Norman Rockwell 'The Toy Maker' Porcelain Music Box
Decorative Collectibles / Music Boxes

Norman Rockwell 'The Toy Maker' Porcelain Music Box

This is a vintage hand-painted porcelain music box based on Norman Rockwell's iconic illustration 'The Toy Maker.' The figurine depicts an elderly craftsman wearing a white apron and dark vest, meticulously manipulating the marionette strings of two smaller figures: a gentleman with a red frock coat and a lady in a classic cream-colored gown. The construction features bisque-finish porcelain situated atop a rectangular base containing a musical movement. The color palette consists of soft, muted earth tones characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century collectibles. The base prominently features the 'Norman Rockwell' signature in a stylized gold or tan script. Notably, the clear thin wires representing marionette strings are intact, which is a common point of failure for this specific model. The craftsmanship shows detailed facial expressions and textured clothing folds. Regarding condition, there is a prominent red retail sticker on the front right and black marker pricing directly on the porcelain surface, which may require specialized cleaning to prevent finish damage. The item appears to be part of a licensed series produced by the Gorham Gift Corporation or Dave Grossman Designs, likely dating from the 1970s or 1980s. No immediate chips or fractures are visible on the main figures, though a light layer of surface dust is present.

Estimated Value

$45.00 - $65.00

Basic Information

Category

Decorative Collectibles / Music Boxes

Appraised On

January 19, 2026

Estimated Value

$45.00 - $65.00

Item Description

This is a vintage hand-painted porcelain music box based on Norman Rockwell's iconic illustration 'The Toy Maker.' The figurine depicts an elderly craftsman wearing a white apron and dark vest, meticulously manipulating the marionette strings of two smaller figures: a gentleman with a red frock coat and a lady in a classic cream-colored gown. The construction features bisque-finish porcelain situated atop a rectangular base containing a musical movement. The color palette consists of soft, muted earth tones characteristic of mid-to-late 20th-century collectibles. The base prominently features the 'Norman Rockwell' signature in a stylized gold or tan script. Notably, the clear thin wires representing marionette strings are intact, which is a common point of failure for this specific model. The craftsmanship shows detailed facial expressions and textured clothing folds. Regarding condition, there is a prominent red retail sticker on the front right and black marker pricing directly on the porcelain surface, which may require specialized cleaning to prevent finish damage. The item appears to be part of a licensed series produced by the Gorham Gift Corporation or Dave Grossman Designs, likely dating from the 1970s or 1980s. No immediate chips or fractures are visible on the main figures, though a light layer of surface dust is present.

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