These 2 exceptional advertising figures for the family run company facchino. Started by enrico fecchino, who moved from Italy to Birmingham in the early 1900 along with his enthusiastic approach to making ice cream. Into the late 1920s the family business then moved to creating and marketing ice cream cones. Hence the names marked on the cones of the figures being ritz, this would have been a type of cone they would have made.
The figures are made from plaster. Constructed from moulds with layers of plaster being added on top of one another with fine detail. After the process of moulding the figure the details would of then been added with a paint brush, giving them the fine and superb appearance you see today.
The figures would of been displayed either in a shop window to bring eager customers to come in and try the fabulous ice creams. Or behind the counter on a shelf.
I have had a couple of these figures before, often you are more likely to stumble across the girl figure as for some reason it seems to surface more than the boy. Another pair that I have had the pleasure of seeing belong to beamish museum displayed in their ice cream parlour. The other pair I sold to a good friend who has them displayed in the kitchen and they really do look superb.
also beware that these figures are commonly reproduced. It is quite easy to tell as they are horrible quality but I have added 2 images of reproduction figures to warn keen figure buyers.
this is the reason these 2 lovely figures have earned their places as item of the week please have a look every Sunday on item of the week as I will be displaying items from my personal collection as well as items that will be for sale.
Thankyou all for looking hope you enjoy reading
thankyou
ben
