Preliminary identification

Wallendorf Porcelain 'Galloping Horses' Figurine by Karl Steiner

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

A dynamic white-glazed porcelain sculpture featuring two horses in full gallop, designed by the renowned modeler Karl Steiner. The piece is celebrated for its 'gravity-defying' composition, where the weight of the porcelain is supported by a stylized base representing a cloud of dust or churned earth.

Story

In the 1950s, Karl Steiner captured the raw energy of wild horses for Wallendorf, one of Germany's oldest kilns. This piece uses a clever 'dust cloud' base to make the horses appear to float mid-gallop, defying the weight of porcelain.

Maker / Origin

Founded in 1764, Wallendorf is one of the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Germany, surviving through empires, world wars, and the Cold War. Karl Steiner was a master modeler for the firm during the mid-20th century, known for his ability to translate fluid, athletic movement into the rigid medium of hard-paste porcelain.

Condition & Value

The figurine appears to be in excellent condition with a bright, consistent glaze. The most critical areas to inspect are the thin ankles and ears of the horses, where chips or professional repairs can significantly impact value. Excellent condition commands the top of the price range.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

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

Build on this identification

Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.

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