I can not find anything in these figurines. They are stamped Japan and only one sided. Seem vintage.
These are not Penny Dolls like someone was saying. They are just small cultural figurines that were made in Japan. Most of these types of figurines that are only painted on one side are selling for $5-30 if they are in a set of 3 or more. You may never find the exact figurines you have because back then they made so many of them. There are some that look very similar to yours. Yours seem to be flat on the back where other ones are completed.
I have to agree with Poehere that these are not Penny dolls or Frozen Charlottes. At least not by official definitions.
What has happened is that these terms have become spamming words by sellers who think they have something or want to get attention. Almost like how Kleenex which is a brand name became synonymous for the plain old tissue or Band Aid for a bandage--not exactly because these are brands but you get the idea--there are very specific that make something a Penny Doll or a Frozen Charlotte/Charlie
Here are some good articles on Penny Dolls/Frozen Charlottes:
web.stanford.edu/
Tell tales to me that these are not the "real thing" are the holes in the bottom.
Also they look to be ceramic not bisque (although I would need to touch them to be sure--but bisque is rough to the touch and porcelain is smooth).
Now that is not to say they don't have value or someone would not want them, but you have market them correctly which would be the height, the material (bisque or porcelain) the stamp Japan and the theme.
I would (if they were mine and I have been a LONG time reseller), put them on for a Sunday-Sunday 7 day auction at the amount you want for them (I would put all 3 together as a lot by the way) and let the market dictate the selling value.
These are not exactly like yours but just a sample of someone who advertised correctly:
www.ebay.com/
Blessings and good wishes on your sale!
Researching these has been an adventure because I've never seen sellers misuse words like 'Frozen Charlotte' and 'Penny' dolls so incorrectly in all of my selling days.
I'm assuming buyers are so ill informed that some are just accepting whatever a seller adds in a description. Hopefully, most buyers just like the little dolls and do not really care if the description is correct.
The original Penny dolls (I believe) were also made of one piece, painted bisque and had just Japan stamped on the bottom (solid bottom - no holes). These were so popular that many companies copied these and those copies are what is prevalent in the marketplace right now.
There are dolls in boxes being taunted as antique Penny dolls but have 'made in Japan' imprinted on the backs of the dolls (not on the bottom) and these are nice older dolls but I cannot find any solid information that shows Penny dolls were ever marked on the backs of the dolls.
I believe your figurines fall in the category described as 'knock-offs' from the original Penny dolls but were probably made about the same time so they would be called 'vintage'.
Yours are neat and could probably list for $15-$20 but take any offer given as many of these dolls stay listed for sale for months/years and may never sell. List 3 together although the 2 being alike may lessen the value.
Thanks for sharing these as it was entertaining to do the research.
Sticker and numbered. Can't find anywhere the manufacturer name.
Hi, I am in need of help! I have been searching for any information about this cute item! I got it as a gift from a vintage fair stand about a year ago, but now due to the actual situation, I have to let it go.
Collectible figures may or may not have value. To determine the value of individual figurines you will need to determine the artist, manufacturer, date of production, number made, etc. This page contains some additional considerations to take into account when searching for the value of your figurines.
The value of a precious figurine can be found more easily since the internet has emerged as a great searching tool. This is a page about finding the value of a Giuseppe Armani figurine.
Figurines of all varieties are collectible. Their value depends on how rare they are and their condition. Here's some ideas about finding the value of Paula figurines.
It often requires some research to determine the value of mass produced plaster figurines such as the ones manufactured by the Boston Plastic Art Company. This is a page about finding the value of Boston Plastic Art Co. figurines.
This figurine has been in the family for 35-60 years or longer. It is 4 1/2 inches tall and 4 inches wide at the base, and 2 1/2 inches deep. Since our parents have passed, we no longer have the 'history' of this piece.
I don't know who created this or what the markings on the bottom mean. Any information you can provide about its age, creation, artist, etc. would be appreciated. Thanks.
I can see a gold H that is sort of under the lip on the bottom of the figurine. Can you make out the name because it is very hard to read and I can't really see this? I want to check on some porcelain marks but like this, it is really hard to search for the Gold H only. If you can give me the rest of the signature or the mark or get a good photo of this mark it would really help to find out who made this figurine. Looking forward to hearing back with the information so I can help you more.
