Red Rose began to give away Wade miniatures in 1967. At first the promotion was very restricted, in terms of the geographical area. Figurines were given away in Quebec, Canada, as part of a short term promotion. The results were so successful that the promotion was gradually extended until it covered all of Canada. In 1983 the promotion was finally launched full scale in the United States. To date, it is estimated that more than 200 million Wade miniatures have been given away in packages of tea; in Canada, and the United States.

How Many Different Figurines Are There?

The first Canadian series consisted of 32 animals, and the second of 24 Nursery Rhyme figurines. In addition, 15 larger figurines, (Whoppas) were offered as a write-in promotion. Details of each series and the timing of each promotion are as follows:

Canadian Series #1: 1967-1973

Thirty-two miniatures were given away in packages of Red Rose Regular Orange Pekoe Tea and in packages of Red Rose Premium Blend Gauze Teabags.

Canadian Series #2: 1971-1979

Twenty-four miniatures were distributed, featuring popular characters from Nursery Rhymes.

Canadian Mail-in Offer: 1981

Fifteen larger figurines, known as Whoppas, were offered.

Canadian Series #3: 1982-1984

Twenty-three animals were offered, of which six were duplicates of the 1967-73 series. Two items, the Angel Fish and the Turtle, have the same names as in the original series but have different coloring and are from different molds.

American Series #1: 1983-1985

Although figurines had been offered to American collectors via mail and had been test marketed in two regions in the 1970s (Pittsburgh and the Pacific North West), it was not until 1983 that they became widely available in the United States. While the molds were the same as those used for the Canadian series, coloring and glazes were different.

American Series #2: 1985-1996

Distribution began in mid-1985. Originally comprised of fifteen miniatures, five more were added bringing the total number to 20. Coloring and glazes are similar to the first American series.

American Series #3: 1993+

Circus Collection.

The Wade Company

George Wade & Son Limited was founded in 1810 in Staffordshire, England. the company is noted for its production of a wide range of ceramic items. Wade companies have also been associated with a number of technological innovations. In consequence, components from Wade are used increasingly in the aerospace and electronics industries. Although a public company, Wade is a family enterprise to the core. Not only in terms of management, but through its employees whose families have been associated with Wade for many generations. This legacy of craftsmanship is a key reason for the quality and value inherent in the Red Rose figurines.