This is another of my very rare Schafer & Vater antique smoking collectables. They are all very rare and hard to source and are special items for the specialist collector of these cute little German bisque figures.
These ones are extremely rare - and I have yet to find another model quite like them.
They are not only functional - with Adam designed to hold matches - but they are also the most unusual bisque nodding or nodder figures. Both are in excellent condition with no damages or restorations.
These Schafer & Vater figures reflect the eventual acceptance of Darwin’s theory of evolution. In 1900 - it gains national acceptance and Darwin's intellectual pursuits are credited for “progressing the country.” His theories are even used in advertisements to promote furniture sales at this time.
This little pair is a very fine antique collectables and dates to around 1905 - 1915.
The figures two seated monkey's (the Theory lay claim to man being descended from apes and not created in god's image) - and they have been named on the base to the front of each figure: Adam and Eve.
Eve gives a seductive smile to Adam and holds out the apple representing the food of knowledge to Adam.
Each figure nods and their heads are on thin wires - and Adam has a little storage pot to his side for keeping your matches in. Adam's wire to allow his head to wobble or nod seems to be a bit overly long - but I have not risked snipping it shorter. Both figures nod easily.
They are on good vintage / antique condition - with no nasty chips or damages. There is perhaps the very finest fine line to one of the bases - but practically invisible and of course totally stable.
Adam and Eve measure as follows: Height 4 inches x 2 ½ inches
These antique pieces of German smoking paraphernalia are now hard to find.
These are probably items for the more specialist collector - you will have to wait a long time to find another pair - and in such a special condition - as you can see - they certainly display very well. The price reflects both the rarity and condition of these special S&V figurines.
HISTORY: The company was founded by a Gustave Schaefer and Guenther Vater in Germany in 1890. By 1896 the business was so successful that they were able to expand to the List Porcelain Factory at Neuhaus.
The company aimed at producing high-quality items in hard-paste porcelain - and it made luxury items, including figurines and dolls' heads. They also produced a range of soft-paste porcelain items such as small liquor bottle which were distributed in pubs etc.
Schafer & Vater were better known for their comical and figural items. They manufactured these in teapots, jugs, creamers, bottles, match strikers, and planters, with a backstamp impressed with a crown above an 'R' in a star. 'Made in Germany' was sometimes stamped in black. Occasionally, Schafer & Vater pieces appear without any stamps or reference to their origin, but they are easy to recognise due to their characteristics and unique craftsmanship and unusual design.
Their wonderful novelty figures were always very popular in the States - and by 1910 the American firm of Sears Roebuck & Co began to import and distribute Schafer & Vater pottery items.
In 1913 Paul Schafer had taken over from his father and, working alongside Gunther Vater, built up a successful workforce of around 200 people. In 1918 the factory was destroyed by fire and they set up a new factory to resume production.
Sadly, the firm closed in 1962 and in1972 the East German government assumed full control of the vacant factory and their records and moulds were destroyed - so no further figures could be produced.