Hi Jonathan,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This was made by Schwarzburger Werkstätten (more commonly referred to as "Schwarzburger"), which (according to the British Museum website https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/term/BIOG78238) was founded in 1908 by the ceramic artist Max Adolf Pfeiffer (1875-1957) as the art department of the Porzellanfabrik Unterweissbach, which had been founded in 1882 by Hermann Jost. Pfeiffer collaborated with a number of distinguished artists, including Ernst Barlach, Gerhard Marcks, Paul Scheurich and Max Esser. In 1913, Pfeiffer left to become director at the Meissen Porcelain Factory. The Unterweissbach concern continued until its bankruptcy in 1930 when it merged with the Aelteste Volkstedter Porzellanmanufaktur.

The company is known for its porcelain figures, some of which are extremely detailed (and which bring a high price at auction).

An identical porcelain black bird by Schwarzburger came up for sale at an Irish auction house in May 2023, with an estimate of €100-€200; it sold for €70 (https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/152393059_a-schwazburger-werk-porcelain-model-of-a-black-bird-on-a-shaped-square-base-18cm-high). I can't find any other examples of this model bringing higher than $100 at auction

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A Schwarzburger Werkstätten black porcelain bird
made in Germany, probably early 20th Century
7 inches high, 7 inches long, 4 inches wide
CONDITION: This bird appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Acquired at auction
$ 75-100*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia