Can anyone tell me the value of this piece?
 

Very rare and very beautiful, 1880's Gebruder Heubach 14" Bisque Figure of a Baseball Pitcher in period uniform. This classic and highly desirable, 19th century German Bisque Baseball Figure measures approx. 14" in height and is one of the larger sizes manufactured by Heubach for the American market. The exquisitely crafted Figurine depicts a youthful pitcher, dressed in a blue-accented period uniform. He holds a baseball in front of his chest and is preparing to deliver a pitch. This Figurine along with its complimentary "Batter" and "Fielder" figures are among THE most sought after, 19th century Baseball items. Although the Heubach is best known for bisque dolls and doll heads, they also crafted bisque figurines such as these highly sought-after baseball subjects. The scarce Heubach statue was produced in a number of different sizes, and the largest ones are much rarer than the smaller versions—probably because they were significantly more expensive to purchase. The distinctive "sunburst" trademark of the manufacturer appears on the underside of the figure. What can we say about this fantastic piece of Baseball ceramic art that has not been said by others in the field of Sports collectables? We will let the images below speak to the beauty of the wonderful Figure and simply add that it is in outstanding, original, near mint to mint condition!!!

Very rare and very beautiful, 1880's Gebruder Heubach 14" Bisque Figure of a Baseball Pitcher in period uniform. This classic and highly desirable, 19th century German Bisque Baseball Figure measures approx. 14" in height and is one of the larger sizes manufactured by Heubach for the American market. The exquisitely crafted Figurine depicts a youthful pitcher, dressed in a blue-accented period uniform. He holds a baseball in front of his chest and is preparing to deliver a pitch. This Figurine along with its complimentary "Batter" and "Fielder" figures are among THE most sought after, 19th century Baseball items. Although the Heubach is best known for bisque dolls and doll heads, they also crafted bisque figurines such as these highly sought-after baseball subjects. The scarce Heubach statue was produced in a number of different sizes, and the largest ones are much rarer than the smaller versions—probably because they were significantly more expensive to purchase. The distinctive "sunburst" trademark of the manufacturer appears on the underside of the figure. What can we say about this fantastic piece of Baseball ceramic art that has not been said by others in the field of Sports collectables? We will let the images below speak to the beauty of the wonderful Figure and simply add that it is in outstanding, original, near mint to mint condition!!!

Attachment 2789Attachment 2790

Attachment 2791Attachment 2792Attachment 2793

Yes... $850 - $1,150 is what you would expect to pay for this piece. This is the 14" variation, which is the second largest of the 4 sizes that were produced. This is a desirable large size, and the description states that the condition is NRMT - MINT.

These Heubach Statues are very condition-sensitive, and this looks like a fine exapmle. These are not ultra-rare and they do turn up with some frequency (surprising, given their age...) Check out Hunts and Lelands "completed auction archives", and you will see quite a few exemplars. Many times they are sold in sets of two (Batter and Pitcher) with the pair going for around $2K (assuming they're the larger size and fine condition for both pieces).

I think it was Lelands that recently had all four pieces offered as a complete set. The 4 piece set went for very big bucks (over $20,000), and included the rarely seen crouched infielder and outfielder.

The batter and pitcher are (by far) the most commonly seen of the 4 and are of equal rarity to one another. The Batter is almost always found with a replacement bat, and most collectors have probably never even seen an original. Outide of the normal replacement bat, restoration is frowned upon and will negatively impact the value of the piece. The example you posted appears well worth going after!

Hope this is helpful,
Mark

Thanks so much Mark...
 

I had a feeling I was going to hear from you about this piece. Much appreciated.

If anyone else can add anything at all, that would be great.

Sincerely, Jimmy