Large pair of of possible pre 1890 porcelain figurines

[Ashton9882]

Hi all- Have spent much time attempting to find more info about these figurines.  They are both about 27 inches tall.  There are no clear markings on the bottom of them.  I can make out faint impressed markings that look like "LAM" or "L 8 M".  There is also a marking that looks like 2 small case letter "r"s ... (one slightly above the other) followed by what looks like the numeral 8. these have been in my family for many years.  An older relative who was born in 1924 said that they were in their home since she was a child.. Another relative can recall hearing that our grandfather, (who immigrated from Poland around 1895) brought these with him from Poland.. yet another relative can recall that my grandfather received them from someone in the USA as payment for money owed.  They appear to be made from porcelain.  They both have small openings on their rear sides and a hole at the bottom of their bases...(made me wondor if they were able to be lit up in some way).... yet, this makes no sense.... (openings would be in the front of them if this was the case).  I have tried to search for the crest depicted on the coat of the male figure, but had no luck in finding a match.  Will include pictures in seperate post...(having trouble posting pics).
Any info/help would be appreciated.
K

[Ashton9882]

Here is a picture of the male figurine

[Ashton9882]

Here is a picture of the female figurine

Thanks! 

[snowflake]

Hi Ashton! Welcome. Those are gorgeous! Can you take a photo of the back and bottom? The marks, even though they aren't clear, someone might be able to recognize it. You'd be amazed at the knowledge some members have here!

Thanks for posting, they really are beauties!

[ironlord1963]

    I believe that would be L & M ,  Pretty sure they are a export company in Japan, I have seen many L & M pieces some old and many or most Post 40's.  I have found little on the Mark, this is why I believe they were a export company.

[Ashton9882]

Thanks for the warm welcome!  I will make sure I bring a good camera with me the next time I go to visit my relative!  The pictures that I posted were taken with an I PAD. I am not sure if my camera will be able to capture the impressed marks because they are so faint.  I have already tried to create a "rubbing" of the marks (by putting a piece of paper over them and rubbing with a pencil)... even this was not clear.  One of them DOES have a very unusual mark on the bottom of it.  This mark appears to have been added by hand... and resembles a Capital letter A with an oval loop at the top of the "letter A".  I will be able to capture that image!  Will post again when I have the pictures!  Thanks!
K

[Ashton9882]

Hi Ironlord-
I noticed several "L&M" pieces on the net last night....  The features of our pair are finer, and more detailed.  They also do not have any form of shiny glaze on them, as did many of the L&M pieces that I observed.  The finish on our pieces are more "matte like".  I will post more pics when I can.  Thanks for taking the time to read this, and thanks for the advice!
K

[ironlord1963]

    The matte Finish is called Bisque or basically unglazed.  The figurines you have have exceptional Detail and Quailty, and the size is also a bit unusual also.  Like mentioned earlier we will have to see the hallmarks to really tell.  Just when I saw LAM  my first impression was L & M, see lots of their items.  Also as a side note, since L & M is or most likely a export Comapny the styles will be all over the board.  Export companies purchase their items from various companies and Artist and sell them abroad, I have a had small Bisque style figurines from them, even seen some Hummel style, cheap and very detail.  But we will have to see the hallmark and compare.  I did run a search of LAM Porcelain and found some Artist that was under that, but mostly seem to be Ceramics and Porcelain items like Dinnerware and etc.   

[snowflake]

You just might be onto something with the lamp thing.
http://www.onlinecollectibles.com/faq/bisque-porcelain.html

[ironlord1963]

   Good Point Sapphire that might explain the size and the unusual hole placement mentioned.  Keep in mind though this would date them post 40's or mid century in age.  Based on electric lamps and the craze of that time for these.

[mart]

Need to see the bottom and back of them !!

[KC]

Sure would like to see pics of backs and bottom of pieces.  Also close ups of holes/placements.  AND just like the others commented....of the makers mark.