You first, my dear Gaston. . . .

This comic china figurine is known as a fairing, because these small inexpensive porcelain pieces often were given as prizes or sold as souvenirs at fairs from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s.  Made in Germany, many fairings carry a caption.  This fairing features two well-dressed gentlemen apparently preparing to share the buxom blonde beauty lying on the bed behind them.  The caption reads, "After you my dear Alfonse."  This phrase was made famous by the American comic strip, "Alphonse and Gaston" by Frederick Opper, which featured two garishly dressed and extremely ugly, but extraordinarily polite, Frenchmen.  The comic first appeared in 1901; however, neither of the fairing's rakish roués resemble the grotesque Gaston or Alphonse and their elegant clothing is closer to what a Victorian gentleman would have worn in the late 1800s.  Although it is possible that the fairing dates from after 1900, I wonder whether it is earlier and that the comic strip's catch phrase actually was inspired by some preceding vaudeville act or music hall skit.  The quality of this fairing is quite high for this genre, with detailed modeling and nicely done decoration.  Stamped "Made in Germany" in a circle underneath, this funny fairing is  3.5 inches long and 4 inches high.

Bathing Beauty of the Week

Ms. #535 is a supersized sensual siren by Galluba and Hofmann.  Her high-piled molded hair is unusual for Galluba, but her exceptionally beautiful face is decorated in typical Galluba style.  She is 5.75 inches tall and is incised "9600" on back of the base, as well as stamped "Germany" in red inside the base.  

2013 Austin Doll Collectors Society Show!

The Austin Doll Collector's 38th Annual Doll Show and Sale will be on October 19, 2013, at the Norris Conference Center.  Check under  Pages for more information.

The Last of the Toothsome Toothpick Tootsies

This will be the last post on the series of sensual sirens attached to green precolored bisque toothpick or match holders, all apparently by the same mystery maker.    Ms. #389 appeared earlier on this blog.  Of sharp bisque with excellent modeling and decoration, this 5 inch tall literate lovely is incised “5513" between the back legs of her chair (Ms. #440 is marked "5516" and Ms. #504 is incised "5193," further supporting the supposition that they were indeed by the same company.) Once there was a green jasperware container of some sort attached to the right side, but now only two bits of green bisque remain.  

   

Whoever the manufacturer was, the company seems to really liked women and wine.  Ms. #534 carries a big bubble of bubbly,  while her sister holds out her wine glass to be filled. These two buxom imbibing belles from my blog posting of December 4, 2011 both pose by precolored bisque containers shaped like champagne corks.  The beauty in blue holds up her champagne flute to a rosy cheek, while the other in orange pours herself a drink. 

The Return of the Toothsome Toothpick Tootsies

This week I return to the review of a series of toothpick or match holders featuring a bisque beauty in a rather revealing outfit standing against a small container of green precolored bisque.  Although I do not know their manufacturer, I am certain it is not Schafer and Vater.  Like Ms. #504, who was featured on January 23rd, this buxom blonde wears a fairly scanty swimsuit.  Perhaps in keeping with the water theme, the  green precolored bisque container behind her features molded reeds.  Unmarked, except for a freehand "4" in blue, she is 5.5 inches tall.

Check out my new page!

I also collect all-bisque dolls as well as bathing beauties and just added a new page with some of my favorites, a scarce all-bisque bestiary of anthropomorphic dolls from Hertwig and Company.