AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a vintage Royal Doulton bone china figurine titled 'The Foaming Quart', model number HN2162. Designed by Peggy Davies and first issued in 1955, the piece depicts a jovial, bearded cavalier figure seated in a wooden chair, raising a blue tankard to his lips. The figurine stands approximately 6 inches tall and is crafted from high-quality glazed porcelain. It features a rich, polychrome palette including a deep pink and yellow tunic, dark boots with a high gloss finish, and a purple cloak draped over the chair. Notable details include the meticulously sculpted facial features, a textured grey beard, and accessory elements such as the belt, pouch, and sword hilt. The glossy glaze is uniform, indicating high-quality craftsmanship. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or restorations; the colors remain vibrant and the crazing is minimal or absent of the naked eye. While the base mark is not visible in this angle, this specific model typically contains the Royal Doulton lion and crown backstamp along with the HN number. It exemplifies the mid-20th-century British ceramic tradition and character-based design.

Based on my visual examination of this Royal Doulton 'The Foaming Quart' (HN2162), I find the piece to be a genuine mid-20th-century production designed by Mary Nicoll (often attributed to the studio style of Peggy Davies). The figurine exhibits the high-gloss glaze and vibrant polychrome application characteristic of Doulton’s post-1950s output. The condition appears exemplary; the absence of visible crazing or restoration to the delicate sword hilt and tankard rim suggests it has been well-maintained in a controlled environment. However, the market for traditional British character figurines has seen a significant softening over the last decade. As this model was produced in large quantities from 1955 through 1992, it is not considered rare. Current secondary market trends show high supply and moderate demand, with the majority of sales falling within the double-digit range. The value is primarily driven by the 'crossover' appeal to collectors of tobacciana or pub-themed decor. While the visual indicators—including the specific pigment of the pink tunic and the uniformity of the glaze—suggest authenticity, a definitive valuation is limited by the digital format. I cannot physically verify the presence of the lion and crown backstamp or check for professional 'overspray' repairs under UV light. A full authentication would require a physical inspection to confirm the HN number and date cypher, as well as a 'ring test' to ensure structural integrity. No provenance was provided; historical documentation of purchase would bolster its secondary market appeal.