Antique Hand Molded and Polychrome Painted Redware Miniature Owl Whistle
Description: A very unusual polychrome painted hand molded miniature whistle in the form of an owl. The whistle, which is ~1 7/8" hiigh is in the shape of a standing owl with large eyes having red circles in their center with black pupils. The owl is painted in an orange coloring with white lines on the front. It has two small feet in the bottom of the front and two unpainted wings on the sides. the owl has pointed or horns on the side of the top of the eyes. The back has an extension forming the mouth piece of the whistle and has a hole in the front to give the whistling effect. The back of the owl is uncolored as is the top of the head. The piece may have been a toy for a child or just a pocket whistle. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Unknown, but most likely late 18th or early 19th centuries (late 1700s or early 1800s).
Origin: Purchased at an estate auction in southeastern Pennsylvania.
Size: Measures ~1 7/8" tall~1" wide and ~1 1/4" deep at the mouth piece. The whistle weighs ~0.8 ounce.
Maker: Unknown.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a nice, unusual miniature redware whistle that is in fair condition after being around for over 200 years. It would make a nice addition to your collection of antique redware miniatures or whistles. Condition: The whistle is in fair condition after being around for about 200 years. It has quite a bit of paint losses to the front. It also has many chips including the beak, the feet, and the right horn above the owl's right eye. The piece still works as it should and whistles when you blow through the mouth piece in the back. Please see the photos for additional condition information and to appreciate its beauty.
