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Toppers can still be found in ready abundance at such likely hunt-
ing grounds as garage and estate sales, and household auctions. Prices A comic topper
can range from $5 to $1,500, based on such factors as age, condition, by Wilton, early
and cross-collectible status. (Many “name” manufacturers, including 1970s. Groom,
5-1/4” h.
Lladro, Ceramic Arts Studio, Lefton, and Josef turned out toppers; $75-$100.
collectors not normally in pursuit of wedding memorabilia will avidly
seek out their favorites.)

When considering a purchase, always ask yourself:
• “Is there any damage?”
• “If so, can I live with it?”
• “Does the asking price reflect the actual state of wear?”
• And, (most importantly), “If I pass this one up, will I ever
find another one like it?”

If the positives outweigh the negatives, then go right ahead!
A comprehensive cake topper collection can serve as a sort
of sculptural photo album, offering three-dimensional snap-
shots of times gone by. A “flapper” bride, rouged knees peeking
through the fringed hem of her bosom-flattening dress,
conjures up vivid visuals of the “Roaring ‘20s.” A mustachioed At left: “Shotgun Wedding,”
25th-anniversary “novelty” ceramic
groom, his elegance enhanced by a spiffy vest and bow tie, and toppers by Lefton, from the mid-1950s.
his bride, her high-necked ivory gown secured with pearl Groom, 4-3/4” h. $225-$250/pr.
buttons, re-animate the “Gay ‘90s.” And, if he’s in a white din-
ner jacket and crewcut, and she’s in a full-skirted, frothy net
gown, there’s no doubt we’ve wandered into a wedding from
the “Eisenhower Era.” (There’s added fun to be found in matching up
vintage toppers with actual vintage wedding pix. Since almost every Donald-Brian Johnson is the co-author of numerous Schiffer books on
wedding album includes at least one “cutting-the-cake” photo, the goal design and collectibles, including Postwar Pop, a collection of his columns.
is often achievable.) Please address inquiries to: donaldbrian@msn.com
Cake toppers can be appreciated for their craftsmanship, and
diversity of style, but even more, enjoyment comes from imagining the All photos by Patty Deden. Wedding cake toppers are from the Patty &
uniquely personal histories of the couples who first cherished them. A Barney Deden Collection, courtesy of the Douglas County Historical
wedding cake topper is a treasured memento of a day like no other … Society, Omaha, NE.
a welcoming promise of countless happy days ahead. Photo Associate: Hank Kuhlmann

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