For a retro kitchen vibe, an animal-shaped cookie jar is a must-have. The Shawnee Smiley Pig and Brush Pottery Company Circus Horse are popular choices, but the Lefton Puppy Pal is considered the crown jewel of cookie jars.
Made by the Lefton Company, the Puppy Pal features whimsical touches, playful paint colors, and delicate features. It’s a highly sought-after find among collectors, but it comes with a price tag of around $900.
The Lefton Company was founded by George Zoltan Lefton in 1941 in Chicago. Despite the challenges of World War II, Lefton helped a Japanese-American friend clean up his business after it was looted. After the war, the friend connected Lefton to manufacturers in Occupied Japan.
This connection is important for collectors looking for authentic Lefton items. The company produced enchanting figurines, teapots, vases, wall pockets, and cookie jars, with production overseas continuing until 1970. The Puppy Pal was issued in the 1950s.
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To spot a genuine Lefton Puppy Pal, look for identification numbers and factory codes. The letters in front of the numbers represent factory codes, and trademarks may be emblazoned on the item or included on a paper tag. The Puppy Pal features a wide-eyed face, a light-blue hat, and a polka-dotted collar.
For those who love the Puppy Pal but not its price tag, there are other options available. The Lefton company produced other items with the same retro charm, such as wall pockets, butter dishes, and creamers, which can be found for lower prices.
The Puppy Pal is a rare and valuable find, but it is not the only item produced by the Lefton Company that is worth collecting. Other items, such as figurines and vases, are also highly prized by collectors. They can be found at antique stores, estate sales, and online marketplaces.
