| More than a thousand Radko Christmas | | | | ornament to each guest in the audience. Today |
| ornaments are created yearly -- and each year, | | | | those pieces are quite costly. In 1996, when |
| approximately a third of the earlier ornaments are | | | | "Circus Seal" was created, a few items were |
| retired to make way for these new images. | | | | accidentally released that were painted lime green. |
| Customer requests for Radko's lovely retired | | | | Those seals, too, are prized by collectors, making |
| designs continues unabated, making a lively | | | | them costly. |
| secondary market. Radko Christmas ornaments | | | | Condition is also important in determining value, as |
| are prized collectibles. | | | | is retaining the original box. Some colors are more |
| All of the Radko ornaments hold their value well, | | | | in demand than others, particularly the first color |
| but the prices of some patterns continue to rise. | | | | in a series. Signed items usually bring higher sale |
| Radko's "Partridge In a Pear Tree", which was | | | | prices. |
| priced at $38.00 when it debuted in 1993, has | | | | Because the value of these designs continues to |
| been sold to collectors for as much as $1,000. A | | | | increase, there are fake collectible Radko |
| new adaptation of this piece, like a few of his | | | | Christmas ornaments for sale. Many are made by |
| other popular designs, was available again as a | | | | machine, rather than being hand-made. If you're |
| limited edition, part of the special collection made | | | | thinking of buying an ornament, check the |
| for the company's 20th anniversary. | | | | following details carefully: |
| Radko Christmas ornaments are retired for | | | | High quality painting. Fake ornaments are |
| several different reasons. Many are limited | | | | frequently quite carelessly painted and show poor |
| editions. Usually these items are all sold within a | | | | attention to detail. For example, the painted detail |
| season -- sometimes in a shorter time. | | | | doesn't fit the detail molded on the ornament; a |
| Radko has designed a large variety limited-edition | | | | smile might be crooked or an eyebrow misplaced. |
| ornaments for charity groups or to celebrate | | | | Radko tag. All the Radko Christmas ornaments |
| special occasions. Organizations like the Dave | | | | carry a small tag, which explains how the |
| Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the M.D. | | | | ornament was made. |
| Anderson Cancer Center have commissioned his | | | | Radko crown. All Radko Christmas ornaments |
| ornaments. Because these designs are available | | | | have a copper top with the name 'Radko' |
| for such a short time, many are highly collectible. | | | | stamped on it. |
| Demand is one element that impacts the value of | | | | Smooth lacquer. The lacquer is always free of |
| retired Radko Christmas ornaments. Rarity is also | | | | drips or bumps on a Radko ornament. The base |
| important. As with all collectibles, the more rare or | | | | coat is smooth and unflawed. |
| unusual the item, the higher the value. Unique | | | | If the ornament you're considering passes all |
| examples are the most desirable. On one | | | | these tests, go ahead and take it home! It is |
| occasion, when Radko was a guest on The | | | | probably a real Radko Christmas ornament. |
| Donny and Marie Show, he gave a custom-made | | | | |