Fairing Figurine - The last in bed to put out the light, German, late Nineteenth Century

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Auction Start: 02/11/24 10:16:00 UTC
Auction Ending: 16/11/24 20:54:00 UTC
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LOT NUMBER 27
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LOT NUMBER 27

Fairing Figurine - The last in bed to put out the light, German, late Nineteenth Century

Fairing Figurine "The last in bed to put out the light". 'Fairings', as they are known, were ceramic figures made to be given out, sold or won as prizes at fairs, hence the name. They were a product of the late Victorian era but continued to be made until the beginning of the First World War when they fell out of fashion. Manufacture was in Germany principally by the firm Conta and Boehme who developed a mass production method that no other company could match, thereby achieving a market advantage. They exported large quantities to Britain and the United States, but their pieces have even been found in Australia along with other destinations.

The various figures were made in white glazed porcelain with coloured decoration. The compositions were sculptural and often accompanied by an inscription, as here. Many models are known. Two typical examples are 'Returning from the Ball' and 'Twelve Months after Marriage' but the most common example is represented here 'The last in bed to put out the light'. A couple are seen climbing into a covered bed at the foot of which stands a candle in a holder. These candles are usually broken off, most likely because of simple damage over the years but it has been suggested that this was done deliberately for good luck.

Some of the fairing figurines are marked, as here. The impressed number '2851' comes from the first series of figures produced by the Conta factory with numbers ranging from 2850 to 2899. The earlier examples do not have the shield mark found on most of the pieces which indicates an earlier dating here, more towards the middle of the nineteenth century.

Fairings have been collectors' items for many years now and still hold a naif charm which makes them appealing display items, with a history of their own.

Size: Length 8.5cm, Width 5cm, Height (max) 8cm
Weight: 235 grams
Date: 1860
Condition: Fair condition for the type. The candle broken off and missing, two chips to the underside of the base and a tiny chip to the exterior. Otherwise the modelling is undamaged and the enamelling bright.
Estimate: £20 – 30

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