Cat Left Holding the Teddy Bear Mask
Schmid Gordon Frase Clown Cat
When new items come in to the shoppe I just get the urge to research their origin, manufacturer and artist. Recently this cute little porcelain cat figure dressed in a Christmas or clown suit with Santa hat piqued my interest. The very weird part about this kitty figure is he’s holding a Teddy Bear “mask” in his left paw. I don’t get it. The vintage mark on the bottom is a Schmid Gordon Fraser 1985 made in Taiwan R. O. C. This brown kitty with white face mask and paws reminds me of Puss ‘N Boots from back in the 60′s.
My reseach shows that Schmid Bros., Inc. in Massachusetts became a Disney licensee in 1970 and produced a large range of popular collectibles until the business closed in 1995. This kitty figurine is copywrited Gordon Fraser whom I assume is the artist that designed the cat. Gordon Fraser designed a lot of porcelain collectible Teddy Bears and Cats each year and quite a few were music boxes. Most are limited editions and dated.
I’m wondering if there was a series of Teddy Bears and Cats dressed in clown suits for each Holiday? I came across a Teddy Bear on-line, wearing a red clown suit with white Valentines on the red vest front and white stars on the red bow tie and a very similar red and white striped blouse like our kitty is wearing. Seems like they range in price from $15 to $25 depending on style, condition and age.
Our Schmid Gordon Fraser is 4″ tall and stands on a white oval base that’s 2″ wide.
If you know his story, let me know!
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