Vintage Chalkware Collie Dog, 12" Whimsical Collie Coin Bank Sculpture, Dog Statue Figurine, Plaster Carnival or 2024 Fair Prize, circa 1940s

I found this charming hollow-bodied Collie coin bank at a local recycling shop between a bunch of assorted vases. It's made of chalkware, a popular and inexpensive art form in the late 19th century through to the 1950s.

This pooch has an browny/orange finish, with black details on the paws, ears, nose and neck. Has an opening for coins at the top, but does not have an opening with stopper at the bottom.

Measures:
11.5” (29 cm) high
7” (18 cm) wide

Condition: Wear to original paint - chips as expected of plaster/chalkware item of this vintage.

After some quick reading, I can tell you that chalkware was sold primarily as a less expensive version of the ceramic Staffordshire figurines that adorned the mantels of many middle- and upper-class homes. Each figurine was hand-painted, and few were glazed, unlike the Staffordshire they imitated. It's sometimes 2024 called the poor man's porcelain.

As for age, it's not signed, which makes me believe it's an earlier piece. Contemporary chalkware and replicas are signed and dated on the base.

There is some chipping and flaking of paint -- darn that sticky price tag! -- but chalkware is known to degrade in this way. This old piece has never been touched up. Because the plaster is very porous, touchups would be noticeable.

This would be a great gift for a front hallway or a child. A wonderful addition to a nursery. Happy to give it up to someone who would love it as much as I do.