Royal Doulton 'The Drummer Boy' Figurine (HN 2679)

This is a vintage Royal Doulton porcelain figurine titled 'The Drummer Boy,' numbered HN 2679. The piece depicts a young soldier from the Napoleonic era sitting on a military drum while polishing a black boot. He is dressed in a vibrant red tunic with intricate white and black braided detailing, gray trousers rolled at the ankle, and a tall black shako hat featuring a gold-toned insignia. The figurine's base is styled as naturalistic ground, and the drum is decorated in classic regimental colors of red, white, and blue. The craftsmanship is typical of high-quality English bone china, featuring a smooth, glossy glaze finish and delicate hand-painted facial features that convey a calm expression. Measuring approximately 8 to 9 inches in height, this specific model was designed by Mary Nicoll and issued between 1976 and 1981. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, maintaining its original luster. The colors remain saturated without fading, and the fine details in the fingers and toes are well-preserved. While the underside is not visible, it would typically bear the Royal Doulton lion and crown backstamp with the model name and number.

Upon visual examination of this Royal Doulton 'The Drummer Boy' (HN 2679), I find the piece to be an excellent example of Mary Nicoll’s design. The figurine exhibits the high-quality glazing and saturated pigments characteristic of the 1976-1981 production period. Based on the provided imagery, the condition appears near-mint; I observe no evidence of 'crazing' in the glaze, nor any structural failures in delicate areas like the fingers or the plume of the shako. The colors remain crisp, and the hand-painted facial features are properly aligned, supporting its likely authenticity. The market for mid-to-late 20th-century Royal Doulton has stabilized, though it remains soft compared to peak values in the early 2000s. HN 2679 is a popular 'lifestyle' soldier piece, less common than the standard character jugs but widely produced enough to be accessible. Current auction comparables typically range between $120 and $250 depending on the venue and presence of the original box. A significant factor in this specific piece’s value is the preservation of the vibrant red tunic and the absence of shelf wear on the base. However, this appraisal is subject to limitations: a physical inspection is required to confirm the presence of the Royal Doulton lion-and-crown backstamp and to check for professional restorations (which are often invisible under standard photography). I would also recommend a UV light (blacklight) test to identify any hidden adhesive repairs or overpainting. Full authentication would ideally include provenance documentation or an original purchase receipt to verify it is not a high-quality contemporary imitation.