Fitz and Floyd: Not an antique but wondering...

[Oceans64]

Going through a bunch of Christmas items I'm planning on eBay-ing and came across my F&F plate I bought 10-ish years ago (maybe 9) at an antique mall which is laughable in itself now that I've read their history.  I was looking for the value on eBay and found it under a different name.

Mine is an Essential
eBay is an Omnibus:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Fitz-and-Floyd-SANTA-Omnibus-Canape-Cookie-Plate-1996-/350313617226?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519051974a

I know it's not worth much but now I am curious if anyone knows the difference between Essentials and Omnibus? There isn't a lot of detail on the net so I am hoping to find a collector here  I think the Essentials were made in China so maybe it was the discounted version???  

[mariok54]

Hi Oceans... How can you consider selling such a cheerful plate with Christmas just around the corner .. but then maybe it's a good time to sell it?

I probably had less success than you, but what did strike me as odd is that you see a number of F&F Essentials out there, some have Made in China on the base, see the link, whereas others don't.

I would have thought, although I may be wrong, that imports from China would have to be stamped as such, even if they were made on License for a US firm.

I did read a piece where it was discussing items made in 1987 by F&F, boasting that they were all produced in the USA, but I can't seem to locate it now 

Yes, if the firm only started in 1948 ish, then 'antique' could be laughable ..


http://cgi.ebay.com/Fitz-Floyd-Essentials-Holiday-Bells-Canape-Plate-MIB_W0QQitemZ360284704348QQcategoryZ13797QQcmdZViewItem#ht_500wt_715

[Oceans64]

You wouldn't believe how much Christmas stuff I have - I had to build a shed just to store it!!  LOL  What was really laughable was the Essentials link said it was made in 1996 and I bought this no later than 2000/1...  hehehe.  I suppose if that's the worst "antique" mistake I ever make I'll be OK and I have enjoyed him.

In perfect shape I think he's worth about $20 but he has a chip, so probably about $1.95 which means he'll be around for years to come.  What's really  funny is that I've agonized over that chip....  Not so much anymore  

Oh and...  I think the Made in China was a sticker and it's been removed but yeah I thought it disappointing that it was made in China.  I always thought it was an American Company.

[mariok54]

Label!!!! How did I miss that??? I mean, you don't normally get bar codes printed onto the item!!!

Yes, I think with a chip you may have to resign yourself to looking after it a bit longer ... But a shed load of Christmas stuff?? I thought we had  a lot with a small corner of our shed taken up    

[Oceans64]

It's a small shed (4' X 8') but a shed all the same...  and stacked to the top!  I love the inside stuff and hubby loves doing the outside...  In the end we are just this side of tacky   

He laughed at me last night when he saw how I was doing on my resolve to eliminate at least one box this year...  It consisted of 4 Peggy Karr glass plates and I still have several. 

There's a long way to go - LOL

[KC]

We have quite a few pieces of Fitz & Floyd from way back before they mass produced to the multitudes.  Unless it is one of their very large pieces (soup tureen, centerpieces, large decorative platters) or is from an old collectible line it isn't going to bring much $$ to your liking!  They used to only be sold at the finest of stores and here in Texas they used to have warehouse sales open by invitation only (those I really liked).

Chipped....lucky if you get $1.