Coming Unglued

I have been working with a US collection assembled in the 1970s, and the collection labels once so carefully attached beneath each figure are everywhere but on the figures.  This I understand!  Every time I move my figures around, I spend days picking up stray collection labels. This seems to me a peculiarly modern problem because some of my figures have firmly attached labels that are a century old. And  I fear it is a particularly American problem. Why do I draw this unpatriotic conclusion?  UK dealer labels that have been on my figures anywhere from 1 to 30 years never budge.....yet my American-bought collection labels are always adrift.

Years ago, I labeled my collection....but within a short space of time, those labels fell off. Every time I picked up a figure, an upside-down label stared up at me from the table. Most disheartening!  The second lot of labels came from someone in England who specialized in labels for collectibles. These labels are still in place...but alas, the ink is not. Any hint of moisture, and the print smudges away.  I determined to try a third time, and I fared no better.  Yes, I have even stuck the labels back on with Elmers glue, but they detach yet again.

Why are new and old UK dealer labels in place, but US labels are littering my floor?  Alas, I cannot explain, but I must conclude that some federal regulation dictates what can or cannot go into modern US glue...and I suffer as a result. But I never give up!  Last month, I asked a UK dealer for his label supplier. As a result, I contacted the supplier, Daymark. I emailed asking for labels of exactly the same material as that used by my dealer friend. And this week they arrived. I am thrilled. The labels are transparent, and they stick so tightly to the pot that the writing almost seems to be printed directly onto the earthenware. Best of all, I KNOW THESE LABELS WILL STICK.

If you want labels, I suggest you contact Daymark and ask for labels of the same material as mine. The process could not have been easier. I asked for a 1" round label with my wording on it. Daymark sent me two proofs and a quote. The price was reasonable, and if you live in the US, the labels are cheaper because you don't pay VAT.  My contact was Mandy--amazingly efficient and helpful-- and I am told that Mandy or someone else at this email address will help.

When collectors die, their collections die too. At the end of my day, my figures will just be a selection of objects seeking new homes. And when they go into new hands, I selfishly want a bit of me to go with them, so they know they were once really loved.