{HISTORY}

Since 1967, Red Rose Tea Company has been surprising tea drinkers with miniature ceramic figurines hidden inside boxes packed with specialty teas. It started as a whimsical promotion in England in the late 1960s. A purposeful little treasure meant to fit on a shelf, each figurine was designed with a grooved base that acted as an ideal surface to strike a match to light the flame for the tea kettle. 

Strike a match, and strike a chord it did! Tea drinkers immediately fell in love with these figurines and a collectors paradise emerged.

Over the years, different series were created and unveiled as tea drinkers clamored to collect complete sets and different series. What has resulted over the past six decades is a variety of figurines and themes that include animals, the circus, architectural landmarks, endangered species, Americana and more. 

Originally just circulating in England, the figurines crossed the pond as Red Rose extended their promotional giveaways in tea boxes sent to America in the 1980s, thus introducing a whole new market to these cute little kitchen workers. 

With their ultra-shiny glaze and quirky designs, Wade figurines can be found in a variety of colors and subject matters. This pretty little bird was part of the first series introduced to America in 1983.

Incidentally, there's another Wade figurine bird very similar to this one. Called a bluebird, it has patches of blue paint on the ends of its wings. That figurine appeared in the 1960s in England. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Miniature size
• beige brown
• part of the first US Animal series made from 1983-1985 

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition, this bird contains no chips or cracks.

{SIZE} 

Measures 1.5" inches (length) x 1.5" inches" inches (width)