Lefton China. Figurine Follies?
Lefton china is very popular with collectors today. Many consider it to be over rated and even kitsch while others are extremely passionate and supportive of the Lefton brand. Again it all comes down to taste.
Many of the vintage Lefton pieces are decorated ornately with lots of gold trim, flowers and give the impression that they were manufactured in the 18th century. There is also a healthy demand for the salt and pepper shakers, wall pockets and the current lighthouse range.
Lefton china figurines have often been considered as cute and a little too sugary for many tastes. Compared with other figurine producers, quality of modelling must be relegated to the second league. But, many collectors enjoy the simplistic approach to figurine design.
The Lefton China Company was founded in 1941, its’ originator being George Zolton Lefton, a Hungarian immigrant who entered the US in 1939. He had a passion for collecting figurines and this enthusiasm has led to an eventual network of thousands of retail shops offering the Lefton china range. In 1945, Lefton negotiated an importing deal in Japan and this led to the first Lefton china product appearing in the United States with the product marked ‘Made in Occupied Japan’.
Over the decades, the Lefton China Company has created a diverse range of ceramics. Many are highly sought after by collectors. The figurines still have a particularly strong following and the fan base seems to be growing.
The vintage, Lefton china has a number of different identification marks and some pieces with paper labels. The range of marks includes the words Lefton’s, Geo. Z. Lefton, Lefton China, G.Z.L., or sometimes just the letter “L”.
To help you identify your Lefton collectible and get an idea about price then the book – Twentieth Century Lefton China and Collectibles: A Numbered Price Guide for Collectors (Schiffer Military History) -
In 2005, the Lefton China Company was acquired by OMT Enterprises and production moved to California. Popular Lefton products today include the Lighthouse series and the Christopher Girl birthday figurines.
Lefton china may be an acquired taste but the company does have an exemplary reputation amongst collectors worldwide.
REMEMBER: Whatever your preference for china figurines, a good place to start looking for items is TIAS. Reputable dealers worldwide showcase their antiques and collectibles on this established site and quality items can be purchased at very reasonable prices. It is also a fantastic place to look for gift ideas and you can sign up for their very informative newsletter. Use the search box below to find your item of interest.
