This is an older figurine, made in Western Germany with a strange mark of F.W. with a crown above. The clue that tells you it is older is by the Western Germany mark, when Germany was divided. It measures 6" tall and wide. The scene this piece shows is so true, is it not? The scantily clad woman is resting on a tree stump petting her Borzoi. The Borzoi has perfect ears, with at least some detail to the hair on the tail and furnishings. The value of this piece in good condition would be around $150.

Pictured above is a rare porcelain figure made by Gerold Porzellan of Bavaria, and again marked Western Germany. Dressed in her tennis outfit, the girl is out on a play date with her lovely Borzoi. This is a large and heavy porcelain piece, measuring 11" tall x 8" wide. I bought this directly from Germany, paying a high price for shipment. When they packed it, the index finger on her left hand was poked through the cardboard, which I was unaware of. So, needless to say, when I took it out of the box, I snapped the finger off and had glued it back on. In original condition, this uncommon lady and Borzoi could fetch $300.

Germany isn’t the only place where you can find the finest in porcelain. Spain is the home of the famous Lladro line of porcelains. The smaller porcelain figurines of Lladro are produced by a brother (I don’t know their names) and are sold under the NAO product line. Some think this could be a Collie, but it is supposed to have a whimsical and Deco look to it. Besides that, when have you seen a tan and white Collie? It measures 3" x 4" and is so rare that I bought mine from a Borzoi breeder. I value this piece at $50.

Back to Germany and the lovely porcelain they produce, is the small yet charming double Borzoi figure pictured above. It is quite different from the Japan piece you may be familiar with (the standing and reclining figure). This piece measures 23⁄4" x 41⁄2" and has all the delicate features you want on a Borzoi. Even though this is the only figurine like this I have come across, it doesn’t mean it’s the only one in existence, and place a value of $50 on it.

No, you aren’t seeing double...this figurine resembles the previous one, measures the same, but is facing the opposite way. This Sitzendorf marked German statue I have seen a few times, although it is still considered to be uncommon. I really don’t like the way the sculptor crossed the legs on this piece because it looks awkward. Maybe if they extended the foot so that it would touch the ground. Also, the black masking on the dogs is undesirable the way they painted it. With all this in mind, I value this piece at only $35, although it is highly unlikely you will ever find it that cheap (they are usually $75). No, you aren’t seeing double...this figurine

Let’s take a side step and head for England to see what they have been creating for us Borzoi enthusiasts! Straight from England, I believe this bronze  is in current production. I found this figure on auction, thanks to one of my Borzoi friends, and found it to be listed as a Deerhound. She told me not to bid too high because several have been on auction. I don’t remember the exact price with shipping to the US, but do know it was well under $100. The Borzoi are remarkably well detailed, Let’s take a side step and head for England to see what they have been creating for us Borzoi enthusiasts! bronze (pictured previous page bottom right) is in current production. I found my Borzoi friends, and found it to be listed as a Deerhound. She told me not been on auction. I don’t remember the exact price with shipping to the US, but do know it was well under $100. The Borzoi are remarkably well detailed, running through the terrain. Measuring 41⁄2" x 13", I just love this bronze and place a value of $450 on it because, yes - it IS that nice!

Let’s take a giant leap over to Italy now... Remarkably different, beautiful, and LARGE describes this lamp, with an obvious look of being made in Italy. A young peasant boy either plays ball with or is teasing his Borzoi with a morsel of food in this “scene.” The boy is holding what looks like either a ball, or maybe a small piece of fruit. This huge lamp measures 32" for just the statue portion alone, while the overall size is 50". The porcelain boy has delicate fingers and toes sticking out everywhere and the Borzoi is very well detailed. However, you haven’t seen anything until you have seen the globe that sits atop the lamp. The globe is textured frosted glass at the top and bottom (kind of like stucco in mini form), the center is smooth where all the hand decorated flowers and petals are. The painting includes gold (which looks real) and enamel and are raised away from the glass globe. The globe itself is 12" tall. The shipping on this lamp was $58 because it had to be shipped in 2 separate boxes. When it arrived, I was flabbergasted because I didn’t pay attention to how big it was when they told me. You wouldn’t believe how difficult it was to find a place to display this lamp. Actually, it shouldn’t be where I have it now, but don’t have room anywhere else. With the lamp and its original globe, I think this would go for at least $1500 at a large auction house such as Christi’s.

Well, that wraps it up and brings us back home again. We’ve made quite the rounds this time, including Germany, Italy and England. For the next issue, we may have a treat in store for you! R Lynn Shell has offered to share some of her Unique Zoitique bronzes and such. I can’t wait to see the pictures of some of the things she’s been telling me about. So, until we meet in the Spring, keep warm and hug all your Borzoi for me!§