Antique German Garden Gnome PORCELAIN Griebel NO RES

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Antique German Garden Gnome rare LARGE SIZED PORCELAIN signed Complete Provenance! Recently acquired from the estate of the wife of a retired US Army Colonel who served in Germany during the occupation. This very rare LARGE SIZED example was taken from an estate outside of Nuremburg. Excellent condition, good provenance, marked, from the 1880's, listed with NO RESERVE!! NEVER BEFORE OFFERED FOR SALE!! We were informed by the heirs that the Colonel's wife was given this garden gnome by the wife of a former German officer. It had apparently been on their estate north of Nuremburg since before the turn of the century, and had actually been kept inside an elaborate greenhouse on the grounds. The Colonel's wife brought him back to the states in 1952, she had him on her fromt porch in Worcester, MA and then on her lanai upon their retirement to Florida. We have the name of the estate, the name of the German officer and his wife, the US Army Colonel and his wife, and the name of their heirs-this will all be provided to the high bidder after the auction via email as well as a written provenance included with the gnome when shipped. (I guess you could say the Gnome has a "pedigree!") This important German gnome example is made from a porcelain type clay native to Graeferoda, Thuringia, Germany. Gnomes were first made t by potter Phillip Griebel; this large sized example is one of his earlier ones, from the late 1870/1880 period! He has the traditional, red peaked cap in the style typical of Griebel pieces, and his base is also typical of the earlier examples. He is, of course, a "Garden Gnome," wearing a leather gardening apron, his sleeves rolled up, a spade in his hands. He is obviously taking a short break, a pipe in his mouth. This quality, antique German gnome is decorated with paint both under glaze and then further decorated with "cold paint" (paint applied after the firing process). Much of his cold paint decoration remains. Very heavy and very well made, (he weighs five lbs!) more of a figural porcelain that a 'run-pf-the-mill gnome. Marked on the underside with the triangle Griebel mark. (see photo) CONDITION: This gnome is PRISTINE, as found. Unbelieveably, t are NO cracks, chips or breaks which seem to be on just about every gnome that is from this era. Very slight crazing due to age-seen on the undecorated portions of the gnome. Much of the cold paint is still intact, though a lot is worn off on the base. Please see photos. Overall, this is an EXCELLENT example in outstanding condition! MEASUREMENTS : 16 1/2" (42 cm) tall, base is 5 3/4" (14.5 cm) by 6 1/4" 16 cm). A wonderful large example! This is THE must have Gnome of the decade! If you are a serious gnome collector, you will never have an opportunity like this again. GUARANTEED to be as described; antique, authentic and in the condition stated above. Listed with NO RESERVE!! We are well aware of the value of this example, however we have found that eBay bidders of exceptional pieces tend to bid fairly. Winner to pay only actual shipping and insurance, handling is free. Please put your postal code in the eBay shipping calculator for an accurate charge to your location, or email for a quote. We gladly ship world wide, and cheerfully combine shipping! SHIPPING TIME: Usually within three business days of cleared payment. RETURNS: All items guaranteed to be as described and authentic. Item may be returned if description was grossly inaccurate or not authetic. Refund granted when item is returned in condition it was originally sent in. Any issues please contact ASAP so that they may be taken care of . read more

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