Soldier/Napoloeon figurine mark query - crown and N (below!)

by Keith
(Sittingbourne, Kent England)

Soldier/Napoloeon figurine mark query - crown and N (below!):- An impulse purchase at auction (i liked it), a figurine of Napoleon standing with rifle. On front of plinth the word "Lefebure". On underside a marking of a crown with an N underneath, or the crown is upside down!? Please Help! Pictures attached.

Keith

========================================

Please contribute to this thread by writing in the comments section below – just scroll down...

HOW I MADE MONEY FROM BITS & BOBS OF OLD CHINA .....more

Soldier/Napoloeon figurine mark query - crown and N (below!)

Hi Keith

First thing to say is welcome to you from Sittingbourne, Kent. Having grown up for a while in Rainham, Kent I know the area well. The last query I answered was from Hollywood, so this site is truly international!

Anyway, back to your soldier. Not my area, but the N crown is a mark mostly associated with both Italian and German makers, but was also used by Sevres makers too. I think one may be French, but there are so many different N marks, it's all abit chaotic, even for expert researchers who specialise in this area.

You see, it is no longer a specific factory mark, but can be used by anyone. An expert in this type of ware might know more specifics, but this to me is not Italian - but more Germanic or French.

A military expert would be able to identify the uniform, which may be interesting to do because although you say 'Napoleon', I think this is a foot soldier with a rifle, not the little General.


I am not sure, but I don't think the name "Lefebure" is a maker's name, but must be more to do with the story of this individual. The name is definitely French, so why would a German company pay tribute to the story of a French soldier?

In the back of my mind, I think I have seen examples of French Sevres company using the N crown mark too.

If I were you, I would start to research along the lines of a famous Captain Lefebure. There may well be some famous story from military history about such a heroic character.

The thing to consider though is the history of the military uniform shown. Was this piece contemporary with the uniform, or was it a later reproduction produced later as a historical perspective? Find the regiment which used this uniform and you have many clues to our quest. This piece may be worth something to a collector, but it depends on its context.

More questions than answers, but if you find out more, please let us know.

p.s. The following page is a 'must see' if you are researching fine china - for value and identification:-

Researching the identity and value of antique and vintage fine china.

Please post comments below which you think might be helpful……