Mark
what are your thoughts on the unmarked Heubachs? I have a few pairs in different sizes of the base ball and tennis statues as well as a single or two. Most are marked but a couple aren't. They appear to be of the same style and with the same level of craftsmanship with regard to the painting applied. I've always wondered about whether the unmarked ones are reproductions (or second generation).
The real markings inside would be a bit difficult to reproduce (more expensive might be more appropriate) so the painting, materials, and dimensions are a logical place to start. Heubach wasn't the only company making figurines in Germany (and perhaps elsewhere) but I assume there were some sort of laws regarding the right to protect the ownership of the casting. Re-casting of bisques is possible and one way of determining if that's occured is a tell-tale difference in the dimensions. That would require having the original specs or the entire line for comparrison.
I have made a casual study of the ones I have marked and unmarked and they appear to be of the same manufacture - but I'm no expert and always uneasy when things that are generally marked aren't. I collect a few Royal Daulton tobacco jars and whatever - some of them are umarked as well and sometimes they worry me as well.
On a side note - I have a batter that I believe retains the ORIGINAL wooden bat. Not sure if there's any way to know for sure?
Hope Mark and/or someone else might be inclined to offer some thoughts? I'll try and post a pic or two............
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