands, feet, and face for chips. Creche have been crafted from wood, clay, papier-mâché, cardboard, porcelain, molded plastic, ceramics, bronze, sterling silver, resin compounds, bamboo, straw, gourds, and fiber.

Affordable Italian-produced creches dominated the mid-1900s market and are most often found at yard sales and church sales. Variety stores, such as Woolworths, Sears, and Montgomery Ward, sold creche pieces individually. Each year new pieces could be added to the family nativity scene.

In 1960, Harland Plastics, Inc. of Hartland, Wis., began producing unbreakable crèches.

Originality and condition can first be determined by looking at the hands, feet, and face for chips. Antique creche will likely have signs of age. Be sure to check that the aging was not recently created by a dealer strategically damaging the piece.

When in doubt about authenticity, if you adore the piece and you can agree on a reasonable price, go for it! However, when you are purchasing for future investment be sure to do you research with the help of an expert in the area of antique creches.

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