Antique ROYAL DUX Statue Group YOUNG FARM BOY RIDES SHIRE HORSE #1693 Signed AD

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I don’t think any of the pre WWI Royal Dux figures could be considered “common.” Most are at least “scarce.” The “rare” ones can be found if you live long enough, but I have another designation I like to use for the next step up the ladder: “DNITF.” (Danged Near Impossible to Find) This cute kid riding a Shire horse fits into that last category.

The work is 14 ½” tall and rests on a rocky base measuring 12 ½” by 5”. The total length of the horse nose to tail is a fraction under 15”.
Total weight = 6 ¾ lbs.

Cute kid! What would you guess? Ten-years-old, or so?

Both he and his horse seem a bit melancholy to me; or maybe “lost in their own worlds” might be more accurate. Anyhow, I need to tell you something, and we may as well get it out of the way right here up front. The piece has issues. None are big, but . . . Well, let’s put it this way: If you are the winner and you receive one of these in the mail and find it to be “perfect,” it didn’t come from me. We’ll look at each little issue as we go along. (The worst is easily seen in the image above. Little Hans’ head has come off and glued back in place a long time ago, but they did a nice job.)

Please stay with me on this. I’ve included a full “condition report” at the bottom.

The base has no chips at all, and when you turn the piece over you’ll find all the information you’d expect, and more.

The pink triangle is crisp and easy to read. I’d say the piece is right around 110 years old. In the above image the mold number “1693” is at the top, and the run number “31” is at the bottom. But at the very bottom is something I rarely see, and that is information written on the base in pencil – most certainly put there before it left Royal Dux.

The other important mark is on the horse’s harness, and it is the initial signature of the Royal Dux modeler who created the sculpture: “A. D.” Frankly, I don’t know who that was. If you know, please send me a little note. In return, I’ll send you an “atta boy” or “atta girl,” whichever your prefer.

The rest of the description with more pictures continues below this memo about my two “Prime Directives:”
First: I never, under any circumstances, use a reserve, and everything starts at $9, sometimes even less. I never end auctions early.
Second: I rarely clean, repair, or otherwise monkey around with anything. Normally I push enough dust aside to note any flaws, but if I discovered it in some dusty attic, you can look forward to a little dust on it when it gets to your house. If it has a flaw or a wart, I’ll tell you about it.
So rest easy and have some fun. Why not place a little tiny bid right now so’s you don’t forget about it later.

That’s one helluva horse! I think he’d be called a “gray Shire.”

If I had room (and lots of money) I’d find one in need of a home, and I’d name him “Baby John.”

In the picture above, the south end of Baby John heading north, you’ll notice a chip on the back of Hans’ hat.

I put a yellow “x” above Baby John’s chipped left ear. I did that for those of you who’ve never, ever found “Waldo.”

I hope you’re still with me because here is the “Condition Report” I promised.

Overall surface; finish, color and feel = Excellent.

We’ve talked about the head being reglued already. And I mentioned the chip on the back of the hat brim, which is actually a small, shallow double-chip. Then I showed you a picture of the horse’s left “ear-tip” which is missing less than ¼” with a shallow flake inside the ear. I went over it as closely as I could, and I could find no other damage.

I promise you’ll be doubly thrilled; first when you get it unwrapped and look it over for the first time; and second, when you hear from your porcelain restorer. I think you’ll be very, very happy with what little it would cost to put the piece back to absolutely beautiful condition.

All that said: If it were me, I’d simply place this cute kid on his mighty steed in a place of prominence and not mess with any restoration. Old things become experienced, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.

GOOD LUCK

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Buyer pays actual costs for professional packing and insured shipping. All Customs forms will state actual selling price of items shipped internationally.

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