I recently learned that the first week of August is celebrated as ‘National Clown Week’….an interesting piece of trivia that I was unaware of. Clowns come in all shapes and sizes. Many clowns wear happy faces. Some clowns have special talents. Some clowns juggle. Some clowns do magic. Often, clowns can be found in a circus, at a theme park, in children’s hospitals, and in parades. If you see a clown, smile and let them know they’ve made you happy.
The famous crystal brand produced Swarovski Trimlite clowns in the 1980’s decade. All the Trimlite clowns were introduced in 1983 and retired in 1988. These Swarovski clowns were all a part of the “Circus Clowns and Marching Band” group.
The 6 Trimlite Clowns by Swarovski are as follows (5 digit part number listed after name)
- Trimlite Tall Clown – 52701
- Trimlite Roller Skating Clown – 52702
- Trimlite Clown on Tricycle – 52703
- Trimlite Clown with Umbrella – 52704
- Trimlite Clown Juggler- 52705
- Trimlite Clown with Cannon – 52706
All the Swarovski Trimlite clowns incorporate the typical clown characteristics. They have silly clown hats. They have oversized clown feet. Some are performing their ‘special clown talent’. And best of all, the clowns are all doing something to make people smile.
The Swarovski logo that would be found on these crystal figurines is the Trimlite “T”. The Trimlite logo is stamped in the metal of the figurine. The Swarovski boxes for these figurines were white boxes with gold-colored plastic ribbons. Certificates are not applicable to these figurines as there is no such paperwork as a ‘Trimlite certificate’.
These Swarovski clown figurines retailed for $30 or $50 each in the 80’s when they were available in retail stores. Now, on the Swarovski secondary market or on online auctions, the clowns are likely to cost $200 to $300 each for ones in excellent condition with original packaging.
It is worthwhile to mention that the production quality of crystal figurines has vastly changed in the past 30 years. It is not unusual to see rough edges or other imperfections on the older crystal because that was likely acceptable standards at the time. Many serious crystal collectors will not accept chipped crystal figurines, but should be mindful that one considered ‘mint’ at that time will not likely as pristine as figures that are presently produced and sold. Now, due to the age of the Trimlite figurines, the gold has possibly dulled, tarnished, or even chipped off. Collectors should keep these things in mind when setting their own personal standards of acceptability into their own collection; do not require standards higher than what Swarovski themselves expected in the 1980’s.
Crystal Exchange America presently has 3 of the 6 Trimlite Clown figurines offered on their site, ranging in price $215 – $350. They can be found in “Vintage Swarovski” category, “Trimlite and Zales” sub-category of the store.
