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Gary,

This has to be one of the finest porcelain Hirsch figures out there today. Once in a while a super-fine painted version shows up on auction sites, those with excellent paint jobs get lots of attention ... I think Mike W. posted one earlier in this thread which is quite a gem.

I think John Z. just picked up a nice all-white example of this pattern, too, nicht?

Beautiful animal.

B~

Franz Nagy Allach foxterrier, pattern # 105, been looking for a mint conditioned piece for quite sometime.

Gary

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The trio of Allach Foxterrier's

Gary

Gary,

I'm glad to see you finally got the third pooch to this superb Allach set, this is a very fine trio.

There's almost a tangible life-force inside these sculptures, each one captures and conveys that bright, attentive look of a fox terrier - smart, clever little dogs.

A friend of mine recently mentioned to me, "Its just amazing how a person can turn a lump of clay into an almost living thing..." I agree completely.

There's a world of difference that seperates the work of an artisan or craftsperson from the true artist. Sculptors like Kaerner and Nagy, and those others who could impart that certain "life-spark" into their creations, they were true masters.

I think we're very lucky to get to collect and share small treasures like these with the forum, many thanks.

They really do make for excellent company in one's study, Rustkammer, or otherwise Fortress of Solitude ...

Nice find mate, your Allach collection is coming along right nicely, good job!

W~

Gary:

Do you collect all Allach or only those that are hunting and forestry themed?

Beautiful trio and a great adjunct to your impressive dagger collection.

BTW, I know how that is... my squirrels are running away from me and getting a life of their own (and thank you, Bill, for pointing me into this direction).

John

John
Purely those with a hunting/forestry theme,apart from the two stags I tend to stick to the smaller models, I have no interest at all in the large dashound or german shepherd, they just seem a little out of place to me.

Thanks

Gary

All I can say is WWWWWWOOOOOOWWWW!

John

John,

That sums it up nicely ...

Gary - I remember the first piece of Allach that you bought, it's now grown into a first class collection... wow! That's a really nice display, lovely.

Here's an early Hutschenreuther raven or crow, done about 1908-1909. The bird isn't signed or doesn't have a model number, but I believe this was sculpted by Fritz Klee.

He was one of the top-dogs at the firm and went on to teach at the company's porcelain fine-art school somewhere around 1910? A lot of the animals he sculpted were done in white porcelain that had gilded, highlighted decorations. Some of the owls and a few others are a bit funky for my tastes, but he designed and produced several sublime animal figures. I think one either likes his early Art Deco style or not ... there's almost no middle ground with his approach, sort of a "love-hate" relationship ...

They say he was also very influential in changing the entire industry with his well thought-out plans and innovations.

I must admit I find this little guy interesting and pleasing to my eye but, I'd love to hear your honest comments - good, bad or indifferent.

Hope everybody has a nice collectible or two lined-up in their sights for the summer months ahead ...

Best regards!

B~

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Bill:

The chrome dome bird just doesn't do anythng for me... unlike the stags and the four legged creatures we are seeing here.

John

I don't know squat about porcelain but do love Art deco styling so I'd give this bird a thumbs up for that reason as well as being somewhat unique and out of the ordinary.
Plus he seems to be well done detail wise with just the right amount of deco style to keep it looking realistic.
I imagine it would be very tough to create a work that would combine this type of styling and realism.
The gold beak,eyes,and decorative band along the base really adds to the deco vs realism look IMO.
Should display very well with your to die for deco panther too.

Personally I like the gold accents, I also like the feathering to the wings and the impressive chest area. It wouldn't be something I'd add to my collection but can agree with Dean that he is an impressive addition to the already superb collection.

Gary

Bill,
I think it's a great unique piece and certainly not an easy one to make.

Gary,
Nice collection,very impressive to say the least and thanks for showing it. I have the painted version of the Dam Hirsch and if interested I'll gladly take a picture and post it. Thanks.

Bill, a cute bird but he looks in a right bad mood!
Here is a Meissen letter opener, about 11 inches in lenghth and with a bisque blade. I'm not sure of the period and any help would be appreciated.

The logo on the hilt.

Tristan, I think it was made during 1934 - 1947. Jim

Thanks, Jim.

Gentlemen,

It's good to see everyone's staying busy, thanks for the latest additions and insightful comments about the bird. I really appreciate you all taking time to answer, I value every one of your comments. I also consider each of you to be true gentlemen, collectors and tops in your individual areas of interest. I've come to know parts of your collections over the years through your own posts, comments and private correspondence and they are always insightful, honest and intelligent. Sincere thanks for that my friends ...

... and now, onwards and upwards ... Mikee, yes - please do post the colored Damhirsch, one of my favorite Kärner pieces.

Tristan, very cool opener, one can easily see the appeal. This might provide a great contrast alongside some of your wonderful animal pieces -those flowing natural lines and curves against the hard definition of the blade outline. I think that might work..? The shape somehow reminds me of an early Heer dagger, though, decorated with a Delft-blue painted grip, very nice!

Jim, thanks for your help with the marking, I have a lot more studying to do when it comes to the crossed-swords logos. Anything new in your neck o' the woods? I think I can speak here for everyone, it'd sure be great to see another piece from your collection, when and if you get a chance, please?

I recently added this big ol' fella to my collection, another large, oversized stag-beetle. This example is by the Bohemian/Czech company, Royal Dux, and the single figure is even slightly larger in scale than the fighting pair I have by Galluba & Hoffmann. At approximately 8 inches long he makes for an imposing presence crawling around on one's desktop ...

All the best!

Bill

Ps almost forgot ... I'll post a great bug-related topic to the Graphics thread if interested ..?

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Thanks, Bill. In my impetuous youth I was a dagger collector and that is part of the reason I bought this piece; that, and the exorbitant prices of any Allach!
Knowing your admiration of that Kaerner fellow if you are not aware of an upcoming German auction, I thought you might like to see a couple of bronze examples of his that are coming up for sale later this month; appararntly these are from "the estate of the niece of the famous artist"

That was the "SS Flag Bearer"...this is "The Pilot"

...and of course the "Fencer" (in bisque porcelain)

Tristan, Nice porcellain knife. There are so many of that type mark, so fo me I really cant say. That sort of thing really takes an expertise in that field.

Bill, Always interested in anything you have to post, always a delight amigo. I like that beetle and the contrast and blending of colors is really something.

Bill, unfortunately I have a big porcelian collection but it covers all of Europe including Russia. Here is another Meissen piece, which I can't date as they put an initial and number over the top. I call it the "Little Hunter", he is 3 1/8" (82mm)tall. For those who are into porcelian and needing to identify the marks, one of the best books I have found for Germany is "Marks on German, Bohemian and Austrian Porcelian 1710 to present" by Robert E. Rontgen (the "o" has two dots above it).

Tristan,

Thanks for the shots of the Kärner auction pieces, now if only I could win the lottery, heh ... owning any one of these examples really would be "hitting the jackpot!" One can easily see why the Professor is becoming so popular with all-kinds of collectors these days. These examples are what dreams are made of - my dreams!

Jim,

Do my eyes deceive or is that little fellow sporting a beetle-like exoskeleton? I know that early Germanic tribes wore wolf, bear and deer skins in this fashion, but that looks like a Hirschkäfer-mantle to me. I think that this could be in keeping with the many Puttis or cherubic figurines that were created in porcelain over the years? Some were most unusual in subject matter - children riding sea-monsters or other exotic beasts, potraying historical characters, etc... I think your early piece falls into line there? I'd love to know the story behind this little imp, would Meissen be able to identify it for you? They must have a department that does this sort of thing, no? Could it possibly be an original Bustelli?

Please feel free to post anything you wish, whether French, Russian or any others, we're all willing to look and learn. If it's interesting to you it will most likely fascinate us, too. Those have to be among the prettiest markings I've ever seen ... very sophisticated and elegant.

Many thanks to all of our regular contributors and guests, best to all ...

Bill

BIll, I never thought of the skin, but now you mention it, it does appear to be beatle. Yes, Meissen does have a department that IDs stuff as I have used them before (Hawk and Dove statue posted earlier) and another piece which they say they didn't make but has their mark. Jim

As mainly a collector of blades and guns, I do not have anything like what you guys are showing in my collection. These are truly a work of art and I can hardly wait for the next thread to see what is coming up. Thanks so much for showing and the education that goes with each piece is tremendous. Job well done. James

I have a few more pieces that are figurines. The first is a Spanish Danish by Royal Dux Deutschland. She is 14" (355mm) tall and dates from around 1920 or later (before the war).

Next is a Hungarian Hassar, made by the Herrend porcelain company in Hungary. He dates from about 1970 and is 16" (451mm) tall. On his pouch you will see the Herrend stamp as well as on the base of the statue.

Bill, here is the backside of the hunter.

Another Herren piece, this one also dates from the 70's. A Hassar slaying a dragon. The Herren dhield is on his hat this time. He stands 8 1/2" (215mm) tall.

Semi-nude Dancer made in 1964 by the VEB Wallendorf Porcelian Factory. She is 9" (229mm) tall.

This is the last of my figurines.

Jim,

A great variety of goodies, each very nice in its own unique way. I think that's very neat how they painted their logo into piece, very clever!

You have to appreciate the two lovely ladies. Both are great snapshots into the past - the style of dress and on like that ... and, they're both very good-looking women, which is always nice to look at!

I like the two military figures but my favorite is the "bug-boy." I'll bet my eye-teeth that was meant to be a bug jacket ..!

I've always liked unusual pieces and that one really does it for me.

Best!

Bill

Bill

I wrote Meissen and here is their answer:

"MEISSEN in 1900 by August Ringler (1837-1918). Its title is "Amor, als Hirschkäfer verkleidet" (Amor as a stag-beetle). It was probably produced around 1900-1924".

Jim

Jim,

Many thanks for checking on that and letting us
know. That is definitely one exceptional figure!

Danke!

Bill

"Ein fennec for your thoughts ..." (sounds like Pfennig) ... please excuse my feeble attempt at a very miserable pun ...

Also known in German as ein Wüstenfuchs, or desert fox. Robert Ullmann sculpted this unusual little fellow around 1951, for Augarten, Wien.

Best to all !

Bill

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