Guinea Pig Figurine

This is a hard to find figure of Guinea Pig on a rectangular base made by Nymphenburg in the early 20th century during the original period. This figure is very hard to find and there supposedly was also a standing up version but no figure is known to have survived. This piece is here is really cute - nicely modeled and sparingly painted to look alive. The simple base has nice corners to it to add a little elegance. I think the piece was modeled by M. Niemeier as that looks to be the name lightly impressed into the underside edge. Also on the underside are the numbers 309 and 4. 309 would be the model number but someone messed up the last digit as the other known examples are impressed with the number 306. Art mark in black to the back corner as shown. No impressed shield mark to be found. Definitely an early version! It is in great condition with no after making flaws but does have some manufacturing flaws like a filled firing crack to the front edge of the base and some small spot in the glaze which one sees fairly often on their earlier pieces like this. No chips, repairs, etc.! It displays perfectly and doesn't get much cuter than this unless you live in Peru where it probably looks more like dinner :) The figurine is 3.5 inches tall, 5.75 inches long and 2.875 inches deep. Please email me for more information or other pictures.