WE ARE AWAY OVERSEAS IN THE UK PICKING UP INVENTORY FOR THE STORE.  PLEASE NOTE WE WILL NOT BE SHIPPING YOUR ITEM(S) UNTIL THE WEEK OF 20 JUNE 2026.  IF YOU WISH TO CANCEL, PLEASE INITIATE A CANCELLATION IF YOU CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL THE WEEK OF 20 JUNE 2026 FOR US TO SHIP YOUR ITEM.  WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE.: : :

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament – Kansas City Angel, Precious Edition

Year: 1998

Maker: Hallmark Cards, Inc., Kansas City, MO, USA

Material: Lead crystal and silver-plated metal

Sculptor: LaDene Votruba

Serial / Code: QXC4526

Dimensions: Approx. 1.5 inches tall

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Identification & Description

This ornament is the Kansas City Angel, Precious Edition (1998 Celebration Exclusive), created to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. It was distributed exclusively to attendees of the August 1998 Hallmark event in Kansas City, Missouri — not sold in retail stores. Each piece features a silver-plated angel design holding a deep red faceted lead-crystal teardrop. The reverse side is stamped “’98,” and it comes in its original red commemorative box with a fitted black insert and authenticity statement on the reverse.

Designed by LaDene Votruba, the piece represents one of the earliest Hallmark “exclusive convention” ornaments and remains highly sought-after among specialized collectors of early Hallmark event editions.

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Historical & Collectible Context

The 1998 Kansas City Angel was issued only for that specific celebratory event, making it significantly scarcer than standard ornaments of the same era. It is part of Hallmark’s early convention-exclusive production series, produced in small numbers for corporate guests, dealers, and collectors attending the 25th Anniversary celebration. Its construction with genuine lead crystal and silver plate sets it apart from mass-market resin or molded ornaments.

Over time, these exclusives have gained recognition as milestone collectibles marking Hallmark’s evolution into the premier ornament brand in the U.S. The red crystal variant remains the most recognized of the Kansas City exclusives, and complete boxed examples with pristine inserts command a collector premium.

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Condition

The example shown is in excellent condition with no evident tarnish, chips, or plating loss. The original red box and insert are present and clean, showing only light age wear consistent with careful storage. This completeness enhances its desirability, as many surviving examples lack their boxes or show crystal damage.

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