Clown Memorabilia Collecting: Time to Join the Circus!

Clown collecting refers to the niche hobby of amassing memorabilia and artifacts related to clowns and circus history.

Unlike collecting actual clowns (which would be extremely weird!), this pursuit centres around collecting tangible mementos that evoke the playful spirit and visual iconography of clowns.

From vintage posters and figurines to costumes and props, the diversity of clown collectibles reflects the vibrant nature of the circus arts.

Clown collecting has steadily grown in popularity over the past few decades. Enthusiasts revel in tracking down rare finds at antique shops and online auctions.

The range of items is remarkably broad – some choose to collect clown dolls or artwork, while others may focus on kitschy knick-knacks like salt-and-pepper shakers.

Still others seek out authentic artifacts like classic Emmett Kelly Jr. costumes or 19th-century circus posters. Whatever the preferred medium, clown collectors share a passion for surrounding themselves with whimsical relics.

Types of Clown Collectibles

• Vintage circus posters and advertisements
• Clown paintings, prints, and artwork
• Porcelain/ceramic clown figurines
• Clown costumes, props, and accessories
• Clown dolls and plush toys
• Clown-themed knick-knacks like salt-and-pepper shakers
• Vintage clown toys and games
• Clown books and ephemera

The variety allows enthusiasts to tailor their collections around personal interests – be it the history of famous clowns, the evolution of clown costumes, or more specific niches like ceramic figurines or wind-up toys.

As long as it ties back to clowns and circus lore, the possibilities for curating a collection are boundless.

The Magnetism of Clown Collecting

Clown memorabilia often holds special meaning for collectors, reminding them of beloved childhood memories or treasured moments from years past.

Many clown items evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting enthusiasts back to county fairs, circuses, and birthday parties where vibrantly costumed clowns brought laughter and merriment.

For some, gathering clown collectibles allows them to recapture the carefree joy and amusement of youth. Beyond sentimental value, clown collecting can also offer monetary rewards.

Some rare clown items have sold for impressive sums. This clown painting went for $220,000 USD in 2016. Yes, you read that right!

Vintage clown costumes from the early 20th century can also be quite valuable, with some intricately embellished suits selling for great pricesmif they are in pristine condition.

Even more recent clown items can accumulate worth over time, such as figurines, posters, and circus memorabilia from the 1960s-1980s.

With savvy collecting and patience, clown enthusiasts may find their shelves lined with lucrative investments.

Sentimental Value of Clowns

Clown memorabilia often reminds collectors of childhood memories, treasured moments, county fairs, circuses, and birthday parties where vibrantly costumed clowns brought laughter and merriment.

Gathering clown collectibles allows enthusiasts to recapture the carefree joy and amusement of youth.

Starting Your Clown Collecting Journey

For those just starting out in clown collecting, there are a variety of sub-categories to consider focusing your efforts on initially. Some popular options include:

Vintage Clown Dolls and Figurines

From antique porcelain dolls to figurines, collecting vintage clown dolls allows enthusiasts to own a piece of history. Key eras to look out for include dolls from the 1800s, early 1900s, and mid-20th century.

Clown Paintings and Prints

For those interested in clown art, collecting paintings, lithographs, and prints spanning different artistic movements and styles offers visual diversity. Works range from circus poster prints to oil paintings of famous clowns.

Clown Costume Pieces and Accessories

Authentic clown garments like hats, wigs, noses, and costume pieces appeal to collectors fascinated by the clown aesthetic and attire. Bonus items include makeup kits, magic props, and juggling pins.

When starting your collection, excellent places to source clown memorabilia include:

• Specialty online stores like the circushalloffame.com gift shop.
• Auction sites like eBay and Ruby Lane, which regularly feature clown items.
• Antique shops, flea markets, estate sales, and thrift stores.
• Annual clown conventions like the Clowns of America and World Clown Association events.

With some guidance on what to look out for and where to search, beginners can embark on rewarding clown-collecting journeys.

Where to Find Clown Memorabilia

Your best options for finding clown memorabilia online are:

ETSY: Etsy in well known for arts and crafts but they also have a massive range of clown collectibles. Click on the image below to see what’s on offer there.

EBAY: eBay is a great place to snag a bargain at auction and their clown memorabilia and collectibles range from the rare and hard to find to the more common and cheaper. Check them out by clicking on the image below

Coveted Clown Treasures: The Rarest Items in the Market

Clown collecting enthusiasts covet a wide range of memorabilia, but some items stand out as particularly rare and valuable.

These coveted clown treasures have historical significance in the world of clowns and circus memorabilia, making them highly sought-after by serious collectors.

Vintage Clown Dolls and Figurines

Antique clown dolls and figurines from the 19th and early 20th century are some of the most prized items. Porcelain clown dolls made by famous manufacturers like Armand Marseille, Kestner, and Kammer & Reinhardt can sell for thousands of dollars depending on their condition and rarity.

These dolls with their hand-painted faces are viewed as works of art. Likewise, vintage circus figurines made of bisque or composition are also valuable due to their age, craftsmanship, and charm.

Their nostalgic appeal and delicate nature make them precious commodities in the market.

Original Clown Paintings and Posters

Paintings and posters depicting historic clowns like Joseph Grimaldi and Emmett Kelly are highly coveted.

These art pieces capture iconic clown images and the essence of the circus in a bygone era. Signed originals by acclaimed clown portrait artists, vintage circus posters from the 19th century Golden Age of circus, and works by collectible painters like Red Skelton can command top dollar figures at auction.

Their cultural significance, scarcity, and inherent artistry make them objects of desire for serious clown aficionados.

Obscure Clown Memorabilia

Some of the most intriguing clown collectibles are unusual pieces that have their own unique backstory or history.

These can range from custom clown jackets to rare circus souvenirs like vintage tickets, programs, and flyers. Obscure advertising pieces like clown-themed soda trays, signs, and premiums can also be quite valuable.

It’s the thrill of the hunt for these rare oddities that adds an element of excitement to clown collecting as a hobby. You never know what obscure clown treasure you might uncover at an antique sale or auction.

Preserving Your Clown Collection

Maintaining the condition of one’s clown collection is key to preserving its value and sentimental worth. As with any collectibles, proper storage and display methods help safeguard clown memorabilia from damage over time.

Here are some tips for keeping your clown treasures in pristine shape:

Storage Solutions

• Store clown items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or warping.
• Use archival quality boxes and tissue paper to carefully pack away more fragile pieces like porcelain clown figurines when not on display.
• Invest in museum-grade cabinets with glass doors to display while still protecting rare clown collectibles from dust.
• Handle vintage clown items gently and always wear cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints behind.

Display Methods

1. Set up locked curio cabinets or shadow boxes for securely showcasing smaller clown memorabilia.
2. Install shelving units and use acrylic risers to neatly exhibit a collection while minimizing handling.
3. Rotate pieces on display to limit light exposure and allow the collection to be appreciated in phases.
4. Add archival mounting boards and frames when hanging up clown prints or historical circus posters.

Following museum-standard preservation guidelines allows clown enthusiasts to cherish their precious collections for years to come!

Proper storage and thoughtful display keeps your artifacts looking their best.

Joining the Circus: Becoming a Part of the Clown Collecting Community

For clown collectors looking to connect with fellow enthusiasts, there are several online communities and forums worth checking out.

Sites like Clown Collector Forum and Clowns International Forum allow members to discuss all things related to clown memorabilia, share photos of their collections, and get advice on buying, selling and preserving items.

There’s also Clown Town over on Facebook and the sub reddit r/clowns.

These tight-knit groups create a welcoming space for clown aficionados to come together and indulge their niche interest.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Clown Collectibles

The future looks bright for clown collecting.

As interest in this niche hobby continues to grow, the prospects for finding rare and valuable clown memorabilia are promising. Both seasoned and new collectors have much to look forward to.

Growing Popularity Bodes Well

Clown collecting has been steadily gaining popularity over the past decade.

More people are discovering the joys of hunting down vintage clown items. From porcelain clown figurines to circus posters, enthusiasts are drawn to the whimsy and nostalgia of clown ephemera.

As the number of collectors increases, so too does the rarity and value of coveted pieces. The growing interest suggests a robust future for buying and selling clown collectibles.

Expanding Resources and Community

Along with a spike in popularity comes more opportunities for clown collectors to connect. Numerous online forums provide spaces to discuss finds, showcase collections, and trade items.

Specialty conventions and meetups also allow enthusiasts to bond over their shared passion.

These resources make it easier than ever for newcomers to embark on rewarding clown-collecting journeys. And the community atmosphere fosters camaraderie in this niche hobby.

Undiscovered Treasures Waiting to be Found

Clown memorabilia continues to surface at estate sales, flea markets, and auctions.

Many items remain in private collections or storage units just waiting to be discovered. For devoted clown collectors, part of the thrill is unearthing these long-forgotten gems.

Pieces once belonging to famous clowns or circus troops carry intrigue. As seasoned collectors pass their torch, a new generation can take up the search for elusive clown holy grails. With clown collecting on the rise, the future shines brightly.

More collectors translates to greater opportunities all around. From connecting with fellow enthusiasts to tracking down rare finds, the prospects are plentiful. The clowns aren’t packing up their tiny cars yet – the circus is just getting started!

Wrapping Up the Clown Show

As we bring the curtain down on this blog exploring the captivating world of clown collecting, let’s recap some of the key insights covered so far.

We started by introducing clown collecting as a niche hobby centered around amassing clown memorabilia and artifacts rather than actual clowns.

From ceramic figurines to vintage posters and circus ephemera, the variety of clown items enthusiasts can collect is broad and only limited by your imagination.

We then examined the allure underpinning this pastime – clown collectibles tend to evoke nostalgia and have real monetary value too, with rare items fetching exorbitant prices at auction.

Guidance followed on how complete novices can embark on this hobby by focusing on particular sub-categories that appeal to them and tapping into specialist websites and conventions to source items.

A highlight was our look at some highly coveted clown treasures like antique circus costumes, custom clown dolls, and one-of-a-kind paintings by famous clown artists.

Preserving these precious collectibles correctly is vital, so storage, handling and display advice was provided. We also explored the clown-collecting community, directing readers to key groups and events.

The future certainly looks bright for this rapidly growing hobby.

So if you feel tempted to run away and join the circus by amassing your very own clown collection, hopefully, this blog has shown you how to put your best foot forward!

The world of clown collecting is a joyous place for enthusiasts from all walks of life to come together and celebrate these iconic symbols of mirth and merriment.

Key Takeaways

• Clown collecting centres around amassing a diverse range of clown memorabilia and artifacts
• Clown items tap into nostalgia and can accrue real value over time
• There are many sub-categories to explore from porcelain figurines to original artwork
• Joining collector groups helps enthusiasts connect and source coveted items
• Proper storage and handling preserves precious clown treasures
• With growing popularity, the future looks very promising for this hobby

So come one, come all. The circus is in town! – let your imagination run wild on this thrill ride into the fascinating world of clown collecting!