Swarovski Crystal Cigarette Holder: A Functional Smoker’s Accessory

Jan 262015
 

The crystal giant has produced a very small quantity of items specifically with a smoker in mind: the Swarovski Ashtray, the Swarovski  Cigarette Lighter, and last but not least the Swarovski Cigarette Holder.

While there were 5 crystal ashtrays, and 3 crystal cigarette lighters, there were basically 2 crystal cigarette holders:  a solid crystal one, and one with various metal accents.

The most common Swarovski Cigarette Holder is 100% crystal with no metal accents.  Known by the Swarovski part number 7463 062 000, this piece was designed by Max Schreck, and produced 1981 to 1990.  With a height of about 2.25″, it was designed to hold unused cigarettes.

The other, far more unique and hard to find Swarovski Cigarette Holder was produced 1977 to 1983 with a variety of metal accents:  Swarovski Polished Rhodium Cigarette Holder (shiney silver), Swarovski Brushed Rhodium Cigarette Holder (brushed silver), and Swarovski Polished Gold Cigarette Holder (shiney gold).  This item stands about 5 1/2″ tall and is documented by the Swarovski part number 7503 050 000 regardless of the metal trim.

A Swarovski Polished Rhodium Cigarette Holder was recently available on ebay.  Last week, it failed to get an opening bid of $79.   A few days later, it was relisted at a fixed price of $115, and sold in < 12 hours.

Swarovski Cigarette Holder figurines can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the “Useful Swarovski” , “More Functional” sub-category.  Using and cleaning cigarette holders, they are more likely to become damaged than if they were only displayed in cabinets. If  you plan to actually “use” them, I would not recommend paying top dollar to ensure it is in MINT condition or that it includes original box and coa certificate/paperwork.



Swarovski Crystal Ashtray: More Useful Cigarette Accessories

Jan 222015
 

Swarovski collectors can appreciate when the crystal giant makes products that are not only beautiful, but also useful (if you are a serious collector, you probably wont “use” something that is functional). Cigarette Smokers may be interested in the Swarovski Cigarette Lighter, as well as the Swarovski Crystal Ashtray products that have been available through the years.

The oldest Swarovski Ashtray figurines were like small bowls with a rim of polished silver or polished gold which included an extension to hold a cigarette.  These units are known as the Rhodium Polished Ashtray and Gold Polished Ashtray.  These Swarovski Ashtrays used the part number 7501 061 000 and system number 011 157.  These figurines were the smallest of the ashtrays made, measuring about 2″ in diameter. The ashtrays feature the old Swarovski logo since they were produced 1977 to 1983.

The more commonly seen Swarovski Ashtray is solid crystal and is nearly 4″ in diameter.  The identification numbers for this smoker’s accessory are 7461 100 000 and 010 061. Max Schreck was the Swarovski designer of this ashtray, which was available from 1981 to 1990.

In the late 1980’s and into the mid 1990’s, Swarovski produced some limited edition Swarovski Ashtrays, identifiable by their unique names: Posacenere and Cendrier.

The Swarovski Posacenere Ashtray (Posacenere is the Italian word for ashtray).  Being a part of the Daniel Swarovski line, this ashtray features Ettore Sottass signature along with an identifying serial number.  While the Swarovski Posacenere was limited to 500 units, it was available 1989 to 2001….quite a long time to sell 500 units.  Perhaps this was due to the sticker price of $1720????

Lastly is the Swarovski Cendrier Ashtray (Cendrier is the French word for ashtray).  The Swarovski Cendrier was limited to 2182 pieces and sold 1992 to 1995.  It was designed by Martin Szekely and sold for $190 during its 4 year production run.

Swarovski Ashtrays can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the “Useful Swarovski” category, “Ashtrays and Treasure Boxes” subcategory as well as the online auctions.  If  you plan to actually “use” a Swarovski Crystal Ashtray, I would not suggest paying extra money to ensure it is in MINT condition or that it includes original box/paperwork.  Using and cleaning ashtrays, they are far more likely to get damaged than if they were display only units.



Swarovski Happy Ducks: Lifeguard Duck and Sweetheart Duck in 2013 (Lovlots Collection)

Jan 252013
 

Swarovski has added yet 2 more ducks to the Lovlots Happy Ducks group:  Swarovski Lifeguard Duck and Swarovski Sweetheart Duck!

Swarovski Sweetheart Happy Duck (left) and Swarovski Lifeguard Happy Duck (right)

Swarovski Lovlots Happy Ducks in 2013:
Sweetheart (left) and Lifeguard (right)

Swarovski Lifeguard Duck is a yellow duck (like Sunny Sam and Sunny Steve), accessorized with white shades (sunglasses), a miniature lifeguard float strapped to him, and LIFEGUARD painted on the side of the duck.  Swarovski identifies this Lovlots figurine with system # 1143443.   Verena Castelein is credited with the cute duck design.  The MSRP is $130.

Swarovski Sweetheart Duck is a pink duck with some heart-shaped decorations attached above the tail area.   Swarovski identifies this Lovlots figurine with system # 1143438.   Verena Castelein is credited with the cute duck design. The MSRP is $80.

Since inception in 2010, the crystal has launched over 20 Happy Duck intro “duck” tions  :

  • 2010: 7 Happy Ducks, plus a couple Swarovski Limited Edition Pink Duck figurines
  • 2011: 6 Happy Ducks and a Limited Edition Royal Wedding Happy Duck pair
  • 2012: 5 Happy Ducks including Joyful Josh (green), Lovely Lucky (lavender), Crocodile Duck (light green), Punk Duck (clear), and Sir and Lady Ducks (various colors-formalwear)

For a complete list of the Happy Ducks, this information can be found on the Swarovski Lovlots page of Crystal Exchange America site.

Collectors who are Happy Duck Hunting can find the retired Lovlots Happy Ducks in the Lovlots and Zodiac category of the Crystal Exchange America store.



Swarovski Flower Mo: Clearing up the question of Sizes and Colors

Jan 222013
 

Occasionally, we get some unusual requests from clients, who are simply ‘consumers’, but not Swarovski collectors.   Such requests that we have received in the past 3 months are for clients looking for the Swarovski Large Flower Mo and the Swarovski Blue Flower Mo.  Of course, being a Swarovski collector, I know that there is only ONE Swarovski Flower Mo.  But clients have a general idea of figurines they want to purchase, without the correct figurine name and have no idea of identification #’s to know for certain the item they want to purchase.  Furthermore, clients don’t necessarily perceive us as Swarovski experts, but only as an online store and could care less if the name is right or wrong as long as they get the figurine they have pictured in their mind.  (Would be great if we had a mind-reading store!)

Clients requesting the Lovlots Large Flower Mo or Lovlots Blue Flower Mo, generally indicate that they are certain of the Mo Cows existence as they have a friend that owns one, or that they have seen it elsewhere on the internet, like ebay (where sellers never? make mistakes).   Check out this Large Blue Flower Mo auction that ended March 2012.

Official Swarovski Flower Mo Cow

Swarovski Flower Mo, Small Green Mo Cow, Limited Edition

Sometimes called the Swarovski Large Flower Mo or Swarovski Blue Flower Mo

Swarovski Belle Mo, Large Blue Mo Cow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What clients are referring to as the Large Flower Mo or Blue Flower Mo is actually Swarovski Belle Mo!  But naturally, when you explain that you believe they are looking for Belle Mo, they will correct you saying it is the Large Flower Mo or Blue Flower Mo  (and at that, it is time to give up and simply help them to decide if they wish to proceed with the purchase).

To set the record straight….there is only ONE Swarovski Flower Mo, and it is a small light green cow with multi-colored flowers on it.  Flower Mo is about 1.75” long and was a limited edition Swarovski cow available only in 2009.  The larger cow mo with flowers is Swarovski Belle Mo.  This cow is light blue in color, with blue flowers on it.  Belle Mo is about 3.5” high and was available 2010 through 2012.  The design of both of these Mo Cows is credited to Edith Mair.

Swarovski Flower Mo one of the more expensive Mos to purchase, with an average selling range now at $290 – $350!

Should the crystal brand ever release another Lovlots Mo Cow decorated with flowers, an update to this article will likely be required to prevent further Swarovski Flower Mo confusion.

Swarovski Flower Mo (Limited Edition) and Swarovski Belle Mo can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the Lovlots and Zodiac store category.



Swarovski Flower Power to the Bunnies in 2013!

Jan 202013
 

The crystal has released two new bunny rabbits, each holding a bouquet of flowers….

Flower Power to the Swarovski Rabbits with Blue and Pink Flowers!

Swarovski Rabbit with Forget-Me-Nots (left)
and Swarovski Rabbit withTulips (right)

The rabbit with the flowers are in the Seasonal Symbols product line, in the theme of Spring.  Both the bunny figurines were designed by Heinz Tabertshofer and retail for $160 each.

Following are the product descriptions from the Swarovski web site:

Swarovski Rabbit with Forget-Me-Not: This cute creation makes an ideal gift for Mother’s Day, Easter, or any other occasion! Crafted in clear crystal, the rabbit holds a bunch of forget-me-nots in Sapphire and Light Sapphire crystal with silver-tone metal stems. An Aurora Boreale crystal chaton sparkles at the center of each flower.

Swarovski Rabbit with Tulips: This adorable clear crystal rabbit holds a bunch of tulips in Indian Pink and Light Rose crystal with silver-tone metal stems. Cute and colorful, this charming design makes an ideal gift for Mother’s Day, Easter, or any other occasion!

The crystal giant has retired another bunny rabbit with flowers, the Swarovski Rabbit with Poinsettia.  This rabbit figurine has recently sold out at the Swarovski online shoppe, where it was priced at 50% off.

So, flower power to the bunnies!  I wonder if we may be seeing Rabbit with Roses (Kris Bear is holding a rose bouquet, perhaps he’ll share?)



Bo Bearly Cool….the 2013 Swarovski Bo Bear Crystal Figurines (Lovlots Collection)

Jan 182013
 

In 2012, the crystal giant introduced the Bo Bear figurines into the Swarovski Lovlots collection.  Four hip teddies joined several other groups in the growing Lovlots community of personality-filled characters.

In 2012, the Lovlots Bo Bear group consisted of:

In 2013, Swarovski has added two more very cool bears to the sloth of Bo Bears…

Swarovski Blues Bo Bear (left) and Swarovski Hip Hop Bo Bear (right)

Lovlots Blues Bo Bear (left) and Lovlots Hip Hop Bo Bear (right)

  • Swarovski Bo Bear – Blues Bo.  This way cool bo is lavender with some gold bling and a purple baseball hat.
  • Swarovski Bo Bear – Hip-Hop Bo.  This way cool bo is dressed in black, sporting his shades, a tie, and black hat.

All six of the Swarovski Bo Bear figurines were designed by Peter Heidegger.  And all six characters retail in the price range of $150 to $160.

Here are Swarovski’s official product descriptions for the 2013 Bo Bear introductions.

Lovlots Hip Hop Bo Bear – Hip hop is my life! Hip-hop Bo spends most of his time busting rhymes. His head shines in Provence Lavender crystal with a lacquered violet body and Crystal Metallic Light Gold arms and feet. He wears a cap in plastic material and golden necklace both featuring the BB logo. Not intended for children 15 and under. The Bo Bear comes with a unique metal tag that can be used as a key chain or bag charm.

Lovlots Blues Bo Bear – I am too cool for school! This funky character shines in Crystal Silvershade with Jet Hematite crystal arms and feet. He wears metal sunglasses and a lacquered suit, and a hat in a black plastic material. Not intended for children 15 and under. The Bo Bear comes with a unique metal tag that can be used as a key chain or bag charm.

I’m looking forward to seeing where the crystal brand goes with this collection of Swarovski bears.  Will they continue to grow?  Or will Swarovski collectors not really latch on to this line of animals?  Only time will tell!  Crystal Exchange America has an up-to-date page on the Swarovski Lovlots for collectors looking for a summary of the figurines in the community.



Swarovski Unicorn – SCS 1996 Annual Edition

Oct 222012
 

Swarovski ‘s fourth SCS trilogy is the “Fabulous Creatures” series, which was in the late 1990’s era.  The initial Fabulous Creatures crystal figurine is the Swarovski.  All the crystal figurines in the “Fabulous Creatures” series are mythical creatures, making this series unique based on human interpretation, existing sculptures, or drawings, and not based on nature itself.

Swarovski SCS Unicorn - Fabulous Creatures 1996 Annual Edition

Swarovski Fabulous Creatures Unicorn, 1996 SCS AE

The Swarovski Unicorn was available for purchase only in 1996 by collectors who had a membership in the Swarovski SCS Club.  The Swarovski Unicorn measures about 4 1/4” long.  It is a clear figurine with a long frosted spiraling horn, frosted goat’s beard, frosted mane, and frosted tail.  The SCS Unicorn is lying on its stomach.

The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn was  known using the Swarovski identification numbers DO1X961 and 191 727.  This SCS Unicorn contains what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  Since Martin Zendron was the designer, it is his initials “MZ” and the year “96” can be seen on the underside of the Unicorn .

Having such a long and fragile protrusion, the Unicorn horn is the most common form of damage or breakage.  We have seen or heard stories from a large number of clients who report the horn has come unglued, or a simple tap to it during cleaning has caused it to break off.  Sadly, this is an expensive component for Swarovski restoration experts to replace.  Oftentimes, the cost is close to that of purchasing a replacement Swarovski Unicorn in mint condition.

The crystal brand has produced one other Unicorn other than the 1996 SCS Unicorn.  This other Swarovski Unicorn was part of their Silver Crystal product line.  This Unicorn is standing on all 4 legs and has a short horn.  The identification # for this Swarovski Unicorn are 7550 000 013 / 630 119.  It was produced 2004 through 2009 at a retail price of $300.

The SCS Swarovski Unicorn retailed for $325 USD in 1996.  The purchase price included the crystal figurine, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    While the resale price of the Swarovski Unicorn  surpassed to nearly $700 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for original MSRP, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.



Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – SCS 1992 Annual Edition

Sep 242012
 

The Swarovski Whales is the third crystal figurine of the second Swarovski trilogy is the “Mother and Child”.  All SCS crystal figurines in this series were designed by Michael Stamey, and to date, is the only trilogy by a single designer.

Swarovski SCS Whales- 'Care For Me' 1992 Annual Edition

Swarovski 'Care For Me' Whales, 1992 SCS AE

In 1992, the Swarovski Whales could be purchased by SCS crystal collectors who possessed membership in the Swarovski Club (SCS).  The Swarovski Whales measures about just over  4” in height.  This crystal figurine features  a clear mother whale and a clear baby whale, with a gentle wave under them.

The SCS Whales contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is simple to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “92” on the bottom side of the wave.  “MSt” is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schrek (Lovebirds)

The ‘Care For Me’ Whales can be identified using the Swarovski part number DO1X921 or system number 164 614.

In addition to the 1992 SCS Whales, Swarovski has released a number of crystal whale figurines:

  • Swarovski Whale – 7628 080 000 / 014 483.  This Swarovski Whale was available 1987 through 1991.  It can be found with either the Block SC Logo or the Swan logo.
  • Swarovski Walter the Whale – 9460 200 023 / 680 508.  This small blue whale was in the Swarovski Crystal Moments line, and was available in 2005 and 2006 only.
  • Swarovski Paikea Humpback Whale – 9100 000 337 / 1 095 228.  This is the 2012 SCS Annual Edition designed by Stefanie Nederegger
  • Swarovski Young Whale, SCS – 9100 000 338 / 1 096 741.  This is the companion whale to the 2012 Swarovski Annual Edition Whale designed by Stefanie Nederegger.

A quick comparison of the 1992 Swarovski Whales to the 2012 Swarovski Whale reveals these primary differences:

  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales is a SINGLE figurine.  Paikea Whale and Young Whale are 2 separate figurines purchased individually.
  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales are completely clear figurines.  Paikea Whale and Young Whale are Shadow crystal with Crystal Moonlight accents.

The SCS Swarovski Whales retailed for $265 USD in 1992.  The purchase price included the SCS crystal figurine, a white cylinder with fitted- foam specific to the Whales, and a Swarovski  Certificate of Authenticity (Swarovski COA).    Presently, the Swarovski Whales, in mint condition, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $305 – $345 from professional Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.



Swarovski Seals ‘Save Me’ – SCS 1991 Annual Edition

Sep 062012
 

The Swarovski Seals is the second crystal figurine of the second Swarovski trilogy is the “Mother and Child”.  All SCS crystal figurines in this series were constructed of completely clear crystal components, which is a unique characteristic of all the Swarovski SCS figurines.

Swarovski SCS Seals - 'Save Me' 1991 Annual Edition

Swarovski 'Save Me' Seals, 1991 SCS AE

 

The Swarovski Seals could be purchased only in 1991 by SCS collectors with membership in the Swarovski Club (SCS).  The Swarovski Seals measures about 4” long.  It is a figurine with 2 clear seals, a mother seal and a baby seal, resting upon a clear iceberg.

The SCS Seals contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is simple to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “91” on the underside of the iceberg.  “MSt” is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schrek (Lovebirds)

The ‘Save Me’ Seals can be identified using the Swarovski part number DO1X911 or system number 158 872.

In addition to the 1991 SCS Seals, the crystal giant has produced other crystal seal figurines, all of which are retired:

  • Swarovski Large Seal – 7646 085 000 / 012 261.  The Swarovski Large Seal was produced with 3 different styles of noses / whiskers.  The Large Seal, in some variation, was available 1985 – 1995.
  • Swarovski Baby Seal – 7663 046 000 / 012 530.  The Swarovski Baby Seal was produced with 3 different styles of noses / whiskers.  The Baby Seal, in some variation, was available 1986 – 2005.
  • Swarovski Playing Seal – 7661 000 006 / 622 526, 2003 – 2007

The SCS Swarovski Seals retailed for $225 USD in 1991.  The purchase price included the SCS crystal figurine, a cylinder with custom foam for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    At this time, Swarovski Seals , in mint condition, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $350 – $400 from professional Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.



The Newest Swarovski Crystal Myriad – the Swarovski Ji Xiang Carps

Aug 302012
 

Get ready to spend some big dollars if you want to purchase the newest Swarovski Limited Edition.  Swarovski has released another Swarovski Crystal Myriad, Ji Xiang!

Swarovski Crystal Myriad Ji Xiang, LE of 300 Red Carps Masterpieces

Swarovski Crystal Myriad Ji Xiang, LE of 300 units

Swarovski Ji Xiang is just over 14.5 inches high and about 9.25 inches wide.  The subject of this Swarovski masterpiece is two red carps, atop blue foaming waves. Crystal Myriad Ji Xiang is embellished using more than 48,600 hand-set crystals, which are utilized in the pointiage technique.  The carps symbolize prosperity and good luck in China.  This Crystal Myriad will retail for $18,000 USD at product launch.

Swarovski Ji Xiang is the 6th Crystal Myriad that the crystal giant has released since 2009.  Other Swarovski Crystal Myriads include:

The Myriad of Carps was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer.  Hopefully he does not have to remain on the assembly line during production, which takes over 390 man-hours to assemble!  The pair of red carps, Swarovski Ji Xiang, is a Limited Edition, with only 300 units planned for production.



Swarovski Crystal Journey – Fanatics Chat with Swarovski Designers on the 2012 Crystal Journey

Aug 242012
 

The Swarovski Crystal Journey 2012 has concluded its trip, sad for the lucky crystal fanatics aboard.  It would have been the experience of a lifetime to be part of the trip!

On Wednesday, some of our favorite designers were on the boat, for a brief question and answer session.  In this small get-together, the artists in attendance were:

Martin Zendron, Adi Stocker, & Gabriele Stamey...Swarovski Artists

Swarovski Designers: Martin Zendron, Adi Stocker, & Gabriele Stamey

Martin Zendron is credited with over 70 designs, including the Swarovski NLE Wild Horses and 5 Swarovski AE figurines:  Swarovski Elephant, Swarovski Unicorn, Swarovski Antonio, and Swarovski Harmony (clear and colored).

Adi Stocker is credited with over 100 designs, including 3 Swarovski NLE: Swarovski Eagle, Swarovski Peacock, and Swarovski Bull; and 6 Swarovski AE:  Swarovski Woodpeckers, Swarovski Turtledoves, Swarovski Lion, Swarovski Pegasus, Swarovski Pierrot, and Swarovski Isadora.

Gabriele Stamey is credited with over 70 designs, including 2 Swarovski AE: Swarovski Dragon and  Swarovski Columbine, as well as 2 Swarovski SCS Commemorative Editions:  Swarovski 5th Anniversary Birthday Cake and Swarovski Vase of Roses.

During this gathering, it was hinted that Swarovski may cease to try reviving older designs by adding color as this concept is not all that popular with collectors.  I, for one, completely agree.  To me, it’s like taking plaid bell bottoms from the 70’s and changing the plaid to polka dots and wanting people to wear them again!

Hopefully, we can get a few more pictures and information from the final hours of the Swarovski 2012 Crystal Journey.



Swarovski Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – SCS 1990 Annual Edition

Aug 202012
 

The second Swarovski trilogy is the “Mother and Child” series, all designed by Michael Stamey.  The first crystal figurine of the series is the Swarovski Dolphins, which are the feature figure of this article.

The Swarovski Dolphins were available for purchase only in 1990 by collectors who had a membership in the Swarovski SCS Club.  These ‘Mother and Child” Dolphins measures about 4 3/4” long.  It is a figurine with 2 clear dolphins, a mother dolphin and a baby dolphin, swimming atop a clear wave.

Swarovski SCS Dolphins - 'Lead Me' 1990 Annual Edition

Swarovski 'Lead Me' Dolphins, 1990 SCS AE

The SCS Dolphins contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is fairly easy to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “90” can be seen.  “MSt” is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schreck (Swarovski SCS Lovebirds ‘Togetherness in 1987)

The ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X901, and years later the system number 153 850 was revealed, so it can be identified using either number.

It is not unusual for the non-collector owner (i.e. someone has inherited a collection but is not knowledgeable about Swarovski) to refer to the figurine as a ‘Swarovski Porpoise’ pair.  In doing some research, I found that there are distinct differences between dolphins and porpoises.  The crystal brand has not released any Swarovski porpoise figurines.

Since the 1990 SCS Dolphins, the crystal giant has produced other clear crystal dolphin figurines:

The SCS Swarovski Dolphins retailed for $225 USD in 1990.  The purchase price included the crystal figurine, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    While the resale price of the Swarovski Dolphins  surpassed to over $900 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $450 – $475, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.



Swarovski Turtledoves ‘Amour’ – SCS 1989 Annual Edition

Jul 302012
 

In 1989, Swarovski was near the end of the first SCS trilogy, “Caring and Sharing”.  The final SCS figurine in this series was the Swarovski Turtledoves, by Adi Stocker.

Swarovski Turtledoves - Amour, SCS AE 1989

Swarovski SCS Turtledoves - Amour, 1989 Annual Edition

The Swarovski Turtledoves could be purchased only in 1989 by Swarovski SCS members.

The Swarovski Amour Turtledoves is approximately 3.5” long.  From a quick description of this crystal figurine, they might sound like the Swarovski Lovebirds: 2 amorous clear birds with frosted beaks, perched on a frosted branch.

The ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’ is found on the side of the Turtledoves branch, where the branch is clear, (as it is quite difficult to see on frosted crystal, like on the Swarovski Woodpeckers).  The backstamp, consisting of the Swarovski Swan, the letters SCS, the designer’s initials “ASt” and the year “89”, is easily visible.

The Turtledoves are identified using the Swarovski part number DO1x891 or the system number 117 895 was revealed.

It is interesting to note that the SCS Turtledoves crystal component for the birds’ wings is the same component used for the wings on the Swarovski Woodpeckers and the ears on the 1990 Swarovski Dumbo figurine!

The crystal giant has also produced one other Turtledoves design, by a different designer Gabriele Stamey.  This more recent Swarovski Turtledoves figurine was introduced in 2004 and can presently be purchased in the Swarovski shoppe.  The most striking differences between the Amour Turtledoves and Silver Crystal Turtledoves are the frosted beaks (SCS AE)vs topaz beaks (Silver Crystal) and resting birds (SCS AE) vs a bird with its wings spread (Silver Crystal).  Also, the SCS AE Turtledoves are a bit smaller 3.5” long vs 4.25” for the newer Silver Crystal design.

A special thanks to Jane Warner for consultations made during the writing of this Swarovski Turtledoves article.  Jane is the Swarovski expert author of Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski.

In 1989, the MSRP of the SCS Swarovski Turtledoves was for $195 USD .  Just like the other ‘Caring and Sharing’ figurines, the purchase price included the crystal figure, a custom box for the Turtledoves, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    Collectors who want to purchase the Swarovski Turtledoves  from a Swarovski expert dealer, like Crystal Exchange America, should expect to pay $550 – $650 for the SCS Turtledoves in mint condition with original box and certificate.



Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ –1988 Annual Edition, with a Clear Base

Jul 162012
 

The Swarovski Woodpeckers were available for purchase only in 1988 for collectors who were members in the Swarovski SCS.  In the last article about Swarovski Woodpeckers, the most common variation was the focus of the article.  In the previous article, it was not mentioned that Swarovski released 2 different versions of the Swarovski AE.  However, this article will expand on the Woodpeckers variations and what makes them unique.

Displaying the two variations of SCS Woodpeckers side-by-side, it is not possible to distinguish the variations.  While there are often great differences in the positioning of the birds and how close or far apart the mother beak is from the baby beak, this is not what makes them unique.  To identify the variations, one must look at the very bottom of the figurine where the backstamp is located.

The Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’, variation 1 (as it is referenced in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski) has a frosted base.  The bottom side looks a lot like the trunk as it is not possible to see into it.  The backstamp is difficult to see as it too has a frosted-like appearance.

The Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’, variation 2 (as it is referenced in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski) has a clear base.  The bottom side is clear, just like the top of the trunk that the birds are attached to.  The backstamp is easy to see as it has a frosted-like look.  (Remember, the backstamp is the year of the Woodpeckers “88”, and the designer’s (Adi Stocker) initials “A St”.

Both 1988 Swarovski  Woodpeckers were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X881 and system number  014 745.  Swarovski did not assign unique numbers to them even though they were different.  Furthermore, it was not possible to order a specific variation, and for the most part the variations went undocumented for many years.

Backstamp on Clear Base of 1998 Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers

Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers showing Backstamp on Clear Base

Some Swarovski Crystal Fanatics make the mistake of looking at the top of the trunk and become excited seeing a clear top, thinking that the bottom will be clear too.  This is not the case.  ALL Woodpecker trunks are clear on the top, so when looking at the trunk to determine the variation, it is the bottom that must be examined.

So why are there differences in the trunk base?  According to a former employee, the SCS Woodpeckers were supposed to have a clear base.  But something did not go as planned during manufacturing, and the trunks had to be, more or less, ‘filed’ to make the bottom smooth and allow the Woodpeckers figurine to stand upright.  The next step should have been to re-polish the trunk base to restore it to its original intended design.  But that did not occur….the trunks were ‘backstamped’ and used as is.  So, in short, the filing the base and leaving it with a frosted-like appearance was a corrective action taken when the bases did not come out of the mold process ‘just right’.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the articles about the second SCS Annual Edition exclusively for SCS members: the Swarovski Woodpeckers.

In 1988, the SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers retailed for $165 USD.  For this price, the SCS member received the crystal figurine, an octagon-shaped display mirror with a Swarovski logo, an SCS custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    While Swarovski Woodpeckers Variation 1 (Frosted Base),  in mint condition, complete with mirror, and original packaging can usually be purchased on the secondary market for $1000 – $1400.  Swarovski Woodpeckers Variation 2 (Clear Base),  in mint condition, complete with mirror, and original packaging is much harder to and likely will cost $2500 – $2800 from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.  At the present time, they have one Variation 2 Woodpeckers crystal figurine only (no box, no certificate, no mirror) at $1875 plus shipping.  Personally, since they cannot be distinguished displayed on a shelf, I would have a hard time spending the extra $1,000 to get Variation 2 over Variation 1.



Swarovski Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ – SCS 1988 Annual Edition

Jul 152012
 

Following the Swarovski Lovebirds, the Swarovski Woodpeckers was the second figurine in the ‘Caring and Sharing’ series.  The Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’, were available for purchase only in 1988 by Swarovski SCS members.  By then, SCS membership had grown and was available in more countries than just the English-speaking ones.

Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers -1988 Annual Edition 'Sharing',

Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers - 'Sharing', 1988 Annual Edition

 

The Swarovski Sharing Woodpeckers stands just over 4” tall.  It is a figurine with 2 clear birds, attached a frosted tree trunk.  The birds are a mother woodpecker (the bird with the full body) and a baby woodpecker, with its head peeking out of the tree.  Since the figurines are hand-assembled, we often see the woodpeckers at various angles and proximity from each other.  Sometimes the beaks are so close that you can barely slip a piece of paper between them, while other figurines may have the woodpeckers situated such that the beaks are nearly ¼” apart.

Adi Stocker is the designer of the Swarovski Woodpeckers.  The SCS Woodpeckers were the first SCS figurine he created with full credit from the crystal brand.  Since that year, Adi Stocker has designed 4 other Swarovski AE figurines.

 

The Sharing Woodpeckers contain the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  Looking closely at the underside of the frosted tree trunk, the year “88” can be seen.  Per Swarovski’s definition, the designer’s initials “A St” should be visible, but it must be very faint.

Backstamp of the Swarovski 1988 SCS Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers Backstamp (Frosted Base)

The Woodpeckers were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X881, and when Swarovski began using system numbers for identification, 014 745 was divulged, so it can be identified using either number.

Since the 1988 SCS Woodpeckers, the crystal giant has produced other Swarovski woodpecker figurines:

  • Swarovski Woodpeckers, Black Diamond  by Elisabeth Adamer.  These Swarovski Woodpeckers, in the Paradise line, retires in 2012.
  • Swarovski Woodpecker, Ziggy by Edith Mair.  This Woodpecker, in the Lovlots line, was a limited edition figurine available in 2010 only.

The SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers retailed for $165 USD in 1988.  The purchase price included the crystal figurine, an octagon-shaped display mirror, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    The Swarovski Woodpeckers,  in mint condition, complete with mirror, and original packaging can usually be purchased on the secondary market for $1000 – $1400, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.



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