This figurine from my wife's grandmother is old. We were going to put it a yard sale for low price but wondered if it is valuable at all? Thank you
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Shafford:
Despite its Anglo-sounding name, Shafford dishware was produced in Japan in the mid-1900s.
History:
Shafford exported pieces to the United States from Japan starting in the 1940s and ending in the 1970s. Stafford produced china planter mugs depicting famous people, music boxes, figurines, pitchers, pill cups, candle holders and a host of other novelty items.
Your marking does not have Japan so it's possible it was produced before 1940 when items were shipped to the US; or it could have had a paper sticker that has gotten lost over time.
Shafford mass-produced its items which usually means there will be a large selection to choose from usually at very low prices.
As a general rule, Shafford pieces are very plentiful (not every piece but a large selection) and sold prices seem to range between $3 - $25 with a large percentage selling for under $10.
Items like this can be very slow to sell. Here is an example:
This piece is listed for sale for $1.99 plus shipping. Even with the low price, the listing has been for sale for over 2 years still not sold.
www.ebay.com/
You could try listing your piece on auction sites with a $25 starting price and accept offers (plus shipping). List it for several weeks but if no offers are received then you should lower the price.
Having been a life long seller of old things, I would like to offer a little guidance on trying to sell this piece.
Before you try to sell the piece, see if you can find a museum or African American organization to donate this piece to or get their guidance on how the best way to respect the piece and its history.
Sadly, these pieces an be considered racist and hurtful to people of color and sometimes people who try to sell them receive threating or nasty emails from protestors if selling online or worse, to your face if selling in person.
That said, there are people who collect these and are respectful of them and the history, but go into any sale with an abundance of caution.
I found what looks like the exact piece paired with a complimentary piece on eBay for sale now. This is the link www.ebay.com/
They are asking $39 for both--if they sell, that will be today's market value.
I am not about revisionist history, but I try to be respectful of people and meet them where they are coming from today.
This will give you an idea of what Shafford figurines have been selling for:
www.ebay.com/
You have not big figurine made in Japan. This Shafford Japan 5 inches tall Christmas angel figurine from the 1950s sold for $36.99:
www.etsy.com/
Another vintage Shafford 5 inches tall figurine:
www.worthpoint.com/
There is possibility to start a free trial account see what it's worth.
This vintage Shafford Old Man 6" 'Hand decorated' figurine sold for $12:
www.etsy.com/
And this Shafford Japan Deer Doe Figurine sold for $12:
www.ebay.com/
www.worthpoint.com/
Similar figurine, but the maker is unknown, is listed for sale at $24:
www.ebay.com/
It was relisted:
www.ebay.com/
Your figurine has the maker's mark "Hand Decorated SHAFFORD", so this one is no longer an unbranded figurine.
Porcelaine Shafford figurines were made in Japan i.ebayimg.com/
www.replacements.com/
Your figure is small. I found a vintage Japan porcelain elephant figurine approximately 4 1/4 tall with "Hand Decorated Shafford" mark:
jewelcreek.ca/
It has no chips or cracks but there is a bit of crazing. It is listed for $36.99.
Another "Hand Decorated Shafford" 5 3/4" tall figurine is listed for sale at $29.79:
anoldmansstuff-ca.3dcartstores.com/
Vintage Shafford Japan Fawn Great Dane Dog figurine 7.75H x 8L was sold for $29.99:
picclick.com/
Average price: $17.80, low: $9.99
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