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Preliminary identification

Josef Originals 'Shooting Marbles' Figurine, California Era

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

A charming mid-century ceramic figurine depicting a winking child in pink overalls intently playing a game of marbles.

Story

Muriel Joseph George began sculpting these whimsical figures in her California home in 1945 as a way to find peace and creativity during the final years of World War II.

Maker / Origin

Muriel Joseph George founded the company in her garage, and the name 'Josef' was actually a printer's error on her first batch of labels—she had intended it to be 'Joseph' but loved the unique look of the typo and kept it.

Condition & Value

The figurine shows significant crazing throughout the glaze, which is typical for California pottery of this age and does not greatly detract from value. The original foil label is in excellent condition, which is a major value driver. No visible chips or repairs are present in the photos.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • ▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • ▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
  • ▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • ▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • ▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • ▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD