Christoph Hertwig and Benjamin Beyermann founded the company in 1864 and after various test runs started full production a year later. In 1869 Beyermann quit and left Hertwig as sole proprietor who then employed his sons Karl and Friedrich as managers which over time slowly increased productivity. Around the year 1890 the company already had a workforce of 300 people and gave work to 600 home workers; they produced children's dolls, decorative objects, gifts as well as stoneware products and from 1900 on-wards also made porcelain figures. The company survived WWII without damage and the product range was at first reduced to decorational and utility ceramics. The factory was nationalized in 1958 and the product range was cut back to decorational ceramics only. After German reunification in 1990, the run down factory was closed.

This wonderful porcelain figure is of a sorrel or copper-red chestnut horse with dark mane and tail with a white design on it's forehead and white stockings. The figure measures 11" in length, 9 3/4" in height and stands on a slightly raised base. It is stamped in green with the company logo and "Hertwig". This marking was used from 1941-1958, before the company was nationalized. There are no cracks, chips or repairs; several small nicks appear along the edge of the base (see photos). Great form and color.