Bill Vernon Studios

The Series of Evolution - Limited Edition Wildlife Sculpture

2004 – Estimated National Value Guide

Estimated Secondary Market Values:

The values contained herein reflect our opinion as to what we feel a buyer should pay or a seller should ask for a retired piece in good condition. Our opinions are based on the original retail price and the very limited number of pieces produced since production ceased when the company was closed. This 2004 National Value Guide is meant only to serve as a foundation point from which to start the bidding or trading process. This is also the last Guide that was ever created.

The Fire That Changed the “World of the Series of Evolution”:

On May 29, 1998, the Series of Evolution Wildlife factory burnt to the ground. Since it was a total loss, much of the historical information contained herein had to be assembled from memory, estimates, old catalogs, etc. Even at that there was so much that was now gone forever. Because we had Sales Representatives around the country, we were able to get some help in finding past products and information but not all. 

Estimated Quantities Produced & Values:

Where you see quantities with rounded whole figures like 1,500 or 2,000, it is safe to assume that these are fairly close estimates. Where you see what appears to be more exact numbers like 2,254 or 1,671 it is safe to assume that these figures are much more accurate. Bottom line, this entire National Value Guide is to be considered an “estimated guesswork” and should NOT be taken as gospel. This was strictly our opinions at the time based on many factors and must be accepted and interpreted that way. With all that we have been through, perfect recordkeeping is / was impossible! 

Editions – What Are They?

A piece goes into a different “edition” status (First or Second) in the event changes are made to the original design. This was exactly the case with certain styles brought back after the fire of 1998. That point in time also saw a mass retirements. Sculptures that are in their second edition are clearly marked in the mold so they may be easily identified.

How Much is My Wildlife Sculpture Worth?

We have been asked this question a million times! The fire in 1998 was the first gut punch that greatly reduce our tracking abilities. We had to rely primarily on estimating the secondary market values. Then came the Great Recession of 2008 that not only took out the economy but also destroyed the overall Collectibles Industry worldwide as well! Whether you’re talking Hummell, Precious Moments, you name it… prices of collectibles everywhere plummeted! So, to answer the age-old question today…  Your Bill Vernon Wildlife Sculpture is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it! 

About This 2004 National Value Guide:

The 2004 Guide is what we have posted on this website. This was the last year that we printed more National Value Guides. We were in wind down mode at the time and the gift and collectibles industries were experiencing a slow death. Certainly not perfect but it was the best that we could do. 

In Closing:

We hope you find this website and National Value Guide helpful. It is just that… a “guide” to help give you some idea of what sculpture you have and how rare that piece may be and is by no means perfect in any way shape or form. 

THANK YOU for your interest in Bill Vernon Studios - Wildlife Sculpture!!!