WWI Soldier Miniature Figurine Appraisal
Category: Collectible Miniature
Description
This is a porcelain or ceramic miniature figure depicting a soldier in a WWI-era uniform. The figure stands upright, with a detailed uniform featuring large pockets and a belt. The colors are predominantly brown for the uniform, with red-brown for the boots and yellow for the base. The cap is also brown with a central badge or emblem. The figure has a painted face with notable rosy cheeks. There appears to be some wear to the paint, particularly on the raised surfaces of the uniform and face, indicating age and handling. There are no visible cracks or chips in the body of the ceramic. The style suggests an early 20th-century production, possibly from the period following WWI as a commemorative item or a toy. The craftsmanship appears relatively simple, typical of mass-produced items of that era. No manufacturer's marks or signatures are visible in the provided image.
Appraisal Report
Based on my visual examination of the provided image, this miniature porcelain/ceramic figure appears to be a WWI-era soldier. The condition shows typical paint wear consistent with age and handling for a piece of this type, particularly on the uniform and face, but no visible chips or cracks are apparent. The simple craftsmanship and style suggest mass production likely in the decade or two following WWI. Authenticity as a contemporary piece of the era seems plausible given the visual cues, but a definitive authentication would require in-person inspection to assess the ceramic body and paint application more closely. Market conditions for such WWI soldier miniatures are generally modest unless associated with a known desirable manufacturer or artist, or if they depict a highly specific or recognizable unit or historical figure. Without manufacturer's marks, provenance, or a known artist, its value is limited to that of a general commemorative or toy figure from the period. Demand is primarily from collectors of military miniatures and WWI memorabilia, which is steady but not exceptionally high for unmarked pieces. Rarity is moderate; similar unmarked soldier figures, though varying in detail and quality, appear on the market periodically. Factors significantly impacting value here would be manufacturer identification, proven historical context (provenance), and a higher level of artistic detail or unique subject matter, none of which are evident from the image. To fully authenticate and potentially enhance value, in-person examination of the ceramic body for quality and potential marks, along with research into comparable unmarked figures of the period and any available provenance documentation, would be essential. Scientific testing of the material and paint could also confirm age, but is unlikely to significantly impact value without the other factors.
Appraisal Value
$40-60