It is so refreshing to see such a truly rare item on eBay. I feel it is the most compelling and single “must-have” piece from the relatively large set with the same JOL-based design. (Please refer to pages 58-60 to see other items from the set. The large candlestick in the collection is shown on page 132.) This candlestick candy container was produced in at least two sizes. I was very fortunate to pick up a German example in a smaller size not long ago. (I provided a photo of the two examples to Kovels Antique Trader for their October 2023 issue.) The Japanese made an example, too, which falls WELL below the artisanship of any of the German designs. The seller took a risk by starting the listing with such a high opening amount but quality sometimes dictates abandoning that old strategy of starting things at $9.99. This is an item that should easily command a minimum of ~$4,000 even with the unfortunately visible facial wrinkle.
04/28 Update: I was surprised this only brought $2,500. Perhaps the seller’s strategy of starting it so high worked against a better ending price. Sometimes, high starting prices kill the sense of adventure and a hope for a coveted steal by collectors. That’s almost certainly what happened here.
