Royal Doulton Figurine The Choice HN1960

HN Number: HN1960

Produced: 1941-1949 (8-year production run) She is dated 1941

Height: 7.75 inches

Designer: Leslie Harradine

Series: Pretty Ladies Series

Condition: Mint Condition , no chips, cracks or repairs.

An Exceptionally Rare Wartime Treasure

The Choice HN1960 represents one of the rarest and most sought-after Leslie Harradine figurines ever produced. Created during the darkest days of World War II and continued through the immediate post-war recovery, this exceptional piece embodies both artistic excellence and historical significance that commands premium collector prices.

Extreme Wartime Rarity: Produced from 1941-1949, The Choice survived one of the most challenging periods in Royal Doulton's history. During WWII, the Burslem factory faced severe material shortages, workforce depletion, and production restrictions. Very few figurines were manufactured during these years, making wartime pieces exceptionally scarce.

Historical Significance: The 1941 introduction date places this figurine at the height of the Blitz, when England faced its greatest peril. That Royal Doulton continued producing beautiful ceramic art during such devastating times speaks to the resilience of British craftsmanship. Pieces from this period carry profound historical meaning beyond their artistic merit.

Leslie Harradine's Wartime Work: As Harradine's freelance arrangement continued through the war years, his monthly shipments to the factory became even more precious. The Choice demonstrates his unwavering commitment to excellence despite the chaos surrounding him, maintaining the artistic standards that made him Royal Doulton's greatest designer.

Production Challenges: The 8-year production run was severely constrained by:

• Material rationing and shortages
• Workforce conscription and depletion
• Factory conversion to war effort production
• Bombing damage and disruptions
• Post-war economic recovery challenges

These factors dramatically limited how many examples were produced, creating the extreme scarcity that drives current values.

Investment Grade Rarity: With production numbers far below typical Harradine pieces, The Choice HN1960 represents museum-quality investment opportunity. Wartime figurines consistently appreciate faster than standard production pieces due to their historical significance and extreme scarcity.

Collector Competition: Advanced Harradine collectors, wartime production specialists, and museum curators all compete for authentic examples of The Choice. This multi-faceted demand creates strong upward price pressure on the rare examples that reach the market.

Condition Sensitivity: Given the age and wartime production challenges, finding The Choice in excellent condition is increasingly difficult. Quality examples command significant premiums as collectors recognize the rarity of well-preserved wartime pieces.

Why The Choice Commands Premium Prices:

• Extreme wartime scarcity: Very limited production numbers
• Historical significance: WWII era production
• Master designer: Leslie Harradine at his peak
• Short production run: Only 8 years during challenging period
• Museum quality: Investment-grade collectible
• Growing recognition: Wartime pieces increasingly valued

Perfect For: Advanced Leslie Harradine collectors, wartime production specialists, museum-quality collectors, serious investors in rare Royal Doulton, or those seeking pieces with profound historical significance beyond their artistic merit.

Authenticated by William Cross, whose family's Charlton Standard Catalogue provides the definitive reference for understanding production histories and relative rarity of Royal Doulton figurines. Our expertise ensures accurate identification of truly rare pieces like The Choice HN1960.