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There are many terms associated with the collecting of Department 56
villages, accessories, and giftware lines.
Collectors, new and long-term, are sometimes not familiar with or
are confused with the “lingo”, as it were.
The Village Chronicler Department 56 Glossary strives to provide
a descriptive and interactive way to better understand and appreciate
the terminology as it relates to collecting.
The listing is as vast as collecting itself!
Check back often as new terms and collections are constantly
being added.
A Christmas Carol- The most renowned work of author Charles Dickens
that was written in 1843 and tells the story of how miserly Ebenezer
Scrooge discovers and accepts the true meaning of Christmas. An ongoing
standalone collection and subseries of Dickens’ Village.
Accessory- Reference to any of the figures, lit and non-lit
buildings and structures that are specifically designed to complement
and accent Department 56 villages.
Adapter- An AC/DC plugged power source used to light Department 56
products. While some may be
interchangeable, extreme caution should be used when not sure.
Using the wrong adapter may shot-out the lighting effects of any
building or accessory. For
the past several years, Department 56 has placed the name of the piece
for which each adapter is made for on the head of the plug. The company
maintains an inventory of the most recent and popular adapters for
purchase on its website in the “Replacement Parts” section.
A list may also be found on The Village Chronicler website under
“Adapters”
Add-on- a/k/a
Attachment.
Allocation- A selling method that designates a specific number of
items that a dealer is allowed to purchase based on particular
specifications set forth by the company.
The conditions may be placed on total dollars spent, buying
group, or classification.
Allotment- a/k/a
Allocation.
Alpine Village- The third Heritage Village.
Introduced in 1986 and retired in 2021, it is inspired by
villages found in the Alps.
American Architecture Series- An ongoing subseries of The Original
Snow Village that began in 1990 whose designs are based on the many
different architectural styles in America.
Amish- Reference to the Mennonite sect that was founded in the 17th
century. Early New England
Village pieces are inspired by this culture.
Animated- Reference to any building or accessory that features
movement of any capacity.
Animation may be in the body of a structure or included in an accessory.
Numerous coordinating General Village Accessories such as skating
ponds and other stand-alone pieces have been designed to add movement
and activity in the villages.
Annual- A collectible that is issued yearly to designate or
commemorate an anniversary, holiday, special date or event.
Example- Santa Comes To
Town (OSV) and Lucky The
Snowman (GVA).
Applique- Reference to any form of signs that are affixed or adhered
to buildings and accessories. Exposure
to heat can age, yellow or make them brittle.
Artist Proof- a/k/a
Sample or
Proof. An early production sample of an initially designed building or
accessory that enables the artist or design team to check all attributes
of a piece (scale, color, dimension, etc.) before mass production
begins. Typically, a sample or
proof represents a very limited quantity of a production run.
Artist Rendering- Any hand-drawn or computer-drawn image (black & white or color) of a building or
accessory created by an artist for a specific product line.
Artist Signed- Any building, accessory, or giftware items that has
been hand-signed (traditionally, on the bottom) by a member of the
Department 56 Creative Team or personality associated with the design.
Pieces signed by the specific artist who created the design or direct
personality are regarded as more valuable by collectors and on the
Secondary Market. Example: Marie’s
Doll Museum (NP) signed by Marie Osmond.
Artist Signing- A public retailer or gathering sponsored event in
which a Department 56 artist attends and hand signs buildings,
accessories, or giftware items.
Attachment(s) - The part of a building or accessory design that has
been produced separately and is adhered to the body of a structure or
item using glue or porcelain slip.
Bachman’s- The Minneapolis-based florist and wholesaler that was the
parent company of Department 56until it was sold to Forstmann Little and
Company in 1992.
Bachman’s’ Hometown Series- A small porcelain collection of three
buildings that were produced by Department 56 from 1987-1988. Buildings
were inspired by actual Minneapolis buildings and sold exclusively by
Bachman’s. It is believed
that a fourth building was in the works and never produced when the
collection was retired.
Bachman’s Village Gatherings- Department 56 collector events first
organized by Paul Bachman in Minneapolis to bring collectors together to
participate in seminars and other social events.
Bald Spots- Often a specific reference to the
Snowbabies and Snowbunnies
figures where the “nubbies” did not adhere during production.
Barrister- Formal term for an English attorney that pleads cases to
higher courts. Example: Silas
Thimbleton Barrister Counting House (DV).
Bates Stamp- A numbering method used in the early years, by
Department 56, to designate consecutive numbering of limited editions.
Pieces and outer sleeves were stamped with the same number referencing
its place in the total sequence offering.
Traditionally, Department 56 has always held back pieces numbered
“56” for incentives and special events.
Bisque- Reference to “natural” white porcelain that has no glaze or
enamel applied.
Bottom Stamp- Any of the detailed information regarding a specific
piece that has been affixed to the underside bottom of a design.
Information most often included is the Department 56 logo or collection
name, name of the design, copyright information, year of release, and
various other information unique to that specific design.
Box- More often than not, a reference to the Styrofoam carton that a
building or accessory is packaged in. Early boxes for The Original Snow
Village were white cardboard boxes with blue writing that evolved into
traditional cardboard boxes with blue writing.
Brownstone- The reddish-brown sandstone that is often used in the
construction of buildings and homes. Term that references home designs
in Christmas In The City.
Building- A lit building or structure(s) made by Department 56 as
part of a village collection.
CCP- Acronym for
Cold Cast Porcelain.
Case Mold- a/k/a Master Mold.
Produced by a high-density composite material mold that is used
in the production process of porcelain and ceramic items.
Being more porous, it will not wear out quickly with multiple
uses.
Casting- The first part of the production process for porcelain
collectibles. It is the
specific reference to the pouring of liquid clay into production mold.
When dry, it is removed in a semi-firm form which is ready for firing.
Ceramic- Specific clay earthenware, stoneware or porcelain that is
exposed to extremely high temperature in a kiln to produce, durable, yet
fragile buildings and accessories.
Painting is, usually, high-gloss finished. The Original Snow
Village is comprised of ceramic buildings and accessories and is
renowned as the Gold Standard of Christmas Village designs.
Certificate of Authority- Any document that declares that a specific
piece is genuine and may, also, reference its place within a production
or limited edition run.
Charles Dickens Heritage Series- A subseries of Inns based on places
Charles Dickens visited and referenced in his works.
The series was developed in partnership with The Charles Dickens
Heritage Society. Founders Christopher and Jeanne-Marie Dickens are
known to have attended numerous collector event and signed items in this
collection.
China- A high quality clay that is fired at high temperatures and
often used to make dinnerware and fine collectibles. One of the
countries that produced Department 56 villages and accessories.
Chip- The specific place on a building or accessory where a small to
minute part of the ceramic or porcelain has been broken off during
production or while being displayed. Traditionally, most chips are found
on the bottom of a piece but can be anywhere on the structure or
accessory.
Christmas Carol Dolls- In the 1990’s, Department 56 produced three
separate sets of porcelain dolls based character from
A Christmas Carol. Each unique set was unique in production numbers-
First (250), Second (350), Third (believed to be less than 200).
Clay- Earthen materials that when fired under high temperatures
create ceramic items.
Clip-On (s) - Reference to
a specific line of ornaments produced by Department 56 featuring a
small clip on the bottom that allowed them to be attached to Christmas
trees and other holiday decoration greenery.
Closed- End Series- A fixed number, limited edition series
production run of a collectible.
Cobblestone- Natural rounded stone prominent in Victorian England
that was used for streets and pathways.
Cold Cast Porcelain- a/k/a
CCP. The process of
incorporating resin with porcelain dust and forcing it with high
pressure into a mold. The
process allows hardening of the liquid without firing. Department 56 has
produced numerous miniature CCP interpretations of popular
buildings/accessories from Dickens’ Village, New England Village, Little
Town of Bethlehem, a small Victorian collection of
buildings and flat ornaments
through this process.
Collectible- An item that is highly valued and sought after by
collectors. The Original
Snow Village was originally intended as a simple holiday decoration to
capture the essence of the season. Instead it gave birth to a tradition
of holiday decorating that has lasted over 45 years.
Collectors’ Club- A group of like-minded collectors who gather
together on regular basis to share information and innovative way to
display their village. Many Collector Clubs are members of the National
Council of 56 Clubs (NCC).
Collector Edition- A classification of low-numbered limited edition
pieces introduced by Department 56.
Commemorative- A building and/or accessory specifically made to mark
an anniversary, event, holiday, or in memory/honor of a person.
Commissioned Exclusive- A tailored item that is made for a specific
Department 56 dealer that is not distributed as a general release. These
items do not appear on Department 56 History Lists but can be found
under the Commissioned Exclusive section of The Village Chronicler
website.
Copperfield, David- A novel written by Charles Dickens in 1849 that
tells that is narrated by the character himself that shares his life
experiences from birth to maturity. An ongoing subseries of Dickens’
Village from 1989-1992.
Crack- a/k/a
Firing Crack. Often a
break or hairline split in a ceramic or porcelain item that happens
during the firing process.
Crazing- When the glazed area of a ceramic item has cracked either
during production or after being exposed to excessive heart while in
storage.
Cross Product- Reference to General Village Accessory items that are
easily incorporated into numerous village lines to enhance display.
Example: Trees, animated items, and generically designed accents.
Cupola- An ornamental round structure mounted on the roof of a
building to enhance its architectural appearance. Numerous lit buildings
have this feature.
Dickens, Charles Huffman (1812-1870)- Renowned English author on
whose works Dickens’ Village and several of its subseries’ are inspired
by.
Dickens, Jeanne-Marie- a/k/a Countess Weinckham. Wife of Christopher
Charles Dickens (great-great grandson of Charles Dickens) who was the
Founder and President of The Charles Dickens Heritage Foundation.
Dickens’ Village- The first of the porcelain villages under the
Heritage Ville Collection umbrella.
Introduced in 1984, it depicts Victorian England during the time
of the renowned English Author Charles Dickens.
The collection was also inspired by works of Neilan and Ruth
Lund.
Discontinued- Designation of a building, accessory, series or
collection that will not continue in production. Department 56 uses this
designation with regards to an item or collection that could be possibly
brought back in the future.
Disney Parks Village Series- Based on existing buildings in Disney
Theme Parks, this short-lived collection was introduced in 1994 and
retired in 1996. Pieces bear
a special bottom stamp for those sold on the Disney property.
It was the seventh porcelain collection in The Heritage Village
Collection.
Display- Reference for the manner in which a dealer or collector
presents a specific village or collection.
Early Release Exclusive- Designation for a building or accessory
that is being provided to a specific retailer(s) a season prior to the
general release for others.
Early Releases have previously been made available in the fall preceding
January General Releases.
Some have been during specific artist appearances.
Earthenware- A type of clay that is glazed and fired at low
temperatures.
Eden Prairie- A suburb of Minneapolis that has served as the
location of the Department 56 headquarters.
Edition- Designation for the total number of items produced under
the same name.
Emboss- The process of molding or stamping specific product
information into the bottom a design.
EUC- Acronym for “Excellent Used Condition”.
An EUC item has been previously
removed from its box and displayed.
The specific product is noted as being in superb condition with
no blemishes. Inquiries
should still be made with regard to packaging.
Event Piece- A special collectible item that has been produced for a
specific collector event or series of events. Example:
Under The NCC Umbrella (NCC) and Department 56 25th
Anniversary.
Exclusive- The term designating a specific item(s) produced for sale
by a specific Department 56 dealer, buying group, dealer/retailer
category, organization, and/or event.
These items do not appear on Department 56 History Lists.
Extremely Rare- This designation is for items that are very rare in
the number of items produced. Traditionally, this designation refers to
production numbers that are less than 500 pieces or in some instances-
one of a kind. One of a kind
pieces are most often those that have been repainted for collector
gathering events or online auctions sponsored by the company that in
some way differ from General Release items.
Façade- Refers
to the design of a building that focuses only on the actual front image
and not the full size image.
Department 56 has produced several building façades in which the focus
of the entire line is façades
such as items in the Accents Line-
Churches of the World and
Legendary Ballparks.
These products are designed as such due to the expense of a full size
building and are easily displayed on a shelf or bookcase.
Factoid- Unverified and often inaccurate information that is
accepted to be truth due to constant repetition in either print or by
word of mouth. Example: Cracker
Barrel is not a lit building produced by Department 56.
Factory Flaw- A defect or imperfection that may have occurred during
the production process.
Historical flaws in production include and are not limited to bulging of
walls in early pieces, warped columns, chips, cracks, firing lines,
crooked sidewalk bases, misspelled sign(s) and misplaced or missing
attachments.
Fire- The process of hardening a ceramic or clay through high
temperature fire, in a kiln.
Firing Crack-
A Crack that
occur in a ceramic or porcelain during the firing process of a piece.
While more prevalent in porcelain pieces, they can be found
anywhere on a piece such as near window pane cutouts and bases.
Firing Line- A fine, hairline crack in a ceramic or porcelain
product that occurred during the firing of the piece.
Firing Period- The specific length of time required to fire a
product in a kiln.
First Edition- Typically, the very first issue of a specific product
or line in which the piece(s) has notable variations to color or
attachments that are not available in the General Releases items.
Example: The First Edition buildings introduced to Seasons Bay.
In 2024, the term First Edition became the designation for the first 560 pieces of select items that were hand numbered, including a special bottom stamp designation, and boxed in custom luxe packaging; separating itself from the General Release items. First Editions are only available through Platinum Key Dealers.
First Run- A specific, initial production run of an item that tests
that capability of a product offering that determines whether a specific
product or line will be desirable, practical or cost effective for
general release production. Example:
A Place To Remember façades and Memory Lane.
Flat- English term for an apartment.
GCC- a/k/a Gift Creations
Concepts.
Gatehouse- The initial building though which one passes when
entering the grounds of a stately Manor Home or building grounds.
Several gatehouse have been produced for Dickens’ Village.
General Release-Term used to reference the introduction of
Department 56 village and accessories that are available for sale
through all authorized retailer/dealer outlets.
Gift Creations Concepts- a/k/a
GCC. A St. Paul, MN based syndicated catalog buying group that often
had early access to Department 56 village introductions that were sold
through its over 300 retailers throughout the United States.
Glaze- A thin liquid coating applied to green ware, between firings,
that gives ceramic pieces a glossy shine.
Hand Cut- Term describing how special hand tools are used to create
openings in ceramic and porcelain buildings. This process is executed
before firing to create windows and other openings that will emit light,
emit light and add warmth to a village building.
Hand Numbered Limited Edition- Classification used to describe a
hand-written sequential number that is marked under the base of a
building or accessory. The
number denotes the specific position in a total numbered edition
offering. Numbering is done
at the end of the production process prior to packaging.
Some Asian hand-numbering can, occasionally, be hard to
distinguish.
Hang Tag- a/k/a
Product Tag. A small cardstock tag enclosed in the Styrofoam packaging of The
Original Snow Village buildings bearing the name of the collection and
building name. Early
Heritage Village buildings also had collection specific, colored card
stock tags, as well, that referenced the collection name only.
Heritage Village Collection- Umbrella category for all porcelain
village collections that separates them from the ceramic collection.
History List- Title given for the official Department 56 product
listing for all village buildings, accessories and Cross Product items
that have been produced for a specific village, collection or series
since its introduction. The
History list includes the item number, product name, dates of issue and
retirement along with Suggested Price for the United States and Canada.
The lists may be found on the company’s website.
HTF- Acronym for “Hard To Find”.
HTF items are those items that for whatever reason are difficult
for the average collector to locate and acquire.
Example: Retailer/Dealer Exclusives, early retirement pieces and
Numbered Limited Editions.
IOB- Acronym for “In Original Box”. IOB items are those items that are contained in all forms of the
original packaging. Careful
consideration should be given to the condition of IOB packaging for
those who are concerned for long term storage, resale, and Secondary
Market value.
Issue- The introduction of a particular village or giftware product
for sale at the retail level.
Issue Price- Not to be confused with Current Retail Price (CRP), it
is the original, Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of an item when it was
initially offered for retail sale.
Due to increased manufacturing costs, the Suggested Retail Price
can possibly be adjusted the longer an item(s) stays in the line.
Kiln- For collecting purposes, a large brick-lined, heated oven that
bakes, dries, and hardens ceramic or porcelain during the production
process.
Kings Road- Referenced in the name of several pieces in Dickens’
Village, this was the road that could only be used by the king or those
for whom his permission had been granted.
Knock- Off- A manufactured copy or replica of an original item
designed and produced by Department 56. In the early years, numerous
crude knock-offs of Department 56 designs were manufactured in ceramic,
porcelain, and other forms.
All Department 56 village buildings feature the official company logo
and/or a copyright bottom stamp designating its authenticity.
Licensed- The legally granted permission, by a parent company, to
use the legally owned right to a product, image, or brand in the design,
manufacturing, and production of a non-company owned product.
Traditionally, the parent company retains final proof rights
prior to the production and release of the product for retail sale.
Limited Edition- Any village related or giftware item that has been
restricted in quantity by a specifically designated production time
period or quantity produced.
Limited to Year of Production (LTYOP) - A building or accessory that
is limited to only the quantity that can be produced in a specific year.
Numerous Department 56 buildings and accessories have been offered as
LTYOP items in each village. This designation is indicated on the sleeve
packaging and bottom of the piece.
With no specific number given, the actual number produced is
unknown and pieces designated as LTYOP are highly sought after by
collectors.
Lite-Up- A series of small porcelain replica buildings ornaments
that were marketed and sold by Department 56 1987-1989.
Each featured a light hole on the bottom and a metal clip that
would allow for it to be lit by stringed lights and clipped to a
Christmas Tree branch.
Issued- Dickens’ Village (17), New England Village (13).
Little Town of Bethlehem (LTOB)- All-inclusive porcelain set of 12
capturing the Birth of Jesus.
The set was designed by Neilan Lund and was the fifth of the
Heritage Village Collections. The set was offered from 1987-1989 and
contains three lit buildings, seven coordinating figures and two Cypress
tree sets. LTOB was also released as a CCP set at the same time.
Main Body- Reference to the basic core structure of a particular
piece without any attachments or add-ons.
Marking(s)- During manufacturing, it is not uncommon to find the
penciled initials of the plant inspector, artisan or painter inside one
of the pour holes that is located on the bottom of a building.
Typically, this is a signature of approval during inspection.
Master Mold- a/k/a
Case Mold.
It is produced with a high density composite material that will
not wear out as quickly as the more porous production molds.
Meadowland Series- A small spring themed ceramic series that was
available from 1979-1980. It
consisted of a church, thatched house, trees and twelve sheep. It was
the first venture into a non-winter themed village.
MIB- Acronym for “Mint In Box”.
MIB implies that the item has never been removed from its
original packaged container nor been displayed.
When purchasing on the Secondary Market, this should always be
clarified.
Mid-Tier Village- Reference to villages with more simple design
elements, packaging and add-on attachments. Mid-Tier Village designs
allow for a lower Suggested Retail Price when compared to the core
village lines a/k/a Gold Standard Villages. Though referenced as
Mid-Tier Villages, they are still held to the highest production
standards that are expected of Department 56 Villages.
Mid- Year Introductions- Village buildings and accessories that are
introduced outside of the traditional January or fall announcements.
Typically, Mid-Year introductions occur between May-July and
complement other introductions for that year or coming holiday season.
Mint Condition- Implies that a building or accessory may or may not
be in an unused state, is in the original pristine package, is free of
any flaws, contains all original lighting, and is free of any defects.
Mock-up- During the design process, a three-dimensional, paper
replica of the actual building being produced is created by the artist.
A Mock-up can be done with color accents or in black and white as
well as include attachments. It allows the artist to ensure that all
conceptual ideas are in proportion and give an overall 3-D visual of the
item before production.
Occasionally, as an incentive to raise funds for a particular charity or
collector event, Mock-ups have been offered for sale during public
auctions.
Mold- The original form in which an item has been created.
Mother Mold- A super-fine plaster mold that is taken from the
original clay mold to allow the fine details to be impressed into it.
MS LIT TOWN- Moniker for the Customer Service Manager and collector
liaison for Department 56.
Music Books- During the 1990s, Department 56 manufactured several
3-D music books that captured a particular Dickens’ Village or
Snowbabies scene.
The Music Books are battery operated, play music, and feature a
lighted interior.
NALED- a/k/a National
Association of Limited Edition Dealers.
This buying group allowed for small and individual retail
outlets to come together in an effort to have the ability to acquire and
sell collectible items. In the early days, NALED received the
opportunity to have Early Release items.
New England Village- Introduced in 1987 and retired in 2022, it was
the second of the Heritage Village Collections. True to its name, it was
inspired by the East Coast region which is synonymous with rural
farming, small country towns, fishing and lighthouses.
New Introductions- The formal announcement, by Department 56, of all
of the new items that will be offered for sale in a given year for
January, fall or Mid-Year.
Nicholas Nickleby- Inspired by the third novel written by Charles
Dickens in 1938. It tells
the adventures of a very young man who is forced to grow up and support
his family after his fathers’ death.
It is an early subseries of Dickens’ Village that was introduced
in 1988 and retired in 1991.
North Pole Series- Introduced in 1990, the sixth of the Heritage
Village Collections is inspired by the wintery home of Santa and his
elves.
NRFB- Acronym for “Never Removed From Box”. NRFB implies that a
particular item is in pristine condition and has never been removed from
its original packaging for inspection or display.
NSW- Acronym for “Normal Shelf Wear”.
Implies that outer sleeve packaging may have curled edges, minor
dents, or slight dirt due to retail display or customer handling.
Contents should be considered in mint condition.
Nubbies- Reference to the porcelain crystals that are formed when
soft porcelain is pressed through screens.
Nubbies are applied and adhered with slip onto the bodies of
Snowbabies and
Snowbunnies.
Numbered Limited Edition- A Bates stamped, hand-written, or applied
decal number that can be found on the bottom of a limited edition piece
that references and symbolizes is particular place in an specific number
issued format.
Traditionally, Department 56 has always held back pieces numbered “56”
for incentives and special events.
Oast House- Often confused as an “Oat House” and/ or a residence, it
is a building in which hops are dried for the production of ales and
beer. Oast Houses can be
found in Dickens’ Village.
Oliver Twist- The first installment of the second
novel by Charles Dickens was first made available in 1837. It tells the
story of a young orphan who learns life on the streets and eventually
reconnects with members of his family.
It is a subseries in Dickens’ Village that was available from
1991-1995.
One Village Place- a/k/a OVP.
The former home of Department 56 which was located at 6436 City West
Parkway in Eden Prairie, MN. OVP was introduced as a 3-D porcelain Event
Only ornament for the 25th Anniversary Celebration.
Open Edition- A collectible that is produced with no specific size
or time of production run.
Open- Term attributed to a dealer sponsored event in which artist
appearances take place as well as reference to when fellow collectors
and club members open their home for others to view their village
display(s).
Original- The conceived first design from which further items are
copied or produced.
Original Snow Village, The- Reflective of “Any Town, USA”, it is the
first Christmas Village to be offered by Department 56.
Its release in 1976 gave birth to the village collecting craze
and countless other collections offered by Department 56.
Made of glazed painted ceramic,
it occupies a larger footprint than its porcelain counterparts. It is
the Gold Standard to which all other villages are compared.
Overvalued- Term attributed to a Secondary Market item that is
selling for more than its true or perceived value.
Paste- The raw form of porcelain before it is shaped and fired.
Philippines- The second country to manufacture and produce
Department 56 villages.
Porcelain- A white translucent ceramic that is created by firing
pure clay at temperatures exceeding 1,200 ̊ C.
All buildings and accessories in the Heritage Village Collection
produced in porcelain which allows for greater detail in the designs.
The porcelain buildings have a smaller footprint while the
translucency creates a warm glow from the interior.
Primary Market- Reference to the selling environment in which items
are first made available for sale by retail stores or direct marketing.
Qua
Product Tag- a/k/a
Hang Tag. A small
cardstock tag enclosed in the Styrofoam packaging of The Original Snow
Village buildings bearing the name of the collection and building name.
Early Heritage Village buildings also had collection specific,
colored card stock tags, as well, that referenced the collection name
only.
Production Mold(s) - A single or multiple plaster molds that
Department 56 uses for the mass production of village buildings,
accessories, and attachments.
During firing, the mold(s) absorb(s) moisture from the clay to
create the item being cast. Depending on the item being produced,
Production Molds are not viable after 30-40 castings. Using fresh molds
allows for a higher degree of detail and quality that Department 56
Village items are known for.
Proof- a/k/a
Artist Proof.
Prototype- a/k/a
Artist Proof. The initial and original conceived design of a building or
accessory. When used in product brochures or showrooms, some Prototypes
may differ in color than General Release items. These are used when
there is a short window for production.
Quarterly- The name of the first real magazine formatted publication
that was directly printed and offered for consumers by Department 56.
The magazine featured high gloss photographs, informative
articles, and the latest news- straight from the company, four times
year.
Rare- A term that is often used on the Secondary Market that refers
to an item considered or known to be in limited production quantity.
It is suitable for in situations where less than 2,500-3,500
pieces have been produced.
Redemption Piece- An item that one has the right to claim and
acquire when the proof of purchase of a companion item has been
submitted. Example:
Home For The Holidays Caboose
(OSV) or Monopoly Bank & Trust
(CL).
Release- The period of time when an item is first introduced for
retail sale.
Re-Release- Designation attributed to a building or accessory that
has been previously released and is brought back for specific reason or
collector demand. A re-released item may have redesigned attributes
including colors and/or attachments as well as enhanced packaging.
Example: The Chester House (OSV).
Retired- Term used when the production of a building, accessory, or
other item has been stopped and will not continue in future production.
All molds are destroyed and future production is ceased. The decision to
retire a particular item is based on a host of different factors. It may
include production issues, the end of a licensing agreement, ceasing a
particular collection or series, market reception, or in an effort to
create excitement.
Retirement Day- The first Friday of November has been,
traditionally, the time that Department 56 announces those items that
are being officially retired from production for the current year. In
the 1990s, announcements were made via an advertisement in USA TODAY.
Since that time, it is done vial email and subsequent posting on
the Department 56 website.
Room Hop- The highlight of any collector gathering that is
traditionally held in the host hotel. Collectors visit room to room and
floor to floor searching for an open room designated by a towel outside
of the door. In it are
fellow collectors selling their duplicates or other sought after items.
Sample- a/k/a
Artist Proof.
Secondary Market- The environment in which retied and discontinued
village buildings, accessories, and giftware items are sold.
Examples: Collector Gathering Marketplaces and EBay.
Secondary Market Broker- Through the 1990’s, collectors often took
to Secondary Market Brokers to sell and acquire retired and discontinued
Department 56 items. For a
commission, these brokers would receive, inspect, sell, and ship for
buyers and sellers.
Secondary Market Value- The range and/or price that a retired
village related items is selling for on the secondary market.
Series- The continued production of a particular themed building or
accessory collection over and extensive period of time.
A series consists of more than two related items produced.
Shrinkage- The reduction in size and end result of a kiln fired
item. Items may shrink up to 15% to 17% in a kiln.
Signed- a/k/a
Artist Signed- Any
building, accessory, or giftware items that has been hand-signed
(traditionally, on the bottom) by a member of the Department 56 Creative
Team or personality associated with the design. Pieces signed by the
specific artist who created the design or direct personality are
regarded as more valuable by collectors and on the Secondary Market.
Example:
Marie’s Doll Museum (NP)
signed by Marie Osmond.
Sisal- A bottlebrush type fiber that is from an agave pant that is
often used by Department 56 to make trees, hedges, and shrubs.
Sleeve- The outermost cover that wraps over the foam or Styrofoam
packing box. Original
sleeves were white pace board featuring black & white photos of the
piece inside. Over time
these sleeves fade and brown.
Sleeves were eventually changed to full color in the late 1990s
with detailed information about the building and coordinating accessory
that it coordinates with. In
2023, signature modifications to the sleeve were made with the addition
of Spanish and French translations.
Slip- Liquid clay that is poured into molds to create buildings and
accessories. Slip is also
used to affix attachments to the structure of a building or accessory
and “nubbies” to Snowbabies
and Snowbunnies.
Snowbabies- Winter themed, bisque figurines designed by Department
56 Artist Kristi Jensen Pierro that depict children and animals thriving
in Frosty Frolic Land.
Snowbabies were first introduced in 1986 and are the longest running
giftware line produced by Department 56.
Department 56 published a book in 1994 entitled
The Winter Tales of the Snowbabies
which shared the interested life the lead.
Snowbunnies- The Easter cousins of Snowbabies. These bunny-eared relations are covered with “nubbies”
as well and are often depicted in numerous forms of play in a springtime
setting.
Solicitor- A British lawyer or Barrister that pleads cases to
English courts.
Special Edition- This designation is given to signify a specific product’s uniqueness such as a limited
edition that recognizes a special occasion, anniversary or event.
Sticker- Throughout the history of Department 56, various stickers
have been affixed or adhered to the
bottom of a piece and on adapters.
They may contain information designating the company log and
copyright, the country of manufacturing, as well as pertinent lighting
and/or electrical information. In some cases, the lack of the sticker
may lessen the Secondary Market value of an item.
Subseries- A subseries is recognized as a continuing series inside
of a particular collection. It obtains this moniker when two or more
buildings and numerous accessories are ongoing.
Examples: Witch Hollow
(SVH) and
Rest In Peace Crypts (SVH).
Suspended-a/k/a
Discontinued. This term
signifies that production has temporarily been ceased on a collection,
building or accessory with the option to add to or revive at a later
place in time. This is not
the same as Retired.
Production Molds are warehoused and not destroyed.
Swap & Sell- Another highly sought after and attended event during
collector gatherings in which collectors rent tables in a designated
area to sell and acquire retired Department 56 items.
Tacky Wax- The longest running Department 56 General Village
Accessory that is made from a pliable wax that collectors use to secure
various accessories so that they stand more easily while on display.
Tailored Piece- When an existing or previously suspended building or
accessory has been commissioned by an authorized Department 56 Dealer to
be customized and sold through their doors only. Tailored items are
reworked to be accented with customized coloring, as well as unique
signage and/or packaging.
These items have most recently been wrapped in white sleeves with black
lettering as to minimize additional costs in production.
Taiwan- The first and initial country to manufacture and produce
Department Villages and accessories.
Translucency- The effect created with porcelain buildings that
allows light to emit through the structure.
Tudor Style- Any building designed with exposed timber in
conjunction with plaster, brick or cement.
Undervalued- Term attributed to a Secondary Market item that is
selling for less than its true or perceived value.
Used- A loose term that often references an item has been previously
displayed in some form or fashion.
Any used building or accessory should be carefully evaluated for
hidden damage or repair under this designation. Consideration should
also be given to packaging.
Variation- Any alteration in the overall mold, structure, color or
signage of a building from the first issue through subsequent releases.
Early buildings and accessories in The Original Snow Village
collection underwent numerous variations.
Factory painting interpretations, high and low humidity, as well
as temperature conditions during the production can cause variations of
a piece. Misspelling of a
sign, lettering or packaging can cause a variation as well. Regardless
of the variation, traditionally, the one with the fewest produced items
is regarded as most valuable on the Secondary Market.
In some instances; however, it has been noted that the corrected
version and not an error that caused a variation is more valuable.
Vignette- A small scene or display that showcases a particular group
of buildings and/or accessories in a unique and interesting fashion.
Year of Copyright- The designation of the exact year in which an
item has been copyrighted by Department 56.
The copyright is noted by a sticker or embossing of a bottom
stamp on the bottom of a building or accessory.
In some instances the copyright is the year before the actual
Year of Release of an item.
Year of Release- The specific year that a produced item is first
offered for retail sale by Department 56.
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