Old Balloon Seller Appraisal

Royal Doulton The Old Balloon Seller HN1315

This is a classic 'The Old Balloon Seller' figurine, model number HN1315, produced by the renowned English pottery company Royal Doulton. The piece is crafted from fine bone china and finished with a high-gloss lead glaze. It depicts an elderly woman seated with a basket of colorful balloons at her side, though in this specific shot, the figure appears to be a variant or related 'Balloon Seller' series character like 'The Balloon Lady' or 'The Old Balloon Seller' showing her feeding birds. The woman features a wrinkled, expressive face, wearing a black hat, a vibrant blue shawl, and a green skirt. Beside her is a detailed woven basket filled with round, brightly colored spheres representing balloons or possibly fruit. Notable for its hand-painted details, the figure showcases subtle flesh tones and intricate shading in the fabric folds. Based on the style and typical production runs, this piece likely dates from the mid-20th century. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or restoration, maintaining a vibrant color palette and a smooth surface. These figurines are highly collectible, valued for their characterful depiction of Victorian street vendors and high-quality British craftsmanship.