Chalet Penguin Figurines
For many, many years the Chalet penguin has been one of the most elusive Chalet forms – an exceedingly rare sighting. However, over the past 15 years, we have been able to find enough to tell us some things about this little guy so that he isn’t quite as mysterious. Although, he does remain a collector’s unicorn.
Even though we have uncovered relatively few of these figurines – there has been an astonishing diversity among these discoveries. Let’s examine these:
The penguin figurine was produced in the most typical 2-tone colour palette seen in across the board with regard to Chalet animals - the blue/emerald green colour combination. Moreover, this is the 2-tone colour combination that is most commonly seen in this figurine as well.
The blue/emerald green 2-tone colour combination:
Penguin figurine from the collection of 50 Shades member David Carpenter.
From the collection of Mark Whelan.
As illustrated by these 3 examples, within this colour combination, we see typical variation. Not only in shades but in placement:
Etched “Chalet Canada.”
Chalet penguin figurines have also been found in another common Chalet 2-tone combination.
Blue/olive green:
In the much rarer blue/yellow Chalet combination.
To date, this is the only Chalet form, of any type, in this particular colour combination.
A unique cranberry/purple 2-tone.
A clear crystal discovery.
And very recently, a solid cranberry!
Note that the wings are coloured - not clear crystal. Etched “Chalet Canada.” Stands 7 inches in height and is 4 inches from wing to wing. From the collection of Wayne Kaiser.
As well as colour variation, there is variation in diameter and height. However, the general styling of the body is consistent – a cylindrical tapering of the body to a smaller, flat, round base.
Note the colour variation as well. This pair from the collection of Cindy Bishop-Laughlin.
There can be marked variation in the angle and tilt of head.
The head can be pointed forward, sharply angled upward or pointed forward with an upward angle.
There is also variation in the angle of their paddle-like wings.
However, in all the 2-tone figurines found as of time of writing, these wings are always of clear crystal.
Penguins have been found branded with both Chalet company markings and with distributor markings.
With the iconic etched “Chalet Canada”:
And retaining a N. C. Cameron & Sons Ltd. Label:
Lastly, retaining an original Chantili label:
Interestingly, given the commonality of Chalet for Riekes Crisa clear crystal animal figurines, there is no evidence, yet, that that American company carried this figurine. Perhaps that will be the next discovery!
I will ask for your indulgence here while I present a little “speculation” regarding an unverified penguin form. Based on comparisons, I believe it is likely made by Lorraine Glass Industries. Like many other Lorraine animal figurines (the squirrel, rabbit, polar bear, goose, elephant, single-tail songbird come instantly to mind) it bears great similarity to the Chalet made figurine. However, like the aforementioned Lorraine figurines, it is much larger than its Chalet cousins. What do you think?
Let’s look at it in comparison to a verified Chalet figurine:
The unverified penguin figurine (bottom right) is similar to the verified Chalet penguin (top right) in colour, overall shape, tonged (indented) eyes, crystal wings and round base. It differs with a much larger girth, body is less tapered, back upright without a curve forward at the head, wings are shorter and higher placed, head is larger and less stylized. The Chalet and Lorraine songbirds shown at left further emphasize both the similarities and differences of form between these 2 makers.
