Brett Brock's blog

How to Obtain Information about Josef Originals

 

Collectible guide books help collectors in a variety of ways. They have pictures of the collectible so you can see exactly what it should look like before you buy a piece. These books also have a great deal of valuable information, such as how much the piece is worth and how to tell what kind of condition the piece is in. Let’s look at a few of the guide books for Josef Originals:

 

Josef Originals: Figurines of Muriel Joseph George by Jim Whitaker and Kaye Whitaker.  The Whitakers are experts on Josef Originals. You’ll learn about the artist who created Josef Originals, Muriel Joseph George. Take a peek at photos of her family and read the interviews her family gave. Over 600 color photos of 850 figurines created over a 40 year period. You’ll get expert descriptions of the figurines, and there is a price guide as well. An excellent book for any collector of Josef Originals, this handy guide will help you get started collecting the dolls or if you’ve been collecting for some time, it will be a great aid to you on your doll collecting journey.

 

Josef Originals: A Second Look is another book by Jim Whitaker and Kaye Whitaker. This is a great guide book for collectors who are looking for that rare piece of Josef Originals. 700 color photographs, which have not been published before, depict some of the most rare of the collectible figurines. If you collect Josef Originals, this is the book for you. There is also a price guide so you’ll never have to wonder what that special piece is worth.

 

Josef Originals: Charming Figurines is another book by Jim Whitaker and Kaye Whitaker. The personal Josef Originals collection of the Whitakers is portrayed in this book. You’ll also see pictures of the Applause figurines, which were created after Muriel sold the company.

 

These guide books are an important part of the Josef Originals collection for any serious collector. They are referred to again and again as the collector adds to her collection. The price guides are invaluable as they portray the true value of the piece. Never again pay more for a Josef Originals figurine than you should when you can instantly consult your very own guide book.

 

When you interact with other collectors of Josef Originals, you will also learn a good deal of information about the dolls. Whether you purchase your collectibles online or troll for them at flea markets and garage sales, you can learn a lot and have a great time by interacting with others who share a passion for the collectibles. When you do purchase your collectibles online, don’t be afraid to ask questions of the seller. Also, if you purchase from online auctions, take some time to read the feedback from other buyers, which will give you an excellent idea of the seller’s online reputation.

 

You might be interested in subscribing to a monthly newsletter about the Josef Originals collectibles. Many of the websites that sell the figurines will offer a free newsletter in exchange for your email address. Not only will you learn more about the dolls, but dealers who have your email address will apprise you of upcoming sales and if you have the price guides, you can always compare the prices you find online with the prices in the books. That way, you will always be aware of when you are getting a good deal and when the figurines are overpriced.

 

Collecting Josef Originals is a fun and exciting hobby. It is especially fun when you meet other collectors who are as passionate about the hobby as you are. Whether you meet them online or in person, interact with others who share your love of the dolls. You will learn a great deal about the dolls and you might just make some lifelong friends!

 

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here.  We’re your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls.

A Look at Some of the Rare Josef Originals

New collectors of Josef Originals may not realize how far back the collection goes. The following details a few of the more rare collectibles from the Josef Originals collection. Once you know their names, you may be better able to recognize them:

 

Collectibles from the Early Years – Dated between 1945 and 1962, these are the first items created by Muriel. This was during the time after World War II when she first started experimenting with ceramics.

Career Girls – Created by Muriel around 1967, each of the dolls represents an occupation. There is an actress, a debutante, and a florist, among others.

 

Tilt Head Dolls of the Month – This series features one of the first collections created by Muriel when she lived in California between 1945 and 1962. These dolls are extremely popular and can be hard to find.

Favorite Sayings Series – Muriel Josef created these precious dolls around the 1950s and 1960s.

Little Commandments Series – There are 12 dolls in this series, created by Muriel sometime in the 1970s. Each one comes with a tag that states a “commandment.” For example, one such commandment reads, “Be Loving and Giving.”

 

Little International Series – Comprised of 29 dolls in all, 18 were created by Muriel in 1959. Over the years, 11 more of the dolls were created and added to the series.

 

Big Sisters Little Sisters Series – This series was created to showcase the love siblings have for one another.

Ecology Girls Series – One of the most popular series in the Josef Originals collection Muriel created these gems around 1974-1975. Collectors face a challenge finding these particular dolls as they have become difficult to find.

 

Flower Girls Series – Created by Muriel around 1975, each doll in this series wears a hat that is actually a flower.

 

Happiness Is Series – Created by Muriel around the 1960s, the boys and girls in this collection demonstrate what happiness means to each of them. Not surprisingly, it is one of the favorite series in the Josef Originals collection.

 

Recipe Girls & Little Gourmets Series – A darling collection of dolls, this series was created by Muriel sometime in the 1960s. The whimsical cuties are holding mouth watering delectables, such as cakes, pies, and muffins. This is another favorite that is difficult to find.

 

Belle Series – Each doll in this series, which Muriel created around 1960, is a bell. There is a school bell, among others. This series is a popular favorite and can be difficult to find.

 

Little Pets Series – A very cute series of dolls, this difficult to find favorite was created by Muriel between 1960 and 1962. The dolls in this series are depicted holding their favorite pets.

 

Days of the Week Series – Created at the beginning of her career, Muriel designed these dolls to depict life as it happens every day. Each day of the week is depicted in a  different color.

 

You're an Angel Series – Created by Muriel around 1960, this immensely popular series of angels is darling. The angel wings are tipped in gold with each doll being an angel for a unique reason.

 

Which Josef Originals Collectibles will you collect? You may want to see and read about even more series before you decide. There are many other dolls in the Josef Originals series, including the holiday figurines, several types of animals, and darling music boxes.

 

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here.  We’re your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls.

Who is Muriel Joseph George?

 

Who is Muriel Joseph George?

People who collect art often do so because they are familiar with an artist's work and like what they see. If you're going to start a Josef Originals collection, it might be nice for you to know something about the person behind the collection, Muriel Joseph George. A jewelry designer from California, Muriel once used Lucite to make her jewelry. She named her company "Muriel of California."

During the second World War, people could not buy Lucite. Instead of letting that put her out of business, Muriel started crafting her jewelry out of ceramics and before long was creating figurines. Having a special affection for animals and children, she started molding her figurines after them. She also created angels and various other types of figurines.
After the war, Muriel began creating pottery in her home's basement. She then ordered labels for her special brand of figurines. A potential crisis occurred when Muriel received the labels, which had arrived misspelled with the name of Josef instead of Joseph; however, Muriel decided to use them anyway, which gave birth to Josef Originals.

However, the Japanese, Muriel learned, were creating and selling their own versions of her originals in the 1950s. This concerned the artist greatly as she didn't want people to think the inferior versions were, in fact, Josef Originals. She countered by making intricately detailed pieces, believing the intricacies of her newer pieces would be too difficult to copy. The problem with this solution, however, was that as the detail grew, so did the prices, meaning the average person could no longer afford them.

It was in the mid 1950s that Muriel met a man named George Good, who convinced her it would be best if her figurines were produced in Japan. The two soon went into business together and the company was renamed. Josef Originals became the George-Good Corporation. Wanting to oversee the manufacture of her figurines, Muriel went to Japan. Upon finding that the manufacture of her figurines met with her approval, she returned home, where she created even more designs. Soon, her art found its way back into the marketplace.

George Good bought Muriel's share of the corporation after she retired in the 1980s. Applause, Inc. bought the company from Good in 1985 and although they have not manufactured new pieces using the Josef Originals brand, they do have a line that copies Muriel's original pieces.

Those looking for Muriel's first pieces can identify them by the marking "M.J. George." Later pieces are marked by the name "Josef Originals," along with a "C" on the bottom. While there will be a sticker labeled "Japan," remember that Muriel chose to have her later pieces manufactured in Japan. Serious collectors may also benefit from a guide book, which shows pictures of the originals that Muriel created. Although it can be difficult for new collectors to identify authentic originals, seasoned collectors have learned how to spot an original from a fake.

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

 

 

Why are Figurines so Special?

Why are people so drawn to the miniature likenesses of animals, people, buildings, and even the places that figurines depict? What is it that makes them so special? Figurines have been traced back to ancient civilizations, when they were made out of stone. No one is really sure what prompted people to start creating figurines; perhaps the art simply evolved from other forms of art and communication, such as cave drawings.

In many cultures, over the years, figurines have represented gods in spiritual rites and ceremonies. Some figurines had exclusive meaning, such as presenting a female with a figurine of a pregnant Venus was thought to bring the woman success in conceiving and bearing children. In fact, the majority of figurines depict females. Not surprisingly, women, far more so than men, are drawn to collect figurines.

More recent history notes that figurines are considered artwork, which is often placed upon a shelf or enclosed in a display cabinet to be looked upon and admired. Figurines also have found their way into games; such as the figurines depicted in the game of monopoly. Chess pieces are also crafted using figurines. Modern figurines are created using a variety of materials such as glass, wood, plastic, and porcelain. While most figurines serve as miniatures of something much larger, you can find them in a variety of sizes and shapes.
Figurines make wonderful gifts for any occasion and there are many people who collect them.

Collecting figurines has become easier and even more popular since the Internet made online shopping possible. Instead of poring over countless flea markets, antique stores, estate sales, and the like, collectors are able to find and purchase the pieces they are searching for almost instantly, and with much less effort. In fact, people who might not otherwise run across a Josef Originals collectible now have the ability to find just the piece they are looking for quickly and conveniently.

If you have considered collecting Josef figurines and want to purchase them online, here are some tips you may find useful. While you have the entirety of the Internet at your fingertips, serious collectors, and even those who are just beginning, find that guide books that list the pieces of a particular collection are an invaluable asset to have. This way, you can closely study the figurines and get to know which ones are a part of which collection. Furthermore, you can also study the books to get a feel for what the original pieces look like, as well as get to know how they are valued. Investing in a book of this kind can help you to weed out the wheat from the chaff when you start your collection.

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

Tips for Collecting Figurines Online

It's easy and fun to collect figurines. You can amass quite a collection of figurines without even leaving your home. That's because all you need is a computer and an Internet connection to find and purchase your favorite figurines online. The beauty of collecting figurines online is that you can find just about any kind of figurine you want so even if you have already started a figurine collection, you should not have any problem adding to it by shopping online.

You can begin your online search for figurines by going to your favorite search engine and typing in the brand or type of figurines you collect or want to begin collecting. For example, collectors of Josef Dolls may type in "Josef Dolls" or "Josef Originals" or "Josef of California." If you are searching for a particular Josef Original figurine, enter that information into the search engine as well. While some collectors actually enjoy hunting their collectibles at flea markets and garage sales, others would rather use the convenience the Internet offers to add to their collection.

A great tip for online shoppers who collect Josef Originals is to purchase a book that lists all of the figurines the designer has created. This way, you can see what your options are and if you are just starting your collection, you will have an idea of which figurines you want to search for to add to your collection. This guide book will also come in especially handy so that you can tell which figurines are truly originals so that you don't get scammed and accidently buy a fake. In addition, the guide book will show you how to ascertain the condition of the figurines, which has a big impact on their value
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You'll soon discover that the number of figurines you can find online is astronomical. It can be easy to get carried away, especially when it looks like you've found a great deal on a figurine you've been looking for. However, it's important to keep your wits about you so that you don't spend more than you should or end up with inferior figurines. It's important to establish a budget ahead of time and stick to it; above all, don't go into debt for your hobby. It may be helpful to make a list of the figurines you are searching for and then when you find them, compare the price among websites, including the shipping. Also, be aware of any return policy the buyer may have. You want to have a recourse in case your figurine is broken when it arrives. You can have a great time collecting figurines online if you just use common sense and stick to your budget.

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

Wedding Dolls Make Great Wedding Gifts

There are Many Reasons to Collect Josef Dolls. People collect Josef Dolls for many reasons. Collectors are a special breed of people and no two collectors are exactly alike. One of the reasons for collecting Josef Dolls is because they elicit fond memories of the past.

Holding on to special memories of the past is important for many people, especially in today's fast paced world. Caring for a collection of Josef Dolls may bring back special memories of the past for the owner, especially memories of special times and special people in the life of the owner.

Because Josef Dolls has old and rare pieces that are hard to find, collecting them presents a challenge to some collectors, which is another reason people opt to collect the lovely pieces. Some people thrill to the hunt and the challenge of finding rare pieces and will commit much of their spare time to doing so. Many collectors spend their weekends searching flea markets, garage sales, estate sales, and antique shops for Josef collectibles.

Some people get started collecting Josef Dolls after inheriting a collection from someone else. By adding dolls to the collection, the person feels connected to the loved one that left them the original Josef Doll collection. They may feel as if they are continuing something their loved one started.

If you don't have the time, money, or energy to search for rare Josef Dolls to add to your collection, you might just purchase one or two pieces a year. Some people mark special holidays, such as Christmas or birthdays by adding to their Josef Dolls collection.

This way, you can still foster a collection but you won't be spending a lot of time or money on it.
If you are just getting started collecting Josef Dolls, don't feel pressured to buy expensive display cabinets or to add to your collection too fast. Collecting Josef Dolls is an enjoyable hobby that you can pursue at your own pace. Your personal taste, budget, time, and other factors will guide you as to which collections you will choose and how many of the collectibles you will eventually own. Do some research as you start your hobby so you will know which pieces are available to collect. Take it slow and enjoy your new hobby!

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

 

Wedding Dolls Make Great Wedding Gifts

If you know someone who is getting married, the wedding dolls by Josef make a great gift. Let them top the cake or give them individually; they are sure to be special keepsakes forever more. A gift that will be proudly displayed, the porcelain collectibles will be treasured forever.

Each of the Bride and Groom dolls are seven and a half inches tall. The groom sports a black tuxedo and gazes adoringly at his bride. The bride is wearing a wedding dress of white and holds a pink rose bouquet. The dress and ribbons on the bouquet are trimmed in gold. Completing the ensemble is a long, white veil, which flows down the back of the bride. A masterful creation, any bride and groom will be happy to receive this wedding doll set.

The Ring Bearer and Flower Girl dolls are also available. Wearing a blue suit with black shoes, the Ring Bearer holds a pink pillow trimmed in gold. The Flower Girl wears a lovely white dress adorned with pink flowers. She proudly holds a basket of flower petals. More than three inches tall, this set is a perfect accompaniment to the Bride and Groom wedding doll set.

Both of the sets make great cake toppers or they can be wrapped and presented to the bride and groom. However they receive these lovely gifts, they will serve to mark the happy day for years to come. The Josef Wedding Dolls will look great in any display cabinet in the bride and groom's home and will serve as a happy reminder of a very special day.

You can purchase both of the sets together or separately, although when you purchase the Bride and Groom along with the Ring Bearer and Flower Girl dolls, you can save a lot of money. Whether you purchase one or both sets, they are sure to make great gifts for any bride and groom.


To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

 

Give Josef Dolls for a Special Birthday

Giving a Josef Doll for a special birthday or starting or continuing a collection of Josef Dolls for your child or grandchild makes a great birthday gift. You can even get the special dolls each year up to age 21. That way, by the time your child is grown, she will have an incredible collection. What's more, you'll always have a built in birthday present and your child can look forward to the next Josef Doll. Your child will treasure these dolls for the rest of her life. Inspired by the originals created by Murial George Joseph, each of the Josef Dolls will be a treasured keepsake forever.

The first doll in the Josef Collection, the New Baby Doll is 3 inches tall and decked out in pink. She comes with a rattle and the words New Baby across her dress.



Perfect for a first birthday, the One Year Doll stands 3 inches and is dressed in blue. She is holding the number 1.

Slightly over 3 inches tall, the Two Year Doll sports a gold hair bow and holds onto a teddy bear. Decked out in coral, she is a beauty to behold.

At three and a half inches, the Three Year Doll is dressed in yellow and carries a gold trimmed basket.

Beautifully designed, the Four Year Doll is three and a half inches tall. Wearing a dress of lavender, she carries a watering can.

Almost 4 inches tall, the Five Year Doll carries an ABC book and wears a lovely yellow dress.

At four inches tall, the Six Year Doll wears a dress of pale pink and holds a birthday cake.

Standing 4 inches tall, the Seven Year Doll wears a dress of chartreuse and holds her own baby doll.

Decked out in a golden yellow dress, the Eight Year Doll is four and a half inches high. She also has a sunbonnet attached to her dress.

A full 5 inches tall, the Nine Year Doll looks like a princess in her regal blue dress. She holds a magic wand and wears a gold crown.

At five inches high, the Ten Year Doll wears a pink dress and holds a gold book.

Almost 6 inches high, the Eleven Year Doll wears a dress of deep mauve accented with a gold bow. She holds embroidery and an embroidery needle.

Almost 6 inches high, the Twelve Year Doll is pretty in pink as she looks at herself in a hand mirror.

A full six inches high, the Thirteen Year Doll is now a teenager. Dressed in yellow, she is busy talking on the phone.

Standing 6 inches high, the Fourteen Year Doll wears a mauve dress and holds a parasol.

Standing 6 inches high, the Fifteen Year Doll wears a dress of light pink and carries a wrapped gift.

Standing a full 6 inches high, the Sixteen Year Doll carries a bouquet of flowers and wears aqua.

Standing six and a half inches tall, the Seventeen Year Doll is dressed in orange-yellow and holds a stringed instrument.

Standing six and a half inches tall, the Eighteen Year Doll wears a pale green dress and holds a fan.

Standing six and a half inches tall, the Nineteen Year Doll wears light pink and holds a bird.

At six and a half inches high, the Twenty Year Doll wears a light blue dress and holds a basket.

The final doll in the Birthday Dolls Collection, the Twenty-One Year Doll is decked out in lavender. Almost seven inches tall, she holds a gift in her hand.

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here. We're your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls .

 

Keeping Your Josef Dolls Safe Around Young Children

Collectors of Josef Dolls know how special these dolls are and treasure their collections. They handle them gingerly and protect them from harm. It can be a challenge for those who have young children in the home, because, to them, your Josef Dolls seem like toys that should be played with. That’s really easy to understand, with the authenticity of the dolls so life-like, it is no wonder that children want to play with them.

 

Most young children cannot tell the difference between a toy and a valuable collectors’ item. Thinking they are toys, children who spot Josef Dolls in your home will most likely play with them. You may find, to your horror, that your Josef Dolls are tossed into the toy box with the other toys, tangled in the bedding of a child wanting nothing more than to cuddle with the dolls, or worse, carelessly tossed aside and broken. While shock is only a natural reaction, do try not to frighten your children or grandchildren.  They simply need to learn that your Josef Dolls are not toys.

 

First of all, when you shop for Josef Dolls, go alone. You’ll find it much easier to keep your Josef Dolls safe if you go alone when you shop for them. It may be confusing for young children who go along when you purchase Josef Dolls because, believing they are toys, they will assume the dolls are for them. Even though you may tell them that the dolls are really for you, very young children may not understand. Many young children believe that anything that resembles a toy must be for them. If you can manage it, it really is better to shop for your Josef Dolls when you are alone. Of course, that is just the first step in training your children or grandchildren that the dolls do not belong to them.

 

Of course, that is only part of the battle. Once you have brought Josef Dolls into your home, you will still need to tell your children that they are yours. Although it may be tempting to display your Josef Dolls on open shelves, this isn’t the best option when there are young children in the home. Very young children may not remember or may not be able to resist the temptation. If the dolls are within reach, you may find that they have been taken over by young, curious hands. Instead, consider displaying your Josef Dolls in locked, glass cabinets.

 

If you’re unable to display your Josef Dolls in a locked, glass cabinet, consider keeping the dolls in another room, such as your bedroom. Many collectors have the same challenges and prefer to keep their collections safely locked away in an inaccessible room until their children are older. While most people would rather be able to display their treasured collections instead of hiding them away, doing so may mean the difference between having to replace broken dolls and keeping your collection intact.

 

Your children may also decide to collect Josef Dolls when they are old enough. Until then, though, keep your Josef Dolls safe from curious little hands. If you establish the boundaries from the beginning, not only will you keep your collection safe, you will also save yourself from unnecessary headaches.

To Learn More About Your Special Josef Doll Collection, Feel Free to Explore our site here.  We’re your one-stop resource for Authentic Josef Original Birthday Dolls.