Preliminary identification
Photo reference
2 uploaded photos
Overview
This charming porcelain bisque figurine, titled 'Lots of Tweeting' (item #4038326), is part of Department 56's beloved Snowbabies 'The Dream Collection'. It features a classic Snowbaby character wearing a wide-brimmed hat adorned with a bird, holding a nest of fledglings decorated with vibrant green tinsel and beads.
Story
Introduced in 1986, Department 56's Snowbabies were inspired by historic 19th-century German clay figures. This 2014 piece playfully bridges old-world winter folklore with modern charm, using a clever double entendre on 'tweeting' to celebrate both songbirds and our digital age.
Maker / Origin
Department 56 was founded in 1976 as a division of the Bachman's retail florist company in Minnesota, taking its name from the department number assigned to its wholesale gift imports.
Condition & Value
The figurine appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips, cracks, or missing beads. The tinsel and glitter accents remain bright and intact, and the bottom stamp is crisp and legible. Excellent condition commands a premium. Value is driven by the secondary market for modern Department 56 collectibles.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.