Department 56 Village Variations and Mistakes

Below are some of the variations and mistakes that can be found on Department 56 villages and accessories. Common variations include a change in form, mold, or color of a piece after its initial release on the market. Common mistakes include errors in spelling, factual information, and assembly of the piece.

Refer to Glossary of Terms and Common Abbreviations for an explanation of common terms and abbreviations used for Department 56 village collectibles.

Snow Village | Dickens' Village | New England Village | Alpine Village
Christmas In The City | North Pole

Snow Village

55011 Lucky Dragon Restaurant, 1999-2000

Early samples had "The Golden Dragon Restaurant" as the name on the building.

54932 Rock Creek Mill House, 1998-1998

Early samples have a glossy finish. Production pieces have a matte finish.

54852 Peppermint Porch Day Care, 1995-1997

Early samples had "Peppermint Place" as the name on the building.

54844 Coca-Cola Brand Corner Drugstore, 1995-1998

Early samples have a red label around the bottle at the top of the sign.

4690 Coca-Cola Brand Bottling Plant, 1994-1997

First pieces do not have soda cases on the loading platform.

54526 Tour The Village, 1993-1997

Bayport on sign is misspelled "Bayqort."

54275 Village Vet And Pet Shop, 1992-1995

In the first shipments the hand lettered sign was misspelled "Vetrinary."

51535 Mainstreet Hardware Store, 1990-1993

Sample pieces have blue awnings and window trim. They were changed to green for production.

51799 Mailbox, 1989-1990

Retired after one year due to unauthorized use of red and blue colors of the U.S. Postal Service. Replaced in 1990 with Mailbox item #51985 after changing to red and green colors and putting "S.V. Mail"; (instead of "U.S. Mail") on the front.

51489 Special Delivery, 1989-1990

Retired after one year due to unauthorized use of red, white, and blue colors of the U.S. Postal Service. Replaced in 1990 with Special Delivery item #51977 after changing the color of the truck to red, white, and green.

50440 Village Market, 1988-1991

Color varies from mint green to cream.

50300 Lighthouse, 1987-1988. There are two variations.

Tower painted white and unglazed.
Tower painted off-white and glazed.

50768 Apothecary, 1986-1990

Sleeves often read "Antique Shop."

50555 Auto With Tree, 1985-2001

The First Version's of the red VW Beetle with sisal tree strapped to the roof, looks as if the tree's weight is crushing the car. Approximately 3 3/8" long. Did not come in a box.
The Second Version is approximately 3" long and did not come in a box.
The "Auto With Tree" was the first accessory to include a tiny sisal tree attachment.

50512 Depot And Train With 2 Train Cars, 1985-1988. There are three variations.

Brown Depot with gray cornerstones and Train Car with yellow windows.
Brick Depot without cornerstones and Train Car with yellow windows.
Brick Depot without cornerstones and Train Car with white windows.

50326 Fire Station, 1983-1984

Varies with and without the Dalmatian.

50040 Turn Of The Century, 1983-1986

The bottom inscription reads "Turn The Time Of Century."

64602 Monks-A-Caroling, 1982 (Retired N/A)
64599 Monks-A-Caroling, 1983-1984
50407 Monks-A-Caroling, 1984-1988

The original four friars singing carols were giftware adopted as a Snow Village piece by collectors. This piece is unglazed and the monks carry paper songbooks and have real cord for sashes.
The second Monks-A-Caroling is glazed and the monks carry ceramic songbooks and have painted-on ropes. This piece was retired after one year due to the maker's inability to supply.
The third Monks-A-Caroling replaced the 1983 version. On this piece the Monks have a distinct pink circle to give the cheeks blush (as opposed to the diffused rosy blush in the Monks' cheeks on the previous version).

50822 Flower Shop, 1982-1983

Window frames vary from brown to green.

50814 Gabled House, 1982-1983

Early samples are rust color; production pieces are white.
Red barn (1987) was also issued with this item number.

50210 Carriage House, 1982-1984

Another design with the same name was issued in this village in 1986.

50199 Street Car, 1982-1984

Cathedral Church (1987) was also issued with this item number.

50806 Large Single Tree, 1981-1989

Throughout the years there were mold changes with the design becoming more and more detailed. The amount of snow on the trees varies greatly.

50784 English Church, 1981-1982

Diner (1986) was also issued with this item number.

50776 Bakery, 1981-1983

Bakery (1986) was also issued with this item number.

50768 Corner Store, 1981-1983

Apothecary (1986) was also issued with this item number.

50733 English Cottage, 1981-1982

Toy Shop (1986) was also issued with this item number.

50717 Town Church, 1980-1982

Carriage House (1986) was also issued with this item number.

50709 Colonial Farm House, 1980-1982

All Saints Church (1986) was also issued with this item number.

50617 Tudor House, 1979-1981

Another design with the same name was issued in this village in 2001.

50609 School House, 1979-1982

Varies from reddish-brown to dark brown.

50567 Brownstone, 1979-1981

There are two roof colors. It was originally introduced with a gray roof, the following year it was changed to red.

50559 Knob Hill, 1979-1981

The Gray version is gray with a red roof and black trim. It is considered to be the first shipped.
The Yellow version is yellow with a red roof and gray trim.

50542 Victorian, 1979-1982. Variations in color and in exterior finish include:

Peach with smooth walls (1979).
Gold with smooth walls (1980).
Gold with clapboard walls (1981 on).

50161 Small Double Trees, 1978-1989

Pieces with blue birds were shipped first.
Pieces with red birds began to appear in 1979.
Over the years there were mold changes with the design becoming more and more detailed. The amount of snow on the trees varies greatly. Variation in the color of birds affect Secondary Market Value.

50146 Nantucket, 1978-1986

Some pieces were manufactured with garland above the front windows while others were not.

50120 General Store, 1978-1980

The White version is white with a gray roof and is considered to be the first shipped, however the Tan and Gold versions are much harder to find. The sign above the porch reads "General Store, Y & L Brothers."
The Tan version is tan with a red roof. The sign above the porch reads "General Store, S & L Brothers."
The Gold version is gold with a brown roof. The sign above the porch reads "General Store."

50096 Stone Church, 1977-1979

The First version is a pale mint green color with a very glossy finish. The top step on the tree side is flush with the edge of the bottom step.
The Second version is a greenish-yellow color with a less glossy finish. The top step is indented from the bottom step on the right-hand side.
Both versions have felt glued to the bottom. The steeple is approximately 10 1/2" high as opposed to the 1979 version which is approximately 8 1/2" high.

50088 Mansion, 1977-1979

The color of the roof often varies from forest green (first shipments) to turquoise.

50070 Victorian House, 1977-1979

Color of building varies among rust/white, salmon/white, pink/white, and orange/yellow (no tree attached).

50062 Small Chalet, 1976-1979

An often imitated design, it is difficult to authenticate. The color varies from tan to brown, and the number of flowers in the window box varies.

50054 Steepled Church, 1976-1979

The colors on roof often vary.

50047 Country Church, 1976-1979

This is one of the most frequently imitated pieces in the Snow Village. The lettering on the walls must be hand painted, not stamped on, to be authentic.

50021 Gabled Cottage, 1976-1979
50039 The Inn, 1976-1979

Colors on roof often vary to the point where no two are alike.

50013 Mountain Lodge, 1976-1979

Colors on roof often vary. It must have a sunburst face on the end of the building to be authentic.

Dickens' Village

58445 Staghorn Lodge, 1999-2002

Early pieces have brown antlers above the front door or antlers that were painted on. Later ones have gold antlers.

58405 Ashley Pond Skating Party, 1997-1999

One side of the hanging sign reads "Ashley Pond," the other "Ashley Road Pond."

58326 Delivering Coal For The Hearth, 1997-1999

Early pieces have maroon wheels and buckets attached. Later ones have red wheels and buckets on hooks.

58323 J. Lytes Coal Merchant, 1997-1999

Early pieces have bottom stamps that read "Dickens' Vallage Series."

58302 East Indies Trading Co., 1997-1999
58306 Canadian Trading Co., 1997-1998, (Available only in Canada)

Department 56 produced a separate Canadian version of the "East Indies Trading Co." called the "Canadian Trading Co." The two are identical except for the color scheme and the name on the sign.

58304 Crooked Fence Cottage, 1997-2000
58301 Manchester Square, 1997-2000

Early pieces have bottom stamps that read "Dickens' Village Seires."

58386 Ten Pipers Piping - #X, 1997-2000

Should be Ten Lords A-Leaping. See Eleven Lords-A-Leaping. Department 56 has reversed them. Thanks to Bob Glover for submitting this variation.

58413 Eleven Lords A-Leaping - #XI, 1997-2000

Should be Eleven Pipers Piping. See Ten Pipers Piping. Department 56 has reversed them. Thanks to Bob Glover for submitting this variation.

58343 Dudden Cross Church, 1995-1997

Early pieces have a bell that hangs in actual cutout in bell tower. Later ones have bell as part of porcelain.

58092 Boarding & Lodging School (#18), 1993-1993
58106 Boarding & Lodging School (#43), 1994-1998

The first release in 1993 commemorates the 150th Anniversary of A Christmas Carol and has an address of 18. It comes in a special box with hang tag and commemorative stamp.
The 1994 release has an address of 43. When both pieces are side-by-side, the addresses create 1843, the year that A Christmas Carol was published.

55301 Gate House, 1992-1992

The brick varies from gray to blue.

57509 Crown & Cricket Inn, 1991-1992

Early pieces have light trim, later ones darker gray trim.

55611 Holiday Coach, 1991-1998

Early pieces have gold chains, and later ones have silver chains.

55590 Poultry Market, 1991-1995

Early samples have patches on the left hand side of the drape.

55573 Nephew Fred's Flat, 1991-1994

Early pieces were manufactured in Taiwan and are darker than the later ones from China.

55530 Brownlow House, 1991-1993

Early samples have charcoal gray roof and trim.

55875 The Flat Of Ebenezer Scrooge, 1989-2001. There are three variations.

The First version was made in Taiwan and has yellow panes in the windows and the far left shutter on the 4th floor is slightly open allowing light to shine through.
The Second version was made in Taiwan but doesn't have panes in the windows.
The Third version has panes in the windows and is made in the Philippines or China.

55506 Peggotty's Seaside Cottage, 1989-1992. This piece has two variations in color.

The Tan version was the earlier of the two. The hull of the boat was actually unpainted. Department 56 stated that the particular green paint they intended to use would not adhere to the porcelain, so they shipped them unpainted until the problem could be corrected.
For the Green version the problem was resolved by using a different green paint.

59293 Nicholas Nickleby Characters, 1988-1991

Sleeves have the misspelling "Nicholas Nickelby."

59250 Nicholas Nickleby Cottage, 1988-1991

The incorrect version has the spelling error Nic"k"olas rather than Nicholas. This error appears only on the bottom of the piece. The sign over the window is correct.

59242 Booter And Cobbler, 1988-1990

Some sleeves picture T. Wells Fruit & Spice Shop though they read "Booter & Cobbler" as they should.
Some others picture Booter & Cobbler as they should and read "T. Wells Fruit & Spice Shop."

59242 T. Wells Fruit & Spice Shop, 1988-1990

Some sleeves picture Booter & Cobbler though they read "T. Wells Fruit & Spice Shop" as they should.
Some others picture T. Wells Fruit & Spice Shop as the should and read "Booter & Cobbler."

59030 Childe Pond And Skaters, 1988-1991

Color of the warming hut varies, but does not affect the value.

59021 Counting House & Silas Thimbleton Barrister, 1988-1990

Early pieces have lamps with natural porcelain panes. Later ones have lamps with panes painted yellow. The box reads "Silas Thimbleton Barrister." The bottom stamp reads "Counting House."

65900 Dover Coach, 1987-1990. There are three variations.

The First version was made in Taiwan. The coachman is clean shaven and the coach wheels are very crude.
The Second version was also made in Taiwan. The coachman has a mustache, the coach wheels are more round, and there are two recesses on the underside of the base.
The Third version was made in Sri Lanka. The coachman has a mustache and the coach wheels are round.

59056 The Old Curiosity Shop, 1987-1999

Another design with the same name was issued in this village in 2000 (item #58482). The original shop was designed after Old Curiosity Shop on Portsmouth Street in London.

59510 Ox Sled, 1987-1989

Tan Pants version: The driver wears tan pants and sits on a green seat cushion. The mound of snow under the oxen is attached to the hind legs.
Blue Pants version: The driver wears blue pants and sits on a black seat cushion. The mound of snow under the oxen is attached to the hind legs.
Blue Pants/Mold Change version: The driver wears blue pants and sits on a black seat cushion. The mound of snow under the oxen is not attached to the hind legs.

59501 Silo & Hay Shed, 1987-1989

Early versions have roofs with rust, gold, and brown stripes. Later ones are brown.

59161 Kenilworth Castle, 1987-1988

Early pieces are approximately 9" tall, later ones approximately 8 1/2". It is not unusual for this piece to have concave walls. One with straight walls is considered more valuable.

65498 Brick Abbey, 1987-1989

Many pieces have spires that lean inward. One with straight spires is considered more valuable.

65471 Village Well & Holy Cross, 1987-1989

Early versions have blue water and dark birds. Later ones have colorless water and light birds.

65080 Blythe Pond Mill House, 1986-1990

Early shipments are commonly referred to as the "Correct" version. "Blythe Pond" is correctly inscribed in the bottom of the building. This is the rarer of the two versions.
Later shipments are commonly referred to as the "By The Pond" version. "By The Pond" is incorrectly inscribed in the bottom of the building. The sign above the door is correct on both versions. The error is more common than the correct piece.

65021 Norman Church, 1986-1987

The first pieces are light gray, the later pieces are darker gray. This does not affect Secondary Market Value.

65013 Christmas Carol Figures, 1986-1990

The sleeve shows Tiny Tim with crutch, but there isn't one in the figurine.

65005 Fezziwig's Warehouse, 1986-1995

Early pieces have panes cut out of the front door. Later ones have a solid front door.

65005 Christmas Carol Cottages - Set of 3, 1986-1995

This set which includes Fezziwig's Warehouse, Scrooge & Marley Counting House, and The Cottage of Bob Cratchit & Tiny Tim was originally marketed as its own sub-series of Dickens' Village with sleeves and hangtags that read "A Christmas Carol."
The early pieces were made in Taiwan, and the later ones were made in China. The Taiwan version looks cruder but richer in painting and colors and the China version appears cleaner but duller in color. Thanks to Ryan for submitting this variation.

65196 Dickens' Village Mill, 1985-1986

Early pieces have sleeves that read "Dickens' Village Cottage."

65188 Stone Cottage, 1985-1988

The Tan version is considered to be the first color shipped.
The Green version's walls vary from light green to a pea green.

65161 Dickens' Village Church, 1985-1989. There are five variations.

White: Very pale walls and brown cornerstones and roof.
Yellow: Yellowish walls with butterscotch stones and roof.
Green: Pale green walls with butterscotch stones and roof.
Tan: Tan walls with butterscotch stones and roof.
Butterscotch: Wall and roof are nearly the same butterscotch color. It is the only sleeve to read "Village Church." All others read "Shops of the Dickens' Village."

65269 Carolers, 1984-1990

White Post version: Viola is very light with dark brown trim, little detail in figures, and made in Taiwan. This version is difficult to find.
Black Post version: Early pieces of the black post set have a viola that is one color and made in Taiwan. In the later pieces the viola has dark trim and was made in the Philippines.

65153 Candle Shop, 1984-1986

Early pieces have gray roofs. Later ones have blue.

New England Village

56595 Christmas Bazaar Woolens & Preserves, 1996-1999

Early shipments read "Jame & Jellies" rather than "Jams & Jellies" on the sign.

56569 Thomas T. Julian House, 1995-1997

Early pieces have sleeves that read "Jeremiah Brewster House." Later ones have stickers with the correct name placed over the mistake.

56568 Jeremiah Brewster House, 1995-1997

Early pieces have sleeves that read "Thomas T. Julian House." Later ones have stickers with the correct name placed over the mistake.

59480 Amish Family, 1990-1992

In the First version the father has a mustache. Realizing this is against Amish custom, Department 56 stopped production and redesigned the piece.
In the Second version the father has no mustache as is Amish custom.

59420 Berkshire House, 1989-1991

This piece has three variations in color: original blue, teal, and forest green.

59404 Ada's Bed And Boarding House, 1988-1991. There are three color and mold variations.

The First version is lemon yellow in color, the rear steps are part of the building's mold, and there are alternating yellow panes on the second-story windows. Samples are pink/wine.
The Second version is a paler yellow and the same mold as the first version.
The Third version is pale yellow in color and the rear steps are an add on - not part of the building's mold. The second-story windows have yellow panes in the top half only.

59307 Craggy Cove Lighthouse, 1987-1994

Early pieces have a drain hole at the bottom of the tower. Later ones do not. Not only does the hole help collectors decide how early their piece was manufactured, but it also allows them to insert a beacon.

65382 Jacob Adams Farmhouse & Barn, 1986-1989

Early pieces have sleeves that read "New England Village Farm." Later ones read "Jacob Adams Farmhouse and Barn."

56307 Steeple Church, 1986-1989

In the First version the front tree is attached with porcelain slip and the sleeve is open on the sides. It was reissued in 1989 as #65390 when #56307 was retired with the rest of the Original New England Village set.
In the Second version the front tree is attached with glue and the sleeve is open at the top and bottom.

Alpine Village

56146 Konditorei Schokolade, 1994-1998

The bottom stamp and the sleeve read "Bakery & Chocolate Shop" the English translation rather than the German Konditorei Schokolade.

56154 Bahnhof, 1990-1993

Early pieces have gilded trim. The later ones have a yellow/mustard trim.

65412 Alpine Church, 1987-1991. This piece has two variations in color.

The White Trim version was available in the early shipments and is the rarer of the two versions.
The Tan Trim version was available in later shipments.

Christmas In The City

58882 Café Caprice French Restaurant, 1996-2001

The sample pieces have a different color scheme, including striped awnings.

55492 Cathedral Church Of St. Mark, 1991 (Limited Edition of 3,024)

Limited Edition of 3,024 instead of the intended 17,500 due to production problems. This building is subject to firing cracks and other flaws and should be inspected closely while lighted in a darkened room.

55344 Hollydale's Department Store, 1991-1997

Early pieces are from Taiwan and have holly on the first floor canopies only. Later pieces are from China and the Philippines and have holly on all canopies.

55379 Wong's In Chinatown, 1990-1994

In the first version the top window is red. In the second version the top window is gold.

55360 Red Brick Fire Station, 1990-1995

Cornerstones vary from gray to light blue.

59781 5609 Park Avenue Townhouse, 1989-1992
59773 5607 Park Avenue Townhouse, 1989-1992

Early pieces have gilded trim at the top edge of the roof. Later ones have yellow/mustard trim.

59730 Ritz Hotel, 1989-1994

Early pieces have yellow/mustard accents. Later ones have gilded accents and are smaller.

55174 Mailbox & Fire Hydrant, 1989-1990

Retired after one year due to unauthorized use of red and blue colors of the U.S. Postal Service. Replaced in 1990 with Mailbox & Fire Hydrant item #52140 after changing to red and green colors and putting "H.V. Mail" (instead of "U.S. Mail") on the front.

59692 City Hall, 1988-1991

The City Hall "Proof" is smaller than the regular City Hall edition and came in a foam box with no sleeve or light cord.

59706 Hank's Market, 1988-1992

Early samples have the vertical "Grocery" sign attached to the pillar to the right of the door and no 59¢ sign in the lettuce bin.

59684 Chocolate Shoppe, 1988-1991

Early pieces are dark. Later ones are lighter.

65129 Tower Restaurant, 1987-1990
65129 Toy Shop And Pet Store, 1987-1990

Early pieces are very dark. Later ones are lighter.

65129 Bakery, 1987-1990

Early pieces are light. Later ones are darker.

59633 Palace Theatre, 1987-1989

Early pieces have gilded trim and more snow on the roof. Later ones have yellow/mustard trim.
It is not unusual for this piece to have concave walls. One with straight walls is considered more valuable.

59625 The Cathedral, 1987-1990

Early pieces are smaller (10 1/2" high), darker, and have snow on the steps. Later ones are larger (11 1/2" high), lighter, and have no snow on the steps.

59617 Sutton Place Brownstones, 1987-1989

Earliest pieces have grates at attic windows.
It is not unusual for this piece to have concave walls. One with straight walls is considered more valuable.
The bottom is inscribed with "Sutton Place Rowhouse."

North Pole

56368 North Pole Express, 1996-1999

Some pieces read "N.E. Express" rather than "N.P. Express" on the side of the tender.

56387 Elves' Trade School, 1995-1998

Early pieces have signs that read "Evles Trade School."

56294 Santa's Lookout Tower, 1993-2000

Early samples have a completely red tower.

56090 Santa & Mrs. Clause, 1990-

Variations exist in the title on the book: "Good Boys" instead of "Good Kids." Very few of the "Good Boys" variation were ever sold.

56016 Elf Bunkhouse, 1990-1996

The box and the bottom stamp both read "Elf Bunkhouse" while the sign above the door reads "Elves Bunkhouse."

56015 Reindeer Barn, 1990-2000

Variations exist with reindeer names duplicated and others omitted on the reindeer stalls. The duplicated names vary.

56006 Santa's Workshop, 1990-1993

The original samples had a green roof.