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Martha Washington

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    Posted 11 years ago

    oldbird57
    (2 items)

    This is a figure I call Martha that my Grandmother had for as long as I can remember (I am 62) and was always my favorite thing to look at when I was little. It now belongs to me and I still love it but I know very little about where it came from, how old it really is or who made it. It is 16 1/2" tall, has real lace and no doubt fake jewels on her necklace and the dog collar. I can not find any markings on it but have not removed the original cloth/wool cover on the base to look inside. It will never be for sale but I would greatly appreciate any information on it. I hope I have it in the correct category. Thanks, Oldbird57

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    Comments

    1. epson233 epson233, 11 years ago
      hi oldbird57 -- hunter with cw is hoping to incorporate a new category for figurines as they really don't fit in either dolls or artglass -- i collect florence ceramics and she is not one of hers -- will be interesting to see what you find under the felt -- shoot us a pic -- sometimes even the pour hole can help in yielding more information
    2. oldbird57, 11 years ago
      Hi epson233, thanks for your comments. I took the felt off and the base is solid with no markings that I could see. I will try to get a picture to my posting if you think it will help. Does the solid base indicate anything versus the open type? The family story that I heard many years ago was that my uncle (one of my Grandmothers sons) was in France during WWll and either brought it back or sent it to her. I don't know if that is fact or just a story but that is the only possible shred of history on it. If that is true, it may shed some light on the subject. Thanks again, oldbird57
    3. epson233 epson233, 11 years ago
      birdie -- is there no hole even in the base to release the slurry -- will wait for the pics
    4. oldbird57, 11 years ago
      Hi epson233, There was a section in the middle that was cracked and peeling like it was thin so I pulled off a piece of it but was still solid under that. I tapped around on the base and center but seemed consistent/no hollow sound. I just now weighed it and it was 8lbs, probably not enough to be a solid casting. I will see if I'm smart enough to send a picture. Ha Ha.
    5. oldbird57, 11 years ago
      epson233, got ur done, see what you think?
    6. epson233 epson233, 11 years ago
      ummmmmmmmmmm -- interesting -- if she weighs 8 lbs she is definitely not hollow -- so here is my guess -- she is a plaster of paris figurine and not porcelain or bisque -- plaster of paris is often cast in more than one section which are then joined together during construction --

      next guess might be a staffordshire figurine made in england sometime during the 19th century -- or she could be german or french -- but based on the dog i would stay with either england or france -- her glaze is superior -- she is certainly not chalkware which is also cast from plaster of paris but chips and in my opinion -- cheap sideshow crappola -- but it has it's collectors so best zip the lip on that one

      ergo -- in your search use the terms -- plaster of paris (not porcelain or bisque) for origin -- england france germany (where did grandma hale from might be a clue also for origin)

      will try and continue to do some looking for info also -- have a great weekend -- colder than a witches teat here this morning in vancouver wa
    7. oldbird57, 11 years ago
      Hi epson233, You may be right on the plaster of paris, that is what the exposed material on the base looks like to me. Appears you are the only one to venture to comment on it but you have been very helpful and I greatly appreciate the information and conversation. Where else would you recommend to search for info on Martha? I am south of Kansas City, Mo. and we have about 3" of fresh snow this morning. Thanks again, oldbird57

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