LENOX CHINA JEWELS NATIVITY COLLECTION

1993 - 2007

In 1993 we purchased 5 Lenox China Jewels Nativity Figurines. Our affection for Lenox Fine China goes back some 50 years. What a delight it was to add these elegant pieces to our Christmas celebration. In the ensuing years, with religious fanaticism we have not failed to purchase the newest pieces that were manufactured. Beginning Christmas of 1993 and retiring in late 2007, a total of 34 figurines were manufactured. This count (34) does not include the large 3 piece dark wood Creche which was introduced in 1996 and retailed for $143.00.

The China Jewels Animal Collection began in 1991. The China Jewels Holiday Collection began in 1992. The China Jewels Nativity Collection began in 1993. Both the China Jewels Laurels Collection the China Jewels Family Collection began in 1994. Both the China Jewels Angel Collection and the China Jewels Treasures Collection began in 1995, all with hand painted 24-Karat Gold and colorful jewels that were each painstakingly applied by hand.

Begining in 2005, “Made in China” figurines backstamps will read “China Jewels”. Backstamps must read “China Jewels Collection” to be include in the 8 collections listed above.

Figurines ISSUED 1991 and ISSUED 1992 are part of the Lenox China Jewels Animal Collection. This Guide and the Backstamp Guide applies to the Lenox China Jewels Nativity Collection.

Listed below by year are the pieces in the Nativity collection.

1993

1. Joseph; Suggested retail in 1993 was $39.00, discontinued in 2007.
2. Mary; Suggested retail in 1993 was $39.00, discontinued in 2007.
3. Jesus; Suggested retail in 1993 was $39.00, discontinued in 2007.
4. Angel (With outstretched arms, 6.75 inches tall); Suggested retail in 1993 was $39.00, discontinued in 1999.
5. Kneeling Shepherd (Holding a lamb); Suggested retail in 1993 was $39.00, discontinued in 1996.

Original Backstamp will read, Lenox China Jewels Collection, ?FONT size=3>LENOX, Made IN U.S.A., ISSUED 1993, no other marks. The original first run Bar Code is attached inside the box, not on the figurines. They will read C/J Joseph, C/J Mary, C/J Jesus, C/J Angel and C/J Shepherd.

1994

1. Crystal Star (Included as a boxed set with Joseph, Mary and Jesus) The star will have LENOX printed on it, originally introduced as a tree ornament. Suggested retail in 1994 was $125.00 for the complete set, discontinued in 2007.
2. Melchoir; (King with Lantern), Suggested retail in 1994 was $57.00, discontinued in 2007.
3. Gaspar; (King with Urn), Suggested retail in 1994 was $57.00, discontinued in 2007.
4. Balthazar (Printed on the bar-code original pieces will also be called “King with Chest”); Suggested retail in 1994 was $57.00, discontinued in 2007.
5. Kneeling Camel; Suggested retail in 1994 was $57.00, discontinued in 1999
6. Donkey; Suggested retail in 1994 was $49.00, discontinued in 2007
7. Ox; Suggested retail in 1994 was $49.00, discontinued in 1999

Original Backstamp on Melchoir, Gasper, Balthazar, Kneeling Camel, Donkey and Ox, will read, Lenox China Jewels Collection, ?FONT size=3>LENOX, Made IN U.S.A., ISSUED 1994, no other marks. Bar Code will read; C/J NAT JASPER, C/J NAT OX, C/J NAT CAMEL, etc. Backstamp of Joseph, Mary & Jesus will have ?FONT size=3>LENOX, Made IN U.S.A., ISSUED 1993, no other marks.

Backstamp of Gasper, Year of Issue 1994. Gold mark indicates piece was manufactured in 1998.

1995

1. Kneeling Angel (5 inches tall); Suggested retail in 1995 was $39.00, discontinued in 2007
2. Large Elephant (With raised trunk);Suggested retail in 1995 was $125.00, discontinued in 2000
3. Drummer Boy; Suggester retail in 1995 was $39.00 discontinued in 2007

Backstamp of Drummer Boy, Year of Issue 1995. Gold mark indicates piece was manufactured in 1998.

Lenox Line Inspector number 20 has left their ink mark.

1996

1. Adoring Angel (With folded hands and short hair, 5 inches tall); Suggested retail in 1996 was $53.00, discontinued in 2005
2. Shepherd with Staff; Suggested retail in 1996 was $58.00, discontinued in 2007
3. Baby Goats; Suggested retail in 1996 was $58.00, discontinued in 2007

Backstamp of Shepherd with Staff. Gold mark on left is Year of Issue 1996.Gold mark on the right indicates piece was manufactured in 1997. In 1996 Lenox discontinued printing dates on the Backstamps. Mark on the left is Year of Issue. Mark on the right is Year of Manufacture. Lenox Line Inspector number 211 has left their ink mark.

1997

1. Standing Camel; Suggested retail in 1997 was $125.00, discontinued in 2007
2. Baby Lambs; Suggested retail in 1997 was $58.00, discontinued in 2007
3. Camel Master; Suggested retail in 1997 was $79.00, discontinued in 2000

Backstamp of Camel Master. Gold mark on left is Year of Issue 1997. Gold mark on the right is Year of Manufacture 1997.

1998

1. Large Elephant (With lowered trunk); Suggested retail in 1998 was $125.00, discontinued in 2001
2. Sheep (Mother with two lambs); Suggested retail in 1998 was $58.00, discontinued in 2007

Note:

There are only two large Elephants in the China Jewels Nativity Collection. The other Elephants are in the Laurels & Animal Collection. This includes “Sitting Elephant” and Elephant calves

Backstamp of Sheep. Gold mark on left is Year of Issue 1998. Gold mark on the right is Year of Manufacture 1998.

1999

1. Inn Keeper; Suggested retail in 1999 was $72.00, discontinued in 2005

Backstamp of Inn Keeper. Gold mark on left is Year of Issue 1999. Gold mark on the right is Year of Manufacture 1999.

2000

1. Angel 2000 (Also called Praying Angel) (Folded hands with shoulder length hair, 6.5 inches tall,); Suggested retail in 2000 was $72.00, discontinued in 2007

Backstamp of Angel 2000 or Praying Angel. Gold Mark on left is Year of Issue 2000.

Gold mark on the right is Year of Manufacture 2000.

2001

1. Rooster and Hen (The last animals in the collection and the last to be MADE IN U.S.A. Suggested retail in 2001 was $43.00, discontinued in 2007
2. Star of Bethlehem (Originally made in Thailand); Suggested retail in 2001 was $36.00, discontinued in 2005

For more photos about the China Jewels Nativity Collection see my other Lenox China Jewels Nativity…Backstamps guide.

eBay will only allow 10 photos per Guide.

2002 - 2003

No new figurines were manufactured, probably because all manufacturing was moved out of the U.S.A. to Thailand and China. I believe the set of 3 Wise Men and the set of 3 Angels were issued during this time.

2004

1. Palm Tree; Suggested retail was $72.00, discontinued in 2007
2. Woman with Urn; Suggested retail was $58.00, discontinued in 2007

2005

1. Angel with Trumpet; Suggested retail was $49.95, discontinued in 2007

2006

1. Fisherman; Suggested retail was $49.95, discontinued in 2007
2. Dove Seller; Suggested retail was $49.95, discontinued in 2007

2007

1. Goose Herder; Suggested retail was $72.00. discontinued in 2007
2. Perfume Seller; Suggested retail was $72.00. discontinued in 2007
3. Complete Nativity set of 20 Figurines, Star and Creche could be ordered from the 2007 Lenox Holiday catalog for a retail cost of $700.00. Set contained Large 3 piece Creche, Angel with Trumpet, Praying Angel, Holy Family Set with Star, Three King Set, Standing Camel, Woman with Urn, Palm Tree, Shepherd with Staff, Rooster and Hen, Fisherman, Dove Seller, Sheep, Drummer Boy, Baby Lambs, Donkey and Baby Goats.
   

2007 Lenox Holiday Catalog price.

Perfume Seller $49.95, Goose Herder $49.95, Creche $99.95, Angel with Trumpet $49.95, Praying Angel $49.95, Holy Family Set with Star, Special Value $79.95, Three King Set; Special Value $99.95, Standing Camel $99.95, Women with Urn $39.95, Palm Tree $49.95, Shepherd with Staff $54.95, Rooster and Hen $29.95, Fisherman $49.95, Dove Seller $49.95, Sheep $34.95, Drummer Boy $49.95, Baby Lambs $39.95, Donkey $44.95, Baby Goats $39.95.

” It is my will and desire that Lenox, Incorporated shall at all times manufacture the highest possible grades of porcelain, that the standard of excellence already attained shall ever be advanced…” Walter Scott Lenox

“Thank you for looking at my guide, I trust it has been helpful” J.B. Guild

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The little girl with the 45 RPM record in her mouth is my Grandaughter, Kelsi