Royal Doulton ‘The Puppeteer’ Figurine HN2173

This is a vintage glazed ceramic figurine from Royal Doulton titled 'The Puppeteer' (model number HN2173), designed by artist Mary Nicoll. The piece stands approximately 7 to 8 inches tall and is crafted from fine bone china. It features a standing male figure with a partially bald head and grey hair, wearing a forest green turtleneck sweater and yellow-mustard colored trousers. He is depicted holding two hand puppets—a Punch figure in a red and yellow outfit in his right hand, and a Judy figure in a blue dress in his left arm. The craftsmanship is high, evidenced by the expressive facial features and the detailed textures of the clothing. Behind the man is a draped chair with red and gold stripes, resting on a characteristically smooth, oval, tan-colored base. The colors are vibrant under a high-gloss glaze finish. Condition-wise, the piece appears in excellent vintage state with no visible chips, cracks, or crazing, though a standard inspection of the underside would likely reveal the Royal Doulton lion and crown backstamp and the model number, indicating its mid-20th-century origins (produced between 1956 and 1965).

Based on my visual examination of this Royal Doulton figurine, 'The Puppeteer' (HN2173), I find it to be a high-quality example of Mary Nicoll’s mid-century design. The figurine exhibits the characteristic gloss and color depth expected from the 1956-1965 production run. Condition appears excellent; the glaze remains vibrant without apparent crazing, and the delicate extremities of the Punch and Judy puppets are intact. However, a digital inspection has limitations; a physical examination is required to check for professional restorations that can be invisible in high-resolution photos, particularly around the neck and hands. Authenticity is supported by the specific color palette and casting details, but a physical viewing of the green Royal Doulton backstamp is necessary for confirmation. The current market for mid-century Royal Doulton is stable but polarized. While 'The Puppeteer' is a well-regarded character study, it was produced in sufficient quantities that it is not considered exceptionally rare. Recent auction results for similar character figurines in the HN series indicate a market value between $150 and $250, depending on the venue. Factors negatively impacting value include the general decline in interest from younger collectors for traditional porcelain figurines, though the 'Punch and Judy' crossover appeal provides a slight niche price support. To finalize this appraisal, I would need to inspect the base for 'seconds' markings (scratches through the backstamp) and verify the absence of micro-fractures using a UV light source.