Figurines - Boswell The Basset Hound (Ucagaco and Norcrest)

These figurines are very rare and date back to the mid 1950s.  There were 6 of these figurines manufactured and based on the book, BOSWELL'S LIFE OF BOSWELL.

They are so rare, that I only have a very few from time to time. I will never stop searching for them. Check back often.

An interesting side note regarding these figurines is the fact that Evelyn Leavens never made a dime from them even though they were produced directly from her art work which resulted in the children's book, (Boswell's Life of Boswell).  Evelyn was extremely angry, hurt and felt tricked by Simon and Schuster who denied her any credit or money for the figurines.  It was well within Simon and Schuster's rights as stated in the contract to proceed with these figurine in the manner they did.  As most publishing contracts go the publishing house owns the copyright to all artwork and written words.  Evelyn, learned the hard way that her work was no longer her own. 

Ucagco - United China and Glass Company

The larger and more expensive figurine collection

UCAGCO actually means United China and Glass Company. Its offices were based in New Orleans and New York. Ucagco was primarily a distributor of dinnerware and glassware. They were the distributor of many Japanese china patterns during the early 1950s. United China & Glass Co. Inc., better known as UCAGCO, dating back to 1850. Founded by Abe Mayer and originally called Abe Mayer & Co., the importer did business throughout the Southeast U.S. as well as Central and South America. It wasn't until the 30s that the company took on the official trademark of UCAGCO and began expanding overseas. In fact, after the war, the company's agent in Japan, S.A. Stolaroff signed the very first contract allowing imports from Japan. A talented ceramic designer himself, Stolaroff worked alongside many Japanese potteries to lead the company's line of ceramics. In 1956, UCAGCO was sold to Sammons Enterprises and in 1962, Stolaroff, who had become the company's president, retired.

Norcrest -  Portland Oregon family owned business

The smaller and more affordable collection