Bisque Match Holder Value Guide

This late 19th-century French match holder showcases the era's fascination with exotic motifs through its charming figural design of two seated monkeys. Crafted from unglazed bisque porcelain, it represents a period when functional household items were elevated into decorative art pieces for the Victorian home.

What affects the value of Bisque Match Holder?

• Overall condition of the delicate bisque, as chips or hairline cracks significantly impact the $100-$120 price range.
• The presence and quality of original pigment or cold-painted accents on the monkey figures.
• The complexity of the figural mold and the clarity of the monkeys' expressions.
• Market demand for 'Singerie' or monkey-themed decorative arts within the tobacciana collecting community.

How to Identify Bisque Match Holder?

• Examine the base or back for a rough, unglazed striking surface used for lighting friction matches.
• Verify the matte, velvet-like texture characteristic of authentic French bisque porcelain from the 1880-1910 period.
• Look for fine hand-painted details on the monkeys' features, which distinguish antique originals from later mass-produced reproductions.
• Check for specific French manufacturing marks or impressed numerals often found on the underside of the base.

History of Bisque Match Holder

Match holders became popular in the 19th century as matches became a common household item. These decorative and functional pieces kept matches tidy and often incorporated striking surfaces. Figural match holders, like this one with monkeys, were particularly cherished for their charming and whimsical designs, reflecting the era's appreciation for decorative arts and exotic motifs.