French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Figurine
Small porcelain, ceramic or bronze figures.
Figurines & Tiles · Indicative US retail $15–$1,000
At a glance
- Family: Figurines & Tiles
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1850 to 1970.
- Typical price: about $80; range $15 to $1,000 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Maker, condition
What it is
Figurines are small decorative figures in porcelain, earthenware, bisque and bronze. Famous makers include Meissen and Dresden in Germany, Sèvres and Paris in France (biscuit figures), Royal Doulton and Staffordshire in England, Capodimonte in Italy and Lladró in Spain; French faience figures from Quimper and Desvres are regional favorites.
How to identify and date it
Marks under the base identify most factories (Meissen's crossed swords, Sèvres' interlaced Ls, Lladró's flower, Quimper's HB or Henriot); fakes of Meissen and Sèvres marks are common. Check fingers, hands, flowers and extremities for chips and restoration, which shows under UV light.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1850 to 1970.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most figurine examples ask around $80. Simple or worn pieces start near $15, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $1,000. The main value drivers are: maker, condition. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: antique figurines worth money; vintage figurines worth money; porcelain antique figurines worth money; old figurines worth money. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Read marks
- Check for restoration
- Compare with references
Living with it
Group figurines in a vitrine or on a shelf by maker or theme.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.