Madra’s dogs...what are Madra’s dogs? If you are an avid Internet auction buyer, you may be familiar with Madra’s dogs. They were part of a debut collection from Ashton- Drake Galleries. There is a wonderful story associated with the doll. Madra Lord is seen here from her movie First Encounter. She is part of the Gene Marshall Collection by Mel Odom, a New York artist who is the hottest fashion doll creator today. The Borzoi, when put side by side, are the exact dogs you may have seen as a plastic art deco pin from the 1940s that is popular. They are made of a doll plastic-type material and feel hollow. They measure 10" x 10" and 11" x 6", with their doll counterpart measuring 16". Dennis Gibson designed the dogs exclusively for Miss Madra Lord’s debut. The saying for the dogs is “the dogs are not real, because everyone knows Madra wouldn’t have real dogs— they shed.” I suppose not everyone would go out and purchase the actual doll to go with the Borzoi but I thought about years down the road when I said they were Madra’s Dogs, I’d then be asked, “who’s Madra?” She is dressed in a beautiful faux fur coat, diamond tennis bracelet and matching necklace, with a silk purse. The white and pink ribbons around the Borzoi are to be the leashes. The Madra First Encounter doll was introduced in 2000, with a limited edition of 3500. The current value on the doll is $110 and rising. The dogs, being an accessory for the doll, aren’t yet as highly sought after. As time goes on, the price on the dogs will skyrocket as well. A fun and different kind of Borzoi collectible for sure!

This is the epitome of art deco captured in a figurine. The statue is made of white metal with brass patina and shows a flapper out for a stroll with her 2 Borzoi. Her dress is red and blue (kind of patriotic!) with a matching blue scarf around her raised arm. This actually was a lamp but the light is missing. It measures 9" x 9" and looks just as nice without the lamp-works, although it would not be too difficult to add. I paid $170 for it and feel it would be worth around $300 to an art deco collector even in its current state, due to its rarity.

Its not often you find old real bronzes today and I was quite happy when I came upon this statue. It is of a young lad with a piece of bread in one hand and a bowl of food in the other. The Borzoi is climbing up his arm to try and get a taste. Sound familiar? I purchased this from a dark picture I was given and hoped it was a Borzoi since I had never seen one like this before. Much to my delight, when I opened the package and saw those lovely Borzoi ears, curved topline, long nose and tail, it made my purchase even better. It measures 51.2" tall. The Borzoi is bolted to the bronze base. Unlike pot metal, real bronze (as this is) can fetch a much higher price tag. I would put a $200 value on this old and rare Victorian bronze.

This figurine matches the next figurine as a set, although they were purchased as separate pieces. Made in Italy, this beautiful “biscuit porcelain” (as they put it) Borzoi measures 41.2" tall. They were new to the market in 2000 but not available in any US city that I am aware of (mine came from Germany). The dog is a lovely caramel color with black tipping, while there was another set that was done in white with gray antiquing. The definition of the hair is so extreme that when you hold it, the ends of the hair are so sharp and pointed that it feels like it could pierce your finger! It is part of the original collection “NUOVA TRIADE” as is stated on the certificate of authenticity. I put a high value on this set, not only because of their difficulty to find but also due to the stylish and unique poses they offer.

This is the mate to the above figurine. Again, this also came in white with gray antiquing. It measures 5" long and shows a darling playful pose on the Borzoi. With the above dog, I value the set around $300.

Here is a touching scene showing a little girl teaching her Borzoi to shake hands. It is done in all white, with the exception of gold trim on her skirt, shoes and the base. The bottom shows the “W” Wallendorf mark with the word Fraureuth under that, which is of German origin. I love the fact that the Borzoi has his ears out for his instructions while listening to the little girl. It measures 41.2" tall x 4" long and is another very rare piece. Value on this delicate porcelain is $250.

One of my newest favorites is this gorgeous ceramic or soft paste porcelain Austrian Borzoi. It was originally made as a lamp, but the lamp stem was broken off and missing when I bought it, along with a bad repair on the base at the back. Luckily neither is visible displayed in a curio cabinet. It measures an impressive 13" x 9" and has the typical Austrian look, similar to that of Keramos and Goldscheider with the typical gray and white color. The stamped mark says Made in Austria, along with a paper label that reads: Elektro Radio Fahrrader, Therese Poppek, Wien II, Franzensbruckenstr.16. I would have loved to see this in its original form as a lamp but I just as much love the charm this piece offers with the Borzoi prancing on his merry way with not a care in the world. Perhaps in original lamp condition this Austrian piece would be valued at $500. I may not have received a great deal on this at $150 but even in its broken state, would have paid up to $250, due to it being very rare and such a different pose than the usual Borzoi statues you come across.

That’s all I have to share with you for this quarter. This issue is for the Holiday season. I’m hoping that this finds all of you and your dogs having a safe and Happy Holiday season, and extend a wish that all of your hopes and dreams come true. God bless us all.§