18" Nativity Figures A. Da Prato & Co, Boston

Hi all - I work for a retreat center that used to be a convent in the 1950s. We have several nativity figures, some marked "A. Da Prato Co., Boston, Mass". The figures seem to be from different sets.

I did a little research and found some information about the company but not much. I also found a picture of a 19-piece nativity set made by them which sold on eBay in 2017.

Mary and Joseph look identical to the ones in the picture except they are unpainted or painted all one color; (they are marked "A. Da Prato Co, Boston, Mass"). The Magi figures also look the same but are painted differently. They are unmarked. The animals have a hollow bottom and no markings.

I'd appreciate any information about the figures you could share.

 

Welcome, lisabc.
They are really nice. I am in Europe, so I haven't a clue about these, but others are bound to know.

 

I suspect they were the importers, not the makers. Nope. I was wrong. An American company making nativity figures. How interesting.

Debora

 

For what it is worth according to Google it is spelled DaPrato with no space.

https://www.google.com/search?q=dap...cIQBQgsKAA&biw=1670&bih=743#spf=1573338326177

That being said I have sold larger pieces of Nativity sets for really good money because obviously there were less sold. If a family had a nativity set it was usually no larger than 6 to 8 inches tall or maybe even smaller just because a space constraints.

The set you found that sold in 2017, if it was a Worthpoint listing we have a couple of members who could look to see what it sold for possibly.

It looks to be in good shape & it is nicely done.

 

those look special !!!
wonder why the sisters left them...?

 

Hi,
When I was living in Manhattan a small church was being closed for demolition. They were selling 12 pieces of a plaster Nativity set. The pieces were five feet tall
and the church wanted 125 dollars for the set. I only wanted the angel and offered them 100 dollars for her. They declined and would not break up the set. I wanted that angel so badly. The next day I decided to spend 125 dollars for the set. I went back and they were gone. Never did find out if they sold them or tossed them in the trash.
greg

 

That's so sad to think they may have thrown them out, Greg!

 

Komokwa, I think the sisters left them because the chapel is still in use. We were taking things out of the attic to decorate the chapel for an upcoming music program in the chapel, when we found them.

 

So they will be staying where they are?

 

Thank you, Peggy. Yes, I've found that the company founder was Antonio DaPrato, so that makes sense. Apparently, there was another DaPrato company in Chicago that also made statuary.

I wasn't able to see the price on Worthpoint because I'm not a member so it would be great if someone here can see it. Thanks!

 

I don't know if we should continue to display them. Sadly, the baby Jesus figure was stolen years ago so I'm wondering if we should put them away or sell them.
P.S. Thanks for the earlier welcome!

 

Debora, I found an old DaPrato catalog online. I would love to have some of those pieces!

 

BTW I totally forgot my manners before, we all welcome you to the forum!!

If you can find the link to the Worthpoint listing & post it here that would save the person having to hunt for it.

 

Thank you, Peggy!

Here's the Worthpoint listing.

I should clarify - the picture I originally posted of the 19-piece set came from Worthpoint - it's not our set. We only have a few pieces that are very similar and only some of those have the DaPrato mark.

 

Yeah, Baby Jesus' have a tendency to go walkabouts.

Debora