Although there are officially 13 different models for Tittensor‘s group representing the famed 40 thieves from Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, there are four further diminutive models that were only produced as prototypes, this exciting find being one of them.
What makes this chap stand further out from the crowd is the wonderful Sung and lustre glaze that has been given to him, which just adds to his charm.
For further information please contact the auctioneers.
Jennie Harbour’s influence on Royal Doulton’s HN collection is relatively unknown. Certainly her name does not readily crop up in their company records, which detail when they bought many ‘sole rights for reproduction in china’ images from greetings card manufacturers and even artists directly. However, Harbour I have yet to find reference to….
Nevertheless her influence can be seen throughout the 1930s and Leslie Harradine clearly drew inspiration for many of his classic figures from her work including Miss Fortune, Lady Clare, Modena, Annabella etc….
Here we have a very early and rare figure Lady and Blackamoor together with the Harbour picture that inspired the group. Like a handful of bell-shaped figures from the time the model has been adapted as a powder bowl for a lady’s dressing table. Although unattributed here, these powder bowls were typically produced for Dubarry.
It will interest collectors to know that the head on the group illustrated was also remodelled for this bowl. Here is her original head from an early group photograph. The model number also differs model 267 being the original one piece group and the powder bowl model 273. Also note the differing position of the fan and hands.
This wonderfully early figure is coming up @ Lion and Unicorn auctions 21 April 2024. Visit http://www.lionandunicorn.com for further information!
Just a few more colourways, prototypes and rare figures to share with you all! Thanks once again to Seaway China for the use of their pictures too!
An unusual Guy Fawkes
A very different Orange Vendor
The rare HN1563 version of Sweet and Twenty
Abdullah in red
A nice version of Repose in yellow
Mam’selle in a typical 1920’s colouring
A nice Deirdre dated 1947 that I once had
Polly Peachum in grey
A charming Ballerina prototype from the 1960’s
An elaborately painted Young Love
And that’s all for colourways and prototypes for today!! Enjoy and keep hunting!
C
doultoncollectorsclub 