Atlantic Mold Nativity Figurine Set
Ceramic Sculpture Set • Atlantic Mold (manufacturer/mold maker)
Style & Movement
Mid-century commercial hobby ceramics / Americana
Medium & Technique
Slip-cast earthenware or ceramic bisque with a copper-tone metallic or gloss finish
Creation Period
Mid to late 20th century, circa 1960s-1980s
Dimensions & Format
Tabletop sculptural group; estimated heights range from approximately 6 to 12 inches for the standing and kneeling figures.
Subject Description
Christian Nativity scene featuring the Holy Family: the Virgin Mary kneeling with hands folded in prayer, Saint Joseph kneeling in reverence, and the infant Jesus lying in a rustic manger. The figures are styled in a simplified, smooth, streamlined mid-century aesthetic.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good condition. The ceramic surfaces appear intact with minimal visible chipping or crazing, maintaining an even metallic-brown glaze sheen.
Estimated Market Value
$30 - $75 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $50 USD
Provenance History
Acquired through the hobbyist ceramic market, cast from commercial production molds distributed by the Atlantic Mold company, which supplied blanks for home crafters and commercial studios.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the mid-20th-century American hobby ceramics movement, where commercial molds allowed individuals to cast, fire, and finish religious and decorative items at home or in local ceramic studios.
Notable Features
Smooth, stylized contours characteristic of mid-century mass-produced commercial molds, finished in a distinctive copper-bronze monochromatic tone.
Condition Issues
Minor surface wear consistent with age, potential slight fading or rubbing to the metallic finish on high points, but no major structural cracks or losses apparent.
Conservation Recommendations
Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or moisture that could degrade the applied metallic finish.
Collector Notes
Atlantic