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Title
WAPW Vintage Pewter Chicago Skyline Sears Tower Marina City Picasso Miniature
Mobile Overview
More than a simple skyline souvenir, this vintage WAPW pewter miniature captures a defining period in Chicago architecture. The Sears Tower, Marina City, Standard Oil/Amoco Building, John Hancock Center, Chicago Picasso and a Lake Michigan sailboat create a detailed city scene made in Great Britain.
Description
This vintage WAPW pewter miniature is almost a snapshot of Chicago’s late-20th-century skyline, combining four important skyscrapers with public art and the city’s Lake Michigan identity.
The Sears Tower—still called by that name by many Chicagoans—anchors one side of the composition. Completed in 1974, it became the tallest building in the world and retained that distinction for more than two decades.
Nearby is the rectangular Standard Oil Building, completed in 1973 and briefly the tallest completed building in Chicago before the Sears Tower surpassed it. It was also the fourth-tallest building in the world when completed. Renamed the Amoco Building in 1985 and later the Aon Center, its original bright white Carrara marble exterior was replaced with granite during a major 1990s recladding project.
At the center are Marina City’s instantly recognizable twin cylindrical “corncob” towers, among Chicago’s most distinctive examples of mid-century architecture. The John Hancock Center, with its characteristic exterior cross-bracing, completes the group of skyscrapers.
The Chicago Picasso appears prominently at the front, adding one of the city’s defining public-art landmarks. A small sailboat evokes Chicago’s Lake Michigan sailing tradition and balances the architecture with a waterfront element.
Together, these details explain why the miniature remains so recognizably Chicago: the Sears Tower represents record-setting height, the Standard Oil/Amoco Building represents corporate and architectural ambition, Marina City represents innovative residential design, the John Hancock Center represents structural engineering, and the Picasso represents Chicago’s public-art legacy.
Raised “CHICAGO SKYLINE” lettering finishes the front of the base. The underside is cast with “WAPW © MADE IN GT. BRITAIN.” WAPW is associated with the Wales Association of Pewter Workers.
An older pre-barcode-style $10.98 price sticker remains on the underside. Its placement suggests the miniature may have been displayed or retailed loose. No original packaging is included.
The selection of buildings reflects Chicago’s prominent late-1970s through 1980s skyline, although this particular example may have been produced or sold somewhat later.
Measurements
Length: Approximately 2 1/16 inches
Height: Approximately 2 inches
Depth: Approximately 1 inch
Weight: Approximately 1.8 ounces, or 51 grams
Please review the measurement and scale photographs.
Condition
Good vintage pre-owned condition with light surface wear and natural variation to the pewter finish. The buildings, delicate antennas, Chicago Picasso and sailboat details appear intact.
An aged $10.98 price sticker remains on the underside and partially overlaps the recessed maker panel; the WAPW and Great Britain markings remain visible.
No original packaging is included. Please view all pictures to buy with confidence.
Giftable
A meaningful gift for a Chicago native, former resident, architecture student, traveler, public-art enthusiast or collector of city memorabilia. Also suitable as a relocation, graduation, retirement, housewarming or office gift.
Buy Now
Bring home a small but historically interesting tribute to Chicago’s architecture, art and Lake Michigan setting. Its carefully selected landmarks capture the city during a remarkable period of architectural achievement and offer nostalgic appeal for anyone with a connection to Chicago.
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Item Specifics
Brand: WAPW
Maker: Wales Association of Pewter Workers
Type: Miniature Figurine / Architectural Sculpture
Subject: Chicago Skyline and Landmarks
Material: Pewter
Color: Silver / Pewter Gray
Finish: Matte Metallic Pewter Finish
Country/Region of Manufacture: Great Britain / United Kingdom
Mark: WAPW © MADE IN GT. BRITAIN
Era: Late 20th Century
Estimated Production Period: Likely 1980s–Early 1990s
Design Context: Reflects Chicago’s Late-1970s–1980s Landmark Skyline
Style: Architectural Miniature, Cityscape, Travel Souvenir
Theme: Chicago Landmarks, Architecture, Public Art, Cityscape, Lake Michigan, Travel
Features: Sears Tower/Willis Tower, Marina City, Standard Oil/Amoco Building, John Hancock Center, Chicago Picasso, Lake Michigan Sailboat, Dimensional Cast Detailing
Occasion: All Occasions
Collection: Pewter Miniatures
Original/Reproduction: Original Vintage Collectible
Length: Approximately 2 1/16 inches
Height: Approximately 2 inches
Depth: Approximately 1 inch
Weight: Approximately 1.8 ounces / 51 grams
Packaging: No Original Packaging Included
Condition: Good Vintage Pre-Owned Condition
Care: Dust gently with a soft dry cloth; avoid abrasive cleaners and metal polish
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