Bavarian Figural Blue Duck Syrup or Liqueur Set w Mother Duck Pitcher and Six Individual Baby Duckling Cups on Matching Tray c 1920 - 1950

This is a figural syrup or liqueur porcelain set, made in Bavaria. The specific manufacturer is unknown. The date is the 20th century, circa 1920 to 1950.

The set includes a pitcher (or decanter), six individual pouring cups, and a matching tray. The pitcher is about 8” high to the top of the beak and about 6 ½” long. The individual cups are about 2 7/8” high and about 1 5/8” long. The tray is about 9 1/8” long and 6 7/8” wide.

The prior owner used the set for syrup, when serving breakfast or brunch for guests. She pointed out that the ducklings are not shaped correctly to use as liqueur glasses, that the shape will not fit and pour into the mouth; however the shape is perfect for pouring syrup onto pancakes and waffles. Syrup goes into the mother duck pitcher and into the baby ducklings, and the ducklings thus become mini-pitchers at individual place settings. The entire set is brought to the table on the tray. The prior owner said that people who adore pancakes with maple syrup love using the little ducklings to pour the syrup, that the set becomes a conversation piece that gets people talking right away and makes for a good brunch party.

The stopper on the mother duck has a cork bottom that appears to be original to the piece and is still in good condition. The syrup is poured out through the beak, and the tail feathers are curved up in the back to form a handle. There are a few flecks of blue color missing, but otherwise the mother duck is free of flaws.

The six ducklings are looking upwards, with beaks agape, waiting for the mother duck to feed them. If you look closely at the ducklings, you will see what I mean, that the cups are impractical for use as liqueur cups, though sets like this do get confused as to the function being intended as use for liqueur. The ducklings are tiny and fit into the palm of the hand easily. One duckling has been broken at the top and glued; I show the flaw in a photo. There are a few flecks of color missing, and a few tiny bumps from the manufacturing process, and a little bit of interior discoloration from use. There are no other chips, cracks or crazing.

The tray has no chips, cracks or crazing.

Each piece is marked on the bottom Bavaria. The bottoms are unglazed.

This is a real cute set.

Item ID: RL-322