Apparently collecting fine art and sculpture is quite the hobby for many of the residents of Los Angeles. Heritage Estate Sales has handled many properties where these galleries of objects were the centerpiece of the event. For clients who are handling the sale of good from an inherited home, there is often the question as to whether a piece of sculpture is worth something or whether it is simply aesthetically pleasing.
One of the common artworks that we are often asked about are Lladros. These porcelain figurines are well known for their delicate details and often elongated forms that add a sense grace to the composition. As with any other collectible, there will often be imitators that can copy the basic style, but that are not authentic.
Stamp Of Approval
All authentic Lladro sculptures are marked. This will often be on the base of the figure and can be seen when the piece is turned over. Although some of the very early original pieces were left unmarked, these are exceedingly rare, and a good rule of thumb is that a sculpture lacking the mark is likely to be a forgery.
The marks can vary somewhat. They will all bear the Lladro name and have the bell insignia as a designation. The only exception to this are pieces that date between 1960 and 1970, before the bell was made a part of the stamp. These pieces, however, will have the name and “Espania” or “Made in Spain” actually pressed into the porcelain, and this is a large part of the trademark in itself.
Pieces that were made post 1970 not only have the bellflower marking, but were also changed to a stamped mark rather than a pressing in the material. After 1984, the trademark was also registered, to further help with authentication of the artwork.
It should be noted, that some authentic Lladros are less valuable than others. If the trademark stamp is present, but the bell is scraped off, then this means that the piece is considered a second. While it is still authentic, it does contain some type of imperfection that keeps it from being fully stamped for approval.
When getting ready for a property sale, Heritage Estate Sales can not only help to evaluate belongings such as these, but also organize and run the event. Contact information on our website can help clients become acquainted with our practices, and retain our services for their needs.