Liberty Falls Americana Collection: First Evangelical Church (AH16)
Miniature figurine / Decorative collectible sculpture • Produced for International Resourcing Services (IRS), Inc. / Ralph Marlin & Co.
Style & Movement
Contemporary Americana / Traditionalist Folk Art Revival (Miniaturist)
Medium & Technique
Hand-painted cold-cast resin (polystone) or ceramic; molded and mass-produced with hand-applied surface pigments.
Creation Period
Early to mid-1990s (Collection launched circa 1991)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 3 to 4 inches in height; landscape base format.
Subject Description
A miniature architectural representation of a 19th-century American brick church, featuring a tall steeple, a white cross, a horse-drawn carriage to the side, and a small community signage board. It evokes a nostalgic, idealized vision of small-town American life.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Visually intact; some minor surface dust and potential pigment fading consistent with display shelf aging).
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $15 USD
Auction Estimate
$3 - $10 USD (Secondary market value fluctuates based on original box presence and demand for specific missing pieces in a collection).
Provenance History
Mass-produced retail item originally sold through department stores or catalogs; part of the extensive 'Liberty Falls' fictional town series commonly found in private home collections.
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 20th-century trend of holiday/Americana village collecting (similar to Department 56 or Lemax). These pieces served as accessible domestic decor meant to foster a sense of heritage and nostalgic identity.
Notable Features
Includes a horse-drawn carriage as an attached accessory on the base; features the characteristic 'Liberty Falls' stamp or label on the underside.
Condition Issues
Possible minor chipping on the steeple or the base; accumulation of dust in recessed areas; slight paint wear on the horse and carriage details.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dry-brushing or compressed air to remove dust. Maintain in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent resin brittleness.