This article originally appeared in the 2005 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Value Guide.

“In 1994 when Hallmark awarded door-prizes at their first regional event, they announced that the winners were going to receive ‘mistakes.’ Of course these weren’t really mistakes, but rather, extremely limited, special edition ornaments taken from the regular product line that were painted in different color schemes.”*

“Although the first Colorways were given away in 1994*, the first one was actually a special gold plated KC Angel given to noted ornament collector Clara Johnson Scroggins as a ‘Thank You’ during the 1993 KC Convention.”

1955 Murray Red “Champion”

“Since the first Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collector’s Club (KOCC) National event in Kansas City in 1991, periodic events have been held in various cities around the country and known as Conventions, Expo, Artist on Tour (AOT), Local Club Tour (LCT), Jubilee, and Art of Keepsakes (AOK). Each successive event has seen a growth in popularity, as it has moved from a one-time event at a single location to multiple regional events around the country.”

As the popularity and notoriety of Colorways has increased, Hallmark has expanded its distribution, making special pieces available for purchase by KOCC members or as rewards for Member-Get-A-Member campaigns, and as gift/prizes at Ornament Debut and Premier and Holiday Open House. The rarest by far are the prizes from national club events. In 1999 gold seals were added to the boxes to make the prizes more identifiable from the regular issue ornaments.

Excerpted from: Special Issue Ornaments, by Tim Kline

Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Value Guide: 1st Edition
Nicki Pierce, HookedonOrnaments.com

*1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, Special Edition – This repainted version of the 4th ornament in the Classic American Cars series was issued in limited quantities and only available as a R-T-W prize at the 1994 Keepsake Ornament Collectors Club event. QXC5422 Edition Size: 40 pieces

*Murray® “Red Champion” – This repainted version of the 1st in the Kiddie Car Classics ornament series was issued in limited quantities and only available at the 1994 Keepsake Ornament Collectors Club events as a Register-To-Win prize. By Don Palmiter. 1⅞” h. x 2⅞” w. QXC5426 Edition size: 40