Vintage pair of circus couple, chalk ware lamps.

I found these on my trip to Oklahoma this past weekend. They look like a lovely pair of chalk ware circus couple. They are marked C.A.P on the back. I've looked for that mark. Would it hurt the value to repaint these?

 

They look amazing and original. I believe it would destroy the value, whatever it may be. I do not know much about them, though. I just would not paint or aggressively clean these.

 

I won't paint over them, as this is the original paint. I've seen other chalk ware like these going for $20 on up past $100. Since it's a pair, if figure it would be more so in the middle to the higher end. I'll just lightly dust them and display them.

 

I think not circus but ballet.
She is wearing pointe shoes and a tutu.

 

I agree with Messilane.

 

Are these lamp bases?

I think they are plaster molds painted by a hobbiest. And maybe not done by the same person as the finish on the bases are different.

 

There's a pair listed on ebay now, if you want to watch.
Janet

 

Really, the same pair I have? What's the listing title?

 

Thank you! I found them.

 

Put the paint down. Google on Commedia dell'Arte - that's the style.

 

Is that what the initials C.A.P stand for?

 

Nope. Not sure what CAP is, probably a maker. Commedia dell'Arte - http://italian.about.com/library/weekly/aa110800b.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Commedia_dell'arte_characters