Universal Statuary Corp: Makers of Well-loved Figurines

Step inside any household and you are most likely to see a piece or two of figurines made of chalkware or plaster. In the United States, one of the famous businesses that manufacture these products was Universal Statuary Corp.

Although the business no longer exists, the products they manufactured remains to be among the favorites of collectors. The company was created by the Lucchesi family who started their production in the late 1930s. They started out with piggy banks and then expanded their offerings to include plaques. Considered probably as their most valued pieces are the Indian statues that are usually produced by the hundreds. These products are created by immigrant artisans who are mostly from the country of Guatemala, where Jack Lucchesi’s wife came from.

Jack Lucchesi, together with his brother Leo were responsible for the family business and they never employed more than 100 workers at a time. Through their consolidated efforts, they were able to make a name in the industry of home ornaments. Advertising firms like Sears and Wards also offered them contracts for their display and promotional items. Their Early American Colonial Wall Plaques and Statues and as well as their Ornate Italian Wall Plaques are among their sought after items today.

Back then, they had two factory locations both in Chicago, Illinois. Their artists are not known outside the facilities of Universal and they kept the company profile as such until the brothers sold the venture to James L. Dorman in the 1980s. From the ownership of Dorman, the business was later on sold to another entrepreneur until the business eventually died.

Although the products today are not valued highly in monetary terms, collectors continue to scour antique shops and other stores for these antique items. Their products, especially those whimsical figures of animals and children still hold a charm that no other item in the market contains.