For your consideration is an exquisite and very rare early chalkware statue of a bear holding a ball. It dates to approx. circa 1880. This beautiful bear is guaranteed an antique and not a reproduction. It is a fairly large statue and measures 10” in height by 5” in width and is all original with no repainting or repairs.  It has expected paint wear from age and the only defect I found was a 3/4” long hairline fracture on his left snout (as seen in my close-up photo).

This bear is so beautiful with muted soft tones and lovely detail. I searched for information on early chalkware and learned that it was made in America as early as 1768. When unpainted, the surface resembled chalk. The hollow figures were made in a mold of gypsum, the main ingredient in plaster of paris. Because of their light weight, early pieces were weighted. The figures were cast in a two-piece mold by pouring the "batter" into the oiled mold. Rapid stirring quickly hardened it. The cured halves were cemented together and the rough edges smoothed before it was painted.  (If you look at the bear’s sides you can see his seams).  They were hand painted and no two were exactly alike. Early pieces like this bear were painted with oil and sized (protecting the surface and smoothing before painting with a fabric or gelatinous glaze). Many were made and sold around Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. They were first sold by Henry Christian Geyer who advertised them as plaster figures in the "Boston News Letter" of January 25, 1770.  This rare early bear statue is being offered at no reserve—don’t miss it! Please scroll down to see all photos. Good luck bidding!

TERMS & PAYMENT: Paypal (CONFIRMED accounts only!! DO NOT BID IF you have an unconfirmed account—contact me with any questions. (Sorry, I have been scammed by buyers with unconfirmed accounts ). I also accept and prefer money orders or checks from buyers in the USA. PAYMENT IS DUE within 5 days of auction end!  Winning bidder pays fully insured USPS Priority shipping (insurance is required).  Bid with confidence--see my excellent feedback and please visit my "ME" page. Thank you!