#Cuteness #Christmas #Kitty #Cucumber #Figurines #WorthPoint
During the mid-1980s, limited-edition collectibles were selling fast and furiously in gift shops across the country, including a plethora of figurines ranging from Precious Moments to Lladro. I knew people who were crazy about both, but I just didn’t get it—until I discovered Kitty Cucumber.
Of course, I had a cat named Ashley at the time, so the attraction to cute kitty figurines made sense. My ex-husband also encouraged my collection by gifting me Kitty Cucumbers for Christmas and other occasions. And I must admit that I later hunted down some of the harder-to-find items I wanted for my collection when internet shopping became a thing. It’s a collection I’ve held onto for decades, and I still display these little cuties during the holiday season.
If you’re not familiar with Kitty Cucumber, I’ll fill you in on some of the history surrounding these little collectibles. Examining the values for an array of Kitty Cumber porcelain figurines will help you know what to watch for, whether you’re shopping for a gift, starting a collection, or thrift shopping for resale.
The Origin of Kitty Cucumber Figurines
It all started with a series of story booklets chronicling the life and antics of Kitty Cucumber written by Jim Lillemoe, who owned B. Shackman & Co. in New York. The original company was founded in the late 1800s and sold novelties through a storefront. By the time Lillemoe took over B. Shackman, the business’s focus had shifted to various paper goods. In addition to the story booklets, the company marketed many paper dolls and other paper items featuring Kitty Cucumber during the mid-1980s.
The Kitty Cucumber character was brought to life through collectible figurines created in the 1980s, along with the friends she frolicked with, also inspired by Lillemoe’s booklets. These characters were sold through the early ’90s. They were produced by a company called Schmid, which made a variety of collectible bisque porcelain figurines featuring characters from Disney and Beatrix Potter. Schmid remained in business through 1995, while B. Shackman operated through the late 2010s.
Schmid made Kitty Cucumber figurines for only a few years, but there are dozens of styles to collect. They all coincide with the adventures of the cute kittens derived from the imagination of the Lillemoe family. Among the other cat characters made as part of the series are Albert, Ellie, Ginger, Muffin, Priscilla, and Baby Pickles.
Some of the booklet illustrations depicting Kitty Cucumber were done by artists Alyse Newman and Gary Halsey. However, those most closely resembling most of the figurines sold were sketched by Mary Lillemoe, Jim Lillemoe’s wife. The name Kitty Cucumber is said to have originated from a beloved doll belonging to their daughter.
The Value of Kitty Cucumber Figurines
Collectors interested in these figurines find that many are available for very reasonable prices. They range from mini-figures sold as thimbles to single cat figurines measuring a few inches tall. Many are dressed in period costumes reflecting Victorian times, holiday garb, or tell a story like Cinderella. These single items usually sell in the $10–15 range for each one, although more unusual examples can bring $5–20 more.
Schmid made many small figurine ornaments with wires and strings attached to the tops. These often have Christmas themes, but not always. From cats dressed like Easter bunnies to kitties doing Irish jigs, you can find a variety of themes. One even shows Kitty Cucumber soaking in a bubble bath. Most of these fit the same price range as standalone figures, with just a few exceptions for rarities.
When keeping an eye out for Kitty Cucumber items that bring higher prices, music boxes depicting holiday scenes can be some of the most valuable. For instance, the Thimble Collection music box doubling as a display for eight thimbles can sell in the $45–80 range. Those with Kitty Cucumber dressed as a witch for Halloween often sell in the $30–50 range but sometimes higher. Some of the Christmas music boxes bring $20–30, although one can find several for less.
Marks and Copycats
Each authentic Kitty Cucumber figurine, ornament, or music box is marked on the bottom with the manufacturer’s name and the date it was marketed. Some limited editions are also numbered to show how many of that style were produced.
Because several companies made similar figurines during the same period, always look for the name on the bottom before deeming one to be an authentic Kitty Cucumber design. Some of those others are nice enough, but they just don’t quite deliver the cuteness factor of authentic Kitty Cucumber designs.
Pamela Siegel is a freelance writer and author who has been educating collectors for more than two decades. In addition to three books on topics relating to antiques and collectibles, she frequently shares her expertise through online writing and articles for print-based publications. Pamela is also the co-founder of Costume Jewelry Collectors Int’l (CJCI) and the proprietor of Chic Antiques by Pamela.
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