Although Wade Ceramics has a very long history of producing different kinds of pottery, the company did not initiate the production of Wade Figurines until 1954. In 1967, 13 years after producing the first Wade Figurines, Wade Ceramics decided to collaborate with Red Rose Tea.
The collaboration allowed Red Rose Tea to put a miniature Wade Figurine in each box of tea. Red Rose Tea gave away more than 300 million Wade Figurines in the United States alone.
Today, however, what used to be given away in tea boxes has a price tag attached to it. To acquire a high-value Wade Figurine today, you will need to pay $100 to over $700.
If you are considering collecting some Wade Figurines, this detailed guide will help you discover the 15 most valuable Wade Figurines. What’s more, our FAQ section will provide answers to the questions you may have as a new collector.
Table of Contents
15 Most Expensive Wade Figurines
No. | Wade Figurine | Year | Price (USD) |
1. | Whimsey in the Vale Village | 1993 | $745.99 |
2. | Farm Animals Set | 1959 | $464.99 |
3. | Coronation Street | 1988 (Video) Top 10 Most Expensive Vintage Masters of the Universe Figures (Loose) to Resell on Ebay | $459.99 |
4. | Wade Happy Cats Set | 2008 | $429.99 |
5. | Candlestick Maker | The 1950s | $350 |
6. | Big Bad Wolf | 2019 | $329.99 |
7. | Wade Whimsies Set 1 | 1954 | $324.99 |
8. | Wade Cats Set 8 | 2006 | $279.99 |
9. | Wade Horses | 1956 | $289.99 |
10. (Video) The 25 Most Valuable Baseball Cards from the 1980s | Whimsey on Why Set | 1984 | $275.99 |
11. | Wade Whimsies Polar Set | 1956 | $245.99 |
12. | Wade Whimsies Set 3 | 1955 | $239.99 |
13. | The Penguin from Batman Series | 1999 | $235 |
14. | Wade Black and White Swan Set | 2017 | $229.99 |
15. | Wade Rare Sheepdogs | 1990 | $217.99 |
1. Whimsey in the Vale Village
Price: 1993
Year: $745.99
The most valuable Wade Figurine we found online; Whimsey in The Vale Village is currently listed on eBay for $745.99. Dating back to 1993, this Wade Figuring still has its original boxes.
According to the seller, the Wade Figurine has minimal signs of cosmetic wear but still operates and functions as intended. Featuring a gloss finish, the figurine can add character and interest to any room.
2. Farm Animals Set
Price: 1959
Year: $464.99
This Wade Figurine dates back to 1959. Featuring common farm animals in different colors, the figurine showcases a goat, a swan, a pig, and a horse. Currently listed on eBay, this Wade Figurine is selling at $464.99.
According to the seller, the farm animal figurines are in good condition and do not have any damages on them. Made of porcelain and featuring a gloss finish, the farm animals can be placed in any room to create interest.
3. Coronation Street
Price: 1988
Year: $459.99
Dating back to 1988, this Wade Figurine combines 3 pieces that represent Coronation Street Houses. The miniature houses feature varying graphic designs that define their different functions.
Although the Wade Figurines have been used before, the seller notes that they are in excellent condition and have no damages. Currently listed on eBay, these figurines have a price tag of $459.99 attached to them.
4. Wade Happy Cats Set
Price: 2008
Year: $429.99
Produced in 2009, this Wade Figurine features 5 happy cats in different colors. Featuring gold, silver, and other colors, these cats have a gloss finish that makes them stand out.
According to the seller, this Wade Figurine is brand-new, unopened, and unused. Sitting in its original packaging, the figurine has no cracks or any signs of wear. Currently listed on eBay, the figurine has a price tag of $429.99 attached to it.
5. Candlestick Maker
Price: The 1950s
Year: $350
Produced by Wade Ceramics in the 1950s, this figurine is from the “Butcher, Baker, Candlestick Maker” set. According to the seller, the candlestick maker is the rarest figurine of the trio.
The candlestick maker is currently in great shape, with no cracks or other signs of wear. Because of its rarity, the figurine is currently listed on eBay at $350.
6. Big Bad Wolf
Price: 2019
Year: $329.99
Featuring a fairy tales’ theme, the Big Bad Wolf figurine was manufactured in 2019. Manufactured using porcelain, the wolf has a gloss finish and is white.
According to the seller, this Wade Figurine is a limited edition. The fact that only a few pieces of this figurine were produced makes it expensive – on eBay, the Wade Figurine has a price of $329.99.
7. Wade Whimsies Set 1
Price: 1954
Year: $324.99
One of the first Wade Figurines, Wade Whimsies Set 1 date back to 1954. According to the seller, this set is still in its original box and features a Poodle, Horse, Dog, Fawn, and a Rabbit. These farm animals are available in different colors that range from white to brown.
Ideal for adults, teens, and kids, the Wade Figurines are damage-free. Currently listed on eBay, Wade Whimsies Set 1 is selling at $324.99.
8. Wade Cats Set 8
Price: 2006
Year: $279.99
One of the more recent Wade Figurine Sets, the Wade Cats Set 8 was produced in 2006. The set has 6 cats in different positions and different colors.
The multi-colored pieces feature a gloss finish that makes them more appealing. Featuring an excellent condition and with zero damages, the Wade figurines have an above-average cost – on eBay, Wade Cats Set 8 is selling at $279.99.
9. Wade Horses
Price: 1956
Year: $289.99
Manufactured in 1956, this Wade Horses Figurine Set carries four pieces. 1 piece showcases a mature horse, 2 showcase young horses while the third showcases a dog.
The Figurines are in good condition and do not feature any signs of wear. Currently listed on eBay, these figurines have a price tag of $289.99 attached to them.
10. Whimsey on Why Set
Price: 1984
Year: $275.99
The Whimsey on Why Set features 8 rare buildings and a map that shows the exact location of these buildings. Manufactured close to 4 decades ago – in 1984 – this set is still in good condition.
Wade combined porcelain and ceramic in the manufacture of these pieces. Each piece, however, features varying colors that create an impression of a real building. The Whimsey on Why Set is currently listed on eBay for $275.99.
11. Wade Whimsies Polar Set
Price: 1956
Year: $245.99
Produced more than 6 decades ago, the Wade Whimsies Polar Set carries 5 pieces. The figurines included in the set include a king penguin, polar bear, husky, baby polar bear, and baby seal. The pieces are multi-colored and can create a nice color display.
Like other Wade Figurines on this list, the Wade Whimsies Polar Set is made of porcelain and has a gloss finish. Currently listed on eBay, this Wade Figurine is selling at $245.99.
12. Wade Whimsies Set 3
Price: 1955
Year: $239.99
Manufactured in 1955, this set of Wade Figurines has 5 pieces in it. Available in different colors, the pieces that make Wade Whimsies Set 3 include a fox cub, retriever, Shetland pony, badger, and a stoat.
This set is still in its original packaging and does not feature any signs of damage. The set is currently retailing at $239.99 on eBay.
13. The Penguin from Batman Series
Price: 1999
Year: $235
Produced in 1999, this Wade Figurine derived its inspiration from the Batman Franchise. According to the seller, the figurine is in mint condition.
Still sitting in its original packaging, the figurine is quite valuable. On eBay, this figurine has a price of $235.44.
14. Wade Black and White Swan Set
Price: 2017
Year: $229.99
One of the more recent Wade Figurines, this swan set was manufactured in 2017. The set carries 2 pieces – one is a white swan while the other is a black swan.
The seller reports that this set is limited edition and comes packed in its original box and with a certificate. Currently listed on eBay, you will need $229.99 to acquire the swan set.
15. Wade Rare Sheepdogs
Price: 1990
Year: $217.99
Perfect for dog lovers, this Wade set features 3 sheepdogs in gold, white, and black colors. Produced in 1990, these figurines have been around for more than 3 decades. However, the seller indicates that they are still in perfect condition and have no cracks or chips.
While 2 of the sheepdogs – black and white – are pretty common, the golden sheepdog is quite rare. The rarity of the golden dog, when combined with the good condition of all three pieces, makes the set very valuable – on eBay, the figurines have a price tag of $217.99 attached to them.
What Are Wade Figurines?
Wade Figurines are an assortment of whimsies produced by the George Wade & Sons Ltd. Using porcelain, the England-based company started producing the figurines in 1954.
George Wade & Sons Ltd partnered with Red Rose Tea in 1967, creating a deal that ensured a Wade Figurine was included in each box of tea. The Wade Figurines distributed by Red Rose Tea are some of the most common today.
How Many Different Wade Figurines Are There?
Between 1954 and 2019, George Wade & Sons Ltd had made hundreds of Figurines. However, during the collaboration deal with Red Rose Tea, the company produced the following figurines:
- Animal Series I (1983 to 1985) – 15 figurines
- Animal Series II (1985 to 1986) – 20 figurines
- Circus Series (1994 to 1999) – 15 figurines
- Endangered North American Animals (1999 to 2002) – 10 figurines
- Noah’s Ark Series (2002 to 2006) – 15 figurines
- Pet Shop Friend Series (2006 to 2008) – 10 figurines
- Calendar Series (2008 to 2012) – 12 figurines
Which Wade Figurines Are Rare?
Some of the rarest Wade Figurines were made in 1983 for the Red Rose Tea company. The first animal series made for Red Rose Tea had 15 pieces in it. However, the elephant and the owl have proven to be the rarest collectibles from this series.
Where Can I Sell My Wade Figurines?
Some of the best ways to sell Wade Figurines include:
- Sell your Wade Figurines to a dealer
- Sell on eBay or Etsy
- Use Craigslist to sell your Wade Figurines
- Sell the figurines to a consignment shop
- Sell the Wade Figurines at an auction
Are Any Wade Figurines Valuable?
The value of Wade Figurines does vary. While one piece can cost under $100, you can also find Wade Figurines with a price tag of more than $700 attached to them. Below, we will look at some of the factors that affect the value of Wade Figurines:
Supply / Rarity
The Wade Figurines with the highest value are those with the lowest supply – these are generally the rarest Wade Figurines. Common figurines, on the other hand, have a high supply – this often gives them a lower value.
Quality & Condition
If your Wade Figurine is in its original box, it will have a higher value than one without original packaging. If the original box is still wrapped in clear plastic, the figurine may bring in top dollar.
Wade Figurines that are already out of their original box or are showing signs of wear will have a much lower value.
Demand
While common figurines are supposed to have a low value, their value may increase if their demand is high. However, if the demand for rare and common Wade figurines is the same, the rare figurine will still have a much higher value than the common figurine.
Age
Wade Figurines produced between 1954 and 1960 will have a higher value than those manufactured much later in the 20th century. If a good condition is maintained, the value of Wade Figurines increases as their age increases.
Conclusion
Wade Figurines have been around for close to 7 decades. These figurines have become more valuable with each passing decade. While the Wade Figurines were once given away for free in tea boxes, you will be hard-pressed to find a high-quality Wade Figurine that costs less than $100 today.
This guide explores the 15 most valuable Wade Figurines. We have also answered commonly asked questions about Wade Figurines. If you feel like you need more information on this topic, be sure to let us know in the comment section.
FAQs
What are the rare Wade figurines? ›
Wade Whimsies are small glazed porcelain figurines made in England. In 1983 Wade made a special series to be given away in Red Rose Tea boxes. The first U.S. animal series had 15 pieces in it and the owl and the elephant are considered the most rare to collect.
What is the most valuable Wade whimsies? ›| No. | Wade Figurine | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Whimsey in the Vale Village | $745.99 |
| 2. | Farm Animals Set | $464.99 |
| 3. | Coronation Street | $459.99 |
| 4. | Wade Happy Cats Set | $429.99 |
Is Wade Pottery Valuable? With such a range of products and collectables, it can be hard to know how much your Wade pottery pieces are potentially worth. Rare figures, such as this cellulose clock Walt Disney Whimsie of Bashful from Snow White, can sell for wonderful prices of up to £780 at auction.
What is the most valuable Red Rose Tea figurine? ›"Most of them average around $5 apiece, depending on their condition and rarity," Murrin said. He said the rarest figurine he is familiar with is the cream-coloured gingerbread man, which can run in price from approximately $20 up to $100, for one in mint condition.