Antique Royal Doulton "Lydia" Figurine (HN 1908), Leslie Harradine Design, c. 1939 📚🌹🇬🇧

This is a RARE and exquisite vintage Royal Doulton figurine, displaying the finest in British craftsmanship in bone china. Titled "Lydia," this piece is depicted in a graceful, seated pose, adorned in a flowing red gown and a charming hat, with a book in her hand.

With its specific model number HN 1908 and an early copyright date of 1939, this figurine is a documented and highly sought-after artifact of Royal Doulton's legacy. This piece offers the discerning customer a tangible piece of pre-WWII British artistry.

2. About the Figurine 📖✍️✨

This figurine is a high-end decorative sculpture that captures an elegant, intimate moment of leisure. "Lydia" sits in a garden setting, her expression serene as she is absorbed in a book.

The meticulous hand-painted details of her vibrant red dress and the surrounding foliage bring the character to life. Her pose, combined with the scale (approximately 4.75 inches tall), makes this a captivating piece. This is a museum-quality piece perfect for a curio cabinet or a collector's display.

3. About the Maker: Royal Doulton and the "HN" Mark ✍️🏛️

Royal Doulton is a prestigious English company, celebrated for producing fine bone china since the 19th century. The "HN" mark is a key detail, named after Harry Nixon, who was the head of the company's painting department.

The number "1908" is the model number assigned to this specific design. This figure was designed by the noted sculptor Leslie Harradine, whose classic models are highly valued by collectors. The HN system of numbering provides a verifiable piece of production history.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

This figurine's copyright date of 1939 places it at a pivotal moment in world history, coinciding with the very start of World War II.

During this era, Royal Doulton figurines became a cherished symbol of British quality and artistry and were often viewed as an item of enduring value during uncertain times. This piece is a genuine historical artifact that reflects the elegance and craftsmanship of the pre-war period, making it a valuable addition to any collection of European antiques. The long production run, extending through 1995, speaks to the model's enduring international popularity.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This RARE figurine will appeal directly to a Serious Royal Doulton Collector who focuses on the highly valued Leslie Harradine Classics Series. The ideal buyer is one who seeks models with an early copyright date and a specific focus on figures in peaceful, intimate settings.

It is also an attractive asset for an Interior Decorator seeking a curated, historical accent piece for a library or a formal cabinet display. The documented HN 1908 model number and its pristine condition ensure this piece is a desirable part of a collection.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This figurine is valuable for its strong brand authentication, its specific model number, and its pristine physical condition. The 1939 copyright date confirms the figurine is approximately 86 years old.

Its value is sustained by the exquisite hand-painted details, the graceful sculpting by Leslie Harradine, and its origin in a rare, pre-WWII batch. The pristine, chip-free condition of the piece, especially given its age, all contribute to its high value as a top-tier collectible.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This vintage figurine is in excellent, collector-grade condition.

• Structural Integrity: There are no visible chips, cracks, or repairs to the bone china body.

• Vibrant Artistry: The hand-painted colors (red dress, green accents) are vibrant, and the glaze is intact, showing no signs of fading or wear.

• Marking: The HN 1908 model number and 1939 copyright date are clearly legible on the base.

• Surface: It is a pristine example of a piece that has been treasured for decades.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Designer: The "Lydia" figurine (HN 1908) was designed by Leslie Harradine, one of Royal Doulton's most prolific and important sculptors.

• The Reading Motif: Figurines depicting women reading or seated with books are considered intimate pieces and were highly popular as gifts symbolizing leisure and education.

• The HN Number: The low HN number (1908) indicates that this design was cataloged relatively early in the history of the Doulton figurine numbering system, which began in 1913.

• Harradine Longevity: Leslie Harradine's models are known for their uncommon longevity; this model was in production for 56 years (1939–1995), a marker of its timeless popularity.

9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Item Name: "Lydia" Figurine

• Maker/Factory: Royal Doulton

• Model Number: HN 1908

• Designer: Leslie Harradine

• Period: Antique/Vintage (Copyright 1939, Issued 1939–1995)

• Medium/Material: Hand-Painted Bone China

• Decoration: Seated Lady in Red Dress and Hat, Reading

• Origin: England

• Approximate Height: 5.0 inches

• Marking Transcription (Verbatim from Base): MADE IN ROYAL DOULTON ENGLAND / BONE CHINA / Lydia / H.N. 1908 / COPR 1939 / DOULTON & CO LIMITED / SK (Note: SK is a painter's mark)