Details
Description
An exceptional, highly collectible lot of 11 antique German hide-covered miniature farm animals, dating from the late 19th to early … Read more An exceptional, highly collectible lot of 11 antique German hide-covered miniature farm animals, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century. Sourced from traditional German toy-making regions like the Erzgebirge, these rare miniatures were intricately crafted for upscale Noah's Ark toy sets and traditional holiday Christmas Putz displays.Unlike common painted-wood variants, each of these premium figures features a hand-carved solid wood structural core meticulously hand-wrapped in genuine shaved animal hide to produce a realistic, textured fur aesthetic. The figures are enhanced with delicate folk art details, including painted hooves, carved snouts, and miniature collars.This charming, historically significant farm assembly boasts a wonderful variety of paired animals that make a striking vignette for country house decor, antique toy collections, or traditional seasonal displays.The collection includes a diverse lot of 11 animals:4 Dogs: Two larger dogs and two smaller dogs showing beautiful character.2 Horses: Classic German toy-molded proportions.2 Donkeys: Delightful traditional postures and long ears.2 Calves: Beautifully textured miniature cattle.1 Pig: Distinctive shaved hide detailing. We cannot prove positively that these are German, but from researching, most likely these small toy animals are German. Note: this is partly a restoration project due to the overall condition and that a few cannot stand. See all photos please. See less
- Dimensions
- 3ʺW × 1ʺD × 2.5ʺH
- Period
- Late 19th Century
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Hide
- Condition
- Original Condition Unaltered, Needs Restoration
- Color
- Antique White
- Condition Notes
- Condition Report & Structural DisclosuresCondition: Good antique condition overall, showing an authentic "loved" patina that collectors value.Standing Figures (9 Animals): … moreCondition Report & Structural DisclosuresCondition: Good antique condition overall, showing an authentic "loved" patina that collectors value.Standing Figures (9 Animals): The two horses, two donkeys, two calves, the pig, one large dog, and one small dog are capable of standing independently for display. Please note that due to age and historic handling, these figures exhibit typical "wobbly" legs where the internal peg joints have loosened over time, though they balance securely once set down.Non-Standing Figures (2 Animals): One large dog and one small dog exhibit significantly weakened internal leg structures and are currently unable to stand upright on their own. They lay gently on their sides or can be carefully balanced as part of an ensemble arrangement.Surface Wear: Minor, expected thinning and age-related darkening to the organic hide material, minimal lifting of hide at the joints, and small areas of paint wear on the hooves consistent with items that are over a century old. Free from significant structural rot, offensive odors, or modern alterations. Sold as-is as a historically preserved lot. These exceptional folk art figures are approximately 125 years old and exhibit a beautiful, authentic patina from a lifetime of being played with and loved. The historic play wear shows naturally across the collection; 9 of the animals stand independently but have typical wobbly legs, while 2 dogs cannot stand upright on their own. Please review all provided photos carefully to fully appreciate their historic character and exact condition before purchasing. less
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