Bossons Character Wall Mask - Paddy
This item is a hand-painted gypsum plaster wall mask, commonly known as a Bossons head, specifically the character 'Paddy' (an Irishman). The piece features a high-relief sculptural bust of a man with a weathered, expressive face, wearing a tan/ochre-colored felt-style hat with a rope band and a green clover tucked into the brim. He is depicted with a white clay pipe clenched in his mouth. The figure is dressed in a red jacket and a blue necktie. The craftsmanship is highly detailed, showing deep character lines on the skin and realistic textures on the hat and pipe. These masks were produced by W.H. Bossons Ltd. in Congleton, Cheshire, England, likely dating from the 1960s to the 1980s. The material is chalkware (hard-fired gypsite), which is known for its susceptibility to chipping. This particular specimen shows some mild paint wear and small surface abrasions, particularly on the hat brim and collar, but the overall coloration remains vibrant. The item is displayed in a custom wooden shadow box or shelf, though it was originally designed for individual wall mounting via a recessed hole in the back.
AI-Generated Appraisal Disclaimer
Estimated Value
$45-65
Basic Information
Category
Collectibles - Decorative Figurines
Appraised On
February 23, 2026
Estimated Value
$45-65
Item Description
This item is a hand-painted gypsum plaster wall mask, commonly known as a Bossons head, specifically the character 'Paddy' (an Irishman). The piece features a high-relief sculptural bust of a man with a weathered, expressive face, wearing a tan/ochre-colored felt-style hat with a rope band and a green clover tucked into the brim. He is depicted with a white clay pipe clenched in his mouth. The figure is dressed in a red jacket and a blue necktie. The craftsmanship is highly detailed, showing deep character lines on the skin and realistic textures on the hat and pipe. These masks were produced by W.H. Bossons Ltd. in Congleton, Cheshire, England, likely dating from the 1960s to the 1980s. The material is chalkware (hard-fired gypsite), which is known for its susceptibility to chipping. This particular specimen shows some mild paint wear and small surface abrasions, particularly on the hat brim and collar, but the overall coloration remains vibrant. The item is displayed in a custom wooden shadow box or shelf, though it was originally designed for individual wall mounting via a recessed hole in the back.
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