The Difficult Issue of Reproduction/Unlicensed Cookie Jars
by Sandi Phillips

To say that reproduction/unlicensed cookie jars are out there is the understatement of the year! Many folks see the boom in cookie jar prices as a way to unscrupulously make an extra buck or even hundreds of extra bucks.

Cookie jar collectors face many challenging issues in their quest for jars; older jars are scarce, competition is fierce, prices are for the most part high and many jars are being reproduced. Reproduction jars seem to be the cause of much consternation. Education is necessary to buy with confidence; no one wants to pay the same for a reproduction as for an original. Many collectors are very angry about reproduction jars; it is thought that reproductions have lowered the value of the original jars. Also, it’s unfortunate for the new collector whose knowledge hasn’t reached the level needed to help them in determining the authenticity of a jar. Other collectors, while perhaps not endorsing all reproductions, see the honestly represented, reasonably priced reproductions as options to expand their collections. Some collectors even prefer the reproduction jars. Not everyone can afford or even find the more elusive jars. Some collectors don’t want any reproduction jars NO MATTER WHAT in their collection. Educate yourself so you know how you feel about your collection and then you’ll know what’s right for you.

Unlicensed jars, while not being as hot a topic as reproduction jars, still must be given consideration. Do you want them in your collection, good price or not? How will they be at resale time? Not all makers are spending the money to license jars, while others are. If this is an important issue to you, be sure of what you are buying before you make your purchase.

Whatever your thoughts may be, education still remains the best weapon in your collecting arsenal. Everyone talks about education. How do you go about doing that exactly? Some of the many ways are; touching, smelling and feeling as many jars as you can, it will increase your knowledge many fold. (Have you noticed that many old jars that were used alot have a distinctive smell? Perhaps the shortening or butter soaked into jars over a long period of time?) Colors are a clue too, as is the size of the jar. Most reputable cookie jar dealers will answer your questions and even give you pointers on the books available. If you have a direction that you are going in, they may be able to tell you which book(s) will be most helpful, with your particular collection. Be a student and study these books, it will help make you a more knowledgeable collector. You won’t see the books as expensive the first time they help you determine what you are buying and perhaps save you from an unwise purchase. There are also publications available with more information about cookie jars and some periodicals feature cookie jar collecting/collections. Many folks find rubbing elbows with other collectors to be a boon. Often times you make new friends, while discussing a favorite topic, cookie jar collecting! If you can go see a collection, do so! You can learn so much, not to mention the thrill of seeing the collection.

Reproduction/unlicensed jars may continue to frustrate you until you know your wants and your education level meets your needs as you shop. Satisfaction may be achieved by using the educational tools listed above in your cookie jar quests. :)