Thanksgiving collectibles aren’t as popular as Christmas or Halloween items, but determined collectors can find many ceramic, glass, pottery, paper and wooden turkeys. The birds also decorate platters, dishes, candle holders, salt and pepper shakers, candy containers, postcards and textiles.

This 16-inch turkey figure on wheels is made of composition (a mixture of wood pulp and glue) with glass eyes. It was part of a skittles set. Skittles, sometimes called “nine pins,” was a popular game in England for centuries. It’s similar to American bowling. Table skittles sets were made for adults, and toy sets were made to appeal to children. Kids could play with skittles on the floor or tabletop, or wheel the toy cart around and pretend the skittles were dolls. This turkey sold for $2,124 at a Bertoia auction earlier this month. Would have sold for much more if it had its original little turkey skittles!
Collectors should also be on the lookout for figures of Thanksgiving Pilgrims, Indians and cornucopias, as well as textiles, tablecloths and napkins, candy containers, nut cups, centerpieces, advertising, and product labels, boxes and cans that promote Thanksgiving.

Here’s a special gift from the Kovels—free printable vintage-style place cards for your Thanksgiving table. Just print, cut, add the names of your guests and fold.

Best Wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving from Terry Kovel, Kim Kovel, and all of us at Kovels!