Triebner Ens & Eckert Volkstedt c 1880 Raised Rose Rococo 9\" Figurine Pair RARE For Sale

Based on the markings, these appear to be a pair of Triebner Ens & Eckert Volkstedt figurines produced sometime between 1877 and 1894.The Rococo Revival Figurine Pair of a gallant man and a single woman are made to display together. They symbolize a 1700s courtship on the promenade-a display that was coveted by wealthy Victorians at the time of their manufacture. He is holding a rose, and she has clusters of raised roses around her waist. She is carrying a drawstring purse that was common during the time period depicted. Finding the same-numbered pair in such good condition (the number 4 is imprinted on both of their bases) is extremely rare. Their 9\" size also makes them more valuable than similar pieces that are several inches shorter. He is approximately 9 inches tall, and she is just a hair shorter. A Thuringian specialty in this region of Germany was their raised rose clusters (called encrusted or applied flora) that were constructed separately, and then applied to the porcelain figurines before firing them in the kiln. Their delicate construction and 3D orientation on the piece make them prone to breaking. Finding pieces without significant breakage to these roses is difficult. This pair is in very good antique condition, given their age and delicate nature.That said, they do have multiple imperfections I noticed and documented in pictures. Small chip off edge of rose the man is holding. He also has a few light chips on edges of his clothes, some flea bites, and a couple of his fingers are missing the tips. Looks like might be some wear to the gold gilding, particularly on his base. She is missing a couple tips of her fingers in the back, and has some light tiny chips on her back, possible flea bites or dust within the roses. Something is not quite right on her base. I don\'t know if something broke off, or what. Looks and feels a bit uneven, and like the gloss finish isn\'t there on a small portion. All imperfections are relatively small and do not detract from the overall appearance in a noticeable way. Even the chips aren\'t that noticeable, as the light color of the piece, along with the busy pattern, camouflages them really well.