An antique pair of Victorian chalkware figures, possibly German, circa 1889 or later
My grandparents had them on either side of their fireplace from 1930's-1960's. My parents had them on either side of their fireplace from 1960's-1990's. I've had them wrapped and boxed in my garage from the 1990's until now. I assume that a craftsman made them in 1889 since that is what is etched in the base of each statue. I also assume that they are made of some type of cement since they are heavy. There is nothing broken off of either statue, but some areas of each statue, the paint has flaked away. I think that they are in great condition for being 136 years old. The one statue is of a little boy with long blond hair, dressed in blue with a blue hat and holding a doll like he is keeping it away from the little girl. The second statue is of a little girl with long blond hair, dressed in a white dress with a pink hat a pink bow and holding a ball like she is keeping it away from the little boy. For years our family has always said that Blue Boy and Pinky or Pink girl were playing keep away.
Each statue is about three and a half feet tall and about a foot wide.
Inherited
Yes
Hi William,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
These are made of chalkware and are Continental/European, probably German. The inscription on the back - next to the date of 1889 - is difficult to read but also looks Germanic, further confirming that these were made in that part of Europe.
The market for Victorian chalkware figures is not what it used to be - ones like this (of similar size and age) that have sold at auction recently have brought less than $300 each; this pair is worth $300-500.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique pair of Victorian chalkware figures
possibly German, circa 1889 or later
One of a boy in blue holding a doll, the other of a girl in pink
Each approximately 42 inches tall and 12 inches wide
CONDITION: Both with surface abrasions and losses.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$300-500*
*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
Here's a photo showing 1889.
Thank you.