In the 18th and 19th century every house had a fireplace, and therefore a mantlepiece, and in the grander houses, several mantlepieces. These, along with shelves and cabinets, would be decorated with all manner of things from clocks, candlesticks, photograph frames and pottery and brass ornaments.

This type of figure was refered to as a 'fairing'. They were made in Germany during the last quarter of the 19th century. Members of household staff would be given very few days holiday, one of their favorourite pastimes would be to visit the village fair. These fairs would travel from town to town during the summer months. The stalls would be very simple games and the prizes would often be fairings. These were mass produced and would be cruedly modelled, but a prized possesion to somebody of a humble background. Also these items would often be for sale in sea side towns and villages as a souvenier.
 
A pair of German fairing figures of a boy and girl, with open space in the back of the figure to sit spills (thin pieces of wood for lighting the fire). These would have been in place in a humble cottage.
 
No chips or cracks in good general condition.

Dimensions: 18cm high x 16cm deep.