Gauging interest in Penn Phonograph Corp 33" Plaster Opera Figure, Copyright 1920

[mintonsdolls]

Hello to the antique phonograph society! My name is Sheryn and I am an antique doll and toy person. I am here gauging interest in this beautiful figure that was brought to me as part of a collection to sell. The little information I found told me that she is not something that would appeal to doll collectors but should be in the hands of an antique phonograph person.   

 

This beautiful figure stands 33" tall and is on a velvet covered base that adds an additional 2".  According to an article from Antique Phonograph Society Forum dated August 2022 (Found here), this plaster figure which is incised "Copyright 1920, Penn Phonograph Corp" was created by the Penn. Phonograph Co who were wholesalers and jobbers for the Victor Talking Machine and were to be used in window and store displays at Victor Stores.  There were 12 characters in the series created and they represented opera characters from the operas being promoted by Victor Red Seal records. 

 

If you have an interest, please contact me at brandjosh@aol.com or reply below. Thank you.

 

 

 

[Garret]

Wow. I had no idea such a thing existed. I'm really not sure what to make of it.

[CurtA]

SOLD

[CurtA]

[melvind]

Here is the link to earlier discussions about these figurines.

 

 

[Jerry]

Has anyone determined which recording artist this figure portrays? 

Edited May 27 by Jerry

[mintonsdolls]

No, they have not.  She is beautiful but her identity is a mystery.  

[CurtA]

According to known information, they did not portray specific artists, but rather they represented various opera "characters" from various operas.  There are twelve characters - 6 men and 6 women that had interchangeable parts - arms/hands and heads.  You could make up (individually) all twelve from two female and two male figures and use different outfits to complete the look.  Daniels figure has a crossed arm, while this one has outstretched arms.  They both have different outfits than those portrayed in the ad.

[mintonsdolls]

No, they have not.  She is beautiful but her identity is a mystery.  

[CurtA]

There were (apparently) two female figures with two different faces attached to the torsos.  The arms could be removed, repositioned and interchanged to create different looks.  They also had different wigs and hats.  The Penn Phono Co also distributed small plaster Nippers which could be customized for various dealers across the country.

[mintonsdolls]

Thank you for the information.  She has proven to be a much more interesting lady than I ever imagined.  I am glad she is going to a home where her history will be appreciated.

[CurtA]

Definitely...  Thank you.

[CurtA]

Comparison between the two known figures: