Antiques & Collecting: Best-selling porcelain figurines

Many small porcelain figures were made in France, Germany and England in the 18th century, and many were made to resemble the work of the German Meissen factory. Realistic figures dressed in the robes of an unfamiliar country, or vases with scenes and additional raised floral decoration were best sellers even if the factory marks were symbols or initials that were nearly unknown.

Jacob Mardochee Petit (1796-1868) started a porcelain factory in Bellville, France, in 1830. He also bought another factory in Fontainebleau, then moved it to Avon in 1851.

The company went out of business in 1862. Its early ware sold well, but in later years the firm concentrated on making Meissen and other copies. It made small figures and vases less than 6 inches high. The work in the 1850s was of lower quality and was less popular.

But today Jacob Petit perfume bottles are favorites of perfume bottle collectors, and there seem to be a few in every perfume bottle auction. Many are unmarked. The best-known mark is the underglaze letters “JP” in blue or incised. Other marks are “JP” with a dot below and above the J and a dot below the P. There also is a diamond-shaped mark with the letter J outside the left corner and the letter P outside the right.

Beware, they are best known for making copies of Chinese Export, Sevres and Meissen pieces that have fooled many collectors. A pair of authentic 7 1/2-inch-high figures of a Sultan and Sultana in elaborate clothing sold at a 2019 Neal Auction in New Orleans for $1,220.

My stepdaughter has a Chatty Cathy doll that she received about 1970. We are wondering if it has any value.

Chatty Cathy dolls were made by Mattel from 1960 until 1964. They were re-issued in 1969 and again in 1998-99. The original dolls were vinyl and 20 inches tall. They were available with blue or brown eyes, and blonde, brunette or red hair. Dolls made closer to 1964 had hard plastic faces.

In played-with condition, 1960s Chatty Cathy dolls sell for $25 to $75. In mint condition and in the original box, the value is closer to $100 to $150.

The most expensive Chatty Cathy dolls are African-American versions from the early 1960s. Examples of these dolls have sold from $450 to more than $800.

Current Prices

Lladro figurine, “Over the clouds,” boy, airplane, bomber jacket, goggles, blue, No. 5697, box, 5 inches, $80.

Baccarat perfume bottle, glass, opaque, pink, brass top, 4 1/2 inches, $120.

Kate Greenaway glass dresser box, women, chatting, seated, blue, flowers, brass mount, C.F. Monroe, 4 x 6 inches, $420.

Lalique vase, Orchidee, opalescent orchids, 6 1/2 x 8 inches, $650.

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