What Are Fairylite Figurines?

Authentication

• Not every porcelain figurine that you come across from the 1950s or 60s was manufactured by Fairylite. If you want to know whether you have an authentic Fairylite figure, look for the stamp at the bottom of the doll. An authentic Fairylite hallmark reads, "Fairylite REGD FOREIGN." If you do not see these words on the bottom of the figurine, then it is not a Fairylite figurine. You may also see, on authentic Fairylite figurines, additional wording, such as "Hand painted in Japan."

Materials

• Fairylite figurines were made from porcelain, a material that dates back to ancient China and some parts of Europe where the clay-like material originated. The porcelain used by Fairylite for figurines was shaped and molded into dolls with fine details, such as facial features, clothing, shoes, hair and accessories. Plastic was later used by Fairylite to create figurines at a lower cost for production.

Types

• A variety of figurines were manufactured by Fairylite, from doll-like figures of little girls with parasols to superhero characters, such as the Thunderbirds. The plastic figurines, such as the Thunderbirds, were not hand painted. However, the porcelain figurines and other porcelain items made by Fairylite -- such as tea sets -- were hand painted with bright colors that accented the dolls and items.

Collecting

• Collectors of Fairylite figurines can get their collections appraised for value. If the figurines are still in the original, unopened boxes, then their value rises. If the figurines are used or in worn condition, however, the value may not be as high. Collectors that have complete sets of figurine releases, such as all of the Thunderbird characters that Fairylite released, have more valuable collection items. Today, Fairylite figurines can be found in vintage or antique shops or auctions, but they can no longer be purchased at toy stores.