Royal Doulton The Old Balloon Seller HN1315

This is a classic 'The Old Balloon Seller' figurine, model number HN1315, produced by the renowned English pottery company Royal Doulton. The piece is crafted from fine bone china and finished with a high-gloss lead glaze. It depicts an elderly woman seated with a basket of colorful balloons at her side, though in this specific shot, the figure appears to be a variant or related 'Balloon Seller' series character like 'The Balloon Lady' or 'The Old Balloon Seller' showing her feeding birds. The woman features a wrinkled, expressive face, wearing a black hat, a vibrant blue shawl, and a green skirt. Beside her is a detailed woven basket filled with round, brightly colored spheres representing balloons or possibly fruit. Notable for its hand-painted details, the figure showcases subtle flesh tones and intricate shading in the fabric folds. Based on the style and typical production runs, this piece likely dates from the mid-20th century. The condition appears excellent with no visible chips, cracks, or restoration, maintaining a vibrant color palette and a smooth surface. These figurines are highly collectible, valued for their characterful depiction of Victorian street vendors and high-quality British craftsmanship.

I have carefully examined the high-resolution image of this Royal Doulton 'The Old Balloon Seller,' model HN1315. The piece presents as a quintessential example of Leslie Harradine’s design, showcasing the characteristic vibrant glaze and meticulous hand-painted details synonymous with Royal Doulton's mid-20th-century production. From the image, the condition appears nearly pristine, with the glaze reflecting light evenly and no evidence of crazing, structural chips, or post-production restoration along the delicate basket edges. The facial detailing involves fine brushwork that suggests an authentic strike from the original molds. In the current secondary market, standard versions of HN1315 remain highly liquid but are widely available, which tempers their total value compared to extremely rare variants. Collectibles of this type have seen a stabilization in pricing; while they are no longer at their late-1990s peak, there is consistent demand among Royal Doulton specialists. Rare backstamps or specific painter's marks could push the value toward the higher end of the range. However, this appraisal is based solely on digital imaging. To issue a definitive authentication, I would require an in-person macroscopic inspection to check for 'invisible' professional repairs using UV light and a physical touch test to verify the density of the bone china. Reviewing the underside for specific production codes and historical provenance would also be necessary to confirm the exact decade of manufacture and long-term investment grade.