Vintage Cookie Jars

Whether you are new to cookie jar collecting or a seasoned collector, here are some tips to keep in mind when shopping for new additions to your collection.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when you are cookie jar collecting is to buy what you like. Purchasing a jar just because it is highly sought after can be a waste of your time and money. Spend that money on a cookie jar you love and would be proud to add to your collection.

Keep in mind that the age of a cookie jar or the manufacturer, does not necessarily determine whether or not the cookie jar will be a collectible. That being said, if you like it buy it, its value will be in the beauty it adds to your personal collection, not its market value.

Condition is another factor. Cookie jars with cracks or chips can be of a lesser value unless it is a very rare or difficult to find cookie jar.

Shop online auctions. Check photos and descriptions closely and if you have any questions, contact the seller. This is how I purchased most of my favorite cookie jars at the best prices.

Know your cookie jars. Buy price guides, more for the pictures of the original cookie jars than for the pricing, and search the internet for information, so you can learn how to spot fakes and reproductions. Not all sellers will be honest about fakes and reproductions, so your best defense is knowledge.

Most of all, have fun. Enjoy learning about, and shopping for that perfect vintage cookie jar to add to the uniqueness of your collection.

So, you did your research and are ready to purchase your vintage cookie jars on ebay. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Unfortunately, there are some fake cookie jars that can be found on ebay sold by a relatively small number of sellers, so it is important to be very cautious. However, there is nothing wrong with buying a reproduction or even a fake if you know that at the time of purchase. Some sellers disclose this and price the cookie jar accordingly. The problem arises when big money is given for a jar that is not what it claims to be.

Again, know your cookie jars. Check your cookie jar guides for the originals, fakes can be determined by small inconsistencies when compared to originals.

Check photos and descriptions of the cookie jar very closely. Check for condition and originality, how is the description worded? What does the description tell you about the item and what doesn't it tell you? If you are still not sure, contact the seller.

Ask the seller for measurements of the cookie jar if you are unsure of its originality. Fakes and reproductions are usually smaller than the originals.

Check current and completed items to determine how many times that type of "rare" or "vintage" cookie jar has been offered on ebay. Is the description the same for all of them? Is it the same picture? If there are many of the same "rare" or "vintage" cookie jars with the same description and picture, good chance its a fake.

Price can be a consideration. If it seems to good to be true it probably is.

Check sellers feedback. Does the seller have alot of negative feedback? What are the complaints?

Does the seller offer a refund or guarantee the originality of the jar?

If you still have any doubts, don't buy. The odds are that the cookie jar you are looking to buy will come up again and meet all the requirements necessary for you to buy with confidence.

Dust lightly with a small soft paint or make up brush.

If the cookie jar is cold painted or unglazed, never soak in water. Use lukewarm water and a soft sponge or cloth with very gentle strokes. Be careful with painted area, as paint can rub off.

If cookie jar is completely glazed, it can be washed in warm soapy water. Wipe gently with soft cloth or sponge and rinse with clear water.

Never put your cookie jars in the dishwasher.

Let cookie jars air dry.