A Frankenthal figure of Pantalone, circa 1756-59

modelled by Johann Wilhelm Lanz, standing in a theatrical pose with his right arm raised and left arm holding back his black cloak, wearing a deep red skull cap, tunic and breeches, a dagger suspended from his black belt, on a scroll moulded base picked out in puce and gilding, rampant lion mark in underglaze-blue, impressed PH and incised 3,

With Röbbig, Munich (paper label to base);
sold Sotheby's London, 5th June 1990, lot 303

dagger hilt missing, rosette at his knee chipped, flat chip to base, otherwise in very good condition
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The figure of Pantalone was one from the larger scale series of Italian Comedy figures made at the Frankenthal factory and modelled by J.W. Lanz. Thirteen Comedy players are illustrated by F.H. Hofmann, Frankenthaler Porzellan, 1911, Vol. I, pl. 15 and 16. The differing sizes of these figures perhaps indicates that two series were made.

Pantalone was modelled after the Meissen original by Peter Reinicke from the Duke of Weissenfels series, which was itself based on François Joullain's engraving after Jacques Callot, Habit de Pantalon Ancien, published in Luigi Riccoboni's Histoire du Théâtre Italien in 1728.       

An example from the Alex Leiser, Berlin collection of Frankenthal porcelain was sold by Herman Ball, Berlin, 26-27th February 1932, lot 519. Further examples are represented in museums, Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen, Mannheim, published Barbara Beaucamp-Markowsky, Frankenthaler Porzellan. Die Plastik, 2008, pp. 222-223 and Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, published Herman Jedding, Europäisches Porzellan, 1971, no. 275.