Wade: British Ceramic Figurines, Whimsies & Collectibles
Wade Ceramics, established in 1810 in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, is one of Britain's most beloved pottery manufacturers. While the company produced a wide range of industrial and domestic ceramics, Wade achieved its greatest fame through its miniature "Whimsies" animal figurines, first introduced in 1954, and the Red Rose Tea premium figurines distributed in North American tea packages from 1967 onward. These small, affordable figurines created a vast and enthusiastic collecting community that remains active worldwide.
Identification & Marks
Wade pieces carry various backstamps depending on the era and product line. Common marks include "WADE ENGLAND," "WADE PORCELAIN," and "WADE." Red Rose Tea premiums are typically unmarked or carry only a small "WADE" impression. The company used different marks for different divisions: Wade Heath, Wade Ireland (Portadown), and George Wade & Son. Shape numbers and pattern names help identify specific pieces. The characteristic Wade body is a dense, heavy ceramic with a smooth glaze. Color coding and mold details help distinguish different series and production runs.
Major Product Lines
- Whimsies (1954-present): Miniature animal figurines sold in boxed sets of five, multiple series produced over decades
- Red Rose Tea Figurines: Premium figurines included in Red Rose Tea packages in North America, produced in multiple series from 1967
- Nursery Favourites: Figurines of nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters
- Nat West Pigs: Piggy bank family produced as promotional items for National Westminster Bank, extremely popular in the UK
- Disney Figurines: Licensed Disney character figurines produced from the 1950s through 1990s
- Liquor Decanters: Figural whiskey and spirits containers for various distillers
- Art Deco Figures: Earlier production including stylized figures from the 1930s
- Irish Porcelain: Production from the Wade Ireland (Portadown) factory
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Common Red Rose Tea figurines | $1 - $5 |
| Rare Red Rose Tea figurines | $20 - $100 |
| Whimsies (common animals) | $5 - $20 |
| Whimsies (rare/early series) | $20 - $150 |
| Complete Whimsies boxed sets | $30 - $200 |
| Nat West Pigs (complete family) | $100 - $400 |
| Disney figurines (common) | $10 - $50 |
| Disney figurines (rare characters) | $50 - $300 |
| Art Deco figures (1930s) | $100 - $500 |
| Liquor decanters (figural) | $20 - $100 |
| Rare/prototype pieces | $200 - $2,000+ |
Condition Factors
Wade figurines are small and sturdy, but chips and paint loss do occur. Miniature Whimsies should be examined for chipped ears, tails, and feet. Glaze should be bright and unblemished. Red Rose Tea figurines are typically in used condition due to their packaging origin; mint examples are uncommon. Nat West Pigs should retain original rubber stoppers. Disney figurines should have complete painted details without wear. Art Deco figures from the 1930s are assessed more rigorously for condition. Box condition matters significantly for Whimsies sets; original boxes with inserts can be worth as much as the figurines.
Collecting Tips
Wade collecting is one of the most accessible and social areas of the ceramics hobby, with active clubs and swap meets worldwide. Complete series of Whimsies or Red Rose Tea figurines are more valuable than individual pieces. Rarity within series varies enormously; certain animals or characters were produced in smaller quantities and command significant premiums. The earliest Whimsies series (1954-1958) are the most valuable. Watch for rare color variations and production errors, which are prized by specialist collectors. NatWest Pigs are a distinct subcollecting category with strong UK demand. Wade's Art Deco production from the 1930s is underappreciated and offers good value. The Wade Collectors Club provides resources, swap opportunities, and identification help.