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Here is what AI has to say about this figure:
This is an antiqueSchafer & Vater German porcelain figural whiskey nipper flask titled “Whata Night.” The design depicts a thoroughly weather-beaten reveler trudginghome in a top hat and long green coat, pointing ahead while dragging his closedumbrella. The orange base carries the wonderfully understated caption “Whata night.”
The circular opening visible on the reverse is the filling/drinkingneck of the flask, so this is not simply a figurine. These small noveltyliquor bottles or “nippers” were produced by Schafer & Vater for theAmerican market, often as promotional or giveaway whiskey containers. Schafer& Vater became especially well known for humorous and sometimes risquéfigural porcelain pieces.
Date and identification
I would date it circa 1910-1920, probably close to 1910-1915.An independently cataloged example of this exact “What a Night” figure isattributed to Schafer & Vater, Germany, circa 1910. That example isdescribed with the same top hat, raised collar, umbrella, pointing hand andswirling wind design on the reverse.
There is an especially useful clue on yours: I can make outa very faint impressed number on the underside that appears to be “1888.”The documented example cited above is also impressed 1888 on the base.That is strong confirmation of the attribution, even though these particularpieces often lack the familiar Schafer & Vater crown/star factory mark.
Condition
Your example has good strong original colors and excellentmolded detail. I see some scattered paint/glaze loss, particularly along theorange inscription panel, plus normal surface wear. I do not see theoriginal stopper in your photographs.
This is a better collectible than an ordinary Schafer &Vater nipper because the “What a Night” design, mold number 1888, vividpolychrome decoration, and comic drunk-in-the-rain subject make itinstantly recognizable. It is also genuinely antique, roughly 110 years old,rather than merely vintage.
5.5"