SCARCE FALCON FIGURINE FROM THE XI SOKOL FESTIVAL, ROYAL DUX, CZECHOSLOVAKIA, 1948

Scarce commemorative figurine produced for the Eleventh Sokol Festival, Czechoslovakia, made by Royal Dux, 1948, modeled as a falcon clutching a barbell atop a large XI, hand-decorated in polychrome glazes, 7-3/4" tall, the interior of the base marked "Royal Dux, Czechoslovakia."

Founded in 1862, Sokol (Czech for "falcon") was a gymnastics and athletics organization intended expressly to foster "a strong mind in a sound body" in Czech youth. Becoming more political and even militaristic over time, the Sokol sponsored large "slets" or Olympic Games–style meets at irregular intervals, attracting thousands of participants and spectators. The tenth such event, held on the eve of World War II in 1938, was the last for a decade, as the Sokol was banned with the Nazi occupation of Bohemia and Moravia. The next slet, the eleventh (from which the present item originated), was held in Prague in 1948.

The statuette offered here, evidently produced for participants or as a souvenir from the 1948 games, is quite uncommon.

CONDITION: A bit of faint scattered crazing, and a few firing cracks to interior of base (original to manufacture and not affecting exterior), otherwise fine, attractive condition.

Home Decor, Decor

15%

Michael Rodman | (313) 719-1181 | neverenoughbooks@outlook.com

Pickup Details

Private Residence

Milford, NH 03055

When to Pickup

Saturday, 11/18, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

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