Josef Originals Figurines

Q: I have five figurines that are at least fifty years old and have paper labels that say “Josef Original California.” Do they have any value or are they just plaster?

A: Josef Originals was started by Muriel Joseph Georges, who began designing and making ceramic figurines in the basement of her home in California in 1945. When Muriel ordered labels for her figurines they came back with “Joseph” misspelled as “Josef” and that became part of the company name. Production moved to Japan in 1962. The company was sold in 1982. The new owner continued to make Josef Originals figurines designed by Muriel until 1985, when the company was sold again. The figurines are no longer being made. Those made in California are worth more that the later ones made in Japan. Value of your figurines, $15 to $55.