Christmas Angel Ceramic Figure Germany Vintage

It is hard to tell what this angel is made of.  He has a slight glazed finish, but rings as a slight thud when tapped; there is crazing.  The bottom seems to be sealed with a type of paper or mat, and then painted.  Alas, the hand is broken and the arm and head are glued back on.  This is a very old piece made in Germany.  An ink stamp on the bottom says "Germany".  I assume this is a very early Christmas piece.  This angel stands about 5.5 inches tall and is likely hard to find because it is so fragile.  Perhaps Papier-mâché.

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Hephaestus 1989 Horseshoe Nail Figure Brass

This metal sculpture is from 1989.  The base is a heavy piece of quality brass.  The cane is of brass wire.  The rest of the figure is made of iron nails and is painted black and gold.  On the bottom, the artist used an electric engraving pen to mark "Hephaestus 1989."  I do not know if that is the name of the piece or the name of the artist.  Regardless, Hephaestus is the god of the forge and smithy work to the ancient Greeks and Romans, where he is known as Vulcan.  This figure is about 6 inches tall.

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Anri Madonna Mary Jesus Italy Wood Carved Vintage

This is an exceptional Anri hand carved, hand painted figurine of the Madonna; Mary and Jesus.  It was made in Italy.  The Anri company began in 1912.  This is an early piece and is hand carved from wood and delicately hand painted.  The cut off turning spindle is seen on the bottom along with two heat brands burned into the base.  There are also two ink stamped marks, including the Anri mark.  One familiar with the Anri marks would likely be able to tell who did the carving.  This figure is about 5.5 inches tall.

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Black Pig Fiddle Ceramic Figurine Vintage

This is a small ceramic figure of a pig playing a violin.  It is newer than other items I have, but he is cute and simple.  At first I thought the detailing was cold paint, but on closer examination, the red and white are as shiny as the rest of the glaze; so he is not as old as I first thought.  The Japan label is still on the bottom and he is likely from the 1970s or 1980s.  He is about 3.5 inches tall.

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