Royal Doulton The Balloon Man Figurine Appraisal

Royal Doulton 'The Balloon Man' HP12 Figurine

This is a Royal Doulton 'The Balloon Man' HP12 figurine, crafted from ceramic or bone china with a glossy glazed finish. The figurine depicts an older gentleman, seated, wearing a dark brown or black fedora-style hat, a white shirt with a textured pattern, a deep red or maroon waistcoat, and a dark brown or black overcoat. His trousers appear to be a light brown or beige color, and his shoes are black. The man's face exhibits detailed features, including wrinkles and a thoughtful or slightly weary expression. His eyes are small and dark, and he has a slightly open mouth. He holds a vibrant cluster of balloons in front of him, painted in rich, varied colors including deep purple, bright yellow, vivid green, orange, and a deep reddish-maroon. In his left hand, resting beside him on the base, he holds a reddish-brown satchel or bag. The colors are applied with a blend of naturalistic tones for the figure and more vibrant, stylized hues for the balloons, typical of Royal Doulton's character figurines. The overall craftsmanship suggests a high level of detail and quality, with smooth transitions between colors and well-defined features. There are no obvious signs of significant damage like chips, cracks, or repairs visible in the provided image; the glaze appears intact and uniform. This particular piece, 'The Balloon Man,' is a well-known and often collected design within Royal Doulton's Prestige or Character series, likely dating from the mid-to-late 20th century. The intricate painting and modeling suggest a good quality production.