Cybis Figurines Value Guide: Identification & Prices

If you’ve inherited or collected Cybis porcelain figurines, you’re holding pieces of American art history. Founded by Polish-born sculptor Boleslaw Cybis, the Cybis studio operated for nearly eight decades before closing permanently in 2019, producing some of the most refined hand-painted porcelain ever made in the United States. But what are your Cybis figurines worth today?

This guide covers everything collectors and sellers need to know about Cybis figurines value, from identifying authentic pieces and understanding the studio’s marks to realistic pricing across every major collection category. Whether you found a single figurine at an estate sale or you’re sitting on a full collection, we’ll help you determine what you have and what it’s worth in today’s market.

Have a Cybis figurine you’d like evaluated? Request a free evaluation from our porcelain specialists or call (954) 866-8044 to speak with an expert.

What Is Cybis Porcelain? A Brief History

Cybis porcelain refers to hand-painted bisque porcelain figurines produced by the Cybis studio in Trenton, New Jersey, from 1940 until the studio’s closure in 2019. Each piece was entirely handcrafted and hand-painted by studio artisans, with production runs ranging from open editions to strictly limited numbered series. Cybis is recognized as one of the most distinguished American art porcelain studios of the 20th century.

Boleslaw Cybis, born in Poland in 1895, was already an accomplished painter and sculptor when the Polish government commissioned him to create a mural for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. When World War II broke out, Cybis and his wife Marja chose to remain in the United States rather than return to occupied Poland.

In 1940, the couple established “Cybis Art Productions” in the historic Steinway Mansion in Astoria, New York. They initially worked across multiple mediums including charcoal, oil paintings, clay, and paper-mache. By 1942, the growing operation moved to Trenton, New Jersey, a city with deep roots in American ceramics manufacturing, where existing kilns and facilities were already in place.

The early years saw Cybis operating alongside a related commercial venture called the Cordey China Company, which produced more affordable decorative pieces. Through the 1950s, the studio gradually shifted from highly glazed rococo styles toward the delicate bisque (unglazed) porcelain finish that became the Cybis hallmark.

After Boleslaw Cybis passed away in 1957, the studio continued under new leadership, expanding its collections and reputation through the following decades. The Cybis studio eventually closed its doors for good in late 2019 when the building was sold and remaining inventory was liquidated. Today, all Cybis porcelain exists only on the secondary market, making authentication and valuation essential knowledge for collectors.

How to Identify Authentic Cybis Figurines

Proper identification is the first step in determining your Cybis figurines’ value. Authentic pieces carry distinctive marks that changed over the studio’s history, and understanding these marks helps you date your piece and confirm its legitimacy.

Cybis Marks and Signatures by Era

The marks on Cybis porcelain evolved significantly across the decades:

• 1940s (Transitional Period): Early pieces from this era may carry Cordey marks, Cybis marks, or both. The output of both lines coexisted for an indeterminate period, and the earliest Cybis pieces show clear Cordey heritage. Look for stamped marks in various ink colors.
• 1950s: Most pieces feature a stamped “Cybis” signature, commonly in blue or brown paint, though dull pink and dark charcoal grey versions also appear. A two-line “Cybis Fine China” stamp exists but is considerably rarer.
• Late 1950s Onward: The familiar handwritten script “Cybis” signature appears, coinciding with the shift toward bisque porcelain. This signature was typically applied in brown paint or, for certain special pieces, gold leaf. By the early 1960s, brown or gold became the standard.
• Later Production: Pieces carry the handwritten Cybis script along with a phoenix-in-flames mold impression (a registered trademark), copyright symbols (either handwritten or stamped), and “USA” or “Made in USA” designations.

Limited Edition Numbering

Limited edition Cybis figurines bear an individual production number, typically preceded by a “#” symbol. For example, “Bathsheba #23” indicates the 23rd piece produced in that sculpture’s limited run. The studio announced the intended edition size for each limited sculpture, and pieces described as “completed” met that full number while those marked “closed” or “closed early” indicate the studio stopped production before reaching the stated edition size. Closed-early pieces may carry slightly higher collector interest due to their relative scarcity.

What to Look For When Examining a Piece

When evaluating a Cybis figurine, check these key areas:

1. Base markings: Turn the piece over carefully and look for the Cybis signature, edition numbers, copyright symbols, and any mold impressions.
2. Paint quality: Authentic Cybis pieces feature meticulous hand-painting with fine detail work. Mass-produced imitations lack this level of refinement.
3. Porcelain quality: Cybis used high-quality bisque porcelain with a smooth, matte finish on most post-1950s pieces. Earlier glazed pieces have a different but equally refined appearance.
4. Condition details: Check fingertips, floral elements, and any protruding features for chips or repairs, as these dramatically affect value.

Cybis Figurines Value: What Are They Worth Today?

Understanding the current market for Cybis figurines requires accepting a reality that surprises many collectors: secondary market values have declined substantially from the original retail prices. This is consistent with broader trends across collectible porcelain, similar to what has happened with Lladro figurines, Hummel figurines, and other mid-century collectibles.

General Pricing Guidelines

Based on documented auction results and secondary market sales data, here is what Cybis figurines typically sell for today:

Category	Typical Value Range (Mint Condition)	Percentage of Original Retail
Limited Editions (post-1970s)	$50 – $900+	~20% of 1980s retail price
Limited Editions (1960s era)	$40 – $500+	~25-60% of original price
Open Editions (post-1970s)	$10 – $100	~10-15% of 1980s retail
Open Editions (1960s era)	$15 – $75	~25-50% of original price
Rare/Exceptional Pieces	$500 – $2,000+	Varies widely

The Cybis studio maintained strict pricing during its operating years. Retailers were prohibited from offering discounts, and the studio never reduced its own prices. This means the original retail prices are well-documented reference points for today’s valuations.

Factors That Affect Cybis Figurines Value

Several factors determine where a specific piece falls within these ranges:

• Condition: This is the single most important factor. A mint, undamaged piece can bring 20% or more of its original retail, while a damaged piece might fetch only single-digit percentages. Even minor chips on fingers or floral elements reduce value substantially.
• Edition type: Limited editions generally command higher prices than open editions, though some popular open-edition pieces maintain steady demand.
• Edition size and completion status: Pieces from editions that were “closed early” (production stopped before reaching the announced number) may attract a premium due to lower total production.
• Rarity and desirability: Some collections and specific sculptures generate more collector interest than others. North American Indian Series pieces, for example, tend to be highly sought after.
• Provenance and documentation: Original boxes, certificates of authenticity, and documented ownership history add value.
• Market timing: Like all collectibles, Cybis values fluctuate with broader market conditions and shifting generational tastes.

Value by Collection Category

The Cybis studio organized its production into themed collections that evolved over the decades. Here is what to expect from each major category.

Children to Cherish Collection

This collection includes some of the most recognizable Cybis designs, featuring child figures in whimsical and storybook-inspired poses. Pieces like Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Goldilocks, and various child bust sculptures fall into this category. Open-edition children figures such as Pandora typically sell for $10 to $40, while limited-edition pieces from this collection range from $50 to $300 depending on the specific design and condition.

Birds and Flowers (Porcelain Gardens)

Cybis bird sculptures are among the studio’s most artistically accomplished works, featuring extraordinary detail in feather painting and floral elements. Limited-edition bird sculptures can bring $100 to $500 or more at auction, making them some of the more valuable pieces in the Cybis catalog. Flower arrangements and smaller bird studies from the open editions typically sell for $20 to $75. Collectors of fine porcelain birds often also appreciate works by Boehm Porcelain, another prestigious American porcelain studio.

North American Indian Series

The North American Indian Series represents some of the most valuable and collectible Cybis work. These limited-edition pieces feature detailed portraits of Native American figures including Apache, Onondaga (Hiawatha), and other tribal representations. Due to their artistic quality, limited production numbers, and strong collector demand, pieces from this series routinely bring $200 to $900 or more at auction. These are among the few Cybis categories where values have held relatively well.

Thinking of selling a Cybis collection or estate porcelain? Lion and Unicorn’s decorative arts team handles Cybis, Boehm, Lladro, and other fine porcelain regularly. Get a free evaluation to find out what your pieces are worth at auction.

Portraits in Porcelain

This collection encompasses adult human figures drawn from history, literature, and classical themes. Pieces like Scarlett (inspired by Gone with the Wind), Bathsheba, Desdemona, and various historical personages appear here. A Bathsheba in mint condition recently sold for $900 at auction, while more commonly encountered pieces like Desdemona typically bring $50 to $400 depending on the specific sculpture and its condition.

Animal Kingdom and Woodland

Animal figurines range from small open-edition pieces to elaborate limited-edition compositions. Popular pieces include Mr. Fluffy Tail (a squirrel), the Baby Owl, and various deer and horse sculptures. Open-edition animal figurines like Mr. Fluffy Tail sell for around $20 to $40 (compared to his original $90 retail), while the Baby Owl averages $15 to $35 despite an original retail price of $100. Limited-edition animal pieces bring higher returns, typically $75 to $300.

Biblical and Religious Collection

Religious subjects were among the earliest Cybis productions, with many Madonnas and angels produced during the 1950s. These glazed pieces represent an earlier aesthetic and have their own collector following. Values range widely from $20 for common open-edition pieces to $200 or more for limited-edition religious figures in exceptional condition.

Commemorative and Special Editions

Cybis produced commemorative pieces for various occasions, organizations, and events. These include presidential busts, special commissions, and pieces created for specific retailers or events. Their value depends heavily on the specific piece and its historical significance, with prices ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars.

Notable Cybis Pieces and Recent Auction Prices

To give you concrete benchmarks, here are documented auction results for Cybis figurines:

• Bathsheba #23: Sold for $900 at Lion and Unicorn Auctions (May 2024), in mint condition with no visible damage.
• Abigail Adams #87: Brought $250 on eBay (April 2023), no damage cited.
• Abigail Adams #522: Sold for $135 on eBay (April 2023), no damage cited.
• Desdemona #282: Achieved $395 on eBay (October 2022), condition described as excellent.
• Cybele #323: Brought $83 on eBay (October 2023), no damage visible.
• Funny Face (open edition): Consistently sells for approximately $40 on eBay, even in mint condition, and has maintained this level for over 15 years.

These prices reinforce the general pattern: exceptional limited-edition pieces in mint condition can still bring strong prices, while common open-edition pieces trade at modest levels. If you own porcelain figurines from other makers and want to understand their value as well, check out our guides to Royal Doulton figurines and Capodimonte porcelain.

How to Sell Cybis Figurines for the Best Price

If you’re looking to sell your Cybis collection, choosing the right venue makes a significant difference in the price you receive. Here are your main options, ranked by potential return:

Auction Houses (Best for Valuable Pieces)

For limited-edition Cybis figurines in excellent condition, selling through a reputable auction house typically yields the highest returns. Auction houses attract serious collectors who understand the value of fine porcelain and are willing to pay accordingly. At Lion and Unicorn, our specialists in European ceramics and decorative arts regularly handle Cybis porcelain and understand the nuances that affect pricing.

Auction houses are particularly advantageous when you have:

• Limited-edition pieces with low production numbers
• North American Indian Series or other high-demand collections
• Multiple pieces that can be offered as a curated group
• Pieces with original documentation and packaging

Online Marketplaces

eBay remains the most active secondary market for Cybis porcelain, with the largest number of buyers and sellers. It works well for open-edition pieces and mid-range limited editions. However, the marketplace also introduces competition from underpriced listings and requires careful photography and description to achieve fair value.

Specialty Dealers

Some antique dealers specialize in American art porcelain and may offer to purchase pieces outright. While this provides immediate payment, expect to receive wholesale prices (typically 40 to 60 percent of what the piece would bring at auction or on eBay).

Tips for Maximizing Your Sale Price

1. Document condition thoroughly: Photograph every angle, especially the base markings, any imperfections, and fine details. Condition is the primary driver of Cybis value.
2. Research your specific piece: Knowing the edition size, production dates, and sculptor can add context that attracts informed buyers.
3. Get a professional appraisal: For valuable pieces or large collections, a certified appraisal provides documentation that supports your asking price and is essential for insurance or estate purposes.
4. Consider timing: The collectibles market can be seasonal. Holiday periods and major antiques shows often coincide with increased buyer activity.
5. Sell rare pieces individually: Limited editions with low numbers and sought-after designs deserve individual listings rather than being bundled into lots.

Cybis vs. Other Porcelain Figurine Brands

Collectors often ask how Cybis compares to other porcelain figurine manufacturers. Here is how the major brands stack up:

Brand	Origin	Active Period	Style	Typical Value Range
Cybis	USA (Trenton, NJ)	1940-2019	Hand-painted bisque porcelain; nature, children, literary themes	$10 – $900+
Boehm	USA (Trenton, NJ)	1950-present	Realistic birds and florals in hard-paste porcelain	$50 – $5,000+
Lladro	Spain	1953-present	Glazed and matte porcelain; elegant human figures	$25 – $3,000+
Royal Doulton	England	1815-present	Character jugs, lady figurines, stoneware	$20 – $5,000+
Hummel	Germany	1935-present	Whimsical children figures based on Sister Hummel’s drawings	$5 – $2,000+

Cybis and Boehm share an interesting connection: both were based in Trenton, New Jersey, and both focused on high-quality American art porcelain, though Boehm became better known for naturalistic bird sculptures while Cybis embraced a wider range of subjects.

Caring for Your Cybis Collection

Proper care preserves both the beauty and value of your Cybis figurines:

• Handling: Always lift pieces from the base, never by protruding elements like arms, wings, or floral details. Cybis porcelain is delicate, and these elements are the most vulnerable to breakage.
• Cleaning: Dust gently with a soft, dry brush or compressed air. For bisque porcelain, avoid water and liquid cleaners, as unglazed porcelain can absorb moisture and stain. Glazed pieces from the earlier period can be carefully wiped with a slightly damp cloth.
• Display: Keep pieces away from direct sunlight, which can fade hand-painted details over time. Display cabinets with glass doors protect against dust and accidental contact.
• Storage: If storing pieces, wrap each one individually in acid-free tissue paper and place in a sturdy box with ample padding. Never stack pieces or allow them to touch each other.
• Repairs: Professional restoration by a porcelain conservator is worthwhile for valuable limited-edition pieces. Amateur repairs with visible glue lines or mismatched paint significantly reduce value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cybis Figurines

Are Cybis figurines still being made?

No. The Cybis porcelain studio closed permanently in late 2019. The building was sold, and remaining inventory was liquidated. All Cybis figurines now exist only on the secondary market through auction houses, online marketplaces, and private sales.

What is the most valuable Cybis figurine?

The most valuable Cybis pieces tend to be limited-edition sculptures from the North American Indian Series, Portraits in Porcelain (such as Bathsheba), and elaborate bird compositions. Pieces with very low edition numbers in mint condition can bring $500 to over $1,000 at auction. Exceptionally rare or historically significant pieces may exceed this range.

How can I tell if my Cybis figurine is a limited edition?

Limited-edition Cybis figurines have an individual production number on the base, typically marked with a “#” followed by the number (for example, “#23”). Open-edition pieces do not have a production number. The handwritten Cybis script signature should be present on both types.

Why are Cybis figurines worth less than their original retail price?

This trend affects most collectible porcelain brands, not just Cybis. Changing generational tastes, reduced demand for decorative figurines, and the large supply of pieces entering the secondary market as estates are settled have all contributed to lower prices. From a purely artistic standpoint, many Cybis pieces remain exceptional, but supply and demand ultimately dictate market value.

Is damaged Cybis porcelain worth anything?

Damaged pieces are worth significantly less than mint examples, often in the single-digit percentages of original retail price. However, very rare limited-edition pieces may still find buyers even with minor damage. Professional restoration can sometimes improve a piece’s marketability, but it rarely restores full value.

Where can I get my Cybis figurines appraised?

For a professional appraisal, look for appraisers accredited by the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) or the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) who specialize in decorative arts or ceramics. Lion and Unicorn offers certified USPAP-compliant appraisals through our ISA-accredited specialists. For informal valuations, comparing your piece to recent auction results for the same sculpture provides a practical benchmark.

Ready to Find Out What Your Cybis Collection Is Worth?

Whether you’ve inherited a single Cybis figurine or you’re managing an entire estate collection, getting expert guidance ensures you make informed decisions. At Lion and Unicorn, our team of porcelain and decorative arts specialists handles Cybis and other fine porcelain regularly, and we can help you determine the best approach for your specific pieces.

Contact us for a free evaluation of your Cybis porcelain or call (954) 866-8044 to discuss your collection with a specialist. You can also explore our other porcelain value guides to learn more about the collectibles in your collection.