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Bobble Heads
The newest craze in racing memorabilia collectors is bobble head dolls. So far seven of the wobbly headed caricatures of famous jockeys and trainers have been given out as racetrack promotions since 2001. Here is the Jerry Bailey bobble that was given away at Saratoga on July 28, 2002. See photos of each, quantities made, pricing info, and where you can find them here.
Kentucky Derby
Clock
Copper washed metal horse and jockey with a clock inside a horseshoe and
rose wreath on a wooden base. The electric clock is by Sessions and still runs. The
latest patent date is 1937 and the figurine bears a strong resemblance to Eddie Arcaro and Whirlaway in the 1941 Kentucky Derby winners circle photo. For more unusual racing collectibles, check here.
Kentucky Derby glasses
From left to right: 1945 tall, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1951
The first glass issued was 1938 and there was no decorated glass made for 1946 and 1947. Due to
shortages during World War II, aluminum and bakelite (an early plastic) were used in 1941 through
1944. The 5 glasses shown are worth about $1300 total, with the rarest being 1950 and 1951.
There are glasses for the other Triple Crown races, the Breeders Cup, and many
other races. Here is a selection of them.
If you are looking for info on the 1974 Kentucky Derby glass variation, check here.
1989 Kentucky Derby shot glass
Shot glasses have become increasingly popular in recent years. The Kentucky Derby in
particular exploits this by putting out several different ones each year. So far the other
races are still doing just one. Here is all the 96 KY Derby
shots and a selection of others.
Another popular collectible is pins. The one shown here is a 1985 Kentucky Derby pin, which
is a rarity since the first authorized logo pin came out in 1987. It is linked to
a page with more pins of all types.
Rolling Rock
Beer sign featuring Whirlaway, Sea-Biscuit, and Man O'War
Rolling Rock did many advertising signs featuring famous race horses and an entire series on Kentucky Derby winners as did many other companies. Here is a selection of other signs and mirrors.
Stafforshire
Kentucky Derby plate
This one is from 1981 and features Genuine Risk in the 1980 Derby.
These started in 1977 and were discontinued in 1990. Each has a scene from the previous
year's Derby in the center and the same 5 scenes around the edge: Dreaming About the Derby,
Home Stretch at the Derby, Clubhouse Grounds and Paddock, Around the First Turn, and In the
Winner's Circle. Check my plates page for many more plates of various types,
including Reed & Barton, Fred Stone, and many others.
Secretariat Lionstone decanter
This also comes in a miniature size. There is a similar
decanter for Cannonade from the same company. This is a much more detailed decanter than
the Jim Beam decanters and looks more like a figurine. Here is a page
with lots more decanters from Jim Beam, Ezra Brooks, etc.
Phone cards are something fairly new on the scene. Already a hot collectible, there are now
quite a few horse racing ones coming out. The one pictured is of Cigar and the page it links
to has a bunch more on it.
The
Racing Postcard Pages
Of course I can't leave out my postcard pages from the museum.
I am up to 6 pages and over 100 postcards now.
