Figurines

This figurine, marked "co 1992," is a reproduction or commemorative piece of Black Americana. The date indicates that it was produced in 1992, likely as a collectible reflecting the vintage aesthetic of earlier 19th- and early 20th-century items. Such pieces were created during the late 20th century to appeal to collectors of Americana or historical memorabilia, often manufactured to replicate earlier styles.

Historical Contex & Era:
The 1992 marking places this figurine within a period when reproductions of Black Americana artifacts became popular, often as part of efforts to preserve and reflect on historical representation in American culture.Unlike original pieces from the 19th or early 20th century, this figurine does not belong to the same historical period but was created later for collectors.

Figurines like this were manufactured primarily for the collectible market, serving as decorative pieces or discussion items rather than functional artifacts.
The "co" marking could identify a specific manufacturer or company, though additional research would be needed to confirm the maker.

Even as a reproduction, this piece retains cultural significance as it references a controversial chapter of racialized imagery in history. Items like this often spark dialogue about historical representation and its impact.

Collectible Value:
The value of reproductions is typically lower than that of original Black Americana pieces. This figurine would appeal to collectors interested in late 20th-century nostalgia or as part of a curated collection of historical artifacts.
The figurine’s estimated value ranges between $30 to $100, depending on:

Condition: The better the paint and overall appearance, the higher the value and If this reproduction was part of a limited run, it could slightly increase value.

Market Demand:
There is less demand for reproductions than for authentic Black Americana from earlier periods. However, some collectors appreciate these items as accessible representations of the genre.

Ethical Considerations:
As with original pieces, reproductions should be contextualized appropriately to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. They are best presented as educational tools or historical reflections.

This figurine, marked "co 1992," is a reproduction designed to emulate the aesthetic of earlier Black Americana artifacts. While not an original piece, it carries value as a collectible tied to late 20th-century nostalgia and as a reference to historical representation. Its estimated value is modest, ranging from $30 to $100, primarily depending on condition and appeal within the collectibles market. If further identification of the manufacturer ("co") is possible, it could refine this estimate further. Let me know if you'd like help with that or if you find any other markings on your piece!

These are of course reproductions of "Chalkware" figurines that were first popular during the late 19th century through the 1920's, they are actually cast plaster made from molds, Values for the originals went to high levels during the Victoriana mad 1980's when most of these mass produced reproductions began to appear. The market is pretty flat for them now, they often turn up at harity shops for under $20.00.