*18th C. Porcelain Figural Swaddled Baby Bodkin Needle Case Meissen Germany

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*18th C. Porcelain Figural Swaddled Baby Bodkin Needle Case Meissen Germany:
$1200.00

This is a mid 18th century antique German porcelain bodkin (needle) case, probably Meissen although possibly one of the other important early German manufactories.

Construction, style and decoration, as well as the porcelain type (porcelain body color and thickness/color of the glaze) are consistent with Meissen of the mid 18th century. This piece is unmarked, typical of this type of piece and many Meissen Objects of Vertu from the early and mid 18th century are unmarked. I am familiar with other Meissen Bodkin Cases of this time period but not this specific model, which does not have the infant bound with ribbon — this is the only reason I cannot be 100% certain it’s Meissen. If it is not Meissen, it is still certainly mid 18th century, circa 1750, and I do guarantee this time period to be correct as well as it being of German origin.

I have collected 18th century porcelain, especially early Meissen, for about 30 years and I authenticate pieces for dealers and sales. Unfortunately, when dealing with an unknown model (and this model’s unknown to me but may be cataloged somewhere), a chemical analysis, such as Proton-Beam Analysis (PIXE–PIGE), of the porcelain body/glaze is the only positive means of identification. This testing is not within my means and certainly not necessary unless the piece is determined to be of significant historical importance, making a documented positive identification imperative. I don’t feel that’s the case with this piece. If you’re familiar with the large sale houses (Christie’s, Sotheby’s, etc.), then you’re already aware that they often catalog these types of small, 18th century German pieces as “probably Meissen”.

Now, the item description :

It’s about 3 3/16 inches tall and about 7/8 inch wide at the shoulder.

It has hand-made gilt bronze or brass mounts, typical of the time period. There is some minor ware to the gilt mounts and the metal has tiny surface scratches and dings, consistent with age and use (see photos).

The porcelain body has a light yellow wash that has worn in some places. This yellow is covered with puce flowers that also show some ware (see photos).

The face is subtly painted and the baby’s bonnet is decorated with puce stripes (worn, see photos).

Under close inspection (and visible in the photos, which are magnified) there are typical tiny firing defects consistent with this period Meissen porcelain.

The glaze shows some ware, particularly across the figures back where it would rest against whatever surface it would lay on.

The porcelain just above the gilt mount in the front has a flake in the glaze that’s about 1/8 inch by 1/8 inch and adjacent to that is an even smaller triangular shaped chip that goes under the mount that may have happened when the gilt mounts were originally added at the manufactory. This small triangular chip does not go through to the inside of the piece. I can’t tell if the flake is a manufacturing flaw or damage, possible sustained at the time the gilt mount was originally added, or if it’s later damage. I took close up photos of this area so please look carefully. Other that this area, the porcelain is in good shape.

When the lid is opened you can see the gilt mount is held on not only by its crimped bezel, but also with glue.

The lid opens and closes well and with a slight “click”. The lid, when all the way closed, has a little play in it. This play is about 1/16 inch which results in the lid loosely fitting at the front, but it does still stay closed.

Please see photos for condition and feel free to ask questions. I’ve collected 16th through early 20th century Chinese, European and English porcelain for 30 years but it’s time to thin out the collection a little!

It will be very well packed for shipping.

Please look at all photo for condition.

It comes from a smoke free home.

PLEASE READ:

Payment must be received within 3 days of end of sale.

Shipping will be combined when appropriate: when packing together will not potentially cause damage or will not require a larger box (new post office rates greatly affect postage cost on boxes over 1 cubic foot).

I can usually only combine shipping if the sales end the same week.

No international shipping.

PayPal accepted only. If paying with a PayPal e-check item held until e-check clears.

I will e-mail the winning buyer an invoice at the end of the sale. Since I have so many sales going on every day, this will be the only e-mail that you will receive regarding your item (sorry, I just don\'t have the time!).

I ship virtually every weekday (I don\'t ship on Saturdays, sorry!). If you pay with an instant payment through PayPal, your item will usually be shipped the following weekday, but remember, I hold e-checks until cleared.

If you have questions before the end of any sale I will try my best to find time to answer them.

Any item may be returned if not as described/pictured but please email me first. I will refund cost of item plus shipping/handling cost (I can’t refund shipping cost for an individual item if it was shipped with other items). But please remember I only issue refunds if the item you receive is not as described/pictured.

I DO NOT CHECK MY EMAIL FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

GOOD LUCK!

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