This is another of my selection of quirky antique Schafer & Vater bisque pottery figurines.
The figures in my shop are not run-of-the-mill examples - and all are quite rare - or occasionally very rare. smoking collectables.
They are special items for the specialist collector of these cute little German bisque figures.
This little model shows comical little Scotsman - he might be inspired by Sir Harry Lauder as he is shown holding a curly wooden walking stick (as often used by Lauder).
He is wearing a little shortie kilt - it is quite a cheeky length and is made of a little piece of tartan fabric. He has turned round to look at the viewer - the text on the figure refers to that age-old mystery: What does a Scotsman Wear Under His Kilt?
On the base - it reads: Mind Your Own Business - and when you flip up the plaid material resembling a kilt - underneath on a pair of big white pants - are the words: Of course, I've pants you fool.
There is an aperture on the other side of the figure section - this is where you put spills or long matches.
This funny wee figure or match holder dates to around 1905 - 1915.
It is in good antique condition - with no chips or damages.
Dimensions: 5 1/2 inches in height.
These antique pieces of German smoking paraphernalia are now hard to find.
Displays very well.
HISTORY: The company was founded by Gustave Schaefer and Guenther Vater in Germany in 1890. By 1896 the business was so successful that they were able to expand to the List Porcelain Factory at Neuhaus.
The company aimed at producing high-quality items in hard-paste porcelain - and it made luxury items, including figurines and dolls' heads. They also produced a range of soft-paste porcelain items such as small liquor bottles which were distributed in pubs etc.
Schafer & Vater were better known for their comical and figural items. They manufactured these in teapots, jugs, creamers, bottles, match strikers, and planters, with a backstamp impressed with a crown above an 'R' in a star. 'Made in Germany' was sometimes stamped in black. Occasionally, Schafer & Vater pieces appear without any stamps or reference to their origin, but they are easy to recognize due to their characteristics and unique craftsmanship, and unusual design.
Their wonderful novelty figures were always very popular in the States - and by 1910 the American firm of Sears Roebuck & Co began to import and distribute Schafer & Vater pottery items.
In 1913 Paul Schafer had taken over from his father and, working alongside Gunther Vater, built up a successful workforce of around 200 people. In 1918 the factory was destroyed by fire and they set up a new factory to resume production.
Sadly, the firm closed in 1962, and in1972 the East German government assumed full control of the vacant factory, and their records and moulds were destroyed - so no further figures could be produced.